At a glance

Experiencing Christmas Markets

There’s nothing quite like Christmas in Europe. The smell of cinnamon and roasted nuts drifting through icy air, wooden stalls glowing beneath strings of warm lights, and town squares turning into storybook scenes you swear were designed just for December. After years of living abroad in Poland, South Korea, and Italy — and making Christmas markets a yearly tradition — I’ve learned exactly which markets are worth the trip, how to navigate them without the chaos, and where to find the most memorable food, mugs, and crafts.
This page brings all my Christmas market guides together in one place so you can plan the winter trip you’ve been dreaming about. From Poland’s cozy market towns to Italy’s alpine villages and Germany’s forest-lined festivals, you’ll find detailed itineraries, local insights, transportation tips, and honest advice rooted in firsthand experience.
If you’re searching for the best Christmas markets in Europe, how to plan a market-hopping itinerary, or simply want a little December inspiration, you’re in the right place. Let’s make your winter travels unforgettable.