Best Easter Markets in Europe

From Prague's Charming Streets to Salzburg's Festive Atmosphere: Discover the Top Easter Markets in Europe

Easter markets in Europe are festive events, almost like the Christmas Markets, and they take place in various cities across the continent during the Easter season.

These markets typically feature stalls and booths selling a variety of goods, including Easter decorations, crafts, local products, and, of course, delicious food.

You can find beautifully decorated Easter eggs, traditional handicrafts, and unique gifts at these markets. Many Easter markets also have entertainment such as live music, performances, and activities for children, creating a joyful and vibrant atmosphere.

Easter and Spring - the festival of a new beginning

Easter markets in Europe are often associated with the arrival of spring. They share similarities with spring markets, as both celebrate the changing season and offer an array of goods related to springtime. At Easter markets, you can find a mix of spring-themed items such as flowers, gardening products, and outdoor decorations alongside the traditional Easter-specific merchandise like colorful eggs and festive ornaments.

It’s an ideal opportunity to relish the (hopefully) delightful weather following the chilly winter months, all while leisurely wandering among the craft booths in the park. The perfect time to get outside.

How are Easter Markets any different from a Christmas Market in Europe?

Well, picture a Christmas Market without snow on a beautiful sunny day with birds singing in the trees, and all the decorations are Easter themed. That’s pretty much it. Except many of the markets combine the Easter and Spring themes, to bring double joy, without the cold.

9 places known for hosting beautiful Easter markets

Vienna, Salzburg, Tyrol, Innsbruck

Vienna (in front of the Schönbrunn Palace), Salzburg, and Tyrol (especially Innsbruck and Hall in Tirol) are nice places to spend Easter in Austria. You can visit Easter markets in all of these cities, and there are also exciting musical events happening during the holiday season.

In the 1st week of April each year, The Salzburg Easter Festival is held, a classical music and opera festival – dating back to 1967.

In Vienna, you’ll find a very nice Easter Market (as they do one of the best Christmas Markets as well), where you can buy beautifully decorative eggs – mostly hand-painted eggshells – designed to hang on your “Osterbaum” (Easter tree). It is all about the fabulous Easter eggs. Stunning decorations. Visit their website for updated info on when and where.

Colmar, Alsace, France

Our favorite Easter and Spring Market Destination: This already beautiful fairytale town typically hosts a vibrant Easter/Spring market, where visitors can explore a variety of stalls showcasing regional crafts, local delicacies, and beautifully decorated Easter eggs.

Colmar’s charming atmosphere is enhanced during this time, with streets adorned in festive decorations like little bunnies and Easter eggs everywhere. You’ll find beautifully decorated buildings, and with the birds singing in the trees which are just starting to bloom, you’ll love to just wander around.

Prague, Czech Republic

The Prague Easter Markets are open daily from mid-March to the 1st week of April (16th March to 7th April 2024). The main Easter markets are held at the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square, in the heart of the city, with a few smaller markets across town. These two markets are only a 5-minute walk from each other so you can easily visit both.

It’s a delightful opportunity for both locals and tourists to embrace the spirit of Easter, explore Czech traditions, and indulge in the cultural richness of Prague’s festive offerings.

Krakow, Poland

Krakow in Poland is known for its charming Easter markets. The city comes alive with festive spirit during the Easter season, and the Main Market Square (Rynek Główny) is often adorned with colorful stalls offering a variety of traditional Polish crafts, Easter decorations, and local treats. Visitors can explore the market to find beautifully decorated Easter eggs, handmade crafts, and regional delicacies. The atmosphere is lively, with cultural performances, music, and activities for both locals and tourists to enjoy.

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Unfortunately, Amsterdam is not particularly known for its Easter markets. While the city does celebrate Easter with various events and activities, it doesn’t have a prominent Easter market tradition like some other European cities.

So we haven’t been to an Easter market in Amsterdam yet, but we know that this time of year when all the places have Easter and Spring markets, Amsterdam is the place to go if you love tulips. So you’re in for a treat if you love flowers and springtime.

Budapest, Hungary

In Budapest there are usually, two markets:
Location 1: Vörösmarty Tér
Location 2: Deák Ferenc Tér & Városháza Park/City Hall Park Budapest 1052

These markets are a must-visit during spring in Budapest. It’s the city’s most popular event during this season. You get to try out delicious local food, including Easter dishes, find unique gifts at the craft market, and enjoy the breathtaking Easter Egg Exhibition. It’s an experience every visitor should have in the city.

Exact dates may vary each year, so it’s a good idea to check the local event calendar or official announcements for the specific dates of the market during your visit.

In conclusion, exploring Easter Markets in Europe is a fun thing to do. Celebrating the start of Spring and the end of the cold weather. The vibrant colors, the aroma of traditional delicacies, and the lively atmosphere create an enchanting experience for visitors.

Whether you find yourself strolling through the charming streets of Prague, immersing in the rich cultural tapestry of Salzburg, or discovering the unique crafts in Krakow, each market offers a unique blend of history, art, and culinary delights.

From intricately decorated Easter eggs to the joyous sounds of live music, these markets embody the spirit of Easter, making them not just shopping destinations but immersive cultural experiences that linger in your memories long after the holiday season. Enjoy them.