At this time of year, all anyone can talk about are Christmas markets. More importantly, which is the best? Again and again, Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market comes up as one of the best in the UK – with some tough competition too. But what about the best Christmas markets in Europe? Well, Birmingham is up there too!
European Best Destinations has been on the hunt for the best Christmas markets in Europe, with Birmingham coming in 8th on the list. That’s the highest-ranked city in the UK, with Edinburgh (13th), London (16th) and Manchester (20th) the only other local Christmas market to crack the Top 20. Pretty impressive if you ask us.
This isn’t a list based on the subjective opinions of a few writers either, nor does it use some arbitrary ranking system using Google search terms or TikTok views. No, this list has been decided by real people, based on +590,000 votes from worldwide travellers. So what makes Birmingham Christmas Market stand out in Europe?
European Best Destinations says: “Set against the stunning backdrop of the city’s grand civic buildings of Victoria Square and the bustling New Street shopping district, Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market is the largest authentic German Christmas market outside of Austria and Germany. Organised by Birmingham’s sister city of Frankfurt, there are over 100 stalls selling traditional toys, ornaments, arts and crafts.”
All pretty standard stuff, but a note is made of the “charming” Christmas in Cathedral Square, just a short walk away, “with wooden chalets showcasing artisan gifts, and food and drink made by the best of Birmingham’s local vendors.” It also highlights the always popular ice rink and big wheel in Centenary Square. We know these things aren’t exclusively tied to one another, but they help to transform Birmingham into one of Europe’s greatest festive cities.
Thinking of planning a festive trip for next year? Make sure to head to Budapest, where you’ll find Europe’s best Christmas market, Advent Feast at the Basilica. Winner of the Best Christmas Market in Europe in 2019, 2021, 2023 and, now, 2024, Budapest’s beautiful Christmas fair is pretty unique.
“In one of the most impressive, beautiful and breathtaking squares of the Hungarian capital”, you’ll find “around 100 domestic craft exhibitors, real gastronomic adventures with a lot of traditional Hungarian dishes, ice-skate ring, heart-warming musical and charity programs”.
Other brilliant Christmas markets in Europe include the Craiova Christmas Market (2nd) in Romania, filled with “amazing Christmas cottages”; Metz Christmas Market (3rd) in France, which is filled with Christmas markets in the city’s main squares; and Poznan Christmas Market in Poland, which has a unique atmosphere thanks to extraordinary holiday decorations and light illuminations.
What are the best Christmas markets in Europe?
1. Budapest – Advent Feast at the Basilica, Hungary
2. Craiova, Romania
3. Metz, France
4. Poznan, Poland
5. Montbeliard, France
6. Riga, Latvia
7. Govone & Asti, Italy
8. Birmingham, United Kingdom
9. Madeira, Portugal
10. Valkenburg, The Netherlands
11. Brussels, Belgium
12. Trier, Germany
13. Edinburgh, Scotland
14. Vienna, Austria
15. Saranda, Albania
16. London, United Kingdom
17. Dresden, Germany
18. Prague, Czech Republic
19. Bruges, Belgium
20. Manchester, United Kingdom
To read more about the best Christmas markets in Europe head here.