Season · Europe
Christmas Markets in Europe 2026: dates, tips & budget
Wooden stalls, mulled wine, gingerbread and lights in old town squares across Europe.
Next dates27 Nov – 23 Dec 2026Expected dates. Check the official source before booking
Startsin 45 daysGermany, Austria, Prague, Budapest & more
UsuallyLate November to Christmas
What it is
From late November, cities like Vienna, Nuremberg, Prague and Budapest fill their squares with Christmas markets. Many open around the first weekend of Advent and close on 23 or 24 December.
Tips for going on a budget
- Go on weekdays; weekends are very crowded.
- Mulled wine mugs need a deposit, so return the mug or keep it as a souvenir.
- Budget-friendly cities: Budapest, Prague and smaller German towns.
Future dates
- 26 Nov – 23 Dec 2027 (expected)
Plan your trip
Daily costs: Prague travel budget. Prices are usually higher during the event, so add a buffer.
Dates checked 2026-10-11. Each city's official tourism site