Even though there are still two and a half months until Christmas, it is already the time when many start making plans for the winter holiday. And for those who love the holiday atmosphere, the Christmas markets in Europe are an attraction not to be missed. The good news is that one of the most appreciated destinations is right here in Romania.
Craiova ranks first in the list of the best Christmas markets in Europe for 2026, ahead of famous cities like Zurich, Vienna, and Prague. With spectacular decorations, luminous installations, and attractions for all ages, the Romanian city is getting ready to welcome visitors in a setting inspired by „The Nutcracker.”
The ranking is brought to attention by Euronews, which presents the most appreciated Christmas markets on the continent, in the perspective of the holiday season. The list was compiled by the European Best Destinations platform, based on votes from over 800,000 travelers, and includes 20 destinations.
Craiova received over 142,000 votes and climbed to the first position, after previously ranking second.
Europe hosts over 1,500 Christmas markets annually, from the traditional markets in German and Austrian cities to markets organized in destinations with milder winters, such as Lisbon.
What Craiova is preparing for Christmas 2026
The Christmas market in Craiova covers an impressive area of over 280,000 square meters, transformed every year into a fairytale setting.
The theme for the 2026 edition is "The Nutcracker," and visitors will discover giant ornaments, toy-shaped sculptures, and numerous luminous installations.
Among the announced attractions are Santa's flying sleigh, presented as the one that reaches the highest altitude in Eastern Europe, an ice rink, a panoramic wheel, and traditional hand-painted cottages.
The market will be open from mid-November until the beginning of January.
Another point of attraction is the gastronomy. In addition to traditional dishes, visitors will be able to try specialties from Armenia, Georgia, Greece, Bulgaria, and Serbia, as noted by Euronews.
Zurich and Riga complete the podium
In second place is Zurich, Switzerland, where the main attraction is the Wienachtsdorf market, set between the Opera and Lake Zurich. The wooden houses, lights, and giant Christmas tree are complemented by other festive events organized in the city.
One of these is Illuminarium, which transforms the courtyard of the Swiss National Museum into a space with light installations, music, and projections.
The third place goes to the capital of Latvia, Riga. Here, the main market is organized in Dome Square, in the historic center included in the UNESCO heritage. Visitors find artisanal products, traditional sweets, and folkloric shows, while the city's parks and squares are decorated with luminous installations inspired by Latvian fairy tales.
In fourth place is Lisbon, which offers a Christmas experience with milder temperatures. The Wonderland Lisboa market returns to Eduardo VII Park, with the theme "The Roots of Christmas." In 2025, the event attracted over 1.2 million visitors.
The top five is completed by Debrecen, the second largest city in Hungary. The festive program includes over 100 cultural events, with the participation of over 200 artists, an ice rink, and attractions for children.
The top 20 Christmas markets in Europe
According to the European Best Destinations ranking, presented by Euronews, the order of destinations for 2026 is as follows:
- Craiova, Romania
- Zurich, Switzerland
- Riga, Latvia
- Lisbon, Portugal
- Debrecen, Hungary
- Govone and Asti, Italy
- Valkenburg, Netherlands
- Vienna, Austria
- Montbéliard, France
- Paris, France
- Edinburgh, Scotland
- Madrid, Spain
- Winchester, England
- Prague, Czech Republic
- Bruges, Belgium
- Dresden, Germany
- Nuremberg, Germany
- Ravenna Gorge, Germany
- Frankfurt, Germany
- Cologne, Germany
G.P.