Christmas markets · Europe · Things to do
5 Christmas markets in Central Europe, with dates
Five of the best Christmas markets in Central Europe are in Prague, Munich, Dresden, Bratislava and Budapest. Most open in mid to late November and run until 24 December, while some stay open into early January. Dates here are from the organisers' official pages for 2026; check again before you book.
What to do, in order
- 1
Prague
Prague's main Christmas markets fill the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square with wooden stalls, lights and a large Christmas tree. The Wenceslas Square market runs from 28 November to 6 January according to the city's official tourism site. Expect hot drinks, grilled food and handmade crafts. The Old Town Square market is the busiest, so visit on a weekday evening for space to walk, and stay for the lights on the square after dark.
- 2
Munich
Munich's main Christmas market stands on Marienplatz, beneath the Gothic spires of the New Town Hall. The city's official site says the market goes back to the 14th century; it has been held on Marienplatz since 1972. In 2026 it runs from 20 November to 24 December. Smaller themed markets are spread across the old town, so it is easy to walk between several in one evening.
- 3
Dresden
Dresden has several Christmas markets in its old town, including one beside the Frauenkirche. The oldest is the Striezelmarkt, traditionally dated to 1434 and among the oldest Christmas markets in Germany. In 2026 it runs from 25 November to 24 December. The city is known for its Stollen fruit bread, which gives the Striezelmarkt its name. Dresden is about two hours from Prague by train.
- 4
Bratislava
Bratislava's market on the Main Square of the old town is smaller and calmer than the big German and Czech markets. The city's tourism site lists it from late November into early January, with the market closed on 24 and 25 December. Food stalls serve local specialities, and the compact old town makes it easy to combine with a walk to the castle. It pairs well with a day trip from Vienna.
- 5
Budapest
Budapest's main Christmas markets light up Vörösmarty Square and the square in front of St Stephen's Basilica, where a light show plays on the church facade. The organisers had not yet published 2026 dates at the time of writing and say the markets open around mid-November, so check the official site before you travel. The basilica market is especially atmospheric after dark.
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Plan it
- Best time
- Late November to mid-December, before the busiest weekends around Christmas. Weekday evenings are the quietest time at every market.
- How long
- Two days per city, or a week to link three or four markets by train.
- Getting around
- Trains link the cities well: Munich to Salzburg takes about 1.5 hours and Dresden to Prague about 2 hours. Inside each city, the markets are within walking distance of each other.
Good to know
- Many markets charge a small deposit for the mug your drink comes in, refunded when you return it.
- Wear warm, waterproof shoes: evenings are cold and cobbles can be icy.
- Book hotels early for weekends in late November and December.
Frequently asked
When do European Christmas markets open in 2026? +
Most open between mid and late November. Munich runs from 20 November, Dresden's Striezelmarkt from 25 November, and Prague's Wenceslas Square from 28 November, according to the organisers' official pages.
Which is the oldest Christmas market in Germany? +
Dresden's Striezelmarkt is traditionally dated to 1434 and is one of the oldest in Germany. Munich's market on Marienplatz also has roots going back to the 14th century.
Can you visit two Christmas markets in one day? +
Yes, by train. Munich and Salzburg are about 1.5 hours apart, and Dresden and Prague about 2 hours, so you can see one market in the afternoon and another in the evening.
Do Christmas markets stay open after Christmas? +
Some do. Many German markets close on 24 December, while Prague's Wenceslas Square and Bratislava's main market stay open into early January.
