The most popular Christmas markets of 2025: discover the best destinations for a festive atmosphere
The holidays are just around the corner, which means the Christmas markets are opening again. While the Netherlands itself does not have any large Christmas markets, we flock to neighboring countries to visit the most beautiful markets. From atmospheric markets in Germany and cozy stalls in Belgium to magical markets in France: there is plenty of choice to get fully into the Christmas spirit. In this article, you will discover the most popular Christmas markets of 2025 and get an overview of the most beautiful markets to visit this year.
Are you crazy about the winter months steeped in Christmas vibes? Then you know: searching online for Christmas markets starts surprisingly early. The first searches for the most beautiful markets begin in the summer months (!). Demand increases from October and peaks in November and December.
Most popular Christmas markets among the Dutch
Düsseldorf remains the absolute number one when it comes to popular Christmas markets among the Dutch. This is not surprising, as Düsseldorf has one of the largest Christmas markets in Germany. Seven different Christmas markets, each with its own theme, together form one large market that attracts thousands of visitors every year. Based on the search behavior of Dutch people in 2025, the city is the most popular destination for Christmas markets, with no fewer than 33,100 monthly searches.
German Christmas markets are favorites
Oberhausen ranks second with 18,100 searches, followed by Cologne in third place. Antwerp is the only city outside Germany in the top five, with 8,100 searches, along with Aachen and Münster.
German cities: atmospheric and varied Christmas markets
Germany is and remains the absolute Christmas market favorite among the Dutch. The combination of wooden stalls, mulled wine, Christmas decorations and the overall Weihnachtsstimmung is a hit. The most popular German Christmas markets are:
Düsseldorf – Seven themed markets together form one huge winter celebration.
Oberhausen – The CentrO shopping center is transformed into an enchanting winter wonderland every year.
Cologne – With its enchanting Christmas markets around the cathedral, where you always get into the Christmas spirit.
Aachen – Famous for its historic market squares and fragrant Printen (spiced gingerbread cookies).
Münster – Traditional streets with a warm, Christmassy atmosphere. And of course: the famous stinky cheese!
These German Christmas markets are perfect for those who love authenticity and coziness, and are just a few hours’ drive from the Netherlands, making them ideal for a day trip.
Charm and coziness in Belgium
Although the Christmas markets in Germany are the biggest draw, the markets in Belgium are absolutely worth a visit too. The Christmas atmosphere in cities such as Antwerp, Bruges and Ghent is magical:
Antwerp – The winter village on the Grote Markt attracts thousands of visitors every year, and the view from the Ferris wheel is beautiful.
Bruges – During Christmas, this historic city turns into a fairytale setting, perfect for a romantic getaway.
Ghent – A cozy Christmas market filled with lights, local delicacies and music.
The Christmas markets in Belgium are also easy to reach for a pleasant day trip, and the markets’ value for money is often more attractive than that of the larger cities in Germany.
French Christmas magic: a little less well known, but special
Although French Christmas markets are not as popular as the markets in Germany and Belgium, they do offer an enchanting experience:
Paris – The Christmas market near the Champs-Élysées is one of the most elegant Christmas markets in Europe, with impressive Christmas lights and cozy stalls.
Lille – The Grand Place is transformed into a festive winter village, with atmospheric markets and large Christmas decorations.
Colmar – The picturesque half-timbered houses and intimate Christmas markets give this beautiful city a fairytale Christmas atmosphere.
Lille and Colmar are ideal destinations for those looking for something less mainstream, but still with the charm of a French Christmas market.
Close to home: the Christmas markets you can reach quickly
If you do not want to travel far, there are also plenty of Christmas markets close to home. Here are the top five closest Christmas markets for people from the Netherlands:
Antwerp (127 km) – Atmospheric winter village, easy to reach for a day trip.
Mechelen (150 km) – Small, cozy and ideal for a day out.
Hasselt (155 km) – Atmospheric Christmas market in the city center.
Oberhausen (157 km) – Large markets with plenty of Christmas stalls.
Duisburg (169 km) – The old city center is transformed into a Christmas paradise.
Fragrant mulled wine: this is your route
In the mood for a generous dose of Christmas atmosphere, fragrant mulled wine, warm chestnuts and other winter treats: you know where to go. Looking for more inspiration about Christmas markets abroad? See the complete list here. Going farther away for Christmas? These are the 10 best Christmas markets in the world. Frohe Weihnachten!
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