Christmas Markets in Europe 2026: 17 Guides with Dates, Opening Hours and Tips

We have spent every Advent since 2016 travelling between Christmas markets, first in Germany and then across the Baltics, Finland, Croatia and San Marino. This page collects all 17 of our Christmas market guides so you can plan the season in one place. Every guide was updated in October 2026 with the confirmed 2026 dates and opening hours, and each one covers what to eat and drink, how to get there by train, where to stay and what the market is known for.

The German markets open earliest, from mid November, and most close on 23 or 24 December. The Baltic markets and Zagreb run into the first week of January, which makes them the best choice for a trip between Christmas and New Year. If you are based in Germany, almost every German market on this list is reachable with the Deutschlandticket on regional trains, and we have noted the station and the walk from it in each guide.

Christmas markets in Germany

• Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt: 27 November to 24 December 2026; the Christkind opens the market from the Frauenkirche balcony.

• Munich Christmas markets: 20 November to 24 December 2026, with the main market on Marienplatz and a dozen smaller ones across the city.

• Cologne Christmas markets: 16 November to 23 December 2026, seven markets including the one in front of the Cathedral; closed on 22 November.

• Bonn Christmas market: 18 November to 23 December 2026 on the Münsterplatz; closed on 22 November.

• Dortmund Christmas market: 19 November to 30 December 2026, with the world's largest Christmas tree on the Hansaplatz.

• Essen Christmas market: 13 November to 23 December 2026, one of the earliest in Germany; closed on 22 November.

• Münster Christmas markets: 23 November to 23 December 2026 for the main markets around the Town Hall and the Cathedral.

• Rothenburg ob der Tauber Reiterlesmarkt: 20 November to 23 December 2026 in the medieval walled town.

• Garmisch-Partenkirchen Christmas market: 20 November 2026 to 5 January 2027 as Winter im Park, with an ice rink in the Michael-Ende-Kurpark.

Christmas markets in the Baltics and Finland

• Riga Christmas market: 27 November 2026 to 4 January 2027 on Dome Square in the Old Town.

• Tallinn Christmas market: 20 November 2026 to 6 January 2027 on the Town Hall Square, one of the longest seasons in Europe.

• Vilnius Christmas market: 28 November to 27 December 2026 in Cathedral Square, with the tree lighting on 28 November at 19:00.

• Helsinki Christmas market: 27 November to 22 December 2026 on Senate Square.

Christmas markets in Croatia

• Advent Zagreb: 28 November 2026 to 7 January 2027 across the city centre, three times voted the best Christmas market in Europe.

• Dubrovnik Winter Festival: 28 November 2026 to early January 2027 in the Old Town, with concerts and lights along the Stradun.

Christmas markets in San Marino and the Netherlands

• San Marino Natale delle Meraviglie: 28 November 2026 to 6 January 2027 in the historic centre on Mount Titano.

• Enschede Christmas market: the 2026 dates were not published when we checked; in 2025 the ice rink on the Oude Markt ran from 28 November to 4 January.

Tips for visiting Christmas markets in Europe

• Go on a weekday: Friday and Saturday evenings are the busiest everywhere; Tuesday to Thursday after work is the best mix of atmosphere and space.

• Bring cash and a card: most stalls in Germany still prefer cash; in the Baltics and Croatia cards work almost everywhere.

• Keep the mug: Glühwein comes with a deposit of 3 to 5 euros for the mug; keep it as a souvenir or return it for the deposit.

• Check the closing day: German markets close on Totensonntag (22 November 2026) and most close on 23 or 24 December.

• Travel by train: the Deutschlandticket covers regional trains to every German market in this list; book hotels early for Nuremberg and Munich.

Christmas markets in Europe: frequently asked questions

When do Christmas markets in Europe open in 2026?

Most German markets open between 13 and 27 November 2026 and close on 23 or 24 December. Essen (13 November) and Cologne (16 November) are among the first, Nuremberg opens on 27 November. Riga, Tallinn, Vilnius, Zagreb and San Marino run into January 2027, so they suit a trip after Christmas.

Which Christmas market in Germany is the best?

Nuremberg is the most famous and the most traditional, Cologne has the biggest choice with seven markets in one city, and Munich combines the Marienplatz market with a dozen themed markets. For a small-town feel, Rothenburg ob der Tauber and Garmisch-Partenkirchen are our favourites, and Dortmund has the tallest tree.

Are Christmas markets in Europe free to enter?

Yes, every market on this list is free to enter, including Advent Zagreb and the Dubrovnik Winter Festival. You pay only for food, drinks, rides and ice skating. A mug of Glühwein costs about 4 to 6 euros plus a deposit, and a bratwurst or a plate of hot food 5 to 10 euros.

Which Christmas market is best for a weekend trip?

From Munich: Nuremberg, Rothenburg and Garmisch-Partenkirchen are all within two to three hours by regional train. From Frankfurt or Cologne: Bonn, Cologne, Münster, Dortmund and Essen are close together, so you can see two in a weekend. For a city break by plane, Riga, Tallinn and Zagreb combine a Christmas market with a compact old town and low prices.