Austria
Vienna
- December avg. high
- 5°C
- December crowds
- High
- Prices
- €€€€
+Markets, lights and concerts everywhere.
–Highest prices, crowds and early darkness.
Winter escapes
Christmas markets in Europe: when to go
Christmas markets in most of these cities usually open around the end of November and run until about Christmas Eve, and some stay open into the new year. Dates change from year to year, so always check each market's official calendar before you book.
The markets are busiest on weekends and in the weeks closest to Christmas, and December is also cold. The cards below show average December highs, how busy and expensive the month is, and the main upside and downside.
By Daan · Last reviewed October 2026
Christmas market, Prague
Photo: Helena Melezínková · CC BY-SA 4.0
Austria and Germany
The classic Christmas market cities, with the biggest and most traditional markets.
Austria
Salzburg
- December avg. high
- 4°C
- December crowds
- High
- Prices
- €€€€
+Christmas markets and lights.
–Cold and crowded at weekends.
Germany
Munich
- December avg. high
- 5°C
- December crowds
- Moderate–High
- Prices
- €€
+Festive atmosphere + Christmas markets
–Cold, with holiday crowds
Germany
Berlin
- December avg. high
- 4°C
- December crowds
- Moderate
- Prices
- €€
+Christmas markets + festive atmosphere
–Cold, dark and busy markets
Central Europe
Beautiful old towns with big markets, though the old towns get crowded at weekends and December prices are not low.
Czech Republic
Prague
- December avg. high
- 5°C
- December crowds
- Moderate
- Prices
- €€€
+Christmas markets and festive streets.
–Festive demand raises crowds and prices.
Poland
Kraków
- December avg. high
- 3°C
- December crowds
- Moderate-High
- Prices
- €€€€
+Exceptional festive atmosphere
–Cold and busy
Hungary
Budapest
- December avg. high
- 4°C
- December crowds
- Moderate
- Prices
- €€€€
+Christmas markets, lights and thermal baths.
–Festive demand raises prices.
Northern Europe
Cold, dark and cosy, with lights, hot drinks and Hogmanay in Edinburgh.
Denmark
Copenhagen
- December avg. high
- 4°C
- December crowds
- Moderate
- Prices
- €€€
+Christmas markets, lights and Tivoli atmosphere.
–Festive demand can raise prices.
Sweden
Stockholm
- December avg. high
- 2°C
- December crowds
- Moderate
- Prices
- €€
+Christmas markets + the Festival of Lucia on 13 December
–The shortest, darkest days of the year
United Kingdom
Edinburgh
- December avg. high
- 7°C
- December crowds
- Moderate–High
- Prices
- €€€€
+Festive atmosphere, building to Hogmanay’s street party
–Cold, dark, with the year’s highest prices around New Year
Netherlands
Amsterdam
- December avg. high
- 7°C
- December crowds
- Moderate
- Prices
- €€€
+Festive atmosphere, lights and Christmas markets.
–Cold, with higher demand around Christmas and New Year.
Alps, lakes and the south
Smaller markets in beautiful settings, and a milder climate in Italy and Croatia.
Switzerland
Lucerne
- December avg. high
- 4°C
- December crowds
- Moderate-High
- Prices
- $$$$
+Christmas market and the first snow on the peaks.
–Cold and busy at weekends.
Italy
Lake Como
- December avg. high
- 9°C
- December crowds
- Low-Moderate
- Prices
- €€€
+Lights and markets in Como.
–Cold and short days.
Italy
Florence
- December avg. high
- 10°C
- December crowds
- Moderate
- Prices
- €€
+Festive atmosphere + the Piazza Santa Croce market
–Cold, with holiday-week crowds
Croatia
Split
- December avg. high
- 12°C
- December crowds
- Low
- Prices
- €€
+Festive lights and a local Christmas.
–Cool, wet and limited services.
Before you book
Good to know
Go on a weekday evening
Markets are most crowded on weekends and at lunchtime. A weekday evening is quieter and the lights look best after dark.
Go early in the season
The first weeks of December are usually calmer and cheaper than the days just before Christmas.
Pack for the cold
Average December highs are close to freezing in several of these cities. Warm layers, proper shoes and gloves matter more than anything else.
FAQ
Common questions
When do Christmas markets open?
Most open around the end of November and run until about Christmas Eve. A few continue into the new year. Check each market's official dates.
Which city has the best Christmas market?
Vienna, Munich and Prague are the most popular for atmosphere and scale. Smaller markets, such as those in Lucerne or on Lake Como, can feel calmer.
When are Christmas markets least crowded?
On weekday evenings and in the first half of December. Weekends and the days just before Christmas are the busiest.
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