I’ve always been obsessed with Christmas markets. Growing up, I visited the Christkindlmarkt in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, every winter. Known as one of the best Christmas markets in the U.S., it was a magical experience. I fell in love with the festive decorations, warm comfort food, and delicate handcrafted trinkets. Those yearly visits made one thing clear to me—I needed to see the best traditional European Christmas markets.
I wanted the real deal! I wanted wooden stalls covered in twinkling lights arranged across a cobblestone square, selling hand-carved ornaments and painted ceramics. I wanted it to be so traditional that someone’s Oma was in the back, hand-dipping candles. So, when the chance for a solo trip to Prague, Vienna, and Budapest Christmas markets came up, I jumped! My childhood self was squealing with excitement.
Traditional European Christmas Markets
European Christmas markets have adorned city squares for centuries, opening from mid-November to early January. With dazzling lights, festive cheer, and an array of unique gifts, these markets are perfect for a magical Christmas trip.
Prague, Vienna, and Budapest are home to some of the best Christmas markets in Europe. Selling everything from metalwork and wood carvings to local meats and cheeses, it’s truly an adventure to wander up and down the rows of stalls. With ice skating rinks, carousel rides, goliath Christmas trees, and tons of holiday food, Prague, Vienna, and Budapest are transformed into a winter wonderland during the holiday season. Situated along the Danube River, these cities are individually enchanting, but together, they create a festive experience that has captured the hearts of tourists.
Discover Prague’s Christmas Markets
Start your Christmas trip in Prague! Wander streets lined with pastel-colored buildings piped in white, all squished together like confectionaries vying for your attention in a pastry case. Snack on gingerbread cookies, a traditional Czech treat, as you explore iconic sights like Charles Bridge, Prague Castle, the John Lennon Wall, and the Astronomical Clock Tower. Don’t forget to visit the Waldstein Garden to spot the famous Prague peacocks.
After a day of sightseeing, get ready to party! Prague is a great night out with many popular bars, clubs, and dance floors. My recommendation for experiencing the vibrant nightlife? Join the legendary Drunken Monkey pub crawl.
The fun continues as Prague’s historic squares transform into glittering Christmas markets. Take an evening stroll through the heart of Old Town and see why Prague is one of the best places to visit for Christmas.
Must Visit Christmas Markets In Prague:
- Old Town Square Christmas Market
- Prague Castle Christmas Market
- Náměstí Míru Christmas Market (Peace Square)
- Christmas Market on Kampa Island
- Wenceslas Square Christmas Market
Explore Vienna’s Christmas Markets
The Christmas markets of Prague are a good warm-up for Vienna. With more than 20 December markets, Vienna is the big league! Known for its imperial palaces, renowned art, and elegant cultural scene, Vienna is a favorite of mine.
Iconic locations like St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the Museums Quartier become host to sprawling Christmas markets in November and December. Streets connecting these markets are lit with massive overhead Christmas light installations, creating a spectacular atmosphere. Smaller, more authentic markets line Vienna’s narrow side streets, making it the perfect city to find unique Christmas gifts.
You must try mulled wine, called glühwein in German, at Vienna’s Christmas markets. It is served in a ceramic mug (no flimsy paper cups here), and each market boasts a unique design. When you finish your drink, you can return the mug and get your deposit back, or if you like the design, you can keep it as a souvenir!
Must Visit Christmas Markets In Vienna:
- Wiener Christkindlmarkt am Rathausplatz (In front of City Hall)
- Christmas Village on Maria Theresien Square (In MuseumsQuartier Wien)
- Schönbrunn Palace Christmas Market
- Belvedere Palace Christmas Market
- Christmas Market at Spittelberg (Spittelberggasse)
- Art Advent on Karlsplatz (In front of Karlskirche/St. Charles’ Church)
- Christmas Market on Stephansplatz (In front of Stephansdom Cathedral/St. Stephen’s Cathedral)
Enjoy Budapest’s Christmas Markets
And now for the grand finale—Budapest! That title is fitting for Budapest because the city has an old-school European grandeur that makes it a great place to end your trip. With towering decorative buildings, it feels like stepping back in time. I’ve been to over a dozen European capitals as a solo female traveler, and I was still blown away by Budapest!
Separated by the Danube River into Buda on the west and Pest on the east, the city is a treasure trove of secrets to uncover. Take the chill off in one of Budapest’s thermal baths, admire the Parliament building illuminated at night, or take a river cruise for views of the entire city. The Central Market Hall is a must-visit for local produce and pastries on the first floor and Hungarian souvenirs on the second.
To top it all off, Budapest has fantastic Christmas markets! While the title of best European Christmas market is heavily debated every year, the market at St. Stephen’s Basilica has won the award many times. Be sure to catch the light show projected onto St. Stephen’s Basilica, which happens every 30 minutes. Also, head to Europe’s largest ice rink in City Park, between Heroes Square and Vajdahunyad Castle. There is a charming Christmas market behind the rink with great traditional Hungarian treats.
Must Visit Christmas Markets In Budapest:
- St. Stephen’s Basilica Christmas Market
- The Magical Advent in Buda (Fisherman’s Bastion)
- Vörösmarty Square Christmas Market
- Christmas in Buda Castle
- Városligeti Christmas Market (Next to City Park Ice Rink)
What to Eat and Drink at Europe’s Best Christmas Markets
Now to the highlight of any Christmas market—the food! Expect to find roasted chestnuts, savory crepes, decadent hot chocolates, and sizzling sausages topped with sauerkraut. Each city has its unique way of serving sugary fried dough.
- Trdelník (Prague): Also known as a chimney cake or a turtleneck, this cylindrical pastry is made with strips of baked dough rolled in cinnamon and sugar. This one is my favorite!
- Heiße Bauernkrapfen (Vienna): A warm, sweet pastry topped with powdered sugar or jam.
- Lángos (Budapest): A thin fried dough disc traditionally topped with garlic, sour cream, and cheese.
What Are the Must-Try Delights at Europe’s Christmas Markets?
All three cities also serve a selection of sweet and savory strudel (called Rétes in Hungary). It makes an excellent afternoon snack. Be adventurous and try a sour cherry or cabbage strudel over the classic apple filling.
Most days, I found myself eating a proper balanced breakfast and then spending my afternoons and evenings eating a mod podge of Christmas market cuisine. A handful of honey-covered almonds, a bite of melted cheese, wash it all down with some spiced cider, what’s not to love? You can eat healthy in the new year, but you may only be at Europe’s best Christmas markets once—you've got to try everything!
Prague, Czech Republic: Famous for its gingerbread and chocolate, it’s a dessert lover’s dream. Start your day with eggs your way at Bakeshop. Experience traditional Czech food at Cervený Jelen, and be sure to try a Pilsner where it all began.
Vienna, Austria: A trip to Austria wouldn’t be complete without traditional schnitzel and spätzle. Visit Cafe Demel for Kaiserschmarrn, a local dessert of shredded pancakes, and treat yourself to a piece of Sachertorte, a rich Viennese chocolate cake.
Budapest, Hungary: The food scene here was incredible! Have a steaming cup of goulash served in a bread bowl or head to Karavan for a wide selection of international food trucks. For breakfast, try the shakshuka at Fekete or the eggs benedict at Budapest Baristas. And if you’re still hungry, grab a hot chocolate from Flatty before crossing over Liberty Bridge. I could go on and on about Hungary…
Frequently Asked Questions about European Christmas Markets
What Should I Wear To A Christmas Market?
The Christmas markets of Prague, Vienna, and Budapest are best seen at night when the twinkling lights are at their full glamour. With the sun down, it will be very cold. Bundle up! Wear a hat, scarf, mittens, a long coat, boots, and thick layers. Europe’s Christmas markets draw an international crowd, so you’ll see an array of fashion.
Pro Tip: Leave the leggings at home unless you’re wearing them under jeans for some extra insulation. They won’t keep you warm enough and are a dead giveaway that you’re American.
Will Prague, Vienna, and Budapest Be Crowded During The Christmas Season?
Yes, these three cities are spectacular at Christmas and, therefore, attract a lot of attention. If jostling crowded town squares doesn’t sound appealing to you, maybe consider a different Christmas solo trip. However, I found that since so many people are focused on the Christmas markets, it’s a great time to explore the side streets and outer neighborhoods.
Will I Need Cash?
All three cities accept cards in most stores, restaurants, and accommodations, but having some cash on hand for the markets is a good idea. You’ll also need coins for using public toilets. Prague’s local currency is the Czech koruna, Vienna uses euros, and Budapest, the city that most heavily relies on cash for transactions, uses the Hungarian forints. Plan ahead to avoid fees and return home with foreign currency.
Is It Worth It To Visit All Three Cities?
Definitely! Each city has a very distinct feel and has so much to discover outside of the Christmas markets. While there are some similarities in Christmas attractions, you’ll find different goods, food, and experiences in each location. Need to see it to believe it? Discover more photography here.
Christmas Markets are an Unforgettable Festive Adventure
This trip has ruined American Christmas markets for me–in the best way possible. Prague, Vienna, and Budapest set a new standard for holiday magic. My sweet little Pennsylvania Christkindlmarkt will always have a place in my heart, but these European markets are on another level.
Does this sound dreamy and you’re so ready to go but slightly overwhelmed by the thought of planning it all? Experience Prague, Vienna, and Budapest’s best Christmas markets with Under30Experiences and enjoy an 8-day hassle-free trip. All you have to do is show up and bring your festive cheer!
