If you're looking to check out some Christmas markets during the holidays, expert Rick Steves has some less crowded ones to visit in Europe.

From the most-awarded Advent Basilica Budapest to the 2025 Best Christmas Market in Gdansk, these are the 'all star' Christmas markets from European Best Destinations.

Europe’s best Christmas markets spotlight artisans, from candlemakers in Helsinki to jewellery designers of Košice. View on euronews

From festive markets to new cultural experiences, find out why Americans are leaving behind their local traditions to celebrate this iconic holiday in Europe.

Cities across Europe hold Christmas Markets every year - with tens of millions of people descending on city centres across the continent. However, perhaps nowhere takes it more seriously than Cologne, with the German city's Christmas attractions bringing more than four million visitors into the city in the run up to December 25.

Excitingly, that’s now the case for Vilnius, Lithuania’s charming capital city. The Christmas Cities Network has named it the European Capital of Christmas for 2025, citing its ‘dazzling displays, iconic Christmas Tree, and rich programme of events’.

EVERY year, an airport in Europe is transformed into a charming Christmas market with two ice rinks and over 50 stalls. Holidaymakers who have time to kill before a flight will want to visit

Craiova secured second place this year in the annual European Best Destinations competition for the most beautiful Christmas markets.  This year marked a record number of votes cast, over 753,000. Craiova's Christmas market garnered over 91,

Wisconsin communities bring cozy drinks and European arts and crafts to outdoor Christmas markets this holiday season.

Want a fun Christmas activity you can enjoy no matter where you live? Try these festive Christmas markets found all across the country.