Christmas Markets in Europe 2026
From Vienna's grand squares to Prague's Old Town, plan a festive city break around Europe's Christmas markets in 2026. Compare new and recently opened hotels and find a base for your trip.
EXPLORE THE DESTINATIONS
Find Your Christmas Market Hotel
Choose a destination, compare hotel locations on the map and search the collection for your Christmas market break.
Christmas Markets at a Glance
Compare the featured Christmas market destinations and their main market dates for 2026.
| City | Description | Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Vienna | Grand squares, traditional Advent markets and imperial architecture | Wiener Christkindlmarkt — Rathausplatz: – |
| Prague | Historic Old Town, festive lights and traditional Czech crafts | Old Town Square Christmas Market: – |
| Munich | Bavarian Advent traditions beneath the towers of the Neues Rathaus | Münchner Christkindlmarkt — Marienplatz: – |
| Nuremberg | Christkind traditions, gingerbread and red-and-white craft stalls | Nürnberger Christkindlesmarkt — Hauptmarkt: – |
| Salzburg | Cathedral-square stalls and Christmas choirs in a baroque old town | Salzburger Christkindlmarkt — Domplatz / Residenzplatz: – |
| Cologne | Cathedral stalls and Heinzels’ markets on Alter Markt and Heumarkt | Weihnachtsmarkt am Kölner Dom — Roncalliplatz: Dates unconfirmed |
| London | Hyde Park festivities, Christmas stalls and fairground attractions | Hyde Park Winter Wonderland: – |
| Budapest | Basilica light projections, artisan gifts and Hungarian flavours | Advent Basilica — Szent István tér: – |
| Copenhagen | Tivoli’s illuminated gardens and rides, plus the Højbro Plads market | Christmas in Tivoli Gardens: – |
Dates apply to the primary markets named in the destination sections; other markets in the same city may differ.
FRESH STAYS
Featured Hotels for a Festive City Break
W Prague
W Prague brings the expressive, design-driven spirit of the W brand to the heart of the Czech capital. Set within an architecturally striking setting, the hotel blends historic character with contemporary creativity, creating a bold yet refined urban…
Moxy London Piccadilly Circus
Moxy London Piccadilly Circus places guests in the bright centre of London, close to Piccadilly Circus, Soho, Leicester Square and the theatres of the West End. The hotel follows the Moxy formula with a social ground floor, check-in at the bar and a relaxed,…
Mandarin Oriental Vienna
Set on a quiet street in Vienna’s UNESCO-listed First District, Mandarin Oriental, Vienna is a restored early-1900s heritage building by Art Nouveau architect Alfred Keller, a short walk from St Stephen’s Cathedral, the Hofburg, the State Opera and the Golden…
The Dean Munich, Autograph Collection
The Dean Munich, Autograph Collection is a design-focused city hotel in Munich’s Westend, an evolving quarter where former industrial streets, independent studios, cafés and beer gardens sit side by side. Its 281 rooms pair a layered, residential feel with…
June Six Salzburg, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
June Six Salzburg, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel is a design-led city hotel in Salzburg, set a little away from the most obvious tourist circuit but still within easy reach of the old town and the river walks that make the city so easy to like. The property pairs…
1 Hotel Copenhagen
Set in Copenhagen’s historic centre on Krystalgade, 1 Hotel Copenhagen is positioned for easy walks to the old city’s lanes, churches, and cafés, with the everyday rhythm of the capital right outside. The hotel’s mood leans calm and nature-forward, balancing…
THE CHRISTMAS TRAVEL EDIT
Where to Experience Christmas in Europe

Vienna: Rathausplatz, Schönbrunn and Spittelberg
Vienna’s markets range from the grand setting of Rathausplatz to Spittelberg’s neighbourhood lanes and Schönbrunn’s palace forecourt. Their seasons differ; plan a separate journey from the historic centre to Schönbrunn.
16 selected hotels
Explore hotels in ViennaWiener Christkindlmarkt — Rathausplatz
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- 24 December 2026: Open 10:00–18:30.
- The ice rink has a separate season.
Weihnachtsmarkt Schloss Schönbrunn
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- 24 December 2026: Open 10:00–16:00.
Weihnachtsmarkt am Spittelberg
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Sources checked: .

Prague: Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square
Old Town Square’s stalls sit beneath Prague’s historic towers, while lower Wenceslas Square offers a second central stop for crafts and seasonal food. Both markets continue into January.
5 selected hotels
Explore hotels in PragueOld Town Square Christmas Market
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Wenceslas Square Christmas Market
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Sources checked: .

Munich: Bavarian Advent at Marienplatz
Around Marienplatz and Rindermarkt, Munich’s Christkindlmarkt combines Bavarian food and crafts beneath the Neues Rathaus. The Kripperlmarkt by Alter Peter specialises in nativity figures and accessories.
10 selected hotels
Explore hotels in MunichMünchner Christkindlmarkt — Marienplatz
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- Closed: 22 November 2026.
- 24 December 2026: Open 10:00–14:00.
Sources checked: .

Nuremberg: Christkindlesmarkt on Hauptmarkt
On Hauptmarkt, red-and-white stalls, Lebkuchen and the Christkind ceremony give Nuremberg its Advent character. Families can also visit Kinderweihnacht on Hans-Sachs-Platz, which has a separate programme.
5 selected hotels
Explore hotels in NurembergNürnberger Christkindlesmarkt — Hauptmarkt
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- Kinderweihnacht has a separate schedule; check its programme before visiting.
Sources checked: .

Salzburg: Christkindlmarkt around the cathedral
The Salzburger Christkindlmarkt brings regional food and seasonal music to Domplatz, Residenzplatz and parts of Kapitelplatz as one event. Hellbrunn is a separate palace excursion.
4 selected hotels
Explore hotels in SalzburgSalzburger Christkindlmarkt — Domplatz / Residenzplatz
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- One market spans these squares. Check the operator for holiday hours.
Sources checked: .

Cologne: cathedral stalls and Heinzels’ two squares
Cologne combines the cathedral market on Roncalliplatz with Heinzels Wintermärchen on Alter Markt and Heumarkt. Heinzels’ themed lanes draw on Heinzelmännchen folklore, and Heumarkt adds skating. The two squares close on different dates.
2 selected hotels
Explore hotels in CologneWeihnachtsmarkt am Kölner Dom — Roncalliplatz
Dates unconfirmed
- The operator’s closing weekday conflicts with its numeric date. The date range is withheld here pending clarification.
Heinzels Wintermärchen — Alter Markt
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Heinzels Wintermärchen — Heumarkt
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- Closed: 24 December 2026, 25 December 2026.
Sources checked: .

London: Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland mixes market stalls with rides, skating and shows. Choose an arrival slot and check attraction tickets when planning your visit; South Bank and West End events follow separate schedules.
42 selected hotels
Explore hotels in LondonHyde Park Winter Wonderland
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- Closed: 25 December 2026.
- Admission: Entry requires a ticket for an allocated arrival time; prices and attraction tickets vary.
- Daily opening times vary. Check the current ticket calendar before travelling.
Sources checked: .

Budapest: Basilica lights and Vörösmarty crafts
Advent Basilica brings stalls and seasonal light displays to Szent István tér, facing St Stephen’s Basilica. Vörösmarty Classic Xmas is another central Pest stop; its craft exhibitors and small railway finish before the wider New Year festivities.
9 selected hotels
Explore hotels in BudapestAdvent Basilica — Szent István tér
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- 24 December 2026: Open 11:00–15:00.
Vörösmarty Classic Xmas — craft market
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- Craft exhibitors and the small railway finish on this date; the wider event continues.
Vörösmarty Classic Xmas — New Year festivities
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- 24 December 2026: Open 10:00–14:00. 31 December 2026: Open 11:00 until 03:00 the following morning.
- The January end refers to the overnight New Year celebration, not continued craft stalls.
Sources checked: .

Copenhagen: Tivoli and Højbro Plads
Tivoli combines illuminated gardens, seasonal stalls and rides inside the amusement park. Højbro Plads offers a public-square alternative with crafts and traditions from Denmark, Greenland and the Faroe Islands.
5 selected hotels
Explore hotels in CopenhagenChristmas in Tivoli Gardens
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- Admission: Tivoli admission is required; check ride tickets separately.
Christmas at Højbro Plads
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Sources checked: .
THE HOTEL COLLECTION
Hotels for Europe's Christmas Markets
The Shepherd Mayfair
The Shepherd Mayfair occupies a distinctive corner of Shepherd Market in central Mayfair, with Green Park underground station and the West End within easy reach. The 82-room hotel is arranged across six floors and offers individually configured rooms and…
B&B HOTEL Fürth-Hardhöhe
B&B HOTEL Fürth-Hardhöhe is a contemporary budget hotel in the Hardhöhe district of Fürth, within easy reach of Nuremberg and the wider Franconia region. Its 112 rooms are arranged in practical categories including premium, twin, French-bed, triple and family…
Bob W Vienna Döbling
Bob W Vienna Döbling is a design-led serviced-apartment property in Vienna’s leafy 19th district, where urban life gives way to vineyards, traditional Heuriger taverns and the wooded slopes of the Vienna Woods. The accommodation is arranged as practical…
Crowne Plaza Vienna by IHG
Crowne Plaza Vienna is a contemporary city hotel on Margaretengürtel in Vienna’s 5th district, offering an urban base for business trips, cultural weekends and longer stays in the Austrian capital. The hotel provides 195 rooms and suites, with categories…
Hotel Schani Naschmarkt
Hotel Schani Naschmarkt brings the design language of Vienna’s modernist past into the lively Mariahilf district, close to the Naschmarkt and the Linke Wienzeile. The 90-room boutique hotel combines references to Art Nouveau, Art Deco and the area’s former…
The Cloud One Hotel Salzburg
The Cloud One Salzburg occupies a central position on Rainerstraße, close to Salzburg’s main railway station and within an easy walk of the historic Old Town. It is a practical base for exploring the city on foot, from Mirabell Gardens and the Salzach…
Christmas Market Travel FAQs
Which European cities have Christmas markets in 2026?
This guide covers Vienna, Prague, Munich, Nuremberg, Salzburg, Cologne, London, Budapest, and Copenhagen, the destinations with hotels in our current selection.
When do Christmas markets open in Europe in 2026?
Markets open at different points in November; several close on 23 or 24 December, while others continue into January 2027. For a traditional Advent atmosphere, aim for late November through the first three weeks of December. Check individual dates and holiday hours for Christmas or New Year visits.
Where should I stay for a Christmas market weekend?
Choose the market or neighbourhood first, then compare hotel locations and public transport connections. A base in the historic centre or on a useful transport route can work well. Our selection uses radii around destination centres, not measured walking distances to market entrances.
Are all hotels in this guide newly opened?
The wider collection covers new, recently opened and upcoming hotels. This guide uses 1 November 2026 as the cutoff for opening eligibility. Inferred opening information remains inferred; inclusion does not guarantee a confirmed opening date or bookable availability. Check the hotel page and booking provider before making plans.
Can I explore the hotels on a map?
Yes. Select a destination and use the interactive map to compare hotel locations. Search within that destination to narrow the results.