With the festive season on the horizon, UK searches for Christmas markets peak at over 200k in November as Brits begin to plan their annual trips.
To help plan which market you’ll be booking this winter, experts at online travel agent and tour operator eShores have analysed Google searches for locations across Europe, highlighting the most popular Christmas market cities for 2023.
London, UK
Topping the list at around 19,000 searches a month, London is the most searched-for Christmas market. With a range of winter markets around the city, you’re spoiled for choice when you visit the UK’s capital. Experience the cheery wooden chalets, live Bavarian tunes and traditional German beers at Winter Wonderland’s Bavarian Village, which opens on November 17, or head to Southbank Centre, where you can discover artisan treats and handmade gifts at the Winter Festival, which runs from October 28.
Top tip for tourists: For a unique adventure in London during the winter season, head to Little Venice for a canal boat ride. Many operators offer festive-themed boat rides, so you can relax and take in the sights while enjoying mulled wine and mince pies.
Prague, Czech Republic
In second place, with 14,000 searches each month, are the enchanting Christmas markets of Prague, which open on December 2. Set against the fairy-tale backdrop of Prague’s colourful Old Town and surrounded by historic buildings like the Old Town Hall and Astronomical Clock, this is a great market for soaking up a quintessentially festive atmosphere. The markets boast a range of brightly decorated traditional wooden huts, selling souvenirs and traditional Czech food such as šunka (hams roasted on spits) and klobása (barbequed sausage).
Top tip for tourists: To take in the Christmas spirit, pay a visit to the Klementinum – a beautiful Baroque library that doubles up as a concert hall. The Christmas concerts combine classical music with an atmospheric setting, perfect for festive season.
Budapest, Hungary
A grand city that straddles the banks of the Danube, Budapest’s charms lend themselves perfectly to the festive season – and with 14,000 monthly searches, it’s clearly a hit with travellers. The best-known Christmas market is in Vörösmarty Square, which opens on November 24. Here, you’ll find Christmas lights and stalls selling gifts and food dotted around the cobblestoned square.
Top tip for tourists: While in Budapest, don’t miss a ride on one of the decorated Christmas trams, which run throughout the festive period. Adorned with sparkling Christmas lights, you can enjoy a scenic tour of the city in true Christmas style.
Vienna, Austria
With 12,000 monthly searches, Vienna is famous for its Christmas markets; you can find several scattered throughout the city. Known locally as Christkindlmärkte, the most famous is Christmas World at Rathausplatz. You’ll find this stunning winter market nestled around the City Hall, boasting seasonal delicacies, arts and crafts stalls and an ice skating rink for the whole family to enjoy. The markets open in 2023 on November 11.
Top tip for tourists: If you’re visiting Vienna over winter, check to see if there are any Viennese Balls during your trip. These elegant affairs continue old dance hall traditions and remain a highlight of Austria’s social calendar.
Berlin, Germany
Berlin is a hotspot for travellers looking for a vibrant and diverse city – and its Christmas markets are no different. With 11,000 monthly searches, Berlin Christmas markets have proved some of the most popular in Europe. The Christmas Market at Alexanderplatz, which opens on November 27, is a firm favourite for visitors. You’ll find a large skating rink and Christmas tree, joined by over 100 stalls selling crafts, food, gifts and treats. Don’t miss a ride on the iconic Riesenrad, a giant Ferris wheel with breathtaking panoramic city views.
Top tip for tourists: While in Berlin, pay a visit to the Gärten der Welt, or ‘Gardens of the World’. Here, you can explore a range of different garden styles. The Oriental Garden takes on the Christmas spirit throughout winter with festive lights and decorations.
To create the ranking, eShores analysed Europe’s top 100 most populated cities, gathering Google data for each location to see which markets global travellers searched the most frequently in 2023.
