Christmas markets in Europe 2025

Brussels Christmas market

Voted one of the best Christmas markets in Europe, Brussels’ Winter Wonders is the perfect choice for a festive family getaway or a weekend shopping trip — and it’s just 1 hour 53 minutes from London by Eurostar.

The Brussels Christmas Market 2025 will run from 28 November 2025 to 4 January 2026, transforming the city into a sparkling winter wonderland. With over 250 wooden chalet stalls spread across the Grand Place, Rue de la Bourse, Place Sainte-Catherine, and Marché aux Poissons, visitors can enjoy everything from handcrafted gifts and festive decorations to delicious Belgian treats and warming cups of Glühwein.

Bruges Christmas market

One of the most enchanting Christmas markets in Europe can be found in the romantic city of Bruges. The city’s festive celebrations, known as ‘Winter Glow’, transform Bruges into a true fairy-tale destination. Wander among wooden chalet stalls, glide across ice-skating rinks, and follow the magical light experience trail that illuminates the city’s cobbled streets and canals.

The Bruges Christmas Market 2025 runs from 21 November 2025 to 4 January 2026, filling the historic centre with festive charm and winter warmth.

While SNCB tickets are currently unavailable, you can still book your Eurostar journey from London to Brussels, then continue your trip to Bruges with an additional local train ticket purchased from SNCB.

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.

Visitors can browse stalls brimming with handcrafted gifts, ornaments, and local Alsatian delicacies, from bredele biscuits and bretzels to steaming cups of vin chaud (mulled wine).

Travel from London St Pancras to Strasbourg in just over 5 hours, with an easy change in Paris. The Strasbourg Christmas Market 2025 runs from 26 November to 24 December 2025, offering an unforgettable mix of tradition, culture, and Christmas cheer.

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.

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.

With the Eurostar, you can travel directly from London St Pancras to Amsterdam in just 3 hours 57 minutes, arriving in time to enjoy a steaming cup of mulled wine as the city sparkles for Christmas.

Lille Christmas Market

While smaller than some of Europe’s grander markets, Lille Christmas Market packs plenty of festive charm into a compact, convenient city centre location. With around 90 stalls on Place Rihour and the massive Christmas tree and Ferris wheel on nearby Grand Place, it’s easy to explore everything in just a few hours.

Running from 20 November to 29 December 2025, Lille is perfect for a festive day trip from London, taking only 1 hour 22 minutes by Eurostar from London St Pancras. The market’s compact layout means you can enjoy holiday shopping, seasonal treats, and festive lights without needing to travel far, all just a 10-minute walk from the station.

Whether you’re after handcrafted gifts, local delicacies, or a magical Christmas atmosphere, Lille offers a quick, convenient, and charming festive escape just a short ride from London.

Cologne Christmas markets

The Christmas markets in Cologne may be a bit further afield, but they are definitely worth the trip. From London St Pancras, you can reach the city in just 5 hours 30 minutes with a quick change in Brussels, arriving in time to start sipping glühwein beneath the festive lights.

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 through the illuminated streets, sample local delicacies, and soak up the magical festive atmosphere of this iconic cathedral city.

Explore even more festive Christmas markets in Germany with Eurostar.

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.

Explore even more festive Christmas markets in Germany with Eurostar.

Paris Christmas markets

The City of Light shines even brighter during the festive season, with 15–20 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 the one opposite Notre-Dame Cathedral at Square Viviani, to the charming stalls outside St Germain des Prés, and the lively market set in the Tuileries Gardens.

With the Eurostar whisking you from London to Paris in just 2 hours 16 minutes, you’ll be soaking up the Parisian Christmas magic — and sipping mulled wine — before you know it.