33 Festive Easter Markets in Europe: Your Complete Guide

If you are fortunate enough to be in Europe during the Easter season when the world is awakening from its winter slumber, you may be looking for fun ways to experience the holiday. This is the time of year when delightful Easter Markets, an important part of European culture and tradition, “spring” up all around.

I was planning an Eastertime trip and these festive markets sounded like a wonderful addition to my travel itinerary, so I went to work collecting information on the best Easter Markets in Europe. This information was very helpful in my travel planning and I’m sharing it here with you so you can experience this wonderful tradition too!

Go ahead, pick one, or pick a few and make an entire themed trip!

*Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn commission from qualifying purchases made through links in this post. For more information see my privacy policy.

Where are the best Easter markets in Europe? This guide offers insight into the best Easter markets across Europe, conveniently organized by country for you. (Skip ahead using the table of contents if you like.)

But first let’s talk a bit about the markets themselves.

About the Easter Markets in Europe

What is an Easter Market anyway? and what types of things can you expect to experience?

These markets are held in the weeks leading up to Easter Sunday. Some are held indoors since spring can be a chilly time of year but some are very similar in structure to Europe’s Christmas markets.

The difference is the Easter markets are distinctly spring-focused with flowers, bunnies, and eggs and city squares and historic centers are transformed with spring-themed decorations.

What can you buy at European Easter markets?

Traditional Crafts and Goods: Stroll from stall to stall shopping for hand made crafts. You’ll find things like wooden toys, hand-woven baskets perfect for an Easter egg hunt, traditional embroidered textiles, ceramic flowers, fresh cut flowers, hand-carved wooden figures depicting Easter bunnies, lambs, and spring animals, and more!

Decorated Eggs: Across Europe, you’ll find eggs decorated using various traditional techniques. Hand painted wooden Easter eggs and delicate blown eggs are a popular choice among market goers. If you’re in the market for eggs be sure to look for hand-crafted options and avoid mass produced items.

Willow Branches (or “Easter palms”): these branches commemorate Palm Sunday and symbolize the arrival of spring. You’ll see them sold at markets and used extensively in decorations.

Food and Drink Specialties: Focus on traditional regional food and drink. There’s a bit more information on eating at the markets later in this article.

Things to do at the Christmas Markets in Europe

In addition to shopping, markets often feature live performances of traditional folk music and dance, providing insight into local cultural heritage. Craftsmen often work their crafts at the markets for curious onlookers to see, and artists offer egg making workshops and hands-on demonstrations.

Easter is a favorite holiday among children and markets offer special activities for the young ones like hunting for Easter eggs, egg decorating stations, story time, games, and even rides.

Check the official website for each market to determine their program.

Easter Markets in Austria

Austrian Easter traditions include the blessing of Easter baskets on Holy Saturday or Early on Easter Sunday.

(1) Forchtenstein Castle Easter Market, Austria

If you know me, you know I love castles and celebrating ANY holiday at a castle sounds like a great idea to me! In fact, there are several castle market options on this list! Forchenstein Caste has an annual week-long market. You can find more information on their Facebook page.

2026 dates: 28 – 29 March

(2) Fürstenfeld Easter Market, Austria

Fürstenfeld Easter Market takes place in the former barn floor (Tenne) where more than 50 selected exhibitors offer Easter decorations and Easter eggs as well as artisanal products, jewelry, woodworks, flowers, books, candles, and much more.

2026 dates: March 20 – 22

(3) Hof Castle Easter Market, Austria

Another great castle market option! Highlights include craft workshops, pony and carriage rides, live music, and the chance to explore the Baroque gardens and an Easter maze. The Kräutergarten restaurant offers a seasonal menu and a special 3-course Easter menu on market days. The market takes for a month on Saturday’s, Sunday’s, and holidays. Check their website for ticketing information.

2026 dates: 7 March – 6 April

(4) Innsbruck Easter Market, Austria

The Nordkette mountain range makes for a stunning backdrop to Innsbruck’s annual Easter market which takes place in the historic old town. You’ll experience traditional Tyrolean music and dance, drinks, Easter palm making, and people dressed in traditional Austrian costume.

2026 dates: March 27 March to April 6

(5) Kitzbühel Easter traditions, Austria

Traditional Easter markets in Kitzbühel, Aurach and Jochberg feature local handcrafts, live music, and Easter themed stalls. Activities include palm bush tying, Easter egg dyeing, Easter candle making and traditional Easter pastry baking, as well as themed hikes.

2026 dates: March 27 – April 12

(6) Klagenfurt Easter market on Neuer Platz, Austria

This small intimate market held on the Neuer Platz is filled with arts and crafts, toys, Easter decorations, and delicious food and drink. A large Easter bonfire is lit on the Schleppe Alm on Holy Saturday.

On Palm Sunday, a traditional Palm procession takes place culminating in a blessing of palms for children. You can check the town’s official website but I find it difficult to find dates there so you may want to check their Facebook page instead.

2026 dates: 19 March – 4 April

(7) Kreuzen Castle Easter Market, Austria

Celebrate “Spring Awakening” at Kreuzen Castle. This traditional market offers live music and culinary delights including freshly baked doughnuts! There’s a farmers market and workshops like woodcrafting for the children.

You’ll have the opportunity to participate in hikes around the castle with the cuddly Mondstein alpacas. Small fee required for entry. Check their facebook page for further details.

2026 dates: March 21 – 22

(8) Kufstein Easter Market, Austria

About 20 booths await you in the Kufstein city park with lively, traditional music, visits from the Easter Bunny, and activities for children. Check the Kufstein website for more information.

2026 dates: April 3 – 4

(9) Laakirchen Salzkammergut Easter Market, Austria

At the market in Laakirchen you can watch cooking demonstrations and shop for handcrafted items. This market offers a large children’s program, egg decorating and baking traditional You’ll find Easter treats in the spring-decorated halls of the old paper mill. Also included, live music, culinary delights, and local vendors. Small fee for admission.

(10) Rosenburg Castle, Austria

Shop for Easter decorations and gifts as well as culinary delights and traditional delicacies at the “Spring Awakening at Rosenburg Castle.” The Easter bunny makes daily appearances and visitors are delighted by the falconry demonstration (additional charge)! The Easter excursion train runs between Rosenburg station and Rosenburg Renaissance Castle, a great option for visitors without a car. Small admission charge.

2026 dates: March 21 and 22 and March 28 and 29

(11) Salzburg Easter Markets, Austria

While not having one central, huge market like Christmas, smaller, traditional, and farmers’ markets with Easter items often appear in Old Town in Salzburg, including near the Cathedral (Domplatz). Additionally, you’ll find one at The Salzburg Open Air Museum, a 15 minute drive outside of the city itself.

Stehrerhof open-air museum Easter Market
Stehrerhof open-air museum presents approximately 70 stalls with exhibitors offering lovingly handcrafted items and Easter pastries. Visitors can also watch the making of palm crosses and enjoy live music performances.
2026 dates: March 21 – 22

(12) Velden Easter Market (Veldener Ostermarkt), Austria

This traditional market has stunning lake views, making it a unique choice! In addition to market stalls and pony rides for the children, you’ll have the opportunity to ride the tourist train, and take boat rides on beautiful Wörthersee. Check their Facebook page for up to date information.

2026 dates: March 28 to April 6

(13) Vienna Easter Market, Austria

Vienna is a great destination if you are looking for many markets in one place. They host several markets. Here are some popular options:

Schönbrunn Palace Easter Market (Vienna): Set against the stunning baroque backdrop of Schönbrunn Palace, this market ranks among Europe’s most picturesque. Approximately 60 vendors offer Austrian handicrafts. The palace gardens provide a magnificent setting for exploring Easter traditions while enjoying spring blooms.

2026 dates: March 25 – April 19

Old Viennese Easter market on the Freyung in the Old Town (Vienna): Located in Vienna’s historic center, Freyung market brings Easter celebrations to the heart of the city. The market features live music, vendors, food, craft demonstrations, and activities for children. You can expect about 45 stands.

2026 dates: March 20 – April 6

Easter market Am Hof (Vienna): The Easter Market at the Hofburg Palace in Vienna’s city center brings more than 50 exhibitors to the heart of Vienna. Look for artisan crafts, gifts, and sweet and savory treats. Free admission!

2026 dates: March 20 – April 6

(14) Villach Easter market on the church square, Austria

Villach market is one of Austria’s biggest and best with confections and hand made decorations but don’t delay, you’ll have just one week to experience it. The traditional market takes place every year from the Thursday before Palm Sunday (Palmsonntag) to Holy Saturday (Karsamstag.)

Children will be delighted with the carousel and the children’s train that makes its way around the Town hall square (Rathausplatz.)

2026 dates: 26 March – 4 April

(15) Weinberg Castle Easter Market in Kefermarkt, Austria

This Renaissance castle hosts the “Spring Awakening at Weinberg Castle” Easter market two weeks before Easter, and for just one weekend. There are more than 80 vendors plus live workshops demonstrating traditional crafts such as willow weaving and lace making. For the children there’s a magician and a visit from the Easter Bunny.

This one is easy to access without a car. Just take the Easter Express from the parking lot near the train station to the castle and back. There is a small entrance fee for attending.

2026 dates: March 21 – 22

Easter Markets in the Czech Republic

Czech Easter Traditions include the Monday tradition of playful egg exchanges. Look for intricately decorated Czech kraslice (decorated eggs).

(16) Český Krumlov, Czech Republic

This UNESCO World Heritage town in southern Bohemia offers Easter markets in one of Europe’s most beautifully preserved Renaissance settings. The Český Krumlov market in Náměstí Svornosti, the main square of the Old Town, offers handmade goods, concerts and church services. Area restaurants and cafés serve Easter specialties and the traditional green Easter beer.

2026 dates: April 2 – 6

(17) Plzeň (Pilsen) Easter Market, Czech Republic

Republic Square in the city center is where you will find this good sized market with plenty of vendors, typical Easter dishes, musicians, a carousel, and more. The trhyplzen.cz website isn’t very good but you can find dates there.

2026 Dates: March 25 to April

(18) Prague Easter Markets, Czech Republic

Prague’s Easter markets transform the city’s most iconic squares into vibrant celebrations of Czech Easter traditions. The combination of medieval architecture and festive market stalls creates an unforgettable atmosphere.

2026 dates: March 21 – April 12

Old Town Square Easter Market: (Prague) Prague’s Old Town Square hosts the city’s largest and most famous Easter market. The Gothic towers of the Týn Church and the astronomical clock provide a spectacular backdrop as you explore dozens of stalls offering traditional Czech crafts and foods.

Prepare for song, dance, and folk performances. Indulge in Czech culinary delights like gingerbread, pancakes, Czech sausages, stuffed dumplings, potato pancakes and roasted almonds!

Wenceslas Square Market: (Prague) This expansive boulevard hosts a second major market, offering a more spacious layout and additional variety. In addition to Easter goods, the market emphasizes Czech culinary traditions, with numerous stalls offering traditional Easter foods like fragrant Easter pastries, sweet chimney cakes and crispy gingerbread to succulent sausages and Czech beer.

Easter Markets in France

(19) Colmar Easter Market, France

The ridiculously adorable French town of Colmar hosts a colorful Easter markets at Place des Dominicains and Place de l’Ancienne Douane squares. Flowerbeds overflowing with colours, animals blending into the city landscape with pigeons, ducks, exotic birds, chickens and chicks, rabbits, sheep, goats and more!

Alsatian culinary specialities include fine wines, March beers, charcuterie, cheeses and the traditional Lamala (in Alsace means “Easter lamb” – a traditional cake made in a lamb-shaped mould) just to name a few!
2026 dates: April 2 to 26

Easter Markets in Germany

German Easter Traditions include Easter fountains (Osterbrunnen) elaborately decorated, usually with painted eggs and greenery.

(20) Eberbach Monastery Easter Market, Germany

This market is held in the stunning Eberbach Monastery with over 70 international exhibitors. Shop for chicken, goose, duck, and ostrich eggs, as well as handcrafted items such as glass art, basket weaving, and floral arrangements. Small fee for entry.

2026 dates: February 28, March 1

(21) Leipzig Easter Market and Easter Fair, Germany

The Leipzig Easter Fair welcomes jugglers, comedians, musicians, food stalls offering hearty fare, and taverns brimming with refreshing drinks. There are rides for the children and in Salzgäßchen you will find a small French gourmet market.

2026 dates: From April 1st to 6th, 2026 (excluding Good Friday)

(22) Munich Easter Markets, Germany

Munich embraces Easter with a distinctly Bavarian tradition.

Viktualienmarkt Easter Market: Munich’s famous food market transforms for Easter, adding seasonal stalls featuring Bavarian Easter specialties. There is a year-round market here that takes on a spring feel this time of year.

After watching this video, I think this market is going on my wishlist!

(23) Nuremberg Easter Market, Germany

At almost 100 booths Nuremberg Easter Market focuses on household goods but you’ll also find Easter items such as painted eggs, and Easter decorations. Don’t worry, they haven’t forgotten that we like food and drink! The market bread shop is a special highlight and cooking demonstrations let you try this or that culinary masterpiece.

2026 dates: March 20 – April 6

(24) Schwetzingen Palace International Easter Egg Market, Germany

At the 38th annual Easter market at the Baroque Schwetzingen Castle draws exhibitors from all over Europe. At Easter time, flowers bloom here in the most beautiful colors: daffodils, tulips, and many other vibrant plants transform the garden.

2026 dates: March 7 and 8

(25) Sankt Wendel Easter Market, Germany

You’ll find around 100 stalls at the St. Wendel Easter Market in historic old town selling crafts, gifts, and both savory dishes and sweet treats. Taking center stage is a giant Easter crown, adorned with 2,000 hand-painted eggs all surrounded by spring flowers. For the children: painting, crafting, play stations, a carousel, and visits from the Easter Bunny. The festivities continue with live music and street performers.

2026 dates: March 19 to 22

(26) Wiesbaden Easter Market, Germany

At the Easter market in Wiesbaden, you can enjoy shopping from 70 stalls for hand-painted eggs and Easter decorations. There is also a craft and fabric market to explore. Stilt walkers and Easter bunnies will hand out candy, and kids can ride the carousel, get their faces painted or participate in crafting activities.

2026 dates: March 20 to 22

Easter Markets in Hungary

Hungarian Easter Traditions have a strong emphasis on folk art egg decoration. Easter Monday sprinkling (locsolás) is the unique custom where men and boys spray women with water or perfume.

(27) Budapest Easter Markets (Hungary)

Budapest is late about announcing dates. It’s February 4th and they have not yet made any announcements. Just keep checking back. I’d keep an eye on their Facebook page.

Vörösmarty Square Market: (Budapest) The city’s main Easter market occupies Vörösmarty Square where Hungarian artisans display intricately painted eggs, hand-embroidered textiles, and pottery featuring classic Hungarian designs. Traditional Hungarian Easter foods take center stage, including kalács (braided sweet bread), sugar-glazed lamb cakes, and chimney cakes (kürtőskalács).

Basilica Easter Market: (Budapest) This market boasts the beautiful Basilica as a backdrop. Expect mulled fruit wine, gourmet sausages, traditional Hungarian desserts, and embroidered textiles. .

Buda Castle Easter Village: (Budapest) A cute, scenic spot where you’ll see traditional Hungarian Easter crafts and puppet shows.

Easter Markets in Poland

(28) Krakow Easter Market, Poland

The Easter Market in Krakow takes place right in the heart of the Old Town at Rynek Główny, Krakow’s Main Market Square. The market usually runs from 10–14 days before Easter Sunday until Easter Monday. Shop for hand-painted Easter eggs (pisanki) and more.

Experience Poland’s mouthwatering Easter specialties like Oscypek (smoked cheese) served hot with cranberry jam, Kiełbasa (Polish sausage), and Bigos (hunter’s stew): A hearty mix of meat, sauerkraut, and mushrooms.

2026 dates: Check the linked page for announcements

Easter Markets in Slovakia

(29) Bratislava Medieval Easter Market at Bratislava Castle, Slovakia

The Easter Medieval Craft Market takes place in the courtyard of Bratislava Castle, complete with period costume. Shop Easter themed items and enjoy demonstrations from a bagmaker, potter, coiner, scribe, winemaker, beekeeper, falconer, and more.

Taste historical dishes from the medieval kitchen. Children will enjoy the wooden carousel and the chance to shoot a children’s bow. Admission is free. Check the castle website for posted dates.

Easter Markets in Switzerland

(30) Bremgarten Easter Market, Switzerland

The Bremgarten Easter Market has been held on Easter Monday for almost 800 years. This is a big one, one of the largest in Switzerland, with over 350 vendors! It attracts around 25,000 market goers in just the single day that the market is open so I’d expect a fair amount of crowds. The amusement park will be open for a few days surrounding the holiday.

2026 dates: Easter Monday, April 6

(31) Engelberg Easter Market, Switzerland

Over 30 local and regional vendors with homemade products, food and drink, and musical entertainment. Official Website.

2026 dates: April 4

(32) Glarus Easter and Arts and Crafts Market, Switzerland

One day only! Head to the Glarus Easter Market for Handcrafted treasures and delicious treats!

2026 dates: Saturday, April 4

(33) Zug Easter Market, Switzerland

Around 60 stalls selling food, drink, and gift items. Zug Easter Market is situated right on lovely Lake Zug.

2026 dates: April 6

Food and Drink Specialties

The market air is full of enticing aromas and each country offers distinctive Easter foods and regional specialties worth seeking out. Since I really love food, I’d have to say that my favorite thing about the markets is the opportunity to experience traditional foods.

Easter Bread: Special breads play an important role in Easter celebrations and each region has its own recipe, often featuring ingredients like raisins, almonds, and citrus peel. Sounds delightful!

Traditional Easter breads vary dramatically by region:

• Czech mazanec features a rich dough studded with raisins and almonds
• Austrian Osterbrot incorporates Easter symbols baked into the crust
• German Osterzopf showcases elaborate braiding techniques
• Italian colomba resembles a dove shape, symbolizing peace

Savory specialties to complement the sweet offerings:

• Traditional sausages and cured meats from local producers
• Regional cheese varieties paired with Easter breads, or regional wines
• Freshly baked pretzels, often shaped or decorated for Easter (I thought I saw one with an egg on it! I’m not sure what that’s about?)
• Seasonal soups and hot dishes perfect for warming yourself in chilly spring weather

Sweet treats go beyond traditional bread:

• Easter lamb cakes made from butter, sugar, and almonds
• Decorated cookies featuring Easter motifs
• Fresh pastries filled with seasonal flavors
• Chocolate eggs and bunnies from local chocolatiers

Traditional drinks include:

• Hot Easter punch with spring spices
• Local wines from regional producers
• Fresh fruit juices and spring-flavored beverages
• Traditional hot chocolate in Austria and Germany

Planning Your Easter Market Visit

When do Easter markets start in Europe?

Time of year: The markets typically run anywhere in the days surrounding Easter, each market sets their own dates. Since Easter’s date varies (falling between late March and late April), market dates shift annually.

The period before Easter, particularly the week before Easter Sunday, sees markets reach their peak activity, with special performances, music, and additional craftspeople joining the festivities.

Market dates and opening hours change annually based on Easter’s date. Check the official website!

Best timing for your visit:

• Peak atmosphere: The week before Easter, when markets are fully stocked and festivities reach their height
• Quieter experience: Weekday mornings, particularly early in the market season
• Special events: Easter weekend and Easter Monday often feature additional performances and activities, cultural traditions, egg hunts, and visits from the Easter Bunny.
• Midday offers the the most festive atmosphere with crowds and activity

Things to know

Closures: If you plan to be in Europe on Good Friday, Easter Sunday, and/or Easter Monday do be aware that many businesses may be closed since these are public holidays in most countries.

Weather considerations: Late March markets may be chilly, while April markets enjoy warmer spring weather
Plan to spend 1-2 hours at smaller markets and 2-4 hours at major markets like Vienna’s or Prague’s Old Town Square.

Practical Tips for Visiting

What to bring:

• Reusable shopping bag for purchases
• Cash (euros) as not all vendors accept cards, especially at smaller markets, and you may need a little change for pay toilets
• Light jacket, as weather can change quickly in spring

Easter Markets During Different Weather Conditions

Spring weather varies considerably, and Easter markets operate regardless of conditions.

• Pack your rain gear: Spring is the rainy season in Europe. Bring a compact umbrella, rain poncho, or waterproof jacket. Waterproof bags protect purchases, and covered shoes prevent wet feet.
• Dress in layers: Light layers allow you to adjust as temperatures change throughout the day. Late March markets may experience cool weather requiring winter layers.

Do I need a ticket?

Many Easter markets are free to enter, however some do require a ticket. Check the official website for further information.

Multi-City Easter Market Tour

Consider combining multiple cities for a comprehensive Easter market experience:

Vienna and Salzburg (3-4 days): Vienna’s larger markets complement Salzburg’s intimate, alpine setting. The cities connect via scenic train journey in about 2.5 hours.

Prague and Budapest (4-5 days): These neighboring capitals offer distinct Easter traditions and architectural styles. Night trains or daytime trains connect them in 6-7 hours.

German Easter Market Trail: Munich and smaller Bavarian towns like Nuremberg or Rothenburg ob der Tauber create a quintessentially German Easter experience, all within Bavaria and connected by regional trains.

How do the Easter markets differ from Europe’s Christmas markets?

You may wonder how the Easter Markets differ from the Christmas Markets in Europe.
key differences include:

Size and scale: While I love the magic of the Christmas markets, the fact is that they can be horribly crowded. There are more vendors and they draw crowds from around the globe. Easter markets offer more intimate, locally-focused experiences with smaller crowds. Just the perfect size for me.

Duration: Christmas markets run for four to six weeks, while Easter markets typically operate for two to four weeks around Easter, while the duration of some markets is only a week or just one day. You’ll want to plan carefully.

Atmosphere: Christmas markets emphasize winter warmth and lights against cold darkness. Easter markets celebrate spring’s arrival with flowers, pastels, and outdoor enjoyment without heavy winter clothing. There really is nothing like the feel of spring in the air!

Focus: Christmas markets center on Christmas-specific items, winter foods, and gift shopping. Easter markets emphasize traditional crafts, especially decorated eggs, spring decorations, and Easter-specific foods.

Tourism: Christmas markets attract significant international tourism, while Easter markets remain more popular with European visitors and those specifically interested in Easter traditions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Does Europe celebrate Easter?

A: Absolutely! Easter is a Christian holiday. More than half of Europeans consider themselves to be Christians so it stands to reason that yes, they do celebrate Easter! The days leading up to Easter in particular are a popular time for religious observances and traditions.

Secular traditions like the Easter bunny and Easter eggs are also popular here. In fact, the Easter Bunny’s origins trace back to Germanic folklore, specifically the “Osterhase” (Easter Hare), an egg-laying hare that brought colored eggs to well-behaved children. (wikipedia)

Europeans love the opportunity for a good market. Hence, the popularity of the European Easter market!

Q: Where are Easter markets in Europe?

A: Easter markets appear primarily in Central European countries and major cities throughout western Europe.

Start Planning!

The intimate and authentic atmosphere of the European Easter market are great alternatives to the oftentimes overwhelming Christmas market crowds.

Spring is a beautiful season in Europe when temperatures are on the rise, grasses are greening up, trees begin to bud, and flowers begin to bloom. There’s a veritable cheer in the air and the markets add a joyful feel to the entire scene.

Start planning your Easter market adventure today, and discover why this lesser-known European tradition captivates those who experience it.

Want to hear more about my travels around Europe? You may be interested in my Europe page! and don’t forget to check out my “Travel Resources” page for more great resources for booking your trip from hotels to tours to travel insurance!

If you’re headed to Europe you may find these articles useful: