What Are the European & UK Christmas Markets 2025 Dates?

As the festive season approaches, few experiences capture winter’s magic like a Christmas market. In 2025, cities across Europe and the UK will again glow with lights, music and seasonal scents—from Vienna’s grand squares to Manchester’s buzzing streets. Whether you’re sipping mulled wine beneath historic architecture, browsing handmade gifts, or tasting regional treats, each market offers its own charm.

Planning a festive getaway is simple with Viator’s Christmas Market Mini Breaks. You can tailor tours and short breaks to match your style—and keep costs down with our latest Viator voucher codes. Every code used through us also helps raise money for good causes, as we donate 20% of our profits to charity each month.

Why Christmas Markets Are a Must‑See in 2025

Christmas markets blend living tradition with local culture: steaming mugs of spiced wine, choirs and brass bands, artisans selling crafts, and kitchens turning out regional favourites. In 2025, many destinations are expanding programmes with extra live entertainment, themed evenings and sustainability initiatives—so expect both cherished rituals and fresh experiences.

From the grandeur of Vienna’s Rathausplatz and London’s Southbank Riverside market to the cobbled streets of Colmar, every city has a distinct personality. With our current Viator discount codes, you can enjoy the season’s sparkle without stretching your budget.

Christmas Market 2025 Dates – UK & European Destinations

Below are the key 2025 dates confirmed so far, plus trusted indications where official schedules are still pending. Always check the linked official pages before you book.

United Kingdom

• Bath Christmas Market (Bath): 27 Nov – 14 Dec 2025 (official). Source: Bath & North East Somerset Council newsroom and Visit Bath. Council announcement · Visit Bath
• Edinburgh Christmas Market (Edinburgh): 15 Nov 2025 – 4 Jan 2026 (confirmed by event guide). Details & dates
• Manchester Christmas Markets (Manchester): 2025 dates typically mid‑Nov to just before Christmas; check city pages closer to November. Market guide (2025)
• Frankfurt Christmas Market Birmingham (Birmingham): 2025 dates to be confirmed on the official site; plan for Nov–Dec. Official market page · Market guide (2025)
• Winter Wonderland (Hyde Park, London): Late Nov 2025 – early Jan 2026 expected; check official listings for exact dates. Royal Parks listing
• Southbank Centre Winter Market (London): Typically early Nov – 26 Dec; verify 2025 dates on the organiser’s page nearer the time. Southbank listing · 2025 guide

Germany

• Berlin, Munich, Cologne: Most large city markets run from mid‑/late‑Nov to 23–24 Dec; exact 2025 schedules vary by district. Check city or market official sites closer to November for final dates.

Austria

• Vienna Christkindlmarkt (Rathausplatz): 14 Nov – 26 Dec 2025 (guide with specific dates; ice rink to 6 Jan). VisitingVienna
• Salzburg Christmas Market: Typically mid‑Nov – 26 Dec; verify on the official Salzburg Advent pages when released.

France

• Strasbourg (Capital of Christmas): 26 Nov – 24 Dec 2025 (official). Official dates
• Colmar: 25 Nov – 29 Dec 2025 (official destination site & detailed guides). Official site · Market guide

Czech Republic

• Prague (Old Town & Wenceslas Square): 29 Nov 2025 – 6 Jan 2026 (event guide with specific dates). Prague Experience

Belgium

• Brussels Winter Wonders: 28 Nov 2025 – 4 Jan 2026 (official). City of Brussels · Event site

Hungary

• Budapest (Vörösmarty Square & St Stephen’s Basilica): 2025 dates typically mid‑Nov – 1 Jan; official confirmation usually lands in Oct/Nov. 2025 guide (unconfirmed) · Official tourism hub

Denmark

• Copenhagen (Tivoli Gardens): Christmas in Tivoli usually mid‑Nov – early Jan; confirm 2025 season on official channels. VisitCopenhagen

Note: Many organisers release exact 2025 schedules between late summer and early autumn. We’ll cite official pages wherever possible and label others clearly as guides while you plan.

How to Save on Your Viator Christmas Market Mini Break

Festive travel doesn’t have to mean festive prices. Use the strategies below to trim costs on UK and European market trips while keeping the magic intact.

Use Our Latest Viator Voucher Codes

• Grab a working code on our dedicated page and apply it at checkout for an instant reduction: Viator voucher codes.
• Look for stackable savings (e.g., code + seasonal sale) on select listings.
• Tip: If a code fails, refresh our page for a newly verified option before you book.

Quick win: Apply the code after you’ve added all tours/activities so the discount covers your full basket.

Time Your Booking

• Book early (late summer to early autumn) for best availability on headline markets like Vienna, Strasbourg, Manchester and Edinburgh.
• Stay flexible on dates and departure times—mid‑week and shoulder days are often cheaper.
• Keep an eye on last‑minute drops for less‑busy periods (early season or post‑Christmas dates).

Bundle & Combine Experiences

• Add a guided market tour, lights cruise and food tasting in one go—then apply our code to the entire bundle.
• Consider multi‑city routes (e.g., Cologne & Düsseldorf, Vienna & Bratislava) to maximise value per night.
• Share private tours with friends/family to reduce the per person cost.

Use Filters that Favour Value

• Select Free cancellation listings where available to lock in a good price early without risk.
• Sort by Top‑rated and compare inclusions (tickets, tastings, transport) to avoid add‑on costs later.
• Check meeting points and travel times—central starts save on taxis and transfers.

CTA: Ready to save on your festive break? Get a Viator code now and apply it at checkout.

Supporting Charity While You Save

When you use one of our voucher codes, you’re not just trimming the cost of a festive getaway—you’re helping raise money for good causes. We donate 20% of our profits each month to charity, with beneficiaries selected via our community poll. It’s a simple way to make your Christmas market trip feel even more rewarding.

• Real impact: A share of our monthly profits goes directly to chosen charities.
• Community-led: Our readers help decide who receives support through our poll.
• Save & do good: Apply our Viator codes at checkout and know your booking contributes to a wider positive impact.

Small savings add up across thousands of bookings. Together, we can turn festive travel into festive giving—without paying a penny more.

Tips for Getting the Most Out of a Christmas Market Visit

Make your festive break smoother with these practical pointers for UK and European markets.

Dress & Pack Smart

• Layer up: thermal base, knit mid‑layer, waterproof outer. Don’t forget gloves, hat and scarf.
• Footwear: insulated, waterproof shoes with good grip for cobbles and frosty paths.
• Daypack essentials: reusable cup (for deposits/refunds), handwarmers, lip balm, phone power bank.

Money & On‑the‑Ground Savings

• Cash vs card: most vendors take cards, but small stalls may be cash‑only—carry some local currency.
• Cup/token schemes: returnable deposits on mugs and cups—redeem to save a few pounds/euros per round.
• Eat like a local: try market staples (brotzeit, raclette, langos) for better value than sit‑down restaurants.

Timing & Crowds

• Go mid‑week or earlier in the day for easier browsing and photos; evenings are busier but magical.
• Check parade/firework nights—great atmosphere, heavier crowds; arrive early.
• If visiting multiple markets, start with the most popular first to avoid late‑day queues.

Getting Around

• Use public transport day passes—most cities cluster markets within a few stops or a short walk.
• Confirm meeting points for tours in advance; choose central starts to avoid taxi costs.
• Allow buffer time between experiences in case of festive traffic.

Accessibility & Families

• Many markets are step‑free but on uneven cobbles—consider a compact stroller and watch for crowd pinch points.
• Pick family‑friendly hours (late morning/early afternoon) and warm‑up stops near playgrounds or museums.
• Check accessible facilities on city/market pages before you go.

Safety & Etiquette

• Keep valuables zipped and close; markets are busy and pickpockets operate in crowds.
• Respect stall queues and photography requests; ask before close‑ups of artisan work.
• Travel insurance: ensure winter activities and cancellations are covered.

Save more: Plan your itinerary first, then add every tour/activity into one basket and apply our latest Viator voucher code at checkout.

Christmas Market Mini Breaks – Frequently Asked Questions

1. When do Christmas markets open and close in 2025?

Most UK and European Christmas markets open in mid to late November and close just before or after Christmas. Some, like Prague or Brussels, extend into early January. Always check the official city or event website for confirmed dates before booking.

2. Which cities have the best Christmas markets in the UK and Europe?

Popular UK picks include Edinburgh, Bath, Manchester, and London. Across Europe, Vienna, Strasbourg, Cologne, and Prague often top the lists for atmosphere, variety, and tradition.

3. How much should I budget for a Christmas market break?

For a 2–3 night trip, budget around £250–£500 per person, depending on the destination. This typically covers flights or train travel, accommodation, meals, market purchases, and local transport.

4. Are there guided tours or mini-break packages available?

Yes – platforms like Viator offer packages that combine hotels, guided tours, and festive activities. Booking a package can save both time and money.

5. How do I get the best deals on Christmas market breaks?

Use verified voucher codes, book early for high-demand markets, and look for midweek deals. Our Viator voucher codes can give you instant savings at checkout.

6. Is it better to book early or last minute for Christmas markets?

Early booking ensures the best choice of hotels and tours, especially for popular markets. Last-minute bookings can be cheaper if you’re flexible with dates and destinations, but availability may be limited.

7. What are the travel tips for Christmas market visits?

Dress warmly in layers, wear comfortable waterproof shoes, carry some local currency, and arrive early in the day to avoid crowds. Using public transport day passes can also save money.

8. Which Christmas markets are family-friendly or accessible?

Markets in Bath, Edinburgh, and Vienna are known for their family-friendly layouts. Many major markets have accessible routes, but cobbled streets may still require extra planning.

9. Can I combine multiple markets in one trip cost-effectively?

Yes – booking multi-city tours or choosing destinations with good rail links (e.g., Cologne & Düsseldorf, Vienna & Bratislava) can stretch your budget further. Look for combination packages on Viator for bundled savings.

10. How can I help somebody by booking through this site?

Every booking made using our voucher codes helps support charity. We donate 20% of our profits each month to good causes, with beneficiaries chosen by our community.

Conclusion & Final Thoughts

Christmas markets in 2025 promise to deliver the perfect mix of tradition, atmosphere, and festive cheer—whether you’re wandering through the fairy-lit streets of Edinburgh, sampling mulled wine in Strasbourg, or exploring the riverside stalls in Prague. With so many UK and European destinations to choose from, there’s a market experience for every taste and travel style.

By planning ahead, using our latest Viator voucher codes, and taking advantage of bundled offers, you can enjoy a magical break without stretching your budget. And when you book through us, you’re not just making memories—you’re also making a difference. Our pledge to donate 20% of profits to charity means your festive getaway helps support good causes across the UK and beyond.

Whether it’s your first market adventure or a cherished annual tradition, 2025 is the year to embrace the magic, soak up the sights and sounds, and celebrate the season in a way that’s both joyful and meaningful.

by Julian House 11th August 2025

References & Resources

My Favourite Voucher Codes – Viator Voucher Codes

Strasbourg Christmas Market – Official Dates

Colmar Christmas Markets – Official Site

Vienna Rathausplatz Christmas Market Guide

Prague Christmas Markets – Prague Experience

Brussels Winter Wonders – Official City Page

Budapest Christmas – Official Tourism Site

Manchester Christmas Markets Guide

Bath Christmas Market – Visit Bath

Southbank Winter Market – Southbank Centre

All market dates were correct at the time of writing but may be subject to change. Please check official event or tourism websites before booking.

by Julian House 11th August 2025