Until a few years ago, it was not very common to travel around Europe in early winter. The cold weather and perhaps a certain lack of tourist attractions did not encourage people to explore this area during the coldest and darkest months. Everything has changed with the popularity of Christmas markets. If you are already planning trip, here are more details about when Christmas markets open in Europe so you don’t miss out.
Christmas markets are yet another excuse to organise one of the last trips of the year to destinations as varied as France, Germany, Austria, Switzerland and the Czech Republic. Even cities where Christmas markets were not as traditional, such as Budapest and Zagreb, are now joining in the fun, following the example of countries with a longer tradition. And they are doing so with a certain flair, as these two cities, for example, were recently named the best Christmas destinations by the tourism website Best European Destinations.
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Dates for Christmas markets in Alsace
In Alsace, most Christmas markets are open until the end of the year. You can find more detailed information in the Guide to Christmas Markets in Alsace.
- Strasbourg Christmas market: November 26 to December 24, 2026
- Colmar Christmas markets: from 25 November to 29 December. The Gourmand market will remain open until 3 January 2027.
- Riquewihr Christmas Markets: 27 November to 20 December.
- Ribeauvillé Christmas Markets: November 27 to December 30, 2026 (closed on December 25)
- Mulhouse Christmas Markets: November 20 to December 27, 2026 (closed on December 25)
- Obernai Christmas markets: 27 November to 31 December.
- Turckheim Christmas markets: November 27 to December 30, 2026 (closed on December 25)
- Eguisheim Christmas Markets: From November 27, 2026 to December 23, 2026 and From December 27, 2026 to December 30, 2026
- Bergheim Christmas Markets: From November 27 to 29 and from December 2 to 6, 2026 (closed on November 30 and December 1)
Dates of Christmas markets in Germany
Germany is the birthplace of Christmas markets, and most follow the tradition of closing on 24 December. After that date, a few remain open in Berlin or Cologne, such as the Heinzels Wintermärchen market. If you are looking for authenticity, this is undoubtedly one of the best destinations.
Virtually every major German city has a market open from 24-25 November for a month. Here is a summary of the opening dates of Germany’s Christmas markets for the main destinations:
- Berlin Christmas markets: 24 November to 31 December. The city has more than thirty markets. Some close earlier.
- Ravennaschlucht Christmas market in the Black Forest: From November 26 to December 20, 2026 (open only from Thursday to Sunday each week).
- Cologne Christmas Markets: 17 November to 23 December. The Heinzels Wintermärchen market will be open until 4 January.
- Frankfurt Christmas Markets: 24 November to 22 December
- Munich Christmas Markets: 24 November to 24 December.
- Nuremberg Christmas Markets: 28 November to 24 December.
- Rothenburg ob der Tauber Christmas Markets: 21 November to 23 December
- Dresden Christmas Markets: 26 November to 24 December.
- Hamburg Christmas Markets: 28 November to 23 December (*to be confirmed)
- Bremen Christmas Markets : 24 November to 23 December.
- Stuttgart Christmas Markets : 26 November to 23 December.
- Leipzig Christmas Markets : 25 November to 23 December.
- Erfurt Christmas markets: 28 November to 24 December (*to be confirmed)
Dates for Swiss Christmas markets in 2026
Switzerland closely follows the German tradition and most of its Christmas markets close on 24 December. They are usually very colourful and lively markets. Among the most notable are:
- Zurich Christmas markets: 19 November to 24 December
- Basel Christmas markets: 26 November to 23 December
- Bern Christmas markets: 27 November to 23 December
- Montreux Christmas market: 20 November to 24 December
- Geneva Christmas markets: 20 November to 24 December
Dates for Christmas markets in Austria in 2026
Vienna Christmas markets in 2025: 14 November to 26 December. The Christmas market at Schönbrunn Palace will remain open until the end of the year.
- Salzburg Christmas markets: 19 November to 6 January 2027
- Innsbruck Christmas markets: 13/11/2026 – 23/12/2026
- Graz Christmas markets in 2026: November 20 to December 24, 2026
Christmas markets in the United Kingdom
In recent years, the United Kingdom has been positioning itself as a great Christmas destination. Its markets usually stay open until the end of the year or longer, and in some cities, such as London and Edinburgh, the magic of the world of Harry Potter adds to the atmosphere.
- London Christmas markets: open between early and mid-November and close between December 26 and January 7
- Manchester Christmas markets: 6 November to 22 December 2026
- Edinburgh Christmas markets 14 Nov 2026 – 03 Jan 2027
Christmas markets in the South of France
The most visited places in the South of France at Christmas. Its local Christmas markets usually announce their opening dates quite late, but most are open until January to attract as many visitors as possible from Spain, their main market.
- Village de Noël de Le Barcarès: to be confirmed. It usually opens from mid-November until 6 January
- Narbonne Christmas markets: from 29 November to 4 January
- Perpignan Christmas markets: from 28 November to 4 January
- Toulouse Christmas market from 27 November to 28 December
- Carcassonne Christmas market: 03/12 to 03/01
- Montpellier Christmas markets: November 27 to December 30, 2026
Christmas markets in Italian Tyrol
The Christmas markets in Italian Tyrol combine Germanic tradition (German is spoken in this area) with extended opening hours, normally until 6 January, making it a great destination for visiting Christmas markets at the end of the year or in January.
- Bolzano Christmas markets: from 27 November to 6 January. Closing date: December 25, 2026.
- Bressanone Christmas markets: from 27 November to 6 January
- Merano Christmas markets : from 26 November to 6 January 2027
- Vipiteno Christmas markets : from 27 November to 6 January 2027
- San Candido Christmas markets in the Dolomites: from 28 November to 6 January 2027
