The Best European Christmas Markets to Visit This Winter

Location: Place des Dominicains, Place Jeanne d’Arc, Place de l’Ancienne Douanne, Koïfhus, Place des Six Montagnes Noires, and Square de la Montagne Verte.

When: Ends December 29 (though the Gourmet Market runs until January 4)

What to Expect: There are six (yes, six) total markets in this little town, which looks like the missing chapter of a fairytale book even when it’s not covered in string lights and fir branches. They’re all scattered around the Old Town and serve slightly different purposes: The main one on Place des Dominicains is mostly arts and crafts themed, with a few kids’ rides spread; the Place Jeanne d’Arc market is set up to look like a traditional Alsatian village; the Marché Gourmand at Square de la Montagne Verte is the spot for scrapings of creamy raclette, rich tartiflette, and hot cups of mulled wine.

Where to Stay: Relais & Châteaux La Maison Des Têtes (3-minute walk)

Nuremberg, Germany

Location: Hauptmarkt

When: Ends December 24

What to Expect: Dating back to the 17th century, the Nuremberg Christmas market (“Christkindlesmarkt”) is one of the first on the continent, and the city certainly goes all-out in homage to this tradition. Nicknamed the “city of wood and cloth,” it stands out for its candy cane-striped cloth tents, each housing glass tree baubles, fresh-baked gingerbread, and handmade wooden trinkets. Traveling with little ones? The children’s Christmas market is just around the corner on Hans-Sachs-Platz, and includes everything from a lit-up merry-go-round to a bake house where they can roll out their own dough.