Imagine wandering through a Christmas market as snowflakes settle on wooden stalls, fairy lights twinkle above cobblestone streets, and the scent of mulled wine and freshly baked gingerbread fills the cold winter air.
It’s the kind of Christmas magic we all hope to experience in Europe. But not every famous Christmas market gets snow in December! If a snowy Christmas is on your wish list, these seven beautiful destinations offer some of the best chances of finding it, along with festive markets, cosy cafés, and winter scenery that looks straight out of a Christmas card.
Please note that while the following destinations are more likely to have snow in December, weather conditions can vary from year to year, so it’s a good idea to check the weather forecast closer to your travel dates for the most accurate information.
This is the kind of place you picture when someone says “Christmas in the snow.” By December, Quebec City is usually properly wintery, and when the snow arrives, Old Québec becomes something rather special. The little streets, glowing lights and decorated shop windows look even prettier with a layer of fresh snow.
Québec City hosts magical holiday events, most notably the Québec City German Christmas Market (Marché de Noël Allemand) and Le Grand Marché de Québec.
Go for a wander around the German Christmas Market, stop for something warm, then make your way through the old streets towards Petit-Champlain. You don’t really need a plan. Half the fun is simply walking around and seeing what catches your eye.
And that’s the big reason Quebec City makes our list: snow isn’t just a possibility here. It’s a normal part of December. Read more…
Snow verdict: ❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️ Excellent chance
If you want mountains with your Christmas market, Innsbruck is a beauty. Imagine walking through the Old Town, Christmas lights glowing above you, the Golden Roof just ahead — and the huge snowy peaks of the Nordkette rising behind the rooftops. That mountain backdrop is there even when the snow hasn’t quite reached the market streets.
Innsbruck actually has seven Christmas markets, so you can make a whole day of it. The main one is right in the Old Town, but I particularly like the idea of taking the short journey up to Hungerburg, where the city’s highest Christmas market gives you views back over Innsbruck and the Alps.
And the snow record is the really interesting part for this particular list. Innsbruck had snow on the ground on Christmas Day in each of the last 10 years in the dataset we are using, making it one of the strongest destinations for a genuinely white Christmas.
So here you get the best of both worlds: a lovely Christmas market down in the city and a proper Alpine winter landscape all around you.
Snow verdict: ❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️ Excellent chance
Nuremberg’s Christkindlesmarkt is one of those places where snow can completely change the atmosphere.
The market takes over the Hauptmarkt in the Old Town, with rows of red-and-white striped stalls selling gingerbread, ornaments, roasted almonds and the famous little Nuremberg sausages.
Even without snow, Nuremberg is wonderfully Christmassy. But if you happen to arrive when the flakes start falling and the rooftops turn white, the whole Old Town suddenly feels like a Christmas postcard. Read more…
Snow verdict: ❄️❄️❄️❄️ Good chance of seeing snow during the market season
Dresden is a lovely one to keep on your snow radar. Its famous Striezelmarkt fills the Altmarkt with wooden stalls, Christmas lights, enormous traditional Christmas decorations and the smell of hot Glühwein and Dresdner Christstollen. It has been running since 1434, making it Germany’s oldest Christmas market.
And unlike some of the more southerly Christmas-market cities, Dresden is genuinely cold enough for snow during the market season. December marks the start of the city’s snowier period, and snowfall becomes more likely as the month goes on.
You can wander through the market, admire the huge Erzgebirge Christmas pyramid, warm up with a mug of Glühwein and then carry on into the beautifully lit Old Town.
Snow verdict: ❄️❄️❄️❄️ Good possibility during the market season
If you want that storybook Christmas-market feeling, Rothenburg is hard to ignore. The Reiterlesmarkt winds through the heart of the medieval Old Town, with little wooden stalls around the Market Square, Town Hall and St. James’ Church. Then you have those narrow lanes and half-timbered houses waiting just beyond the market.
Now add snow.
That’s when Rothenburg really earns its place on a Christmas list. Snow is certainly possible during the market season, and when it arrives, the old rooftops, towers and winding streets become wonderfully atmospheric.
But I can’t promise snow here. Rothenburg is not an Alpine destination, so snow should be regarded as a possibility rather than something you can plan around. If you get it, though, you’ve hit the jackpot for photographs.
And don’t just stay on the market square. Wander the little streets after dark, when the Christmas lights come on and the crowds thin out a little. That’s when Rothenburg can feel especially magical.
Snow verdict: ❄️❄️❄️❄️ Good possibility during the market season
Down in the centre, wooden market stalls, Christmas lights and the smell of grilled oscypek cheese give you that warm mountain-market feeling, while the Tatra Mountains rise behind the town.
The Christmas market at Plac Niepodległości runs right through December, so there’s plenty of opportunity to experience it in proper winter weather. You can browse local crafts, pick up something made in the Podhale region, warm your hands around a hot drink and then wander along Krupówki when the lights come on.
And snow is a big part of the Zakopane experience. December is already a snowy month here, with historical data showing regular snowfall throughout the month and the last week of December typically being the snowiest.
When the snow is down and the Tatra peaks appear behind the Christmas lights, Zakopane has that wonderful combination of mountain village, Polish Christmas traditions and proper winter scenery. Read more…
Snow verdict: ❄️❄️❄️❄️ Very good chance of snow during the December market season
Tallinn looks as though it was made for a snowy Christmas. The Christmas market sits right in the middle of the medieval Old Town, with its big Christmas tree, little wooden stalls and warm lights glowing against the dark December evenings. Add a layer of fresh snow and those cobbled streets suddenly look like something from a Christmas film.
The nice thing about Tallinn is that you don’t have to go looking for the Christmas atmosphere. You can wander around Town Hall Square, warm up with hot glögi and gingerbread, browse the stalls, then duck into a cosy café when your fingers get cold.
And snow? Tallinn usually gets snow between December and March, although Christmas itself is not guaranteed to be white. The city’s own tourism office puts the chance of snowfall at Christmas at roughly 50:50, so it deserves a place on our list — but with that little warning. Read more…
Snow verdict: ❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️ Good chance, but not guaranteed
Now we’re talking about proper Christmas snow. Rovaniemi sits right on the Arctic Circle, in Finnish Lapland, and December is deep winter here. The average temperatures are around -20°C to -10°C. Therefore permanent snow cover is usually in place by December, although nature always gets the final say.
And then there is the Christmas factor. You can wander through Santa Claus Village, cross the Arctic Circle, see reindeer and huskies, and find Christmas lights glowing through the darkness. With only around 2½ hours of daylight in December, the whole place has a wonderfully wintry feel.
For me, Rovaniemi belongs on this list because you aren’t simply visiting a Christmas market and hoping for snow. Snow is part of the experience.
Snow verdict: ❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️ Excellent chance
Kitzbühel is the sort of place where you can picture Christmas before you even arrive. The little historic centre lights up for Advent, wooden stalls fill the streets and squares, and the mountains rise all around the town. When the snow is down, those old buildings and narrow streets look particularly lovely.
The Christmas market runs for much of December, so you’re not restricted to a tiny pre-Christmas window. There are local specialities, handmade goods, warm drinks and plenty of opportunity to simply wander around the old centre as the lights come on.
And for our snow-focused list, Kitzbühel has another advantage: this is a proper Alpine winter destination rather than a city hoping for a December cold snap. Find beautiful places to stay …
Snow verdict: ❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️ Excellent Alpine December choice
This elegant little resort in the Italian Dolomites turns festive in December, with Christmas markets in the village selling local food, crafts and gifts. The market season starts in early December and continues well into January.
What makes it especially interesting for this list is the setting. Madonna di Campiglio sits high in the mountains, and December is already proper winter here. Recent December records show substantial snow cover.
So this is not a place where you’re simply crossing your fingers for a freak snow shower. Snow is a normal part of the December landscape, and when the Christmas lights come on around the village, the combination of snowy mountains, wooden stalls and warm Italian food is hard to beat.
Snow verdict: ❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️ Very strong December snow destination
We give you the top 24 Christmas Markets according to travelers’ reviews. From the most memorable and the most enchanting to the most festive and most legendary Christmas markets in the world.
Vienna, Austria – Vienna’s Rathausplatz market shines with classical music performances, ornate decorations, and the aroma of roasted chestnuts. It’s a symphony of Christmas spirit. Vienna typically experiences cold weather in December with a possibility of snow, adding to the magical ambiance of its Christmas markets.
Nuremberg, Germany – The Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremberg offers a nostalgic journey with its iconic Prune Men, Nuremberg sausages, and delicate handcrafted ornaments.
Copenhagen, Denmark – Tivoli Gardens transforms into a fairy-tale Christmas wonderland with twinkling lights, an ice rink, and Nordic-inspired treats.
Prague, Czech Republic – The Old Town Square market in Prague showcases a stunning backdrop of Gothic architecture, and its wooden stalls brim with Bohemian crafts. Prague’s Christmas market in the Old Town Square can also see snowfall, creating a picturesque setting.
more fabulous markets and places to visit in the top 24:
Bruges, Belgium – Bruges’ medieval city center becomes enchanting with its ice rink, horse-drawn carriages, and stalls filled with Belgian chocolates and lace.
Stockholm, Sweden – The Skansen Open-Air Museum hosts a traditional Swedish Christmas market where you can savor mulled wine and explore historic buildings.
Rovaniemi, Finland – Santa Claus Village in Lapland offers a chance to meet the real Santa, ride reindeer, and witness the enchanting Northern Lights. Rovaniemi, located in Lapland, is known for its snowy winters, and it’s a great place to experience a winter wonderland with a high probability of snowfall in December. Although this is more a “destination” than a Christmas market, we just had to add it to our list, because it is a bucket list must-visit Christmas destination.
Budapest, Hungary – Budapest’s grand Vörösmarty Square market is famed for its Hungarian chimney cake, artisanal crafts, and festive music.
Edinburgh, Scotland – Edinburgh dazzles with its festive lights, Christmas markets, and the sparkling Christmas tree on the Mound.
Salzburg, Austria – Mozart’s hometown features a charming Christmas market in the historic district, where you can shop for handmade gifts and enjoy Austrian treats.
Amsterdam, Netherlands – Amsterdam’s illuminated canals and Dam Square market create a magical atmosphere with a backdrop of picturesque Dutch architecture. One of the largest Christmas markets in the whole of the Netherlands, the Haarlem Christmas market is a must-see, must-do experience.
San Francisco, USA – Union Square’s Ice Rink, giant Christmas tree, and festive decorations turn the heart of San Francisco into a winter wonderland.
Barcelona, Spain – Visit the Fira de Santa Llúcia in Barcelona for Catalan Christmas traditions, including Caga Tió and festive Catalan nativity scenes.
Dublin, Ireland – Dublin’s Christmas market at St. Stephen’s Green offers Irish crafts, cuisine, and a vibrant atmosphere for holiday shoppers.
Tokyo, Japan – Tokyo’s Roppongi Hills and Tokyo Skytree areas shine with illuminations, adding a modern and cosmopolitan touch to Christmas celebrations.
Vianden, Luxembourg – Vianden hosts a medieval-themed Christmas market in a picturesque town setting, where you can step back in time and enjoy seasonal delights.
Helsinki, Finland – Senate Square in Helsinki becomes a snowy wonderland with festive stalls offering Nordic delights and unique Christmas gifts. Helsinki, like other parts of Finland, often has snowfall in December, making the Senate Square Christmas market even more festive.
Krakow, Poland – Krakow’s Main Market Square glows with lights, and its Christmas market offers Polish holiday treats like pierogi and mulled wine. Krakow, in Poland, can have a snowy December, which enhances its Christmas market’s cozy and traditional atmosphere.
Riga, Latvia – The Old Town’s market in Riga is known for its beautiful Christmas tree and a festive atmosphere that captures the spirit of the season.
Lisbon, Portugal – Lisbon’s Wonderland Lisboa is the biggest Christmas market in Portugal. Offering a Ferris wheel, a skating rink, and Santa’s village.
Although all of these Christmas markets offer unique experiences, they share a common thread of festive spirit, charming decorations, seasonal treats, and an opportunity to shop for handcrafted gifts. Each market, while diverse, promises a magical atmosphere that captures the essence of the holiday season.
Suggested Read: Packing list and tips for a ski and snowboard holiday.
The Christmas market of Strasbourg in France is certainly the oldest and to many the prettiest market in the world. If you’re getting ready to go there this Christmas, try and book a room in a beautiful hotel that dates back to 1427:
You cannot book at a better spot. The hotel is located right on the Cathedral Square. You’ll be staying right next to the Cathédrale Notre-Dame-de-Strasbourg and the Christmas Market.
You can also savour traditional Alsatian cuisine and a variety of traditional dishes in the hotel’s gourmet restaurant.
Dresden, Germany – The Striezelmarkt in Dresden is one of the first genuine Christmas markets in the world. Founded as a one-day market in 1434.
