Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Travel
Hayley Spencer

11 Best Christmas markets in Europe — and the most stylish hotels nearby

Town Hall Christmas Market, Tallinn, Estonia. Photograph taken at sunrise - (Getty Images)

Fairy-lit cabins dispensing mulled wine, warm cocoa or glittering treasures for your tree. Revellers wrapped up in cosy knits and big coats taking a spin around an ice rink. And the chance to spot Santa — or perhaps even more magical: fresh snowfall. There’s nothing like a Christmas market to give you the feels in the run-up to the Big Day. And as well as treats for yourself, they’re the perfect place to buy unique gifts for those who’ve made it onto your Nice List.

However, not all are created equal. For every snow globe-worthy winter market in Europe, there’s another that looks akin to the Willy Wonka Glasgow experience. So how to choose wisely? To help you plan the perfect festive break, we’ve picked the best markets, and paired them with stylish hotels, all less than a half-hour walk away.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.