The best Christmas market to visit this year

Some people look for wooden stalls and mulled wine, others prefer to buy gifts made by craftspeople, while others just want a good excuse to visit one of Europe’s most iconic cities before the year ends. But which one?

Berlin for those seeking winter traditions, London for a combination of shopping and shows, Amsterdam for canal strolls, Brussels for mixing markets and culture, Barcelona for Catalan customs, and Madrid for the world of nativity scenes. Here are five Christmas markets that function as a starting point for five intense city breaks.

Berlin: every kind of Christmas

In the German capital, the sheer scale of the Christmas markets can be overwhelming. The calendar of Christmas markets in Berlin covers squares, residential neighbourhoods and what were industrial sites, each with a very different vibe. The WeihnachtsZauber, at the Gendarmenmarkt, offers a very picturesque setting for a first visit. The Spandau market, on the other hand, takes you through the old town. In short, you can choose your destination based on the atmosphere, but also on which part of Berlin you’d like to explore that day.

For something more unusual, the Lucia Weihnachtsmarkt overtakes the courtyards of the Kulturbrauerei in Prenzlauer Berg, which boasts inspiration from Nordic countries, with Finnish mulled wine and Swedish Christmas carols. In Friedrichshain, at the RAW cultural centre, the market has a different character, with a medieval theme. These are two examples of how Christmas markets demonstrate how Berlin absorbs different influences without losing its bond with the city.

Berlin is well chosen for anyone interested in making markets an important part of their trip, without being limited to a single type. A good idea is to pick one neighbourhood a day and save the late-afternoon for some shopping, when the lights come on and the markets offer a different atmosphere.

London: at Christmas and beyond

London works well for those who don’t want to spend all their time dedicated to Christmas but also enjoy the festive time. Our selection of the best London Christmas markets includes options along the Thames, central squares and markets that already have a life of their own during the rest of the year. The Southbank Centre Winter Market is a favourite, with its wooden benches, a wide variety of food from different corners of the world and hot drinks on the riverbank. Further east, Winter by the River combines shopping and snacks with views of Tower Bridge and the Tower of London. These routes always make sense for those who enjoy exploring the city on foot and even more so with stops for shopping along the way.

If you need more time to buy presents, Old Spitalfields has clothing, jewelery and art, in addition to the shops surrounding the market. Greenwich offers a similar mix of crafts and shopping in an area with a strong maritime character. Borough Market is particularly appealing to those who prefer to take flavours home with them: seasonal produce, food stalls and a festive programme focussed on gastronomy. None of these places needs to undergo a complete transformation to justify a visit – Christmas simply adds decorations and activities to places where there’s already plenty to explore.

Those looking for a real buzz should head to Hyde Park and Winter Wonderland, which combines a market, attractions, ice skating and shows. For a more central experience, Leicester Square brings the stalls closer to the entertainment options around the area, whilst Covent Garden combines shopping and particularly elaborate decorations. London has everything you’d expect at this time of year, from shopping to fine dining, and from culture to entertainment.

Amsterdam: slow and small

In Amsterdam, the markets can serve as stops along a wider itinerary, rather than being the main daily destination. The tour for the Christmas markets in and around Amsterdam includes well-known squares, parks and former industrial sites. The Christmas Village, which is on the Museumplein, is a must-visit, where you can enjoy gifts, food and entertainment.

Those looking for items made by artists and designers should visit the Funky Xmas Market, the Christmas edition of the Sunday Market at the Westergas site. The market focusses on local art, boasting a different atmosphere to those more centred on traditional decorations. The Pure Markt, meanwhile, usually organises winter events at Park Frankendael, bringing producers, craftspeople and food vendors together. These are very interesting options for those who enjoy chatting with artisans and choosing gifts that are a bit different from those displayed in the larger shops. 

If you have time to get out of the capital, Haarlem is worth a visit: around a 20-minute train ride from Amsterdam and the host of a Christmas market in its historic centre. Amsterdam will be the choice for those who like to plan their itinerary around neighbourhoods, local artisans and little detours.

Brussels: Christmas on foot

In Brussels, Christmas isn’t limited to a single square. Winter Wonders, also known as Plaisirs d’Hiver, stretches across the city centre, between the Grand-Place, the stock exchange, Place Sainte-Catherine and the old fish market. There are over 200 stalls selling crafts, gifts and culinary specialities, as well as attractions such as carousels, a Ferris wheel and an ice rink. Linger at the Grand-Place, which is surrounded by Gothic and Baroque buildings rich in detail, the square is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. During this time of year, it is adorned with an impressive Christmas tree, as well as a sound and light show that transforms the façades once the sun has set.

Brussels is ideal for those who wish to soak up the festive atmosphere, wandering through the city centre, while saving part of their getaway for other endeavors. When deciding what to do in Brussels, it’s worth starting with the classics: the Magritte Museum, the Atomium, the Manneken Pis statue and the Royal Saint-Hubert Galleries. Also, make sure you leave room to sample Belgian delights, from chocolates to waffles and craft beers, which can also be found at the stalls at Winter Wonders.

Barcelona: Christmas with a Catalan accent

In the Catalan city, the focus is on local traditions, nativity scenes and the links between the markets and some of Barcelona’s best-known landmarks. The Fira de Santa Llúcia has been held next to the Cathedral since 1786, making it a historic fixture of this time of year. The stalls mainly sell trees, decorations, figures and accessories for nativity scenes, as well as handmade gifts. Another highlight is the market next to the Sagrada Família, which allows you to combine your visit with a tour of Gaudí’s building. The Fira de Reis on Gran Via focusses more on toys and other gifts.

For those who prefer contemporary design and independent production, there are fairs that expand the idea of the Christmas market. The Festivalet at the Fabra i Coats factory showcases artists and creators, who are well worth meeting in the flesh.

Christmas in Barcelona is a great choice for anyone looking to combine a short break with designer purchases and family traditions, without having to plan every day around a single venue. The charm lies precisely in moving from a traditional market to an alternative one and realising that both contribute to the Catalan spirit of this festive season.

Madrid: when Mayor is better 

In Madrid, the starting point is virtually inevitable: Plaza Mayor Christmas market. It’s the Spanish capital’s oldest and most iconic market, which certainly lives up to the hype. The square hosts over 100 stalls, with a special focus on nativity figures, decorations, Christmas musical instruments and toys. As a Spanish Christmas tradition, the nativity scene continues to take centre stage.

Madrid is the perfect choice for those who seek a unique experience that’s centred around a historic setting, with time to observe the locals’ shopping rituals and the wide range of items on offer. Visit the market during the day, at your leisure, and return to the square once it gets dark. That’s the perfect time to taste traditional Christmas sweets, such as turrones and polvorones.