Christmas markets are an essential part of the festive experience for many families across the UK and Europe.
The lights, the ambience, the food, the shopping - a good market is a full sensory experience. So much so that millions of people plan entire shopping trips and even holidays around them.
If you’re planning a getaway, this is a good time to look up the best in Europe, and to get some winter travel advice. Online price comparison site, MoneyExpert, has revealed the top 15 Christmas markets in the UK and Europe, ranked by global search volume.
The top 15 markets by global search volume:
- Vienna (25,400)
- Manchester (25,100)
- Prague (19,300)
- London (17,500)
- Budapest (16,200)
- Edinburgh (15,200)
- Strasbourg (13,800)
- Krakow (10,900)
- Berlin (9,800)
- Belfast (9,700)
- Munich (9,700)
- Cologne (8,600)
- Copenhagen (5,600)
- York (3,200)
- Birmingham (2,600)
1. Vienna
Number of global searches - 25,400
Vienna hosts the oldest Christmas market in Europe, with a history stretching back to the 13th century. In addition to the big Rathausplatz market, the city has a range of smaller markets, some of them cosy and quirky and others more commercial. The main market at Rathausplatz is a full festive experience, complete with ice skating, spectacular lights, and a charming vintage carousel. Plus all the bratwurst, gluhwein, apfelstrudel, roasted chestnuts and so on that you could possibly desire.
2. Manchester
Number of global searches - 25,100
Manchester’s Christmas market scene has grown significantly in recent years. Visitors can expect to see an impressive display of festive lights decorating a diverse range of stalls and entertainments. Stallholders bring wares from all over Europe to sell here, so it’s a great spot to hunt for unique gifts.
3. Prague
Number of global searches - 19,300
Prague’s Christmas Markets can be found in the aptly-named Wenceslas Square and the Old Town Square. The iconic architecture of Prague gives these markets a unique atmosphere, which the city enhances by going all-out on festive lights. People also come for the local food and handmade gifts - Prague is a great destination in general for Christmas shopping.
4. London
Number of global searches - 17,500
London’s most famous and popular Christmas market is on the Southbank, but you’ll also find markets in Leicester Square and Trafalgar Square. If you’re looking for a festive market experience that’s easily combined with sightseeing and High Street shopping, London is a good idea. You can walk from market to market, taking in the sights and the lights and dipping in and out of shops and cafes along the way.
5. Budapest
Number of global searches - 16,200
Budapest may not be in the traditional Christmas market heartland, but it’s made a name for itself in recent years with a spectacular market featuring local crafts, regional dishes, and plenty of entertainment. You’ll also find thermal baths here, like Szechenyi and Gellért, which are open throughout the festive season and which add an extra interesting element for people seeking a wintry experience.
6. Edinburgh
Number of global searches - 15,200
Edinburgh is one of the most searched for UK destinations, and the Christmas market is a big crowd draw. It takes place in Princes Street Gardens - a beautiful spot close to Waverly Street train station, overlooked by the castle. This market is tied to the Winter Festival, and as such it has a larger funfair than some other markets on this list. This makes Edinburgh a great choice for families seeking a bit of extra entertainment alongside food and shopping.
7. Strasbourg
Number of global searches - 13,800
Strasbourg calls itself the Capital of Christmas because its market, the Christkindelsmärik, is the oldest in France. The market’s history stretches back to the 16th century, and Strasbourg is rightly proud of its festive heritage. The market spreads across the entire historic centre of the city, and features local crafts and traditional displays alongside plenty of street entertainment and French gourmet food and drink.
8. Krakow
Number of global searches - 10,900
Krakow hosts a lively Christmas market in the main square, including wooden stalls, local dishes, and festive gifts. Search data shows that interest in Krakow Christmas markets is growing, possibly due to the variety of live entertainment on offer - including horse and carriage rides round the Old Time. Fans of Polish cuisine will be spoiled for choice here, with smoked cheeses, gingerbread, and pierogi in abundance.
9. Berlin
Number of global searches - 9,800
Berlin is probably one of the best places to visit if you’re looking for a good variety of Christmas markets. The city hosts over 80 markets to get you in the festive mood from late November through to New Year, with popular ones including the beautiful Gendarmenmarkt and the free-to-enter market as Schlossplatz. Most are free to walk around, however, a few, such as Gendarmenmarkt, charge an entrance fee. From morning ‘til night, you can enjoy German delicacies, such as bratwurst and roasted chestnuts, handmade gifts, mulled wine and plenty of festive performances.
10. Belfast
Number of global searches - 9,700
Belfast’s Christmas market at City Hall is growing in popularity. It’s a food and drink extravaganza, with hundreds of stalls from all over Europe. Kids can visit Santa’s Grotto, and adults will enjoy the local crafts and vibrant festive atmosphere.
11. Munich
Number of global searches - 9,700
Like Vienna, Munich goes all out when it comes to Christmas markets. The biggest and most popular can be found in Marienplatz, and it’s everything that springs to mind when you think ‘German Christmas market’. Here, you’ll find gingerbread villages, spiced and sweet hot drinks, hand-crafted toys and gifts, and a friendly Bavarian atmosphere that makes for some great photos and memories.
12. Cologne
Number of global searches - 8,600
Cologne has several different markets, each with its own distinctive style. The market near the Cathedral is the largest, featuring hundreds of red-roofed stalls and festooned in festive lights. It’s worth noting that this market can get busy at peak times, so time your visit carefully.
13. Copenhagen
Number of global searches - 5,600
Copenhagen is a great city to visit for the festive season, with a variety of Christmas markets. The Tivoli Gardens market is mixed in with a fantastic lights display that really goes all out to create a festive atmosphere. You can also enjoy rides, seasonal food, and warm Danish drinks like gløgg. All in all, Copenhagen is a charming venue for a classic Christmas market experience.
14. York
Number of global searches - 3,200
In York, you’ll find a traditional Christmas market set within the beautiful, historic heart of the city. The unique heritage and architecture of York makes it a popular choice for anyone seeking a Dickensian Christmas aesthetic, and the market itself offers a wide range of gifts and traditional refreshments, like roast chestnuts and warm mulled wine.
15. Birmingham
Number of global searches - 2,600
Birmingham hosts one of the largest (and arguably the most authentic) German-style markets outside Germany. The Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market takes over a huge part of the city, and offers plenty to see, buy, eat, drink, and do.
Expert tips for safe winter travel
Travelling to visit one of Europe’s classic Christmas markets makes for a memorable break - but it’s advisable to take some safety advice on board before you leave. Christmas markets don’t just attract eager shoppers, foodies, and lovers of festivity - they also attract pickpockets.
What’s more, winter travel comes with several unique challenges. For example, blizzards can delay transport, icy pavements can be dangerous, and travellers need to pack with cold conditions in mind.
To make sure that your festive trip goes without a hitch, here are some winter travel tips from Liz Hunter, Commercial Director at MoneyExpert:
Plan your trip in advance: Planning is one of the very best ways to avoid problems.
For a start, you should review and book transport options early and have a backup plan in place in case routes are cancelled during severe weather. Also, research accommodations properly before booking.
Make sure that your accommodation is close enough to the market you want to visit, bearing in mind that you may be heading back laden down with shopping.
Share your travel plans: Sharing plans makes it easier for others to keep track of your movements in case of disruptions. Make sure that someone else is aware of your travel plans, including train times, flight numbers, and so on.
Keep your tech charged and connected: Cold weather can reduce battery life, which could make things very tricky if you need to get in touch with someone urgently.
Consider packing portable chargers for long market days. To stay connected, make sure that you’ve got a good roaming package, too.
Get a GHIC: Anyone travelling within Europe should get a GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card).
A GHIC will give you access to healthcare in participating countries on the same basis as a local resident. While a GHIC is not a replacement for travel insurance, it is a good fallback if you need emergency care.
Take out good travel insurance: Travel insurance is vital for any winter trip - especially one to a crowded event in a capital city.
With travel insurance, you’ll be protected in case of cancellations, medical emergencies, or lost belongings. Remember, winter travel is often riskier than travel in milder seasons.
As mentioned, crowded Christmas markets attract pickpockets, and the weather alone increases your risk of both travel delays and injuries. As such, it’s vital to get the right travel insurance policy before you set out.
Policies vary a lot, so travellers should compare options to get a good deal and the right level of cover.
Be vigilant for drink spiking: Drink spiking is always a concern in busy market environments.
Never leave your drinks unattended and, if possible, only consume drinks with lids. Never accept drinks from strangers, and if one of your party feels unwell or starts to act strangely after a drink, seek help quickly.
Watch your footing in icy conditions: Winter weather can make surfaces dangerously slippery. Wear shoes with plenty of grip and try to avoid icy patches of pavement if you can.
If you must walk on a slippery route, take your time and watch your step. Have the perfect, safe Christmas market experience this winter.
Christmas markets are one of the most popular and searched-for winter travel experiences. Luckily, there’s plenty to choose from.
The markets on this list range from smaller, traditional markets selling local crafts and traditional foods to big, extravagant experiences with ice skating, funfairs, and huge varieties of wares on sale. If you’re tempted by a trip to one this year, remember to prepare properly.
Winter travel in general comes with unique challenges, and travel to Christmas markets in particular can put you at risk of pickpocketing. Be sure to plan ahead, share your travel details, carry a GHIC, and take out a good travel insurance policy.
