Europe’s Christmas markets start opening next week, with Vienna, Budapest and Copenhagen first on November 13 — and the full season running from mid-November into the new year.
Most of the great markets open in the second half of November, and several — including Salzburg, Prague and Brussels — keep going into January, so a festive trip does not have to be squeezed into December.
The key opening dates
Vienna’s Rathausplatz market runs from November 13 to December 26, with Schönbrunn Palace and Prater markets running to January 6. Budapest’s Vörösmarty Square and Advent Bazilika markets open on November 13 and run to around New Year, and Copenhagen’s Tivoli Christmas runs from November 13 to January 3.
Cologne’s cathedral market opens on November 16 and runs to December 23. Salzburg opens on November 19 and runs to January 1, and Tallinn opens on November 20, running to January 6. Munich’s Marienplatz market opens on November 20 and closes at 2 p.m. on December 24.
The big final weekend is November 27 to 28: Strasbourg’s Christkindelsmärik, Nuremberg’s Christkindlesmarkt and Brussels’ Winter Wonders all open on November 27, and Prague’s Old Town Square market opens on November 28, running to January 6.
Which market suits whom
For UK travellers, Brussels is the easiest to reach by Eurostar, while Edinburgh — which opens on November 14 and runs to January 3 — needs no passport at all. Vienna suits families, with several markets, concerts and cafés; Budapest offers value and food; Prague is the pick for anyone spending Christmas away, as its markets stay open on Christmas Day.
Always confirm dates on the official market website before booking non-refundable travel, as closing dates can change — and remember that Christmas airfares are at a ten-year high this year, with fares to Europe up 15% on last Christmas.
Related: Manchester Christmas Markets Open Today Across 10 City Sites | Holiday Airfares Hit 10-Year High: Thanksgiving Flights Up 31%
Sources: LuxTripper, “21 Best Christmas Markets in Europe 2026” (updated Oct 2026); JetPac Global, “Best Christmas Markets in Europe 2026” (Nov 2026); SeekHolidays, “Best Christmas markets in Europe 2026” (updated 9 Oct 2026).
