Northern Europe Scandinavia and Northern Europe Northern Europe

Discover some of the best Christmas markets in Europe

For many, Christmas is a wonderful time of year and there's nothing quite like the enchanting atmosphere of European Christmas markets to get you into the festive spirit.

4 min 29 Jul 2024

Editorial Team

Author

If you're planning a holiday with P&O Cruises and want to explore the magic of Christmas, you've come to the right place. We're here to give you the low-down on some of the most delightful Christmas markets in Europe.

Things to do at each Christmas market

There are many Christmas markets across Europe, with every country putting their own twist on the festive season. From local delicacies and events to local traditions, there’s much to explore and discover.

1. Amsterdam

Christmas markets in Amsterdam transform this beautiful city into a winter wonderland. Stroll through the illuminated streets, enjoy Dutch delicacies like oliebollen (Dutch doughnuts) and erwtensoep (split pea soup), and don't miss the ice rink at Museumplein (Museum Square). Why not visit the RAI Amsterdam Centre, which transforms into the Amsterdam Winter Paradise every year, or spend a wonderful day and evening exploring the delights of Winter Village Stadshart Amstelveen.

View all cruises to Amsterdam here.

Amsterdam at Christmas

2. Rotterdam

Rotterdam is a hidden gem when it comes to Christmas markets. Explore unique markets and enjoy the maritime charm of this Dutch city. Although this wonderful destination doesn’t have Christmas markets in the traditional sense, there are many ways to celebrate the festive period. Try some stroopwafels (crispy caramel waffles) and don't forget to visit the Winter Fair at Ahoy, an indoor event full of shopping and entertainment.

View all cruises to Rotterdam here.

Christmas lights in Rotterdam

3. Bruges

A fantastic place to experience all that Christmas markets have to offer is Bruges. Imagine cobbled streets adorned with twinkling lights and a backdrop of historic architecture. You can sip on warm glühwein (mulled wine), shop for handcrafted gifts, and indulge in delicious Belgian chocolates. The Christmas markets are part of the winter Glow festival that fills the city with special moments, perfect for making Christmas memories. It's like something out of a fairy tale, and it's just a short journey from Zeebrugge port.

Explore Bruges with its charming Christmas markets and indulge in a special tasting of seasonal Christmas beers on a Bruges and Belgian Cheer shore experience. The charm of this medieval city will capture you immediately as you explore the bustling marketplace, Belfry Tower, the Town Hall and the Chapel of the Holy Blood. Step into the main square and experience a host of charming Christmas markets, complete with a huge Christmas tree and ice rink.

View all cruises to Bruges (from Zeebrugge) here.

Bruges Christmas market

4. Hamburg

Hamburg knows how to celebrate Christmas in style. Explore the bustling Christmas markets with the main market hosted in front of the Town Hall accompanied by a large Christmas tree. Spend your time exploring the city and other markets whilst savouring the mouth-watering local treats, and maybe even go ice skating with the locals at Wandsbeker Winterzauber or EisArena Hamburg.

Get to know this wonderful city a little better with a Snapshot of Hamburg and Christmas Markets shore experience. Embark on a panoramic tour of Hamburg, taking in some of the highlights including the City Halls, the Speicherstadt (the warehouse district) and the Jungfernstieg (a waterfront promenade), before starting a walking tour of the local markets including St Petri’s Christmas Market and Roncalli Market.

View all cruises to Hamburg here.

Hamburg Christmas market

5. Cherbourg

The Cherbourg Christmas market is a charming experience with a touch of French elegance. Traditionally taking place at Place du Général De Gaulle, sample some French delicacies such as pain d’épices (a spiced bread), tartiflette and crêpes, sip on vin chaud (mulled wine) and shop for artisanal gifts. With P&O Cruises, you can enjoy the delights of French Christmas traditions.

View all cruises to Cherbourg here.

Street portrait of smiling beautiful young woman with glasses on the festive Christmas fair. Model eat market goods at camera and look in sky. Christmas market

Local delicacies and traditions to remember

As you embark on your adventure, be sure to sample the delightful local delicacies in each European city and Christmas market. In Amsterdam, there are many Dutch wonders to try such as the sweet and doughy oliebollen (similar to a beignet) or the comforting erwtensoep (split pea soup). The Christmas markets in Rotterdam offer similar delights such as speculaas (a spiced biscuit), pepernoten (a tangy, crunchy biscuit) and kerststol (a sweet bread filled with almond paste and dried fruit).

A Christmas market in Bruges promises Belgian chocolates such as Leonidas and Neuhaus, which are as well as fluffy waffles straight from the waffle pans. Pancakes smothered in Nutella are also a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth. Meanwhile, in Hamburg’s Christmas market, indulge in hearty German sausages, käsespätzle (similar to macaroni and cheese), baumstriezel (a crispy cake known as a chimney cake) and mulled wine.

Whilst in France, do as the French do! Look out for chouchous (roasted sweet almonds), tarte flambée (a thin flatbread with tasty toppings) and marrons chauds (roasted chestnuts): all extremely tasty local delicacies.

View all Christmas and festive cruises here.

Typical Austrian bakery at the Christmas MarketRelated images:

When is each Christmas market on?

You might be wondering when the best time is to visit these fantastic Christmas markets and to get the most out of your trip. The schedule for most European Christmas markets varies from year to year so it's best to check online for the most up-to-date information. As a general guide, many festive markets run from late November to late December or early January.

If you're looking for a festive adventure that combines the magic of Christmas markets with a relaxing cruise holiday, P&O Cruises has you covered. Each stop on your journey offers a unique and unforgettable experience. Get ready to explore, indulge and create cherished memories in these European Christmas wonderlands.