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Christmas markets in Europe
Discover the best Christmas destinations in France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany with Eurostar.
Explore the best European Christmas markets
Christmas is a magical time of the year, with twinkling lights, decorated trees and festive food and traditions. A perfect way to get into the festive spirit is to visit one of the best Christmas markets in Europe with Eurostar.
Christmas markets originated in Germany back in 1434, but now you can find them all over Europe. Snow-covered wooden chalets selling Christmas-themed goodies such as handmade gifts and baubles, Glühwein (a hot mulled wine), traditional gingerbread and festive treats.
Find out everything you need to know about the best Christmas markets in Europe 2024.
Where are the best Christmas markets in Europe?
Brussels Christmas market
Brussels Christmas market is voted one of the best Christmas markets in Europe and is a great market for a family break or weekend shopping trip at only 1 hour 53 minutes from London by Eurostar.
The Brussels Christmas market 2024 runs from 29 November 2024 to 5 January 2025. The market, over 250 wooden chalet stalls, is spread out over the capital between Grand Place, Rue de la Bourse, Place Sainte-Catherine and Marché aux Poissons.
Paris Christmas markets
Paris has around 15-20 Christmas Markets which run from 16 November 2024 until 7 January 2025. Get immersed in the French culture by sipping hot mulled wine and sampling tasty sausages, cheese and chocolates. Some of the main ones include one opposite Notre Dame in the 5th arrondissement at Square Viviani, another outside the church at St Germain des Pres and one in the Tuileries gardens this year.
Get the Eurostar from London to Paris in just 2 hours 16 minutes so you'll be sipping mulled wine in no time.
Bruges Christmas market
One of the best European Christmas markets is in the romantic city of Bruges. Their festive celebrations are known as ‘Winter Glow’, with wooden chalet market stalls, ice skating rinks, light experience trail and light decorations throughout the city. The whole city turns into a fairy tale destination at Christmas.
At only 3 hours 30 minutes from London St Pancras, with a quick change in Brussels, you'll find yourself at the next best thing to Santa’s grotto. This year the Bruges Christmas market 2024 runs from 22 November 2024 to 5 January 2025.
Cologne Christmas markets
The Christmas markets in Cologne are a bit further afield, but definitely worth the trip. At 5 hours 30 minutes from London St Pancras, with a quick change in Brussels, you’ll be exploring the ‘cathedral city’ and sipping glühwein in no time. Cologne Christmas markets 2024 run from 18 November to 23 December.
Cologne has several Christmas markets spread across the city, the largest is in the shadows of the city’s stunning cathedral.
Amsterdam Christmas markets
Amsterdam Christmas markets transform the city's squares with stalls selling food, mulled wine and festive gifts. Discover the best places to ice skate, eat and enjoy a bit of Christmas shopping.
The Amsterdam Christmas markets 2024 run from 15 November 2024 to 5 January 2025.
You can take the Eurostar directly from London St Pancras to Amsterdam in 3 hours 57 minutes so you'll be sipping mulled wine in no time.
Strasbourg Christmas market
Strasbourg is considered the ‘Capital of Christmas’ with the oldest Christmas market in France, dating back to 1570. It is also one of the prettiest Christmas markets in Europe with over 300 wooden chalets spread across the city’s main town squares.
From London St Pancras, with a quick change in Paris, Strasbourg is just over 5 hours away. Strasbourg Christmas market 2024 runs from 27 November to 27 December 2024.
Lille Christmas Market
Lille Christmas market is small in comparison to some of the bigger markets in Europe, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in convenience. At only 1 hour 22 minutes from London to Lille, it is perfect for a festive day trip. The market runs from 23 November to 30 December 2024.
The Christmas market in Lille is in the centre of town with around 90 stalls on Place Rihour, and the massive Christmas tree and Ferris wheel on nearby Grand Place, so it’s very compact and just 10 mins walk from the station.
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