The best Christmas markets for festive mini-breaks

The nights may be darker, the days colder, but life is good – because across the UK and Europe, historic cities and market towns are donning their fairy lights and setting out their chocolate-box Christmas markets. Hot cocoa, mulled wine, steaming waffles, skating rinks: it’s the perfect way to ring in the festive season. So why not spend a couple of those last days of annual leave on a merry mini-break?

We’ve chosen a few of our favourite Christmas markets to plan a long weekend around, from Canterbury to Copenhagen, for their festive offerings, old-world charm and delightful kitsch.

1 Berlin, Germany

There are well known Christmas markets all across Germany, but Berlin has more than 70 to choose from. Spread across the city and its suburbs, these markets range from small, artisan affairs to sprawling squares teeming with activity.

Many Berliners flock to the old town of Spandau, where the city’s largest continuous pedestrian zone transforms into a sparkling Christmas village complete with a nativity scene with live animals and a Renaissance fair. History buffs might prefer the medieval market in Alexanderplatz. Or, for a classic German Christmas market experience, check out the stalls in central Gendarmenmarkt.

Opening dates:

Most markets in Berlin open around 25 November, and close on 22 December. Gendarmenmarkt closes on New Year’s Eve.

Travel time from London:

Approx. 2 hr 30 flight

2 Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen is a lovely city break any time of year, but Christmas is a particularly beautiful time to go. Most head straight to Tivoli Gardens, where the world-famous amusement park pulls out all the Christmas stops – with a concert program and an evening fireworks display alongside their skating rink, rides and food stalls. But markets pop up all over the city. There’s Højbro Plads Christmas market, where traditional Danish treats are served up in a picturesque, historic setting. And Nyhavn Christmas market is a magical yuletide experience running along pretty rows of colourful houses.

Our insider travel tip? Don’t miss the Santa Lucia floating parade on 13 December, when merry onlookers gather to watch light-festooned kayaks drift down the canals.

Opening dates:

Most of the markets (like Hojbro) open on 5 November and close on 21 December. The Tivoli market opens on 15 November and runs through until 5 January 2025.

Travel time from London:

Approx. 2 hr flight

Set in the heart of the medieval walled city of Canterbury in Kent, this historic Christmas market boasts live music, carolers, rides, artisan gifts and food stalls. And for the first time in more than 150 years, part of the market will be hosted inside the grounds of Canterbury Cathedral – reviving a 600-year-old tradition.

For those with little ones, the main event is Santa’s grotto, where Mr. and Mrs. Clause will be in residence from November 30th on selected dates. Here, kids can decorate their wish lists with the help of some cheery elves, before being led through to meet the big man himself.

Opening dates:

15 November to 24 December

Travel time from London:

Approx. 1 hr 40 train or 2 hr drive

4 Salzburg, Austria

If you’re looking to celebrate the season in a winter wonderland, Salzburg looks like an idyllic Christmas snow globe this time of year. And for a relatively small city, it has a surprising number of Christmas markets and activities. Many of the stalls look as they did when they were first set up in the 15th century, and because they focus on traditional, artisan quality goods – you won’t find the usual novelty tat here. Renditions of Silent Night waft through the powdery air along with the smell of gluhwein, and there are free daily concerts at 5pm in front of the cathedral. You can even join in the carolling at the Tuesday singalongs.

You’re also likely to run into Krampus, a centuries-old figure from Alpine folklore. Whilst this nemesis of jolly St. Nick is feared by youngsters across central Europe, he’s especially prominent in the Salzburg Christmas parades.

Opening dates:

21 November to 1 January

Travel time from London:

Approx. 2 hr flight

5 Antwerp, Belgium

Bruges gets all the hype as Belgium’s quintessential Christmas destination, but Antwerp is a seriously hip, highly underrated city that happens to be all the more beautiful and buzzing this time of year. So if you’re looking for a mix of cool, contemporary fun and historic beauty, this is the spot to set your sights on (and it’s an easy train journey from London).

The market is spread out over some of the most beautiful locations across the city, so just by walking from one to the next, you’ll see most of the main landmarks. Start in Grote Markt, feasting on Belgian waffles and smoutebollen (Belgian donuts) with rich hot chocolate, while you take in the Medieval and Renaissance architecture. For families and couples alike, there’s a ferris wheel, skating rink and loads of Christmas activities. Once you’ve had your fill of nativities and carols, there’s the city’s legendary fashion district or thriving craft beer scene to explore nearby.

Opening dates:

6 December to 5 January

Travel time from London:

Approx. 3 hr 20 Eurostar or 1 hr 15 flight to Brussels then 40 min train to Antwerp