Our Favorite Christmas Markets

…and the magical moments you don’t want to miss. There’s a kind of nostalgia only Christmas markets can unlock — the flicker of warm lights against a cold night, the smell of mulled wine, the sound of carolers echoing off centuries-old buildings. These places don’t just sparkle… they stay with you. They become the moments you remember long after you’ve flown home.

Here are our top 8 Christmas markets around the world — now with hidden gems and where to stay for the full experience.

Vienna, Austria

Grand, golden, and impossibly elegant.
Sip warm punch as the Rathaus glows around you, then indulge in a slice of original Sachertorte at Café Sacher.

Where to stay:

  • Hotel Sacher Vienna — iconic, historic, luxurious.

  • The Ritz-Carlton Vienna — skyline views + a magical rooftop bar.

  • Park Hyatt Vienna — intimate luxury in a former bank.

Hidden gems:
Café Central for pastries, the Vienna Ring Tram at night, and the Christmas market at Schönbrunn Palace.

Zurich, Switzerland

Snow-dusted perfection with lake views and a Singing Christmas Tree that feels straight out of a storybook.

Where to stay:

  • Baur au Lac — timeless luxury on Lake Zurich.

  • The Dolder Grand — spa heaven overlooking the city.

Hidden gems:
Luxemburgerli macarons from Sprüngli, Lindt Home of Chocolate, Old Town boutique browsing.

Strasbourg, France

The “Capital of Christmas” — overflowing with charm.

Where to stay:

  • Hotel & Spa Régent Petite France — waterfront, magical, and romantic.

Hidden gems:
La Petite France, flammekueche, and the Alsace wine route villages.

Cologne, Germany

A towering cathedral, glowing markets, and cozy wooden chalets everywhere you look.

Where to stay:

  • Excelsior Hotel Ernst — directly facing the cathedral, iconic service.

Hidden gems:
Kölsch tastings, the Harbor Christmas Market, cathedral tower climb.

Copenhagen, Denmark

Pure hygge — cozy, warm, magical.

Where to stay:

  • Nimb Hotel (Tivoli Gardens) — fairy-tale luxury right inside the gardens.

  • Hotel d’Angleterre — glamorous and iconic for the holidays.

Hidden gems:
Lantern-lit Tivoli strolls, Noma sister restaurants, hot chocolate at Nimb.

Prague, Czech Republic

Romantic, cinematic, enchanting — truly a winter fairytale.

Where to stay:

  • Four Seasons Prague — riverfront perfection.

  • Mandarin Oriental Prague — in a former monastery… unforgettable atmosphere.

Hidden gems:
Honey wine, chimney cakes, and the quiet Vyšehrad overlook.

Budapest, Hungary

Warm thermal waters by day, sparkling markets by night.

Where to stay:

  • Four Seasons Gresham Palace — arguably one of Europe’s most beautiful hotels.

  • Matild Palace — glamorous, historic, and newly transformed.

Hidden gems:
Szechenyi Thermal Baths, night river cruise, chimney cakes rolled in cinnamon.

London, England

Vibrant, festive, buzzing with holiday energy.

Where to stay:

  • The Langham London — timeless glamour.

  • The Savoy — elegant and iconic.

  • Corinthia London — modern luxury with a stunning spa.

Hidden gems:
ABBA Voyage (unmissable), High Tea at Tiffany’s Blue Box Café, Covent Garden’s live performances, and Winter Wonderland.

Want to See Several in One Trip? River Cruising Is the Secret.

Imagine this:

You fall asleep in your warm cabin…

You wake up to a brand-new Christmas market glowing outside your window…

And you never unpack your suitcase — not once.

River cruising along the Danube or Rhine is the most effortless, magical, and comfortable way to see multiple markets in one journey. No trains, no transfers, no stress — just holiday magic delivered daily.