Brussels Joins France, Italy, and Germany as Top European Winter Destinations, Tourists Flock to Snowy Escapes and Holiday Magic

Published on November 23, 2025

The holidays is that time of the year when one gets to embrace the spirit of Christmas. Getting to enjoy the markets of Christmas is one of the best opportunities one gets to experience. The markets in Christmas are one of the best in Europe. Getting to travel to Brussels to enjoy Street Fairs to Prague Christmas markets are a dream. Best of all, you only have to travel 2 hours from london to enjoy these markets. You will travel via the Eurostar and just in time, enjoy and discover these markets which are lovely, traditional, and elegant.

The markets are filled with traditions for the holidays and decorated for the Christmas spirit. This year, enjoy: food made with the freshest ingredients with all the seasonal spices, spiced wine, warm tasty drinks. Christmas spirit brings cheer to the air and is filled with joy. These are the Top 5 markets that one must visit this holidays.

1. Brussels, Belgium

Hotels & Approximate Price Range

• Rooms within walking distance of the Christmas market (near the Grand‑Place) can start from around €100‑€120 per night for 2 adults in a 3‑star hotel during the festive period. For example, some budget hotels list from €75 to €100 near the market.
• Mid‑range 4‑star hotels near the market are listed from £140‑£200 (or roughly €160‑€230) per night in peak season. For example “Hotel Fleur de Ville” from £200+ in December.
• Luxury options will cost more — e.g., some 5‑star hotels near Grand‑Place show higher rates, though exact prices are subject to availability.

Markets & Food

• The Brussels Winter Wonders market around the Grand‑Place offers dozens of wooden chalets selling gifts, Belgian chocolates, waffles, and hot drinks. (While the official tourism board for Brussels wasn’t directly cited here, hotel listings refer to “near Brussels Christmas Market”.)
• Because the market is in a city centre location, many restaurants, chocolate shops and cafés are right nearby — so you’ll find standard festive treats (waffles, hot chocolate, mulled wine) plus Belgian‑specialty food.
• For example, budget travellers should expect to pay roughly €4‑€7 for a hot drink such as mulled wine or hot chocolate at a market stall, and around €5‑€10 for a standard street‑food snack like waffles or fries (based on general European market pricing, though not all stalls publish fixed prices).

2. Strasbourg, France

Hotels & Approximate Price Range

• The city has many accommodation options; according to guides: staying near the castle of markets (Old Town / near cathedral) in December, you should expect mid‑range hotels from around €120‑€180 per night for a decent 3‑star or 4‑star. (Fees vary depending on how early you book and how close to the major dates).
• For more premium locations or boutique stays, prices will rise above €200 per night easily in peak holiday period.

Markets, Food & Drink

• Strasbourg’s Christmas market (Christkindelsmärik) dates from 26 November to 24 December 2025 in one key location according to listings.
• The markets celebrate Alsatian cuisine: featured specialties include mulled wine (vin chaud), gingerbread, “bredle” biscuits, “mannele” brioche, and regional savoury dishes.
• Typical food‑stall items: A hot mug of mulled wine ~ €4‑€6, a plate of local fare such as tarte flambée or choucroute maybe €10‑€15 in market or nearby café context. (Derived from food tour pricing and street‑food references.)
• Market locations: Place de la Cathédrale, Place Kléber, Place Broglie among others. Free entry to the market.

3. Cologne (Köln), Germany

Hotels & Approximate Price Range

• Hotels near the main market (near Cologne Cathedral) in the festive season generally list from €110‑€150 per night for 3‑star/4‑star budget to mid‑range.
• Higher‑end or deluxe hotels near the cathedral can easily run €200+ per night in December, depending on demand.

Markets, Food & Drink

• The Christmas Markets in Cologne open around 17 November to 23 December 2025 in several locations including the market at Cologne Cathedral (Weihnachtsmarkt am Kölner Dom).
• Official tourism site notes they welcome visitors with “delicacies such as mulled wine and waffles” and that several markets invite you to stroll and enjoy yourself.
• Typical consumables: a cup of Glühwein (mulled wine) may cost approx €4‑€6, waffles or roasted nuts from similar ranges; modest snack meals at market stands could be €8‑€15.
• The market at the Cathedral has free entrance and is ISO‑certified as a sustainable event (per official site) which may not affect price but indicates quality of organisation.

4.Prague, Czech Republic

Hotels – Approximate Pricing & Location

• 3‑Star to 4‑Star Hotels: Hotel rates during the holiday season (December) near Prague’s Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square typically range from US$235 (~€215–€225) per night for a 2‑adult stay. Hotels in these central locations will be on the higher end due to the proximity to the markets and major landmarks.
• Budget Accommodation: For budget travellers, hostels or guesthouses near Old Town Square or Wenceslas Square can start from US$50 (~€45) for a night. These options provide easy access to the markets without the premium hotel rates.

Food & Drink at the Market

• Mulled Wine (“Svařák”): A classic Czech treat at the Christmas markets, with a cup of mulled wine typically priced at CZK 100 (~€4.20). This price remained consistent in recent years, though some locations saw minor price increases.
• Typical Food:
  • Sausage in a baguette: CZK 150 (~€6.30). These sausages are a popular snack at Prague’s Christmas markets.
  • Trdelník: A beloved sweet pastry, typically CZK 100 (~€4.20). This cinnamon‑sugar pastry is a favorite for visitors.
  • Other snacks: Expect to find a variety of hearty, traditional Czech options such as potato pancakes and Czech hot wine, with prices ranging from CZK 80 (~€3.30) for small pastries to CZK 250 (~€10.50) for larger meals like roasted meats or stews.

5.Frankfurt, Germany

Hotels – Approximate Pricing & Location

• Official Visit‑Frankfurt site notes the Christmas Market runs 24 Nov to 22 Dec 2025.
• Hotel listings near the market show 3‑star averages around USD 105 (~€95‑€100) for one night; 4‑star higher.
• High‑end luxury hotels (5‑star) near the market cite high ratings and proximity but also indicate premium pricing.
  Food & Drink at the Market
• Travel blogs note that typical food pricing includes a bratwurst for around €5, while a smoked salmon dinner might hit €15.
• German Christmas markets in general: mulled wine (Glühwein) typically €3‑€5 + €3‑4 cup deposit.
  Market Dates & Highlights
• Market stretches from Roßmarkt through the pedestrian zone down to Römerberg and the Main riverside.
• Over 200 decorated stalls offering crafts, gifts, food & drink.

Food & Drink at the Market

• Bratwurst: A staple of German Christmas markets, bratwurst in Frankfurt will cost around €5. Served with mustard or ketchup, it is a classic market snack.
• Smoked Salmon Dinner: For something a bit more substantial, you can find smoked salmon dishes available for around €15 at some stalls. These meals typically come with sides like bread or potatoes.
• Mulled Wine (“Glühwein”): Mulled wine is always popular at German Christmas markets, and Frankfurt is no exception. Expect to pay €3‑€5 for a cup, depending on the stall. Note that some stalls also charge a €3‑€4 cup deposit, which is refunded if you return the cup.

Summary Table – All Five Destinations

Notes for Travellers

• These pricing guidelines provide a realistic baseline but book early and check cancellation terms—rates rise rapidly for December stays.
• For food & drink, bring a mix of cash and card; while major stalls often accept cards, smaller ones may be cash‑only.
• Don’t forget to budget for a cup deposit (pfand) in many German markets for the souvenir mug – typically €2‑€4 extra when you buy your first drink.
• Market hours vary—check each city’s tourism site for exact opening times; for example Frankfurt lists Sunday hours from 11:00 am.
• Choose your accommodation location wisely: staying near the market square gives you full festive atmosphere but may cost more; staying a short tram/train ride away may save money.