Weekendo
opens Thu 12 November, 11:00
Duisburg Christmas Market
Market along Königstraße through Duisburg's whole city centre, with an ice rink for Bavarian curling. 12 November to 30 December 2026.
Christmas markets 2026 in Belgium and across the border
From the Grand-Place in Brussels to the cathedral in Cologne, from the caves of Valkenburg to the Christkindelsmärik in Strasbourg: here are the Christmas markets of 2026 within reach of a weekend trip.
Every market has its dates and opening hours checked against the official website of the city or organiser, with the date of the check. Special days such as 24, 25 and 31 December are listed separately, and each card shows whether the market is open right now.
Going by car? Several cities have low-emission zones (LEZ, Umweltzone, ZFE). Markets inside a zone are clearly marked, with a short guide on what to do before you leave.
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Belgium 17Netherlands 19Germany 22Luxembourg 2France 16
76 markets
opens Thu 12 November, 11:00
opens Thu 12 November, 11:00
Paris La Défense Christmas Market
The largest Christmas market in the Paris region, at the foot of the Grande Arche, 12 November to 31 December 2026; Le Sommet area with ice rink until 3 January.
opens Fri 13 November, 12:00
Escher Krëschtmoart – Esch-sur-Alzette Christmas Market
Luxembourg's earliest Christmas market to open: chalets on Esch's town-hall square, with weekend concerts and a St Nicholas parade.
opens Fri 13 November, 12:00
Essen International Christmas Market
Large city-centre market stretching from the light-canopied Kennedyplatz to a medieval market on Flachsmarkt. 13 November to 23 December 2026.
opens Fri 13 November, 11:00
Fluweelengrot Christmas Market (Valkenburg)
Underground Christmas market in the passages of the Fluweelengrot beneath Valkenburg castle ruins, with timed tickets.
opens Fri 13 November, 11:00
Gemeentegrot Christmas Market (Valkenburg)
A Christmas market underground in the marl passages of the Gemeentegrot: sheltered from the weather, with timed tickets.
opens Fri 13 November, 11:00
Harbour Christmas Market (Chocolate Museum, Cologne)
On the Rhine in front of the Chocolate Museum, the harbour market is the first in Cologne to open and stays open until 3 January.
opens Fri 13 November, 12:00
WinterGlow – Christmas Town Valkenburg
New open-air Christmas market on the Walramplein, the heart of Christmas Town Valkenburg, with the illuminated parade on set evenings.
opens Fri 13 November, 11:00
Winterland Hasselt
A 15,000 m² winter village on Kolonel Dusartplein: Christmas market, covered ice rink, Ferris wheel, Santa's House and après-ski bars.
opens Sat 14 November, 11:00
La Magie de Noël at the Tuileries
Christmas market and funfair in the Tuileries Garden by Place de la Concorde, 14 November 2026 to 3 January 2027, daily 11:00–23:45.
opens Mon 16 November, 11:00
Christmas Market at Cologne Cathedral
Right below the cathedral's twin spires on Roncalliplatz, Cologne's best-known market brings red-roofed stalls, a giant tree and a canopy of lights.
opens Mon 16 November, 11:00
Markt der Engel – Angels' Market (Neumarkt, Cologne)
On Neumarkt in the heart of the shopping district, the Angels' Market glows with thousands of star lights in the trees and angels strolling between white stalls.
opens Mon 16 November, 11:00
Nikolausdorf – St Nicholas Village (Rudolfplatz, Cologne)
In front of the medieval Hahnentorburg gate, a 'village' of huts where St Nicholas makes his rounds every day and local Kölsch bands play in the evening.
opens Wed 18 November, 12:00
Bonn Christmas Market
More than 160 stalls across Bonn's pedestrian centre, from Münsterplatz and its Beethoven statue to Friedensplatz.
opens Wed 18 November, 11:00
Lille Christmas Village (Place Rihour)
Some 90 wooden chalets on Place Rihour, a stone's throw from the Grand'Place and its Ferris wheel, for six weeks.
opens Wed 18 November, 12:00
Lille Ferris Wheel (Grand'Place)
The 50 m Ferris wheel is back on the Grand'Place next to the giant tree until mid-January, turning until midnight.
opens Thu 19 November, 11:00
Dortmund Christmas Town (Dortmunder Weihnachtsstadt)
One of Europe's biggest markets, centred on a 45-metre giant tree on Hansaplatz. 19 November to 30 December 2026, free entry.
opens Thu 19 November, 11:00
Düsseldorf Christmas Market
Several themed markets link the old town, the Königsallee and the Rhine, with a Ferris wheel, an ice rink and opening until 30 December.
opens Fri 20 November, 11:00
Aachen Christmas Market
Aachen's big Christmas market wraps around the cathedral and town hall, with the famous Printen gingerbread and stalls tucked into the old-town lanes.
opens Fri 20 November, 10:00
Abbesses Christmas Market (Montmartre)
A small village-style market on Place des Abbesses around the carousel. 2026 dates not yet published; usually late November to early January.
opens Fri 20 November, 11:00
Amiens Christmas Market
Over 100 chalets along nearly two kilometres, from Place René-Goblet to the town hall – one of the longest markets in the north.
opens Fri 20 November, 13:00
Bad Münstereifel Christmas Market
In this walled Eifel town, the 'WinterZauber' market runs between half-timbered houses and City Outlet stores until 30 December.
opens Fri 20 November, 11:00
Bernkastel-Kues Christmas Market
Market in the half-timbered old town on the Moselle, with wine stalls, an Advent calendar and fireworks on 19 December. 20 November to 20 December 2026.
opens Fri 20 November, 11:00
Bruges Christmas Markets (Wintergloed)
Two Christmas markets in the heart of Bruges, on the Markt and Simon Stevinplein, part of the Wintergloed festival, with an ice rink in King Albert I Park.
opens Fri 20 November, 11:30
Charleroi Christmas Village
Chalets and party nights on Place de la Digue, plus an ice rink and family fun on Place Verte, in Charleroi's lower town.
opens Fri 20 November, 16:00
Durbuy Christmas Village and Market
In the lanes of the 'world's smallest town': chalets and an ice rink in Parc Roi Baudouin, first at weekends, then daily from 18 December.
opens Fri 20 November, 10:00
Koblenz Christmas Market
Seven squares in Koblenz's old town from 20 November to 22 December 2026, then 'Winterzeit' on five squares until 3 January 2027.
opens Fri 20 November, 11:00
Metz Christmas Markets
More than 130 chalets spread over several squares in central Metz, with a Ferris wheel, viewing tower and a new ice trail.
opens Fri 20 November, 17:00
Place de la Comédie Christmas Market (Metz)
The lively corner of the Metz markets: food chalets in front of the Opéra-Théâtre, open in the evening on weekdays until 11 pm.
opens Fri 20 November, 11:00
Trier Christmas Market
In Germany's oldest city, the Christmas market fills the medieval Hauptmarkt and the square in front of the cathedral.
opens Fri 20 November, 11:00
Winterlights – Luxembourg City Christmas Markets
The Winterlights festival brings several Christmas markets to Luxembourg's Ville-Haute, from Place d'Armes to Place de la Constitution, until 3 January.
opens Sun 22 November, 10:00
Champs-Élysées Christmas Market
After almost ten years away, the market returns to the lower Champs-Élysées, 22 November 2026 to 4 January 2027. Free entry.
opens Mon 23 November, 11:00
Aegidii Christmas Market Münster
Family-friendly market in the Aegidiimarkt courtyard, around a large wooden pyramid with a chime and a nativity scene. 23 November to 23 December 2026.
opens Mon 23 November, 11:00
Colmar Christmas Markets
Six Christmas markets in Colmar's old town, 23 November to 29 December 2026; gourmet market and Ferris wheel until 3 January.
opens Mon 23 November, 11:00
Giebelhüüskesmarkt at the Überwasser Church, Münster
Small market with a student vibe in front of the Liebfrauen-Überwasser Church, with views of the cathedral towers. 23 November to 22 December 2026.
opens Mon 23 November, 11:00
Heinzels Wintermärchen (Cologne Old Town)
Cologne's market of the Heinzelmännchen house elves spreads over Alter Markt and Heumarkt, with a large open-air ice rink running into January.
opens Mon 23 November, 11:00
Kiepenkerl Christmas Market Münster
A small Christmas village among half-timbered houses around the Kiepenkerl statue, with Westphalian specialities. 23 November to 23 December 2026.
opens Mon 23 November, 11:00
Lichtermarkt at St Lambert's, Münster
Blue pointed-roof huts at the foot of St Lambert's Church, with Münster's biggest Christmas tree. 23 November to 22 December 2026.
opens Mon 23 November, 11:00
Münster Town Hall Courtyard Christmas Market
The largest and oldest of Münster's six markets, under a canopy of lights behind the historic town hall. 23 November to 23 December 2026.
opens Mon 23 November, 11:00
X-MS Christmas Market Münster
Local, sustainable market on Harsewinkelplatz by the 'Kirschensäule' sculpture: crafts and food from the region. 23 November to 23 December 2026.
opens Wed 25 November, 11:30
Reims Christmas Market
About 150 chalets on the Hautes Promenades near Reims-Centre station, with a Ferris wheel and a light show on the cathedral.
opens Thu 26 November, 16:30
Amsterdam Light Festival 2026–2027
Around twenty light artworks along the canals, on foot (4.5 km) or by boat, 26 Nov–17 Jan.
opens Thu 26 November, 17:00
Malmedy Christmas City (Cité de Noël)
About twenty chalets, a big festive bar and a large ice rink on Place du Châtelet, Thursday to Sunday over four weekends.
opens Thu 26 November, 10:00
Paris Notre-Dame Christmas Market
About forty French artisans in Square René-Viviani, facing Notre-Dame, 26 November to 27 December 2026. Free entry.
opens Fri 27 November, 16:00
ACIA Christmas Market in Arlon
Local shops, craftspeople and producers on Place Léopold and the ground floor of the Palais, over two weekends in late November and early December.
opens Fri 27 November, 12:00
Arras Christmas Market (Ville de Noël)
One of northern France's biggest Christmas markets, on the Grand'Place and Place des Héros, with Ferris wheel, ice rink and carousel.
opens Fri 27 November, 11:00
Liège Christmas Village
Belgium's oldest Christmas market (38th edition): about 200 chalets between Place du Marché and Place Saint-Lambert, with pèket and a party mood.
opens Fri 27 November, 12:00
Magisch Maastricht (Vrijthof)
The big winter village on the Vrijthof: chalets, a Ferris wheel, a covered ice rink and bars that stay open late.
opens Fri 27 November, 11:00
Monschau Christmas Market
On the four Advent weekends, the half-timbered town of Monschau in the narrow Rur valley turns into a storybook Christmas setting.
opens Fri 27 November, 11:00
Namur Christmas Market
As part of Namur en Lumière, chalets fill Place d'Armes, Place de l'Ange and Place du Théâtre, with an ice rink, a Ferris wheel and a food village.
opens Fri 27 November, 14:00
Strasbourg Christmas Market (Christkindelsmärik)
One of Europe's oldest Christmas markets (since 1570), spread over eight sites in the historic centre, 27 November to 24 December 2026.
opens Fri 27 November, 11:00
Valenciennes Christmas Village
Christmas chalets on Place d'Armes opposite the town hall, with a Ferris wheel on Place du Commerce and a carousel on Place du Marché-aux-Herbes.
opens Fri 27 November, 12:00
Winter Wonders (Plaisirs d'Hiver)
Brussels' big Christmas market turns 25: 238 chalets along almost 2 km from the Grand-Place to De Brouckère, with a Ferris wheel and an ice rink.
opens Thu 3 December, 12:00
Christmas Village Amsterdam (Museumplein)
The free Christmas market on Museumplein, between the Rijksmuseum and the Concertgebouw, 3–27 December.
opens Thu 3 December, 12:00
Gentse Winterfeesten (Ghent Winter Festival)
Ghent's Christmas market spreads across several squares in the historic centre, with chalets, an ice rink and winter bars open late.
opens Thu 3 December, 12:00
Leuven Christmas Market
More than 120 stalls on Ladeuzeplein and Herbert Hooverplein, in front of the University Library, for 18 days before Christmas.
opens Thu 3 December, 12:00
Royal Christmas Fair (The Hague)
Nearly a hundred chalets under the trees of the Lange Voorhout, free, daily 12:00–21:00, 3–23 December.
opens Fri 4 December, 17:00
Mechelen Christmas Market
About 50 stalls on the Korenmarkt, Haverwerf, Van Beethovenstraat and Vismarkt along the River Dijle, on December weekends.
hours not confirmed yet
Spa Christmas Market
A friendly, community-run Christmas market on Place Royale in Spa, organised by local traders with the town and tourist office.
opens Fri 4 December, 10:00
Vincennes Christmas Village
Vincennes traders' Christmas village on Place Pierre-Sémard, 4 to 24 December 2026, daily 10:00–19:30. Free.
opens Fri 4 December, 14:00
Winter in Antwerp
Flanders' biggest Christmas market runs from the Grote Markt to the Operaplein, with an ice rink on Groenplaats and New Year fireworks.
hours not confirmed yet
Bosch Winters Paradepaardje (Den Bosch)
Nostalgic winter square below St John's Cathedral: covered ice rink, Ferris wheel, carousel and café; 5 Dec–3 Jan.
opens Sat 5 December, 11:00
Mons Cœur en Neige
The 22nd edition of Mons' Christmas festivities: a market on the Grand-Place, a food village on Marché aux Herbes and a covered rink on Place Léopold.
hours not confirmed yet
Lichtjesavond Delft (evening of lights)
The evening the tree on the Markt is lit, with a light market, choirs and concerts in the centre; Tuesday 8 December.
opens Thu 10 December, 12:00
Dordrecht December Market (Dordtse Decemberdagen)
Four days of wooden chalets around the Grote Kerk, the centrepiece of the Dordtse Decemberdagen (10 Dec–3 Jan).
opens Thu 10 December, 16:00
Winterburg Nijmegen
New winter festival in the Kronenburgerpark with a Christmas market, ice rink and music, 10–27 December; small entry fee.
hours not confirmed yet
Wintertijd Heerlen
Winter village on two squares in central Heerlen: ice rink, ice slide, curling, a winter café and a winter market on some Sundays.
hours not confirmed yet
Arlon Charity Christmas Market
A Christmas market raising money for charities on Place Léopold, over two December weekends, run by the town and local service clubs.
opens Fri 11 December, 14:00
Eupen Christmas Market
The 54th edition of the Euregio's oldest Christmas market: more than 90 chalets in Eupen's upper town, for a single weekend.
opens Fri 11 December, 10:30
Haarlem Christmas Market
One of the largest Christmas markets in the Netherlands: hundreds of stalls around the Grote Markt, 11–13 December.
opens Fri 11 December, 12:00
Leiden Christmas Market (Leidse Kerstmarkt)
Nostalgic market around the Hooglandse Kerk over two long weekends: 11–13 and 17–20 December.
opens Sat 12 December, 10:00
Dickens Festival Deventer
A weekend when 950+ Dickens characters fill the Bergkwartier; timed tickets, 12–13 December.
opens Sun 13 December, 12:00
Biggest Christmas Market of the East (Arnhem)
One Sunday of a big winter market in Arnhem's centre, 100+ stalls, 13 December, 12:00–18:00.
opens Thu 17 December, 09:00
Amsterdam Winter Paradise (RAI)
Big indoor winter festival at the RAI: skating, rides and shows; timed tickets, 17 Dec–2 Jan.
hours not confirmed yet
Delft Christmas Market on the Markt
One-day Christmas market on the Markt between the town hall and the Nieuwe Kerk, Saturday 19 December.
hours not confirmed yet
Funky Xmas Market (Westergas, Amsterdam)
Christmas edition of the Sunday Market: makers, designers and food trucks at Westergas, on one December Sunday.
Cities
Münster 6Cologne 5Amsterdam 4Paris 4Valkenburg 3Arlon 2Delft 2Lille 2Metz 2's-Hertogenbosch (Den Bosch) 1Aachen 1Amiens 1Antwerp 1Arnhem 1Arras 1Bad Münstereifel 1Bernkastel-Kues 1Bonn 1Bruges 1Brussels 1Charleroi 1Colmar 1Deventer 1Dordrecht 1Dortmund 1Duisburg 1Durbuy 1Düsseldorf 1Esch-sur-Alzette 1Essen 1Eupen 1Ghent 1Haarlem 1Hasselt 1Heerlen 1Koblenz 1Leiden 1Leuven 1Liège 1Luxembourg City 1Maastricht 1Malmedy 1Mechelen 1Mons 1Monschau 1Namur 1Nijmegen 1Puteaux (Paris La Défense) 1Reims 1Spa 1Strasbourg 1The Hague 1Trier 1Valenciennes 1Vincennes 1
Frequently asked questions
When do the Christmas markets open in 2026?
Most open between 13 and 28 November and run until 23 December or the first days of January. Each market page shows its exact dates and daily hours, checked on the official website.
Are the markets open on 24, 25 and 31 December?
It depends on the market: many close early on 24 and 31 December and stay closed on 25 December. These exceptions are listed on each market page.
Do I need a sticker or registration to drive to the market?
Brussels, Antwerp and Ghent require registering foreign cars; Aachen, Cologne and other German cities require a green sticker; Lille, Paris and Strasbourg require a Crit'Air sticker. Markets inside such a zone are marked, with a guide.
Is entry free?
Open-air Christmas markets are almost always free; some special venues, such as the caves of Valkenburg, charge entry. The price is shown on the market page.