Season guide · Advent 2026
Europe's most beautiful Christmas markets 2026
8 cities, all dates, honest tips – your Advent plan between mulled wine, lights and gingerbread.
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All dates at a glance
| City | Market | 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Vienna | Christkindlmarkt, Rathausplatz | 13 Nov – 26 Dec |
| Budapest | Basilica / Vörösmarty tér | from 13 Nov |
| Copenhagen | Christmas in Tivoli | 13 Nov – 3 Jan 2027 |
| Lübeck | Lübeck Christmas market | 24 Nov – 30 Dec |
| Dresden | Striezelmarkt | 26 Nov – 24 Dec |
| Nuremberg | Christkindlesmarkt | 27 Nov – 24 Dec |
| Strasbourg | Christkindelsmärik | from 27 Nov |
| Prague | Old Town Square & Wenceslas Square | 28 Nov – 6 Jan 2027 |
As of 28 Oct 2026. Some organisers have not yet published closing dates or hours – please check the official site before you travel.
#1 · Austria
Vienna – the classic in front of City Hall
The Christkindlmarkt on Rathausplatz runs from 13 November to 26 December 2026, daily 10:00–22:00 (24 Dec until 18:30). The Vienna Ice World next door opens the same day and stays until 6 January 2027.
Scout tip
Too crowded? The market at Spittelberg among Biedermeier lanes is smaller and more relaxed. Schönbrunn Palace keeps its market open until 6 January.
Ticket tip
Tours & tickets
Often free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
#2 · Czechia
Prague – fairy-tale backdrop until Epiphany
The markets on Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square run from 28 November 2026 to 6 January 2027. Stalls open daily 10:00–22:00, food stands until midnight. The tree is first lit on 28 November.
Scout tip
For a quieter, more local market try Náměstí Míru (20 Nov – 24 Dec, daily 10:00–20:00).
#3 · France
Strasbourg – the “Capitale de Noël”
The Christkindelsmärik opens on 27 November 2026; the city has not yet published the closing date. Last year stalls opened daily 11:30–21:00.
Scout tip
Walk through Petite France in the evening – the illuminated half-timbered houses are the photo spot.
#4 · Germany
Nuremberg – gingerbread & sausages
The Christkindlesmarkt on the Hauptmarkt runs from 27 November to 24 December 2026. Must-try: “Drei im Weggla” – three Nuremberg sausages in a roll.
Scout tip
Come on a weekday morning – weekends are packed.
#5 · Germany
Dresden – home of the Stollen
The Striezelmarkt on the Altmarkt is one of Germany's oldest Christmas markets and runs from 26 November to 24 December 2026.
Scout tip
Combine it with an evening stroll along the Brühl Terrace to the Frauenkirche.
#6 · Hungary
Budapest – lángos, chimney cake & basilica
Two big markets: in front of St Stephen's Basilica (13 November 2026 – 1 January 2027) and on Vörösmarty tér (from 13 November). Prices are in forint.
Scout tip
End the evening in a thermal bath – warm water in frosty air is an experience.
Ticket tip
Tours & tickets
Often free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
#7 · Denmark
Copenhagen – hygge in Tivoli
Christmas in Tivoli runs from 13 November 2026 to 3 January 2027. Opening hours vary; check Tivoli's website before you go.
Scout tip
Try æbleskiver – Danish pancake balls with icing sugar and jam.
#8 · Germany
Lübeck – brick Gothic & marzipan
Lübeck's Christmas market runs from 24 November to 30 December 2026 – still open after the holidays.
Scout tip
Easy day trip from Hamburg by regional train.
Gift idea
A city break under the tree
A gift card for tours and tickets in hundreds of cities.
FAQ
When do the first Christmas markets open in 2026?+
Vienna, Budapest and Copenhagen's Tivoli open on 13 November 2026. Big German markets like Dresden and Nuremberg open in late November.
Which markets are still open after Christmas Eve?+
Prague (until 6 Jan 2027), Budapest Basilica (until 1 Jan 2027), Tivoli Copenhagen (until 3 Jan 2027), Lübeck (until 30 Dec) and Vienna Rathausplatz (until 26 Dec).