European Christmas markets worth visiting in 2026, travel experts say

Summarised from Belfast Live's report · Updated 25 Oct, 18:01 · Archive

Travel experts have selected five European Christmas markets they recommend for 2026, including Colmar in France and Vienna in Austria.

Travel company Oasis Travel has recommended five European Christmas markets for 2026, highlighting destinations the team says offer particularly festive experiences.

Colmar in Alsace runs from 23 November to 29 December, featuring six markets throughout its Old Town offering handcrafted gifts, regional food and seasonal treats. The town's colourful half-timbered houses and cobbled streets create a distinctive fairytale atmosphere, with a dedicated children's market in Petite Venise. Oasis Travel Founder Sandra Corkin said: 'Colmar is one of those places that feels almost too beautiful to be real at Christmas.' The team advises exploring Little Venice at dusk when buildings are illuminated, and booking accommodation early as December weekends are popular.

Vienna's Rathausplatz market, running from 13 November to 26 December, is one of Europe's largest, set against the Gothic Revival City Hall. Thousands of lights, an illuminated Heart Tree and traditional Austrian treats create the setting, with ice skating, a carousel and children's activities available for families.

Read the report

• Christmas Markets worth the hype: Northern Ireland travel experts' top five festive escapesWhich festive markets are really worth visiting?Belfast Live · 25 Oct, 17:38

In this story: Colmar · Vienna · Alsace · Oasis Travel · Sandra Corkin · Andrew McKee

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