10 European Christmas Markets and Fairs in 2023

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The winter season is knocking on the door. We are preparing our equipment for winter sports, we are booking tickets for the winter holidays, we want to enjoy the most beautiful Christmas Markets in Europe. As every year, tens of thousands of tourists enjoy the Christmas Markets and Fairs. After Strasbourg, Zagreb, Tallinn and Budapest, awarded in previous years, the list is certainly much longer because Christmas Markets have become a tradition in most European countries.

Fairs and Christmas Markets in Europe

If you do not have a reindeer-drawn flying sleigh, it is time to book your flight at the best price, accommodation, but it is good to book your local activities as well. Below is a list of 20 of the most beautiful Christmas Markets in Europe.

Basel - Switzerland

According to international polls, Basel's Christmas Market has been named the most beautiful in Europe. And not only the polls, but also the figures reported by the Swiss authorities show that this Christmas Fair is enjoying a growing popularity, from one year to another.

Basel has a deep-rooted tradition, being the most beautiful and largest Christmas city in Switzerland and worth visiting every year. Not only does the old town, well preserved, shine in the warm Christmas light, but the shops and facades of many buildings are cooked for the holiday.

In 2023, the Basel Christmas Fair will take place between November 22 and December 23, 2023. Obviously, the nearest airport is Basel. Wizz Air flies directly on the routes Cluj - Basel and Bucharest - Basel.

Budapest - Hungary

Budapest is currently on the podium of the best Christmas markets in Europe. The organizers of this event work hard every year to give you what is certainly one of the most beautiful Christmas fairs in the world. Did you know that Santa Claus does some shopping himself during the Advent Day at the Basilica?

In 2023, the Budapest Christmas Market will take place from November 17, 2023 to December 31, 2023. The nearest airport is Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport.

Poznan - Poland

Poznan's Christmas Market is the most beloved in Poland, as well as one of the most beautiful in Europe. The original arrangements will be located on Old Market Square and Wolności Square (Freedom Square).

Get lost among the wooden stalls, try winter delicacies or look for inspiration for Christmas gifts. Climb the Ferris wheel in Freedom Square and enjoy spectacular views of the historical parts of Poznań.

In 2023, the Poznan Christmas Fair will take place between November 18 and December 26, 2023. The nearest airport is Poznan International Airport.

Vienna - Austria

As every year, Vienna tops the list of the best Christmas markets in Europe. Vienna is a must-see Christmas destination. Considered a safe destination for families, it is also popular with lovers and is awarded among the best romantic destinations in Europe, but also one of the best destinations for a marriage proposal.

From mid-November until Christmas, the most beautiful markets in Vienna turn into piety magic of Crăciun. The aroma of baked Christmas food and hot punch creates a wonderful atmosphere before Christmas.

În 2023, the Vienna Christmas Fair will take place between November 11 and December 26, 2023. The nearest airport is Vienna International Airport (Vienna Airport).

Dresden - Germany

It is one of the largest and most authentic Christmas markets in Germany. Every year, it is one of Europe's favorite Christmas markets.

The Christmas Fair in Dresden was first mentioned in 1434, when the citizens of Dresden received their meat for Christmas. Since then, it has become a huge event with over 200 stalls that attracts about 3 million visitors a year from around the world.

ÎIn 2023, the Dresden Christmas Fair will take place between November 29 and December 24, 2023. The nearest airport is Dresden International Airport.

Manchester - United Kingdom

One of the largest and most beautiful Christmas markets in the UK is held in Manchester. The history of this Christmas Market is not too big, being organized for the first time in 1999. But since then and until now it has grown and now attracts over 2 million tourists every year.

About 300 beautifully crafted stalls, located throughout the city, offer delicious international food, drinks and gifts. Manchester's Christmas markets are organized in a multipurpose manner, with something to offer even the most demanding visitor.

Manchester Christmas Market will be from 11 November to 22 December 2023. The nearest airport is Manchester International Airport.

Tbilisi - Georgia

In the winter season, the capital of Georgia is an ideal destination for an unforgettable vacation. Tbilisi is considered one of the best European destinations, but also the safest. Christmas markets are organized in almost every corner of the capital, where local entrepreneurs and start-ups sell their handicrafts, souvenirs, Christmas sweets, Georgian candies, delicious street food and mulled wine.

The main Tbilisi Christmas Fair is held in First Republic Square, near Rustaveli Boulevard. Here are organized theater performances, concerts, puppet theaters, outdoor movie watching. Everything takes place around a special Christmas tree.

ÎIn 2023, the Tbilisi Christmas Fair will take place between December 25, 2023 - January 14, 2024. The nearest airport is Tbilisi International Airport.

Funchal - Madeira - Portugal

Surprisingly, but one of the largest and most beautiful Christmas fairs is organized in Madeira. Taking into account the fact that Madeira is a Portuguese archipelago located in the Atlantic Ocean, the Christmas Market in Funchal also receives the title of "The sunniest Christmas market in Europe", but also "The best sunny winter destination". Madeira is an ideal destination for the Christmas holidays, especially if you don't like the cold.

Madeira celebrates the arrival of the Christmas season with a splendid traditional Christmas market, organized on the central avenues of Avenida Arriaga, in the heart of its main capital, Funchal.

În 2023, the Christmas Fair in Funchal - Madeira - Portugal will take place between December 1, 2023 - January 8, 2024. The nearest airport is Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport, Madeira.

Govone - Italy

The Christmas Market in Govone is the most beautiful Christmas market in Italy and among the most beautiful Christmas markets in Europe. "Magico Paese di Natale" takes place in the small village of Govone on the Langhe-Roero hills, the wine region of Piedmont, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

This is one of the most important Christmas events in Italy. It offers a magical experience in a very special place. In winter, the entire village of Govone becomes the magical kingdom of Santa Claus, with many cultural and gastronomic attractions.

În 2023, the Christmas Fair in Govone - Italy will take place between November 12 and December 23, 2023. The nearest airport is Caselle Torino International Airport.

Prague - Czech Republic

One of the most romantic cities in Europe awaits you this winter at the traditional Christmas Fair. The Old Town Square Christmas Market in the center of Prague is the largest in the Czech Republic. Located right in the heart of the city, it is a traditional Czech square with dozens of wooden stalls. Traders offer typical Christmas products, such as glass pearl products, hand-embroidered tablecloths, wooden toys and much more.

Adults will enjoy the typical mulled wine, and all gourmets, young and old, will enjoy traditional Christmas cookies, toasted chestnuts, gingerbread or grilled Czech sausages and skewers.

În 2023, the Prague - Czech Republic Christmas Fair will take place between November 20, 2023 - January 6, 2024. The nearest airport is Prague Vaclav Havel Airport.

The order of these Christmas Fairs is random. There are definitely dozens, maybe hundreds of beautiful Christmas Markets all over Europe. Let's not forget the Christmas Fairs in Munich, Zagreb, Nuremberg, Edinburgh and many more. Even in Romania, such fairs dedicated to Christmas are organized, and the best known are those in Sibiu and Bucharest.

We wish you a pleasant holiday and enjoy the spirit of Christmas wherever you are.

4 Comments
  1. Serban says

    There are fairs that have been canceled: Vienna, Prague…. I don't understand why you say they are open !!!

    1. Sorin says

      At the time of publication of this article, the fairs were announced for opening.

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