Best European Christmas Markets for 2022
Christmas markets are a brilliant experience! Not only are they absolutely buzzing with Christmas spirits, it’s a chance to find unique gifts for your loved ones (or for yourself!), and support small businesses globally.
So let’s take a look at the best Christmas markets in Europe that you can visit in 2022!
1. Advent Feast at the Basilica - Budapest, Hungary
This year the Advent Feast at the Basilica is celebrating its 12th anniversary. Here you’ll find photo exhibitions, an ice rink, a mesmerising light show alongside an array of brilliant live music to get you in the Christmas spirit. With the slogan ‘in love, and safety’, this market will be on from 18th November 2022 to 1st January 2023 and feature over 100 artisan and culinary vendors, along with delicacies unique to the event. The market will also have a range of home craftsmen, ceramists, designers, jewellers and leather workers attending.
2. Basel, Switzerland
Open from November 24th to December 23rd 2022, the Basel Christmas market on Barfüsserplatz and Münsterplatz is thought to be one of the most beautiful markets in Switzerland, with around 155 vendors attending. The market is found right in the city centre, where you can enjoy a glass or two of mulled wine with a breath-taking view over the Rhine - a perfect opportunity to see the gorgeous city lights. This was also voted Best Christmas Market in Europe in 2021!
3. Metz, France
As one of the most visited Christmas markets in Europe, Metz has a beautiful gothic cathedral and has been listed in the best Christmas markets in Europe for the last 10 years. Open from November 18th to December 30th 2022, the market consists of ‘unique activities’ that are exclusive to Metz at Christmas time, such as the ‘lantern trail’ and a ferris wheel, amongst other things. Right in the heart of the city’s main squares, you can find bespoke, hand-crafted gifts whilst enjoying some gingerbread, and continue the evening with a skate along the ice road and a cup of hot chocolate. You can watch the gorgeous lights that bring a warm sense to the city during the winter months.
4. Vienna, Austria
The Vienna Magic of Advent Christmas market is one of the most popular Christmas markets in Austria. The City Hall Square is filled with glorious gifts, decorations, sweets and drinks as well as a ton of fun activities for the kids. Open from November 19th to December 26th 2022, the market’s gorgeous lights are planted throughout the trees to create an unforgettable Christmas experience for you and your loved ones.
5. Montbeliard, France
The world famous illuminations of Montbeliard Christmas market are found in Franche-Comté and have over 140 fabulous stalls and vendors with unique and authentic gifts. The beautiful Christmas market in France offers a huge range of crafts, music and food for you to experience. This market takes place from November 26th to December 24th 2022.
6. Craiova, Romania
With safely distributed markets, concerts, workshops and food vendors spread throughout the local area, Craiova market has been ranked in the top 10 most beautiful Christmas decorations, and is even the highest ranked in Romania. The beautiful light trail of over one million bulbs will take you on a journey through the market, where you can enjoy an array of different experiences, including rides and games for the children. The Christmas Street Food Trucks bring together the culinary specialties of Romania, giving you a taste of the culture, and is open from November 11th 2022 to 8th January 2023.
7. Trier, Germany
Having been voted the best Christmas market in Germany, this gorgeous, vibrant experience has been running for 43 years, and has one of the most romantic settings. With around 95 booths and vendors, the market takes place on the mediaeval main market, with a gorgeous view of the Trier Cathedral. The market allows you to experience things like historical puppet theatre to live music to arts and crafts, whilst enjoying some mulled wine of course! This market runs from 18th November to 22nd December 2022.
8. Madeira, Portugal
Alongside Porto Santo, the island of Madeira is the stunning setting of a Christmas market filled with thousands of lights, ready to get you in the Christmas spirit (and New Year!). From 1st December 2022 until January 8th 2023, head to Madeira & Porto Santo to enjoy an array of vendors such as traditional delicacies and drinks, souvenirs, exotic flowers, along with live music and shows. Not only is this one of the best Christmas markets in Europe, it’s also the site of Guinness Book of World Records ‘World’s Greatest Show’ with its unforgettable fireworks display.
9. Brussels, Belgium
Hosted by Brussels, Winder Wonders market has been running for many years, offering mesmerising light shows, incredible exhibitions, stalls and vendors, a skating rink and even a life-sized manger and gorgeous Christmas tree. Voted best Christmas market in Belgium, the market attracts over 2.5 million visitors a year and has been a Christmas capital for quite some time! This fabulous market is open from November 25th 2022 to January 1st 2023.
10. Govone & Asti, Italy Described as the ‘most important Christmas event in Italy’, ‘Magico Paese di Natale’ is held in Govone, offering a huge range of cultural attractions. From artisans to street food, wine shops and local delicacies, there’s something to interest the whole family, especially with its famous Santa Claus musical show which is shown everyday.
You can visit the ‘most beautiful Christmas Market in Italy any weekend from November 12th to December 18th 2022.
Which European Christmas market is your favourite?
These are just a handful of the many amazing European Christmas markets over Europe! Which one is your favourite? Find me on socials and let me know.
As an experienced Travel Counsellor with over 7 years of experience, my first-class services are the perfect way to go to book your trip to your favourite European Christmas market. If you’re ready to book or have some questions, just shoot me an email at lisa.arbon@travelcounsellors.com or call me on 01733 490060.
