Christmas isn’t really a numbers game, but if it were, I might measure cities based on features like Christmas markets.
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Markets are easier to measure than other holiday pastimes, such as decorating public spaces, hosting Santa meet-and-greets, and selling seasonal treats.
I’d argue that markets are where all the best parts of holiday cheer collide, like spending time with loved ones while shopping at the stalls or sipping on delicious treats like hot cocoa and mulled wine. Whether small and local or massive and metropolitan, it’s hard to go wrong with a Christmas market.
But some are more charming than others… and as someone who has lived in Europe for the last five years, I’ve stumbled upon some surprisingly gorgeous markets around the continent.
My favorite Christmas market is located in the heart of Warsaw, Poland. There’s an ice skating rink, mulled wine galore, and a few small stalls for shopping. And it’s just one of nine unique Christmas markets in the city, along with a royal lights display. (Also very cool.)
Warsaw isn’t alone in going all-out for Christmas, especially when it comes to other European capital cities.
Dreaming of a holiday Euro-trip city where you’ll run into Christmas market after Christmas market?
Below, you can find a list of where to find them. Head to these capitals, which were researched and ranked by Heepsy according to factors like total number of markets, accommodation costs, temperatures, and local transportation.
You won’t be able to escape the cheer.
European cities with the most Christmas markets
- Berlin, Germany: 42 Christmas markets, decorations start on November 25
- Rome, Italy: 25 Christmas markets, decorations start in early December
- Paris, France: 11 Christmas markets, decorations start in late November
- Warsaw, Poland: 9 Christmas markets, decorations start in late November
- Bucharest, Romania: 8 Christmas markets, decorations start in early December
- Vienna, Austria: 6 Christmas markets, decorations start on November 16
- Andorra la Vella, Andorra: 5 Christmas markets, decorations start in late November
- Copenhagen, Denmark: 5 Christmas markets, decorations begin on November 8
- Brussels, Belgium: 3 Christmas markets, decorations begin on November 29
- Helsinki, Finland: 3 Christmas markets, decorations begin on November 29