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There's nothing like getting in the mood for Christmas like taking a festive break to Europe, to stroll around snow-dusted medieval squares full of seasonal stalls.
But while the hordes flock to places like Paris, Munich, or London for their festive shopping fix, we’ve got some extra special Christmas market destinations.
We spoke to expert David Maher Roberts of The 7Places who has shared his seven European Christmas market choices.
He said: "Christmas markets are about more than just shopping — they offer a festive immersion into the local culture, food, and winter traditions.
"I grew up in Brussels and it was a tradition to head over the border into Germany to experience their wonderful traditional Christmas markets. So when I started to put together these recommendations for Saga Magazine, I got so nostalgic I called my brother and persuaded him to join me on a 'seven markets in seven days' train trip.
"We'll be going to Switzerland, France, Germany, Luxembourg and Belgium and I can't wait!"
Strasbourg proudly gave itself the title of “Capital of Christmas,” and it’s not hard to see why. Nestled in the heart of the city, the Christkindelsmärik is one of the oldest in Europe, dating back to 1570.
A 30-metre high Christmas tree and more than 300 wooden chalets are clustered around the magnificent Strasbourg Cathedral, each one filled with handmade ornaments, candles, and Alsatian delicacies like bredele biscuits.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a Christmas market without the warming hug of vin chaud (mulled wine) to keep the winter chill at bay.
Then once you've taken your fill of the market, go for a stroll around Strasbourg’s old town which sparkles under thousands of twinkling lights.
Vienna’s Christkindlmarkt at Rathausplatz is the epitome of elegance and tradition. Framed by the city’s neo-Gothic City Hall, this market feels like stepping into a Christmas fairy tale.
You’ll find rows of charming stalls selling everything from intricate wooden toys to delicious Austrian baked goods like Vanillekipferl (vanilla crescents).
What really sets Vienna apart is the soundtrack: classical music floats through the air, making it feel as if the city itself is serenading you.
Warm up with a mug of punch or roasted chestnuts while you watch people glide around the ice rink that’s the centrepiece of this festive wonderland.
At Christmas, Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen transforms into a Nordic winter wonderland. The entire amusement park is illuminated with thousands of lights, with festive stalls dotted between the rides.
Enjoy a taste of Danish Christmas with treats like æbleskiver (sugar-dusted pancake balls) and gløgg (mulled wine).
The blend of Christmas cheer with the amusement rides gives it a twist on the usual market experience. Copenhagen’s unmistakable Danish cosiness, or hygge, will also wrap you up in warmth as you explore.
Cologne’s Weihnachtsmarkt sprawls across multiple locations, but the star of the show is the market at the base of the Cologne Cathedral.
Beneath this Gothic masterpiece, you’ll find hundreds of stalls selling everything from traditional wooden toys to local delicacies like bratwurst and Reibekuchen (potato pancakes).
If you’re after something a little less crowded and a bit different, the smaller Harbour Christmas Market by the Rhine offers a maritime flavour to your festive shopping, with stalls in snow-white pagoda tents that remind of ships' sails.
It only runs for a few days, so do check before booking.
For those seeking a truly storybook Christmas, Tallinn Christmas Market is a dream come true. Set in the mediaeval Town Hall Square, the market is compact but packed with charm.
Snow-dusted rooftops and brightly lit stalls offer handmade Estonian crafts and hearty local food, like black pudding and sauerkraut.
With its intimate atmosphere and mediaeval setting, it feels like you’ve stepped back in time. And don’t forget to try glögi, the local version of mulled wine, to keep yourself warm.
The thing about Budapest Christmas Market is working out which one you should visit first as there are more than 10 different Christmas (or Advent) markets.
The main one is centred around Vörösmarty Square and it is a festive treat with a blend of Hungarian tradition and seasonal delights. The square is filled with wooden stalls offering beautiful handicrafts, from intricate ceramics to handmade leather goods.
What sets Budapest apart is its unique food offerings – be sure to try chimney cake (a sweet dough coated in sugar and cinnamon) and savoury dishes like lángos (fried dough with toppings).
For a special experience, head to St Stephen’s Basilica, where a smaller market offers ice skating and a stunning light show projected onto the basilica’s façade.
With its mix of charm, warmth, and a little Hungarian spice, Budapest’s market is a must-visit.
Krakow’s Christmas market is a feast for the eyes and the senses. Set in the city’s Rynek Główny (Main Market Square), one of the largest mediaeval squares in Europe, this market offers a unique blend of Polish tradition and festive charm.
Wooden stalls brim with beautifully crafted ornaments, intricate lace, and hearty local dishes like pierogi (dumplings) and oscypek (smoked cheese).
As you explore, be sure to grab a cup of grzaniec (Polish mulled wine) to keep warm while soaking up the atmosphere. The backdrop of the Cloth Hall and St. Mary’s Basilica lit up by Christmas lights makes this a market to remember.
Enjoy Christmas markets on a Saga cruise
Saga offers a selection of river cruises that take in many of these Christmas markets, including Cologne, Vienna and Budapest.
Take in the sights, sounds and tastes of the markets and then relax on board watching the winter landscapes drift by.
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