European Christmas Markets 2026: Dates Calendar, by Opening Date

European Christmas markets 2026 dates start on 2 November and, in 38 markets, run into January 2027. The calendar below lists 122 markets in 75 cities, in the order they open, each checked against the organiser, the city or the official tourist board in October and November 2026. Search it, filter by country, or tick "Open into January" for a trip between Christmas and Twelfth Night. Our guide to Christmas markets open in January 2027 picks the best of them.

European Christmas markets 2026 dates: the full calendar

Markets with a "Guide" label have our full weekend guide: when to go, where to stay, what to eat and a 48-hour route. For the UK, see our best Christmas markets in the UK and for Germany our German Christmas markets.

The markets, in opening order

1. Vienna, Austria

Schönbrunn opens first, on 6 November, in the forecourt of the Habsburg summer palace, and runs to 6 January. The big Rathausplatz market in front of the City Hall follows on 13 November and runs to 26 December. Between the two you get the grandest setting in Europe and the longest season. Pair the markets with a coffee-house afternoon at Café Landtmann or Café Sperl. Our Vienna weekend guide has the route.

Best for: An early-season trip that mixes markets with museums and cafés.

2. Budapest, Hungary

The Advent Feast at St Stephen’s Basilica opens on 13 November 2026 and runs to 1 January 2027. The Vörösmarty tér market opens the same day and runs to 31 December, covering New Year’s Eve. Expect craft stalls, Hungarian sausages, lángos and chimney cake. Add a thermal bath and you have the best winter weekend in central Europe.

Best for: Food lovers and anyone who wants a bath between market rounds.

3. Cologne, Germany

The market below the cathedral runs from 16 November to 23 December, under a canopy of lights with the twin spires above. Cologne has several other markets within walking distance, so it suits a short trip with a lot packed in.

Best for: A quick, high-impact weekend by train from Brussels, Amsterdam or Paris.

4. London, United Kingdom

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland runs from 19 November 2026 to 3 January 2027 and closes only on Christmas Day. It is closer to a funfair than a traditional market, with rides, bars and shows, and entry needs a ticket booked for a set hour. Our London Christmas market guide covers the Southbank Centre and the rest of the city.

Best for: Families and groups who want rides and shows as well as stalls.

5. Munich, Germany

The Christkindlmarkt on Marienplatz runs from 20 November to 24 December, beneath the neo-Gothic New Town Hall. Smaller markets fill the streets around it, so you can walk from one to the next.

Best for: A classic Bavarian market with easy side trips.

6. Luxembourg City, Luxembourg

Winterlights runs from 20 November to 3 January, spread across the old town’s squares. It is compact and relaxed, and the old town sits above dramatic gorges. It works well as one stop on a wider road trip.

Best for: A calm short break, or a stop between Belgium, France and Germany.

7. Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany

The Reiterlesmarkt runs from 20 November to 23 December inside one of Germany’s best-preserved medieval walled towns. Try a Schneeball, the town’s crumbly pastry. The official site is unclear about Sunday 22 November, so check before you go that day.

Best for: Postcard medieval streets and a slower pace.

8. Colmar, France

Colmar’s six markets run from 23 November to 29 December, among canals and painted half-timbered houses. It is small enough to see in a day, and it is only half an hour by train from Strasbourg.

Best for: Couples and photographers.

9. Dresden, Germany

The Striezelmarkt on the Altmarkt runs from 25 November to 24 December. It is one of Germany’s oldest markets and the home of Dresden Christstollen. Look for a giant wooden Erzgebirge pyramid and the little prune figures called Pflaumentoffel.

Best for: Tradition, Saxon crafts and stollen.

10. Nuremberg, Germany

The Christkindlesmarkt opens on 27 November at 17:30 with the Christkind’s prologue and runs to 24 December. Eat three small sausages in a roll and stock up on Lebkuchen. Our German Christmas markets guide has the full picture.

Best for: First-timers who want the archetypal German market.

11. Strasbourg, France

The self-styled Capital of Christmas runs its markets from 27 November to 24 December 2026, spread over the old town from Place Broglie to Petite France. Read our Strasbourg Christmas market weekend for a 48-hour route and a Colmar day trip.

Best for: The most complete market weekend in Europe.

12. Brussels, Belgium

Winter Wonders runs from 27 November to 3 January, with stalls spread through the city centre and the Grand-Place a short walk away. Waffles, mulled wine and Belgian beer cover the food.

Best for: An easy Eurostar weekend from London.

13. Prague, Czech Republic

The Old Town Square market runs from 28 November to 6 January beneath the Týn Church spires. Go after dark, when the square looks its best.

Best for: Atmosphere, architecture and a long season.

14. Zagreb, Croatia

Advent in Zagreb runs from 28 November 2026 to 7 January 2027, with markets in parks, squares and Upper Town lanes. It is a city-wide festival rather than a single market, with fritule (small doughnuts) and mulled wine everywhere. See our Zagreb Christmas market guide.

Best for: Something different, with a strong local crowd.

How to choose

• Want the classic? Go to Nuremberg, Dresden or Strasbourg.
• Travelling early in November? Only Vienna and Budapest are open in the first half of the month.
• Going after Christmas? Vienna’s Schönbrunn, Budapest, Brussels, Prague, Luxembourg, Zagreb and London stay open into the new year. Colmar runs to 29 December.
• Bringing children? Hyde Park Winter Wonderland and Nuremberg’s children’s area are the strongest picks.
• Want two markets in one trip? Combine Strasbourg and Colmar, Munich and Rothenburg, or Vienna and Budapest.

For UK markets, see our best Christmas markets in the UK.

FAQ

Which Christmas market opens first in 2026?

Vienna’s Schönbrunn market opens first, on 6 November 2026. Vienna’s Rathausplatz and the Advent Feast at Budapest’s St Stephen’s Basilica follow on 13 November.

When do Christmas markets open in Europe?

In 2026 the season starts in early November. Vienna’s Schönbrunn opens on 6 November, Vienna’s Rathausplatz and Budapest on 13 November and Cologne on 16 November. Most markets open in the last week of November, including Nuremberg, Strasbourg and Brussels on 27 November and Prague on 28 November.

Which European Christmas markets are open after Christmas?

Vienna’s Schönbrunn, Prague, Zagreb, Brussels, Luxembourg, Budapest and London’s Winter Wonderland all stay open after 25 December. Most German markets close on 23 or 24 December.

When is the best time to visit a Christmas market?

Go in late November or early December, on a weekday morning. Weekends in mid-December are the busiest.

What is the best Christmas market in Europe?

Strasbourg, Nuremberg and Vienna are the usual front-runners. Strasbourg offers the most markets in one city, Nuremberg the strongest tradition and Vienna the longest season.