Best Christmas markets in Europe: where to go in 2025
20 November 2025
As winter draws near, cities across Europe begin to shimmer with festive energy. Twinkling lights appear in every square, the scent of cinnamon and roasted chestnuts drifts through the streets, and the first wooden stalls open their shutters to reveal handcrafted gifts, steaming mugs of mulled wine, and seasonal delights.
There’s something timeless about exploring a Christmas market in Europe, and thanks to Flibco, reaching these magical places has never been easier.
With direct shuttle connections from key airports, your journey becomes part of the experience: smooth, comfortable, and hassle-free.
So, if you’re wondering where to get some cosy festive vibes this year, you’re in the right place. Let’s take a closer look at some of the top Christmas markets in Europe in 2025 with all the details you need to make the most of your trip.
Christmat markets in London
London truly comes alive at Christmas, offering a blend of timeless tradition and dazzling city energy that places it among the best Christmas markets in Europe.
At the centre of the festivities is the unmissable Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park, running from 14 November 2025 to 1 January 2026. This sprawling event feels more like a festive theme park than a market, with adrenaline-pumping rides, a spectacular ice rink, carnival games, and cosy wooden stalls overflowing with crafts, gifts, and seasonal delights.
But the magic doesn’t stop there. The Covent Garden Christmas Market sparkles with fairy lights, a towering tree, and the charm of luxury boutiques and street performers.
For something more laid-back, head to the Kingston Christmas Market, where alpine huts and live music create a warm, riverside vibe.
London also offers plenty of extras to make your trip unforgettable: festive afternoon teas, Christmas shows in the West End, carol concerts at St Paul’s, and skating beneath the stars at Somerset House, Canary Wharf, or the Natural History Museum.
Don’t miss the famous shop windows of Harrods and Hamleys, either: a real treat for kids and grown-ups alike!
And the best part? It’s easy to reach thanks to Flibco’s shuttle service from Stansted airport to London: this airport is perfect for low-cost or last-minute flights!
Turin
With its elegant boulevards and Alpine charm, Turin is one of Italy’s most atmospheric destinations during the festive season and an increasingly popular stop among the top Christmas markets in Europe. From late November 2025 to early January 2026, the city’s squares fill with twinkling lights, artisan stalls, and the scent of cinnamon and vin brûlé (Italian mulled wine).
The highlight is the spectacular Luci d’Artista, a city-wide light installation that runs from 24 October 2025 to 11 January 2026, transforming Turin into an open-air gallery of colour and creativity.
But there’s more! From 6 December 2025 to 6 January 2026, head to the Cortile del Maglio di Borgo Dora to find a large Nativity scene and stalls selling handcrafted items, floral decorations, and ceramics.
Piazza Solferino hosts a lively market with stalls and anice rink, while Piazza Santa Rita showcases regional delicacies from across Italy. Keep an eye out too for the UGI Charity Market in Corso Dante, a great place for meaningful festive shopping.
Turin’s blend of elegance, culture, and warm traditions makes it ideal for travellers seeking an authentic, Italian-style Christmas. And with Flibco’s shuttle bus from Turin Caselle Airport - or even a connection from Milan Malpensa - arriving couldn’t be easier.
Milan: one of the best Christmas markets in Italy
If you're after festive style with a touch of elegance, Milan might just be the perfect winter destination.
From 18 November 2025 to 7 January 2026, the city hosts a variety of Christmas markets, with the iconic Piazza Duomo taking centre stage. Here, you'll find stalls filled with handcrafted gifts, gourmet panettone, festive decorations, and seasonal street food, all set against the breathtaking backdrop of the illuminated cathedral.
In early December, don’t miss the traditional “Oh Bej! Oh Bej!” market, held near the Sforza Castle. Dating back to the 16th century, it’s one of Milan’s oldest festive events and a must-see for lovers of history, local crafts and sweets.
Milan also shines with festive lights, ice-skating rinks, and children’s workshops, making it a wonderful place for both families and couples. And of course, the city’s flair for fashion and design adds a uniquely Italian twist to Christmas markets in Europe.
Many visitors choose to fly into Orio al Serio for budget-friendly options and from there, a quick bus from Bergamo Airport to Milan brings you straight to Milan Central Station, making your festive getaway as smooth as it is stylish.
Brussels
When it comes to the best places in Europe for Christmas markets, Brussels delivers one of the most magical and complete festive experiences.
From 28 November 2025 to 1 January 2026, the city hosts Winter Wonders, a spectacular event that stretches across the heart of Brussels, with an extended programme at Place de Brouckère until 4 January 2026.
Wander through more than 200 charming chalets offering artisan gifts, Belgian chocolates, warm waffles and mulled wine.
Highlights include a giant Ferris wheel, a glittering ice rink, and an enchanting sound and light show projected onto the historic buildings of Grand-Place. The city is also draped in festive lights, creating a storybook winter backdrop.
Brussels is a wonderful choice if you want a festive escape with great food, rich culture, and a magical atmosphere, all within easy reach.
Thanks to Flibco, it’s also well and easily connected: there are shuttle routes from cities like Bruges, Lille, and Luxembourg directly to Brussels Airport, making your journey smooth and stress-free.
If you’re still asking yourself where are the best Christmas markets in Europe, Brussels should definitely be on your list.
Bruges
Bruges is often described as a fairy tale come to life and at Christmas, the magic only deepens.
From 21 November 2025 to 4 January 2026, the city hosts two main Christmas markets in the heart of its medieval centre: Grote Markt, overlooked by the Belfry, and Simon Stevinplein, just a short stroll away.
Here, rows of charming wooden chalets invite you to browse artisanal gifts, handmade decorations, and seasonal treats like Belgian waffles, hot chocolate, and spiced mulled wine.
But Bruges offers more than just shopping. As part of its beloved Winter Glow festivities, the city lights up with a spectacular light trail that winds through cobbled streets and past frozen canals.
There’s also an ice rink at Minnewater, where you can skate in a truly romantic setting, and a welcoming winter bar to relax after your stroll.
Bruges is ideal if you’re searching for a slower pace and authentic atmosphere less crowded than other big cities, but just as magical. And despite its timeless look, it’s easy to reach: Flibco offers a direct shuttle from Brussels Charleroi Airport to Bruges, bringing you straight into the festive spirit.
Frankfurt
Frankfurt offers one of the most atmospheric andhistoric Christmas markets in Europe, set against the backdrop of the city’s beautifully restored Old Town (Römerberg).
Running from 25 November to 22 December 2025, the Frankfurt Christmas Market is spread across several areas of the city centre, creating a festive route filled with twinkling lights, choirs singing carols, and the warm scent of roasted almonds and spiced mulled wine.
At the heart of the experience is Römerberg, where you’ll find traditional stalls, a glittering Christmas tree, and the famous Bethmännchen, a Frankfurt’s marzipan-filled festive biscuit.
Elsewhere in the city, you can catch the grand bell ringing, ride a charming historical railway, and enjoy live music performances that fill the crisp winter air with cheer.
Frankfurt blends festive spirit with a cosmopolitan vibe, making it a great choice whether you're planning a family trip or a quick winter getaway. And getting there is easy: Flibco offers shuttle connections from Frankfurt Hahn Airport to the city centre, so you can skip the stress and head straight into the celebration.
Lille
Lille may be compact, but when it comes to festive charm, it punches well above its weight.
From 19 November to 30 December 2025, the city’s heart, called Place Rihour, transforms into the Lille Christmas Village, a glowing cluster of around 90 wooden chalets offering artisan gifts, seasonal decorations, and regional treats like waffles, raclette, and mulled wine. The atmosphere is completed by musical performances, twinkling lights, and even a visit to Santa’s Chalet, perfect for families with little ones in tow.
What sets Lille apart is the mix of French and Flemish influences, which gives its Christmas market a unique character. Beyond the main square, you’ll also find smaller markets in areas like Wazemmes, Place Sébastopol, and Tressin, each with its own local flair and festive spirit.
It’s a great choice if you’re looking for something less crowded yet full of seasonal magic. And with direct shuttle connections from Lille Airport via Flibco, reaching the city is as effortless as it is festive so your Christmas escape starts with relax and zero worries.
Luxembourg
Luxembourg City brings festive cheer to its historic streets with Winterlights, one of the most picturesque and family-friendlyChristmas markets in Europe.
From 21 November 2025 to 1 January 2026, the city lights up with decorations, shows, and music, creating a warm, magical atmosphere in the heart of winter.
The main Christmas markets take place in Place d’Armes and Place de la Constitution, where you’ll find charming wooden chalets selling crafts, gifts, and seasonal favourites like Glühwein and Gromperekichelcher (Luxembourg’s own potato fritters).
Highlights include a Ferris wheel, a city-centre ice rink, visits from Santa, and striking light installations that bring extra sparkle to the capital’s elegant streets.
Luxembourg is a fantastic choice if you're after a festive escape that feels both grand and welcoming, with plenty of activities for kids, couples, and curious travellers alike.
Thanks to Flibco’s coaches from both Charleroi Airport and Brussels Zaventem, reaching Luxembourg is as easy as it is comfortable. Sit back, relax, and start your winter break the moment you land.
Antwerp
Antwerp may be best known for fashion and diamonds, but come winter, it transforms into one of the most festive cities in Belgium.
From around 5 December 2025 to 5 January 2026, the city hosts a charming series of Christmas markets spread across central locations like Groenplaats, Handschoenmarkt, Steenplein, and Grote Markt, all within walking distance of one another and beautifully decorated with lights and festive installations.
Expect cosy wooden stalls offering everything from artisanal gifts to warm waffles and glühwein, alongside family attractions like a giant Ferris wheel, an ice rink, and a panoramic rooftop bar overlooking the Scheldt River.
The whole city radiates warmth, making it a great alternative to more crowded destinations.
Antwerp is ideal for travellers looking to combine holiday shopping, winter fun, and architectural beauty. The festive atmosphere is lively yet laid-back, perfect for couples, groups of friends, or families.
Once again, you can rely on Flibco to reach the city: take a bus from both Brussels Zaventem or Charleroi airports to Antwerp, making your journey into the Christmas spirit smooth and hassle-free.
Ghent
Ghent offers a quieter, more relaxed take on the festive season without losing any of the charm.
From 4 to 31 December 2025 the city centre transforms into a cosy and welcoming Christmas market, stretching from Sint-Baafsplein to Korenmarkt. The entire route is easy to explore on foot, with historic buildings, canal views, and festive lights creating a warm holiday atmosphere.
Expect charming stalls selling handmade crafts, unique gifts, and seasonal snacks like waffles, roasted chestnuts and mulled wine. A Ferris wheel offers panoramic views of the old town, and the ice rink is a hit with both kids and adults looking to get into the Christmas spirit.
Ghent is ideal if you’re after an authentic, smaller-scale experience away from big crowds and is perfect for couples or anyone seeking a more intimate festive break. The city’s mix of history, culture and laid-back vibes make it a hidden gem during the winter season.
And while it may feel off the beaten track, it’s easier to reach than you might think: with Flibco’s shuttle options connecting Ghent to Charleroi Airport, your Christmas escape begins as soon as you land.
Banner and hero image: Bea61 via Pixabay
Covent Garden London Picture credits: Holger Schramm via Flickr
Turin Paragraph Markets Picture credits: AI via Freepik
Milan Galleria Picture credits: andreaerdna via Flickr
Bruges Chritmas Markets Picure credits: Sergii Gulenok Wolfhowl via Flickr
Lille Ferry Wheel picture credits: Maurits Verbiest via Flickr
Luxembourg Christmas markets picture credits: Dmitry Djouce via Flickr
Antwerp Christmas markets picture credits: wwilliamm via Flickr
Gent picture credits: VisitGent via Flickr
