Christmas Market Inspiration
Visiting some of the best Christmas markets across Europe is easy with direct flights from Dublin Airport.
European Christmas markets are more than just places to shop; they are an opportunity to immerse yourself in the festive spirit, enjoy local traditions, and create cherished memories.
If you want to sip mulled wine in Berlin, admire the grandeur of Vienna, or explore the historic charm of Tallinn, these Christmas markets in Europe promise a magical holiday experience.
Krakow, Poland
Europe’s largest market square comes alive with hundreds of market stalls throughout the festive season.
The main Christmas market is held in the heart of the city’s old historic town (Rynek Glowny) and is deeply rooted in Polish traditions. Visitors can enjoy delicious treats, find unique gifts while immersing themselves in Polish culture and traditions. Additionally, a stage is set up in the Square for regular performances consisting of carols, concerts, and folk band performances.
Getting to Krakow is easy with direct flights from Dublin Airport with 14 flights per week with Ryanair.
Munich, Germany
Germany’s Christmas markets are renowned all over the world, and Bavaria’s capital has some of the best. Christmas Markets in Munich are open from November 27 through to December 24, with over 20 markets to choose from.
Marienplatz Christmas Market located in Munich's central square, is the city's oldest and largest Christmas market. The highlight is a massive Christmas tree illuminated by thousands of lights. Nestled in the courtyard of the Munich Residenz, the former royal palace, the Munich Residenz Christmas market offers a romantic and royal ambience.
Getting to Munich is easy with 27 flights per week from Dublin Airport with Aer Lingus and Lufthansa.
Bergen, Norway
The city of Bergen, Norway, hosts several Christmas markets featuring local crafts, traditional food, and holiday-themed activities.
The Bergen Christmas Market is set in Festplassen in the heart of the city, with a large number of stalls and a big Ferris wheel, giving a fantastic overview of the market itself and of Bergen city centre. Bergen's Pepperkakebyen is a must-see for visitors during the festive season. It's a miniature version of Bergen, created entirely out of gingerbread!
Getting to Bergen is easy with two direct flights per week from Dublin Airport with Wideroe Airlines.
Prague, Czech Republic
Located in the heart of Prague, the Old Town Square Christmas market is a top attraction. The square is filled with warmly lit stalls, offering a variety of ornaments, wooden toys, and glassware.
Wenceslas Square, another popular tourist spot in Prague, also hosts a significant Christmas market offering a variety of Christmas treats. Not as big as the other two, Prague Castle Christmas market offers a magical festive atmosphere, with the famous castle all magically lit up, it is a stunning sight to see.
Getting to Prague is easy with 15 direct flights per week from Dublin Airport with Aer Lingus and Ryanair.
Budapest, Hungary
There are two main Christmas markets in Budapest, Vörösmarty Square and St. Stephen’s Basilica which are usually open from early November until the end of December. Vörösmarty Square is the oldest, richest and the most spectacular of all the Christmas markets in Budapest, serving up traditional Hungarian foods like lángos (deep-fried flat bread), rétes (strudel), chimney cake, and a variety of local sausages.
The Christmas market in Szent István Square in front of the stunning St. Stephen’s Basilica, boasts traditional market stalls offering handmade crafts and unique Christmas gifts, along with an ice-skating rink.
Getting to Budapest is easy with 21 direct flights per week from Dublin Airport with Aer Lingus and Ryanair.
Vienna, Austria
The Vienna Christmas markets, also known as Christkindlmarkt, are world-renowned and have been a tradition since 1298, with over 20 different markets to choose from.
Vienna Christmas World in Rathausplatz is the largest and most famous Christmas market in Vienna and features more than 150 stalls. There's also an ice-skating rink, reindeer ride, and a carousel. Schönbrunn Palace is a magnificent backdrop for the Christmas & New Year's market held there each year. The Schönbrunn Palace market has over 70 exhibitors offering traditional handicrafts, Christmas decorations, and unique gifts along with culinary delights.
Getting to Vienna is easy with 15 direct flights per week from Dublin Airport with Aer Lingus and Ryanair.
Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen is world-famous for its Christmas spirit and festive markets. Copenhagen’s most popular market is at Tivoli Gardens, the city's historic amusement park.
This winter wonderland comes alive with reindeer rides and rollercoasters making it a great choice for a family Christmas market break. Named after Denmark's famous fairy tale author, the Hans Christian Andersen market offers a magical experience in the heart of Copenhagen including a storytelling hut for children.
Getting to Copenhagen is easy with 13 direct flights per week from Dublin Airport with Ryanair and SAS.
Brussels, Belgium
Brussels transforms into a winter wonderland during the holiday season and is known for hosting the "Winter Wonders" (known as 'Plaisirs d'Hiver'. Located in the heart of the city the Winter Wonders event hosts a magnificent Christmas market of more than 200 chalets.
Grand-Place, Brussels, one of Europe's most beautiful squares, hosts a dazzling Christmas market, complete with a magnificent light and sound show. Visitors can explore the market's festive stalls, indulge in Belgian chocolates, and warm up with mulled wine. A giant Ferris wheel located at Marché aux Poissons offers panoramic views of the city lit up for the festive season.
Getting to Brussels is easy with 31 direct flights per week from Dublin Airport with Aer Lingus and Ryanair.
Tallinn, Estonia
Tallinn's medieval old town is the perfect setting for a charming Christmas market. With its cobblestone streets and historic backdrop, this market offers a unique a fairy tale experience. The Town Hall Square Christmas market in Tallinn is a highly celebrated event and has been recognised as one of the best Christmas markets in Europe.
Around 60 market stalls form a ring around a majestic Christmas tree - a tradition in Tallinn which is said to date back to 1,441 when the first ever Christmas tree was displayed in Europe.
Getting to Tallinn is easy with two direct flights per week from Dublin Airport with Ryanair.
Cologne, Germany
The Christmas markets in Cologne, Germany are renowned for their enchanting and festive atmosphere.
Cologne hosts several markets throughout the city, each with its own unique charm, with some of the most famous including Cologne Cathedral Christmas market (Kölner Dom) set on the stunning backdrop of Cologne Cathedral, Old Town Christmas market (Heinzels Wintermärchen) and Harbour Christmas market (Hafen Weihnachtsmarkt).
Getting to Cologne is easy with five direct flights per week from Dublin Airport per week with Ryanair.
