Best Christmas Markets Around the World in 2025: Vienna, Basel, Strasbourg and More Light Up the Festive Season

Cities across Europe — and far beyond — are rolling out some of the world’s most dazzling Christmas markets this year, transforming historic squares and urban centres into glowing winter wonderlands. From Vienna’s centuries-old traditions to Singapore’s modern celebrations, festive markets have become a global attraction drawing millions each December.

The tradition itself traces back more than seven centuries to Vienna, where records show the Austrian capital held a December market as early as 1298. Today, Christmas markets span continents, blending local culture, seasonal food and spectacular light displays.

CNN Travel has rounded up some of the standout Christmas markets taking place in 2025.

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Vienna’s Wiener Christkindlmarkt, Austria

Few places embrace Christmas quite as wholeheartedly as Vienna. Although the city hosts around 20 festive markets, the Wiener Christkindlmarkt, also known as the Viennese Dream Christmas Market, remains its most iconic and historic.

Set against the backdrop of City Hall, the market features a children’s ice rink stretching over 110 square metres, a reindeer train, a giant Ferris wheel and the famed Tree of Hearts — a towering maple draped in hundreds of illuminated red hearts.

Visitors will find classic Austrian treats including sausages, gingerbread and homemade punch sold across dozens of warmly lit stalls.

Wiener Christkindlmarkt runs from 14 November to 26 December, while the Ice Dream skating experience continues until 6 January 2026.

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Basel Christmas Market, Switzerland

Switzerland’s festive season is almost impossible to beat, and the Basel Christmas Market is widely seen as the country’s finest.

Nestled across Barfüsserplatz and Münsterplatz, the market brings together around 150 beautifully decorated stalls offering Christmas spices, handmade ornaments, candles and more. Families can enjoy the fairytale forest at Münsterplatz, where children take part in gingerbread making, candle decorating, star crafting and puppet shows.

Another highlight is the chance to climb the tower staircase at St Martin’s Church for sweeping views of Basel’s old town glowing under festive lights.

Basel Christmas Market opens on 27 November and runs until 23 December.

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Strasbourg Christmas Market, France

One of Europe’s oldest Christmas markets, Strasbourg’s Christkindelsmärik, dates back to 1570 — and has since grown into a sprawling celebration spread across more than ten locations.

Drawing over two million visitors each year, Strasbourg transforms into a glittering spectacle filled with wooden chalets, Alsatian wine, gifts, decorations and thousands of twinkling lights. The towering Great Christmas Tree at Place Kléber remains its most famous attraction.

Strasbourg Christmas Market opens on 26 November and closes on 24 December.

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Brussels Winter Wonders, Belgium

Brussels adopts full festival mode during Winter Wonders, a massive annual event that stretches across the Bourse, Place de la Monnaie, Grand Place, Place Sainte-Catherine and Marché aux Poissons.

With a light and sound show, ice rink, funfair rides and around 200 food and craft chalets, it is one of Belgium’s biggest holiday draws. Visitors can feast on waffles, glühwein and Belgian beer as they admire the enormous Christmas tree in Grand Place.

Winter Wonders takes place from 28 November to 5 January.

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Old Town Square & Wenceslas Square, Prague, Czech Republic

Prague turns into a true winter fairytale at this time of year. The city’s main festive markets — held at Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square — sit only a short walk apart, allowing visitors to experience both in a single outing.

With traditional Czech treats, handmade crafts, a giant tree, choirs and nativity displays, these markets are among the country’s most anticipated seasonal highlights.