The European Christmas markets are like something out of a movie for the holidays. Little alleys with peaked-roof kiosks displaying the wares of local artists are decorated with twinkling lights, towering trees, and vibrantly coloured ornaments. Anywhere you go in Europe over the winter holidays, you're sure to find a quaint little cobblestone street lined with sellers offering anything from mulled wine to unique souvenirs.

Best European Holiday Markets

This year's most important European Christmas markets may be found in these winter wonderlands. The months of mid-November through late December saw the most significant number of stores opening. Wrap up warm, grab a beverage, and prepare to immerse yourself in the holiday spirit at one of these outdoor markets.

Budapest, Hungary

The Advent Feast at the Basilica Christmas market is a fantastic place to get unique gifts for your loved ones and yourself, with more than a hundred stalls along its festive alleys each year. Sunday evenings culminate in an advent candle lighting ritual and a light show projected onto the Basilica's exterior.

Basel, Switzerland

Basel, Switzerland, is one of Europe's most picturesque cities, especially during winter vacations. Old Town, already bright with holiday decorations and lights, is illuminated further by the market's wares.

Wander the vendor booths and then take in the towering Christmas tree decked with ornaments designed by renowned designer Johann Wanner. Sipping mulled wine along the Rhine River as night falls is the ideal ending to a day spent exploring the city's Christmas market.

Metz, France

At its annual Christmas market, the French city of Metz sparkles with the season's joy. Take a stroll around the alleys lined with "chalet" vendors and peruse the warm apparel and one-of-a-kind decorations.

Warm yourself with chestnuts and sweets from the street vendors. Take advantage of the market's more sophisticated attractions, including the Ferris wheel at Place d'Armes, the ice rink at Place de la République, or a stroll down the fairy-tale-inspired Sentier des Lanterns after dark.

Craiova, Romania

The Craiova Christmas Market is spread out in many locations around the city, and it has everything from a music stage and food vendors to an ice rink and art classes. You may easily navigate the market by following the fascinating canopy of Christmas lights from one end to the other.

Christmas trees, adorned in style reflective of the neighbourhood, stand at the entrances and exits of the market's many sections. Remember to check out the hand-painted and carved wooden figurines that decorate the Christmas cottages for sale at the market.

Trier, Germany

Over more than four decades, the city of Trier, Germany, has hosted a Christmas market where locals and visitors alike may enjoy mulled wine and seasonal treats. Enjoy a drink in the presence of royalty at the market, where the Mulled Wine Queen hosts events honouring the region's hallmark winemaker hot mulled wine between the Cathedral and the Main Market.

Take a stroll around the 95 wooden chalet booths at the vast market and stock up on vacation trinkets. There are Christmas concerts and sing-alongs, and some days, Santa makes his way around the market, handing out presents to kids.

Brussels, Belgium

There are many Christmas markets in Brussels, but the most popular is undoubtedly Winter Wonders, a combination market and winter festival that draws over 2 million visitors annually.

Brussels necessitates both sugary waffles and salty fries as munchies. The façade of St. Catherine's Church and the Village are adorned with a sound and light spectacle that is worth stopping to take in, as is the sparkling Christmas tree and the life-size nativity scene. In addition, there is a carousel, a Ferris wheel, and an ice skating rink.

Manchester, United Kingdom

Manchester, which has the United Kingdom's largest Christmas market, is sometimes called the "Capital of Christmas." Over nine million people attend the market annually, and it grows and improves every Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Peruse the items of more than 300 merchants at ten attractively decorated downtown locations. Also, keep your eyes peeled for Santa while you peruse the stalls offering anything from tweed hats to spiced rum. Holiday enchantment is in the air when gingerbread cookies, twinkling lights, and warm beverages combine.

Leipzig, Germany

Attending one of Germany's oldest Christmas markets is like participating in a ritual that has been going on for generations. The Leipzig Christmas market has been held annually since 1458 and encompasses more than 300 vendors in the city's old town square.

Kids will love stopping into Santa's workplace during business hours to tell him they've been nice this year. You may get a unique keepsake from this winter paradise by purchasing one of the market's mulled wine mugs or children's cups, which are redesigned yearly to encourage collecting.