Christmas in Gdansk selected as the #1 Best European Christmas Market 2025
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For more than two decades and based on the vote of millions of travelers, the European Best Destinations organization (EBD) has been ranking the best Christmas markets in Europe, with some of those awarded places consistently appearing at the top of the lists year after year, making them the Best Ever in this new All Stars edition.
The “Best Christmas Markets in Europe All Stars Edition” celebrates those markets renowned for their authenticity, diverse offerings of local products, respect for the environment and support of regional artisans.
It’s not easy — or, arguably, possible — to beat Europe’s beautiful holiday squares glittering with festive lights, beautifully adorned trees, festive concerts, Ferris wheels, charitable events, mulled wine, comforting food and artisan wares at their romantic Christmas markets, many dating back to medieval times.
ForbesThe 5 Most Romantic Christmas Markets, According To European Best DestinationsBy Cecilia Rodriguez
Atop the list of this particular ranking of Christmas market stars proudly stands Budapest’s Advent Feast at the Basilica, which has been chosen four times as Europe’s Best Christmas Market.
The list also includes the Advent Zagreb in Croatia; Gdansk, Poland, which has been named Best Christmas Market 2025. Also ranked among the All-Stars are Craiova, Romania; Vienna, Austria; Geneva, Switzerland; Essen, Germany; Riga, Latvia; Prague, Czechia; Asti-Govone, Italy; Valkenburg, Netherlands; Montbeliard, France; Marbella, Spain; Zurich, Switzerland and Manchester, Great Britain.
ForbesThe 20 Best Christmas Markets In Europe, Budapest At The Top, By European Best DestinationsBy Cecilia Rodriguez
Advent Feast at the Basilica in Budapest, four times awarded as the Best Christmas market in Europe
European Besst Destinations
Advent Feast at the Basilica, Budapest
Four times awarded as the Best Christmas market in Europe in EBD competitions that attract millions of travelers’ votes, the Advent Feast at the Basilica in Budapest wears the crown as the region’s premier Christmas market.
The brainchild of renowned Hungarian entrepreneur Tibor Krsko, whose childlike spirit infuses the event with magic, it also supports charitable initiatives and champions sustainable development.
The Advent Feast Basilica transforms the picturesque square in front of St. Stephen’s Basilica into a winter wonderland.
Now in its 15th year, the Advent Feast Basilica offers an unparalleled holiday experience featuring 100 local craft exhibitors, an array of traditional Hungarian culinary delights, a charming ice-skating rink, heartwarming musical performances — and all sprinkled with delightful surprises throughout the season.
It runs from November 15, 2024, to January 1, 2025.
Advent Zagreb in Croatia, one of the best Christmas markets in Europe
European Best Destinations
Advent Zagreb, Croatia
Step into the spirit of the season with Advent Zagreb, a spellbinding 40-day celebration transforming the city into a luminous wonderland, ranking repeatedly among Europe’s top festive destinations. Dazzling lights, live music, irresistible food, inventive art installations and family fun fill every corner, wrapping everyone in holiday cheer.
This year marks the 10th anniversary of what has become an iconic Ice Rink at King Tomislav Square that, framed by the beautifully lit Art Pavilion, becomes a storybook scene in the heart of the city and that boasts the title of Most Magical Christmas Ice Skating Rink in Europe.
Visitors get a unique opportunity to stroll Zagreb’s vibrant streets and squares aglow with thousands of lights, festive exhibitions, live music carrying the season’s spirit with every note.
At Ban Jelačić Square, a towering Christmas tree takes center stage while Ribnjak Park sparkles with “moon dust.” The grand foyer of the National Theater is perfect for jolly snapshots and the Grič Tunnel offers a magical walk through icy North Pole landscapes. Add Zagreb’s museums and cultural hubs, featuring creative workshops, puppet shows and storytelling, along with special surprises at the Zagreb Zoo for a memorable experience for all ages.
The market runs from November 30, 2024, to January 7, 2025.
Christmas fair in Gdansk along the “Targ Węglowy” Christmas Market
European Best Destinations
Gdansk, Poland
Gdańsk Christmas market has just been selected Europe’s Best Christmas Market 2025 by the vote of millions of travelers
As night descends, the heart of Gdańsk comes to life with lights, Christmas melodies and the joyful sounds of children at the city’s Christmas Fair.
This event envelops both locals and visitors in a festive atmosphere, offering cozy dining, picturesque shopping zones streets with treats and holiday gifts, artistic music, dance and theater performances, carols and hand-crafted festive ornaments.
Wandering through Gdańsk’s scenic streets, visitors can discover Santa’s corner, the artistic nook, the famous moose Lucek’s hideaway and a Venetian carousel.
The Orzechowski family, a charming pair of nutcracker grandparents dressed in traditional Gdańsk Garrison attire, guide guests through the history of the market.
Visit over the month from November 22 to December 23.
Craiova, Romania’s famous Christmas Market
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Craiova, Romania
The Biggest Christmas Market in Europe, Craiova’s is on the podium with this year’s Best Christmas Markets in Europe, snagging more than 70,000 votes, (surpassing the previous vote record-holder, Budapest) making it Europe’s Most Voted Public Christmas Market, organized by municipality.
It’s also been voted as the Most Beautiful Christmas Market in Europe by a panel of travelers, surpassing renowned destinations. This recognition reflects the market’s remarkable growth, now encompassing over 280,000 square meter, making Craiova the Christmas Capital of Romania and Europe.
This year, the market features four distinctive Christmas offers: the Beauty and the Beast, where the classic fairy tale is brought to life; Santa’s Village; traditional Romanian Christmas, showcasing local customs; and Galactic Christmas, a futuristic experience with Star Wars-inspired decorations.
Other attractions include Eastern Europe’s highest-flying Santa’s sleigh, an ice rink, a panoramic Ferris wheel, the city illuminated by millions of lights and hand-painted cottages that add to an Old World charm.
Open since November 15, you have until January 5, 2025, to enjoy it.
Vienna’s Christmas Market consistently ranked among the top 10 in Europe
European Best Destinations
Vienna, Austria
Vienna’s Christmas Market is lauded as one of Europe’s most celebrated and refined, consistently ranked among the top 10 in Europe.
From mid-November through Christmas, the city’s supremely picturesque squares transform into winter wonderlands for a truly magical experience.
At the heart of the celebration is the famous Vienna Magic of Advent at the City Hall Square, where visitors can browse an array of Christmas gifts, tree decorations, seasonal sweets and warm drinks. Families especially love the festive carousel and the creative Christmas craft workshops for children.
It began on November 13 and closes on December 23.
A gigantic Christmas ball at the market in Geneva, Switzerland
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Geneva, Switzerland
On the shores of Lake Geneva, this Christmas market has always secured a podium position among Europe’s Best Christmas Destinations
Geneva also has been voted by travelers as the “Best Christmas City Break 2025,” making its”Noël au Quai” the premier Christmas market in Switzerland.
At “Noël au Quai” visitors can explore unique gifts from local artisans, with new craftspeople featured each week and culinary delights from 30 food stalls serving street food, hand-warming raclette, mulled wine, and specialties from the iconic Chalet à Fondue.
The festive atmosphere includes antique carousels and a children’s yurt filled with games, crafts and storytelling.
Beyond the market, Geneva provides a diverse array of winter experiences, not least invigorating winter swimming followed by restorative sauna sessions, local chocolate delicacies and watch-making workshops.
The market launched on November 21 and runs until December 24.
The Essen, Germany, Christmas market won this year’s title of Best Sustainable Christmas Market in Europe
European Best Destinations
Essen, Germany
This year, Essen’s Christmas market took the title of Best Sustainable Christmas Market in Europe, ahead of Vienna, Munich and Stockholm.
It also holds the title of Best Christmas Markets in Germany and appears among the Most Beautiful Christmas Markets in Europe.
During Essen Magical & Green Christmas Market, 100% of the electricity use is green, all caterers dispense with disposable plastic tableware for consumption on site with a deposit system for cups and glasses — and there’s a strict ban on plastic bags.
The organizers also attach importance to regional, fair trade and organic products as well as keeping a good ecological balance when choosing traders.
The fun began on November 15 and stops on December 23.
Riga, Latvia, has won the title of “Best Christmas Lights in Europe” for two consecutive years.
European Best Destinations
Riga, Latvia
Riga Christmas Market, lauded as “A Celebration of Stunning Christmas Lights,” has been awarded the title of the “Most Authentic Christmas Destination in Europe.”
Riga, rapidly emerging as a top destination for travelers seeking an affordable, welcoming city with a truly unique Christmas experience, offers the award-winning Christmas light trail, which has been named “Best Christmas Lights in Europe” for two consecutive years.
During the season, the city becomes a winter wonderland adorned with brilliant illuminations. Strolling through Opera Square, Bastejkalns and Kronvalda Park, visitors can immerse themselves in the enchanting world of Latvian fairy tales brought to life through spectacular displays.
“Riga’s Christmas market promises to be a magical experience, showcasing the warmth and charm of the season in one of Europe’s most captivating capitals,” writes EBD.
The market opens November 29, and closes after New Year’s, on January 2.
The Prague Christmas Market, a timeless gem among the historic European Christmas markets
European Best Destinations
Prague, Czechia
The Prague Christmas Market is a timeless gem among the historic European Christmas markets, consistently a classic appearing year after year on the list of the Best in Europe.
“While newer holiday destinations like Madeira, Batumi and Dubrovnik have gained popularity, the Prague Christmas Market continues to be a reliable choice for a magical holiday experience in Europe,” explains EBD.
Located in the heart of the city’s Old Town Square and set against the backdrop of the city’s stunning Gothic architecture, Prague’s Christmas Market is the largest in the Czech Republic.
Visitors will find traditional Czech crafts, including hand-blown glass ornaments, straw decorations, embroidered linens, wooden toys and an array of festive items that capture the spirit of the season. The cozy wooden stalls evoke the charm of a traditional Czech marketplace, where artisanal goods take center stage.
“For those seeking luxury without a hefty price tag, Prague is an excellent choice. A stay in a 4- or 5-star hotel in Prague costs significantly less — often half the price — compared to similar accommodations in other European cities,” EBD notes.
The market opens November 30 for five weeks until January 6.
View of Asti, Italy Christmas market, the most romantic and one of the Top 10 best European Christmas markets.
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Asti-Govone, Italy
Among other titles, the Asti-Govone Christmas Market is one of the Top 10 best European Christmas markets, the Most Romantic Christmas Market in Europe for the second year in a row and, finally, as the “Most Beautiful Festive Experience” in Italy.
It is, in fact, a tour of lights, colors and a raft of Christmas markets spread around the Piedmont area, a Unesco World Heritage Site, with the towns of Govone, Asti and San Damiano d’Asti hosting the 17th edition of the Magical Christmas Village.
In Asti, you can stroll about the festive displays of recycled plastic, lit by energy-saving lights, and shop in more than 130 Christmas stalls. There are food, wine and artisanal stalls of products from all around Italy, including white truffle from “PalaTartufo – Jewels of the Territory,” an area dedicated to the production of “white gold” and other Asti specialities.
In the historic center of Govone is the Royal Castle and Santa’s House, where visitors can meet Santa Claus himself and his friendly elves, busy with Christmas preparations.
The picturesque old town of San Damiano d’Asti is hosting a living nativity scene that includes the bagpiper, the three wise men, bakers, artisans, merchants and blacksmiths.
It began on November 16 and runt until December 22.
See the 15 Best Christmas Markets of All the Time – All Stars Edition here.
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Publish date : 2024-11-28 09:57:00
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