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Strolling along the festive stalls of Christmas markets is truly a magical experience. December is festive in North America, but in Europe, it’s on a whole other level!
The atmosphere is mesmerizing; whether you have children travelling with you or you are travelling with adults, the traditional Christmas Markets are for everyone.
Most Christmas markets in Europe open in mid-November, last until Christmas Eve and can be found all over the continent.
Determining the “best” Christmas market in the world is a difficult task, as it largely depends on individual criteria such as size, available attractions, the quality of food and drink, and the overall atmosphere.
However, the Nuremberg Christmas market in Germany, known as “Christkindlesmarkt,” is often cited as one of the best Christmas markets in the world.
This traditional market, with a history spanning over 400 years, attracts more than two million visitors each year. It is renowned for its artisanal products, including the famous “Lebkuchen” (gingerbread) and its wooden toys.
The market square transforms into a picturesque Christmas village, with the scent of mulled wine, grilled sausages, and caramelized almonds filling the air.
The atmosphere and decorations play a crucial role in evaluating a Christmas market. A good market creates a festive atmosphere with twinkling lights, elaborate decorations, and seasonal music.
The variety of products offered is also a key factor: the best markets offer a wide range of items, from Christmas decorations to artisanal gifts and local culinary specialties. Additional activities and attractions, such as an ice rink or a Ferris wheel, can also enrich the experience.
Other important criteria are the market’s tradition and authenticity. Markets that have long offered traditional products are often highly valued. Location and accessibility are also factors to consider, as are the market’s safety and organization. In summary, it’s the overall experience, including the friendliness of the vendors and the quality of the products, that makes one Christmas market considered better than another.
Each of these Christmas markets offers a unique experience, blending local traditions, exceptional craftsmanship, and festive treats. Therefore, the choice of the “most beautiful” market will depend on your desires and your budget, in terms of points and money.
Here are the Christmas markets in Europe that are very accessible with points from Canada.
Germany is the birthplace of Christmas markets, which originated in the Middle Ages. German cities still stand out today for their numerous Christmas markets throughout the country. The most well-known and popular one seems to be Nuremberg’s.
On the program: Christmas treats, art and craft stalls, unique ornaments, mulled wine, Lebkuchen (traditional German gingerbread), and much more.
The Dresden Christmas market Striezelmarkt is one of the oldest Christmas markets in the world, dating back to 1434. It is held annually on Altmarkt Square, in the heart of Dresden.
In 2025, the Striezelmarkt will celebrate its 591st edition, attracting over 2.5 million visitors. It will feature approximately 240 stalls offering artisanal products, Christmas decorations, local culinary specialties, and of course, the famous Dresden Stollen.
Notable attractions include the 14.61-meter-high Christmas pyramid, the largest in the world, as well as a giant candle arch. The market also offers a daily cultural program, children’s shows, and a large Christmas tree decorated with twinkling lights.
Cologne has many impressive Christmas markets. The largest, called “Christmas Market at Cologne Cathedral,” is located in the city center, beneath the spectacular Gothic cathedral. You can stroll beneath hundreds of lights suspended above your head like stars. With more than 100 stalls, family-friendly entertainment, and free events, you’ll easily find all the traditional Christmas decorations.
In Berlin, the Christmas market WeihnachtsZauber at Gendarmenmarkt runs from November 24 to December 31, 2025. Set in the stunning square surrounded by the Konzerthaus and twin domes, this market features heated chalets with exceptional crafts, culinary specialties, and a daily cultural program. It is an elegant and highly popular market for its unique handcrafted items and festive atmosphere.
Munich’s most famous Christmas market is held on Marienplatz, the city’s main square. The Münchner Christkindlmarkt is scheduled from November 24 to December 24, 2025. This traditional market is set beneath the impressive neo-Gothic city hall and features a massive Christmas tree lit with 2,500 lights, creating a magical atmosphere.
If Munich is your entry point to Europe, you’ll be delighted to discover that the airport also has its own Christmas market. The Munich Airport Christmas and Winter Market is open daily from 11 AM to 9 PM, offering culinary delights, craft stalls, a 625 m² ice rink, curling, concerts, and illuminated guided tours.
Frankfurt’s Christmas market, one of Germany’s oldest, attracts millions of visitors every year. It takes place from November 24 to December 22, 2025, in the city’s historic center, particularly on Römerberg, Paulsplatz, Hauptwache squares, and along the Mainkai.
With over 200 stalls, this market is ideal for gathering with friends, family, or colleagues. You’ll find an almost infinite variety of snacks, drinks, and traditional crafts there.
Flights on Air Canada and Lufthansa can easily be booked with Aeroplan, which is Air Canada’s loyalty program. With our Aeroplan beginner’s guide, you’ll understand how to earn points quickly.
You’ll need at least 35,000 points for a one-way trip to Frankfurt or Munich, departing from Montreal, according to Air Canada’s points predictor.
When looking for accommodation, consider the Aloft Munich or the Courtyard Munich City Center; both are located near Marienplatz in Munich, and you can redeem your annual free night award certificate, offered by Marriott Bonvoy credit cards.
In Frankfurt, the Moxy Frankfurt City Center and the Residence Inn City Center are also excellent choices.
Our ultimate guide to Marriott Bonvoy will show you how to earn points and save on your getaway.
When December arrives, the city of Vienna is illuminated with magical lights. The festive atmosphere can be felt throughout the city, from the narrow streets to large squares. Stalls are seen left and right, and traditional wooden toys and crafts are always popular.
The main Christmas market, Christkindlmarkt am Rathausplatz, is located in front of the City Hall. It is open from November 14 to December 26, 2025.
The main Christmas market, Salzburg’s Christkindlmarkt, is located on Dom- und Residenzplatz, in front of Salzburg Cathedral. It is open from November 20, 2025, to January 1, 2026.
This market is one of the oldest in the world, dating back to the late 15th century. It offers over 100 wooden stalls featuring handmade gifts, crafts, decorative items, and delicious food. Mulled wine, hot punch, and the aromas of cinnamon and citrus add to the festive atmosphere, enhanced by specially designed lighting stretching from one market stall to the next.
Austrian Airlines operates direct flights from Montreal, while Air Canada handles the connection from Toronto. A minimum of 35,000 Aeroplan points will be required for a one-way trip in economy class to Vienna.
There are also many Marriott Bonvoy options available here. For example, the Renaissance Wien is just a short walk from Schloss Schönbrunn, one of the city’s main attractions, and a subway station.
While German and Austrian Christmas markets are usually on the must-do list, you’ll need to go to Brussels for a gourmet Christmas experience.
Brussels offers a festive atmosphere similar to traditional markets, with mulled wine, ice rinks, lively stalls, and a huge Christmas tree. But here, the real stars are fresh waffles, Belgian chocolate, and craft beers.
The magic happens during the Winter Wonders event, which runs from November 28, 2025, to January 4, 2026.
It is entirely possible to plan a getaway to the Brussels Christmas markets with Air Canada using your Aeroplan points. According to the Aeroplan flight rewards chart, a one-way economy class flight between Montreal and Brussels can cost between 35,000 and 60,000 Aeroplan points, depending on availability and the travel period.
Given that Air Canada flights are subject to dynamic pricing, the best strategy is to book as early as possible or be flexible with your dates. This will allow you to maximize the value of your points and find the best available offers.
The Dominican, Brussels, a Member of Design Hotels is an affordable Bonvoy Marriott hotel located just minutes from Brussels’ Grand-Place.
As a couple, you could each sign up for a Marriott Bonvoy co-branded card and earn a significant amount of points with the welcome bonus, and take advantage of the many travel insurances.
In Paris, the Tuileries Garden Christmas market, which will run from November 15, 2025, to January 4, 2026, is not just about food and gifts. Get ready for a magical day in the heart of the City of Lights, between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde.
You’ll find traditional food stalls offering mulled wine, crepes, raclette, and other delicacies, as well as an artisan village to discover unique gifts and handcrafted items.
But that’s not all: the market also features a funfair with a Ferris wheel, rides for all ages, and an outdoor ice rink. The atmosphere in Paris during this period is absoluetly magical! You can even discover some of the capital’s sights on an open-top Christmas bus to linger in the magic.
Located near the German border, Strasbourg is known as the French capital of Christmas. The hand-painted wooden decorations give the impression of being in a real nativity scene as you walk through the hundreds of traditional Christmas market stalls.
You’ll definitely put on a couple of pounds here, as it’s pretty hard to say no to all those French delicacies!
If you have time, you could book a tour to discover other Alsatian Christmas markets, departing from Strasbourg.
The Strasbourg Christmas market will be held from November 26 to December 24, 2025.
As with Brussels, you’ll have to contend with Air Canada’s dynamic pricing to get to Paris. You will need at least 35,000 Aeroplan points for a one-way economy class flight, departing from Montreal.
The other advantage of flying with Air Canada is to use eUpgrades credits and travel comfortably for fewer points.
There are no direct flights between Canada and Strasbourg, but you could use the Aeroplan stopover feature.
A good hotel to consider is the Aloft Strasbourg Étoile, located within walking distance of the city’s main Christmas market. By staying here, you can enjoy easy access to local attractions and the festive atmosphere of the market.
To maximize your points, you can use a co-branded Marriott Bonvoy card, such as the Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* Card, which offers up to 5 points per dollar spent on stays at Marriott Bonvoy hotels, as well as a welcome bonus of up to 50,000 points.
Additionally, as a Marriott Bonvoy member, you can take advantage of the 2025 Fall Promotion: from October 28, 2025, to January 10, 2026, you can earn 2,025 Bonvoy points for each eligible stay, up to a maximum of three stays. Registration is required before December 27, 2025, via your Marriott Bonvoy account.
Prague is a perfect postcard year-round, but it transforms into a winter wonderland from November 29, 2025, to January 6, 2026, thanks to the Christmas market. The Old Town Square, with its astronomical clock and towering Christmas tree, is home to the main market, while Wenceslas Square, just a 10-minute walk away, offers a festive atmosphere with local artisans, an ice rink, and live music.
Children can enjoy the live nativity scene and animals in the square, and don’t miss the Saint Nicholas celebration on December 5. The stalls offer Czech handicrafts, Christmas decorations, local pastries, and mulled wine.
As with Strasbourg, Prague is well connected to other Star Alliance hubs in Europe, making it very easy to access from Canada via Aeroplan. The Marriott Hotel in Prague is just a 10-minute walk from the Christmas markets, offering a convenient and comfortable stay to fully enjoy the magic of the holidays.
Budapest’s Christmas market, primarily located in Vörösmarty Square, is a true celebration of the holiday season. Open from November 14, 2025, to January 1, 2026, this market offers a variety of handcrafted products, Hungarian culinary specialties like Kürtőskalács and Lángos, as well as light shows and activities for children.
Less crowded than other European markets, while maintaining a warm and traditional atmosphere, this market remains a must-visit for anyone travelling to the Hungarian capital during the holiday season.
There are no direct flights between Montreal and Budapest, according to Flight Connections, but the Hungarian capital is well connected to European Star Alliance hubs, such as Frankfurt, Vienna, Prague, or Munich, making it easy to access with Aeroplan. For travellers wishing to visit several Christmas markets on the same trip, it is possible to use the Aeroplan stopover feature for 5,000 points, or, for direct access, to book a flight to a major European city and then a low-cost flight for the final leg.
For accommodation, the Courtyard Budapest City Center is just a few minutes’ walk from Vörösmarty Square and the Christmas market. This hotel is affordable, whether you choose to pay with cash or use a Marriott Bonvoy free night award certificate, while still earning points toward your future travels.
To optimize your booking during peak season, consider using the Awayz tool, which allows you to quickly compare flights and fares to find the best option.
The Copenhagen Christmas market is a must-visit during the winter season, offering a magical experience for visitors. The famous Tivoli amusement park transforms into a sparkling Christmas village, with ice rinks and souvenir shops.
The old port of Nyhavn also hosts a picturesque market where local crafts and traditional music create a festive atmosphere. In addition, the Nytorv market offers a wide variety of activities and stalls for all ages. Between outdoor ice rinks and illuminated streets, Copenhagen is a prime destination to celebrate the magic of Christmas.
Departing from Montreal, you will need to plan for at least 35,000 Aeroplan points, in economy class, for a one-way trip.
The cost of living is high in Copenhagen, but the Moxy Copenhagen Sydhavnen remains an affordable lodging option.
The most popular Christmas market in London is Winter Wonderland, set up annually in Hyde Park, from mid-November to early January. Much more than just a market, it’s a true winter amusement park offering an ice rink, rides, shows, concerts, and numerous craft and culinary specialty stalls.
Appreciated for its festive atmosphere and numerous activities, Winter Wonderland is a must-visit destination during the holiday season. For a different experience, a guided bike tour of the Christmas lights will allow you to admire several iconic sites of the British capital.
To travel to London using loyalty points, several options are available. You can redeem approximately 35,000 Aeroplan points for a one-way economy class flight from Montreal, depending on Air Canada’s dynamic pricing.
You can also use Avios points with British Airways, or Flying Blue (Air France / KLM), which often offers direct flights from Canada.
Regarding accommodation, Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors programs offer several hotels where you can redeem your points for free nights, although these options may be more expensive during peak season.
For a more economical stay, Airbnb and independent hotels remain excellent alternatives; you can also use your travel points to get a credit on your account.
For those who wish to fully enjoy European Christmas markets without worrying about logistics, Air Canada Vacations offers several all-inclusive packages departing from various Canadian cities.
Among the options, you’ll find packages such as:
These packages generally include round-trip flights from several Canadian cities, accommodation, some guided tours, and seasonal activities, allowing you to fully enjoy the Christmas spirit in Europe without hassle.
As you can see, there are lots of Christmas markets in Europe. There can even be a dozen in the same city!
Those in Paris, Munich, Frankfurt, Vienna, Brussels, London, and Copenhagen are particularly extraordinary and very convenient for a quick getaway, thanks to direct flights or easy connections from Canada.
For a short weekend, reward points offer a good compromise for a wonderful experience during this festive period. Among them, Aeroplan points are very easy to earn in Canada: either with your organic spending on a credit card like the American Express Cobalt® Card, or with a generous welcome offer like the TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card.
Germany, Austria, Belgium, France, England, the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Denmark offer the public magnificent Christmas markets to celebrate the holiday season.
You’ll be captivated by the magic of the Tuileries Garden Christmas Market, taking place from November 15, 2025, to January 4, 2026. On the program: nearly 80 wooden chalets, rides, a Ferris wheel, an ice rink, and a host of activities for the whole family.
Most markets open mid-November and close early January 2026. For example:
These dates may vary slightly depending on the cities and markets.
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