One of the best Christmas markets in Europe has been named by travel experts
06:50, 12 Oct 2025Updated 06:52, 12 Oct 2025
The Viennese Christmas Market is in front of the town hall (Image: Getty)
‘Visiting a Christmas market is a cherished festive tradition, with many people even jetting off abroad to soak up the seasonal atmosphere. Europe is home to some of the world’s finest Christmas markets, turning “city streets into enchanting winter wonderlands.”
From twinkling lights and colourful decorations to the aroma of mulled wine, hot chocolate and roasted chestnuts, these markets provide an unforgettable festive experience. According to The Independent, one of the most magical can be found in Vienna. Just two hours and 20 minutes from Bristol Airport, with direct flights from £52 via easyJet, this Christmas market makes for the perfect winter escape without breaking the bank.
Below, we explore why Vienna, Austria, is the ultimate European destination for a festive break.
Why you should visit Vienna’s Christmas markets
Travel guide Bea Adventurous said Vienna’s Christmas market was one of Europe’s “top dogs”. It said: “Vienna doesn’t dabble in Christmas; it stages a full-blown production worthy of the opera. The main market sprawls across Rathausplatz, where the gothic City Hall glows under thousands of twinkling lights. The highlight? An ice-skating trail that snakes through the park, making you feel like you’ve wandered onto the set of a festive rom-com. The hot chocolate, though, is where Vienna outshines the rest.”
The Independent ranked Vienna third, ahead of Switzerland, Belgium, and the Czech Republic. When discussing the city’s four markets, the writer said: “The Viennese Christmas Market (the Wiener Christkindlmarkt at Rathausplatz) in front of the town hall is easily the best-known in Vienna.”
One of the best Christmas markets in Europe has been named by travel experts(Image: Getty)
According to Visiting Vienna, visitors can expect stalls brimming with unique gifts such as sculpted candles, handcrafted ornaments, wooden nativity scenes, jewellery, and gourmet treats.
The only downside to the Wiener Christkindlmarkt at Rathausplatz is the crowds, which can slightly dampen the festive atmosphere. Expect traditional seasonal fare such as dumplings, doughnuts, pastries, potatoes, chocolate-coated strawberries, yeast buns (Buchteln) and tree cake (Baumkuchen) at the market.
The market’s highlights include the renowned heart tree, where a maple-leaved plane tree is adorned with around 200 illuminated hearts.
A 150-square-meter ice rink in Rathauspark near the Vienna Christmas market provides family fun, and a romantically lit Ferris wheel offers an unforgettable experience for all ages. Like most traditional Christmas markets, anticipate a nativity performance and Christmas melodies from a brass ensemble.
You’ll find handmade arts, crafts and food(Image: Getty)
The Independent added: “Locals are said to prefer the Spittelberg Christmas Market. In the heart of the city’s arty district, Neubau, Spittelberg is off the beaten tourist track, with charming, cobblestone streets weaving around gorgeous 19th-century buildings.
“As always, you’ll find handmade arts, crafts and food, but what makes this market unique is its huge focus on the ecological footprint, including produce that is fair trade, regional, organic or vegan or vegetarian. Beyond the Christmas market, this area of Vienna offers cafe culture, trendy restaurants and world-famous museums.
“But if you want to tour around Vienna’s festive markets in one trip, there’s also the Christmas Market at Schönbrunn Palace and the Viennese Christmas Market Freyung – which has been running since 1772.”
What’s the cost?
The Christmas markets in Vienna are set to kick off on Friday, November 14 and run until Tuesday, December 26. Most of these festive markets, including the Wiener Christkindlmarkt and the Christmas Village at Belvedere Palace, offer free entry.
Vienna’s Christmas market is a two-hour flight away from Bristol(Image: Getty)
If you’re flying from Bristol Airport, easyJet flights will cost you £51.99 if you travel on Monday, December 15 (at the time of writing). The least expensive return flight is priced at £94.43 on Monday, December 22.
The well-known airline also has package holiday deals on offer. The most affordable deal comes in at £498, which includes flights and a four-night stay at a three-star hotel near the city centre. Click here to learn more about the package holidays at easyJet or explore Booking.com for additional options.
The Independent’s top six Christmas Markets in Europe
- Dresden, Germany
- Arras, Hauts-de-France
- Vienna, Austria
- Lausanne, Switzerland
- Ghent, Belgium
- Prague, Czech Republic