- Destinations
- Christmas markets
Christmas markets in Europe 2025
Discover the best Christmas destinations in France, the Netherlands, Germany and the UK with Eurostar.
Explore the best European Christmas markets
Christmas is one of the most enchanting times of the year when twinkling lights, beautifully decorated trees, and the scent of festive treats fill the air. There’s no better way to embrace the holiday spirit than by visiting one of Europe’s famous Christmas markets with Eurostar.
Discover everything you need to know about the best Christmas markets in Europe for 2025 and let Eurostar whisk you away to magical destinations like London, Cologne, Amsterdam, Strasbourg, and more.
Consider London: admire the dazzling London Christmas Lights, wander through enchanting Christmas markets, or experience the magic of Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park. From Brussels, arrive in the heart of the city in just two hours with Eurostar.
Where are the best Christmas markets in Europe?
You can travel to some of the top Christmas markets in Europe on Eurostar. Go direct to London, Paris, Amsterdam, Cologne or Lille or take a connecting train to Strasbourg. So, the perfect European Christmas market break is just a train or two away.
Cologne Christmas markets
The Christmas markets in Cologne are magical and definitely worth the trip. At only 1 hour 52 minutes from Brussels, you’ll be exploring the ‘cathedral city’ and sipping glühwein in no time.
Running from 17 November to 23 December 2025, Cologne hosts several Christmas markets across the city, each with its own charm. The largest and most famous market sits in the shadow of the stunning Cologne Cathedral, where hundreds of stalls offer handcrafted gifts, ornaments, and traditional German treats. Stroll along the Rhine, lined with riverfront stalls, sample local delicacies, and soak up the magical festive atmosphere of this iconic cathedral city.
Find out more - Cologne Christmas markets
Amsterdam Christmas markets
During the festive season, Amsterdam’s Christmas markets bring the city’s squares to life, with stalls offering handmade gifts, festive decorations, and delicious food. Ice skating rinks, seasonal treats, and beautifully decorated streets make the city a magical winter destination. You can take the Eurostar direct from Brussels to Amsterdam in 1 hour 52 minutes so you'll be sipping mulled wine in no time.
The Amsterdam Christmas Markets 2025 run from 15 November 2025 to 3 January 2026. Visitors can browse unique gifts, sample Dutch delicacies, and enjoy the festive atmosphere while wandering along canals lit with twinkling lights. Or extend your stay to celebrate New Year's Eve.
Find out more - Amsterdam Christmas markets
Strasbourg Christmas market
Known as the ‘Capital of Christmas’, Strasbourg hosts the oldest Christmas market in France, dating back to 1570. Each winter, the city’s historic centre transforms into a festive wonderland, with over 300 wooden chalets filling the main squares — including Place Broglie, Place de la Cathédrale, and Place Kléber, home to the city’s iconic Great Christmas Tree.
The Strasbourg Christmas Market 2025 runs from 26 November to 24 December 2025, offering an unforgettable mix of tradition, culture, and Christmas cheer. Take a direct Eurostar from Brussels and a connecting train from Paris.
Aachen Christmas market
If you’re searching for a truly authentic German Christmas experience, look no further than Aachen. Attracting more than 1.5 million visitors each year, the Aachen Christmas Market is one of Germany’s most beloved festive destinations.
From 21 November to 23 December 2025, the historic city centre transforms into a twinkling winter wonderland. More than a hundred charming stalls fill the squares surrounding the cathedral and town hall, offering handmade crafts, festive gifts, and regional delicacies.
Indulge in local specialities such as Aachener Printen, a spiced biscuit unique to the region, or savour a warm Reibekuchen, a crispy potato cake served with syrup or applesauce.
Find out more - Aachen Christmas market
London Christmas markets
Christmas in London is absolutely magical, offering a mix of festive activities, sparkling Christmas lights, and a variety of Christmas markets like the Southbank Centre Winter Festival to explore across the city. Take a direct Eurostar from Brussels to London in just 2 hours 01 minutes.
Winter Wonderland 2025 returns to Hyde Park from 14 November 2025 to 1 January 2026. It features the UK’s largest outdoor ice-skating rink, alongside a wide range of festive attractions, fairground rides, and Christmas market stalls, making it the perfect destination for holiday shopping, seasonal treats, and family fun.
Find out more - London Christmas markets
Paris Christmas markets
The City of Light shines even brighter during the festive season, with 15 to 20 Christmas markets scattered across its charming neighbourhoods. Running from 16 November 2025 to 5 January 2026, Paris offers visitors the perfect mix of French culture, festive cheer, and culinary delights.
Sip a steaming cup of vin chaud (hot mulled wine) as you wander among stalls selling artisan sausages, fine cheeses, handmade chocolates, and festive gifts. Don’t miss some of the city’s most enchanting markets, from near the Notre-Dame Cathedral at Square Viviani, to the charming stalls outside St Germain des Prés, and the lively market set in the Tuileries Gardens.
Get the Eurostar from Brussels Midi/Zuid to Paris in just 1 hour 23 minutes so you'll be sipping mulled wine in no time.
Find out more - Paris Christmas marketsCheap train tickets to the best Christmas markets in Europe
Travelling direct to Amsterdam, Cologne, Paris or London with Eurostar is simple, smart, and speedy. Get into the festive spirit with a quick and comfortable journey to some of Europe’s best Christmas markets. Use our Lowest Fare Finder below to discover the cheapest train tickets and start planning your magical Christmas getaway.
Discover our network
Where does Eurostar go? Discover all our routes between Belgium, France, the Netherlands, Germany, and the UK.
How to prepare your visit to the Christmas Markets
Most European Christmas markets run from mid-November to early January, but for fewer crowds, visit between mid-November and mid-December. Winter is magical yet brisk, so bundle up in a warm coat, scarf, gloves, and hat. Wear waterproof shoes for frosty cobblestones, bring some cash for small vendors, and carry a small bag for those irresistible festive treats and handmade gifts.
FAQs
You’ll find some of the most magical markets in Cologne, Strasbourg, Amsterdam, Aachen, and Lille — all easily reached from Brussels with Eurostar. Wander through charming city squares filled with wooden chalets, sip mulled wine, and soak up the joyful holiday atmosphere just a train ride away.
Most European Christmas markets open in mid to late November and run through December, with some staying open into the first week of January. Cities like Amsterdam and Cologne often start around mid-November. Markets in Strasbourg typically begin in the last week of November.
Yes! European Christmas markets are generally very family-friendly and offer plenty of activities for all ages. Many markets feature festive rides and
Cities like Strasbourg, Cologne, Lille, and Amsterdam are especially well-suited for family visits, with compact markets, manageable walking distances, and lots of interactive attractions.
