Discovering the Best Christmas Shops Across Europe

There’s something undeniably magical about Christmas in Europe. Cities transform into glittering wonderlands, with twinkling lights strung across cobbled streets, roasted chestnuts filling the air, and shop windows brimming with treasures. While the Christmas markets are famous, Europe is also home to some of the best Christmas shops in the world — year-round havens where you can discover handmade ornaments, festive décor, and gifts that carry the spirit of the season long after December.

If you’re looking to find the perfect Christmas keepsake — whether that’s a hand-painted glass bauble, a carved wooden nativity, or a sparkling brooch that doubles as festive jewellery — these are the must-visit shops and boutiques across Europe (including our very own Edelglas).

Käthe Wohlfahrt – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany

Tucked inside the medieval walls of Rothenburg, Käthe Wohlfahrt is a household name in European Christmas shopping. Their sprawling Weihnachtsdorf (Christmas Village) is more than a shop — it’s an immersive experience. Inside, you’ll find aisles of hand-carved nutcrackers, incense-smoking “Räuchermännchen,” and glittering glass baubles. There’s even a Christmas museum that traces centuries of festive traditions, making it a pilgrimage spot for collectors.

Best for: A classic German Christmas experience, with a focus on traditional woodcraft and nostalgic decorations.

Julehuset – Bergen, Norway

Bergen’s “Christmas House” lives up to its name — an all-year-round festive store tucked inside a colourful wooden building by Bryggen Wharf. Snow globes, Norwegian knit stockings, and hand-painted ornaments fill the shelves, offering a Scandinavian take on Christmas charm. Step outside and you’re in one of Norway’s most picturesque UNESCO-listed harbours, making it as much about the surroundings as the shop itself.

Best for: Scandinavian Christmas décor with a Nordic design flair.

The Christmas Shop – Edinburgh, Scotland

Nestled at the foot of Edinburgh Castle in the Old Town, The Christmas Shop is packed with tartan, thistles, and Scottish-themed ornaments that give your tree a Celtic twist. Alongside kilts and bagpipes in miniature, you’ll find traditional nativity sets, candles, and festive trinkets. A quick wander down the Royal Mile afterwards will have you feeling as if you’ve stepped back into a Dickensian Christmas story.

Best for: Unique gifts and ornaments with a distinctly Scottish flavour.

Edelglas – Vienna, Austria & Online Worldwide

At Edelglas, we like to think of ourselves as more than just a Christmas shop — we’re guardians of a centuries-old European glassmaking tradition. Based in Vienna, with roots stretching into the Czech Republic, Poland, and Ukraine, we create handmade glass ornaments and jewellery using UNESCO-protected methods passed down through generations. Every bauble, brooch, and figurine is mouth-blown, hand-painted, and finished with care.

What makes Edelglas special is that we bridge past and present: you’ll find traditional Bavarian-style Christmas ornaments alongside modern, playful designs — from mushrooms and cats to sparkling crystal jewellery inspired by Jablonec. Our collection celebrates Christmas, but many pieces are designed as year-round décor and keepsakes, making them as fitting for home decoration or gift-giving in July as they are in December.

You’ll find us in Vienna’s Christmas markets each season (including Freyung and Stephansplatz), but you can also explore our full collection online at edelglas.com — delivered worldwide from Australia and Austria.

Best for: Authentic glass Christmas ornaments, handmade in Europe, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern design.

Maison du Père Noël – Colmar, France

Colmar is often called the “Little Venice of Alsace” for its canals and colourful half-timbered houses, and at Christmas it feels straight out of a fairy tale. The Maison du Père Noël (House of Father Christmas) is a festive shop where you’ll find French-inspired baubles, Advent calendars, and decorations in soft pastels and golds. The city’s Christmas markets, famous for their Alsatian delicacies like bredele (spiced biscuits), make the experience even sweeter.

Best for: French-inspired elegance with a fairy-tale village setting.

Why Christmas Shops in Europe Are Worth Visiting

Unlike big-box stores, Europe’s Christmas shops focus on craftsmanship, heritage, and storytelling. Whether it’s a wooden nutcracker from Germany, a sparkling glass ornament from Edelglas in Austria, or a tartan bauble from Scotland, each piece carries the culture of where it was made. These shops aren’t just about shopping — they’re about stepping into Christmas magic, no matter the season.

So, whether you’re planning a festive trip across Europe or shopping online for authentic decorations, make sure to explore these treasure troves. And if Vienna isn’t on your itinerary this year, remember: Edelglas brings the magic of European Christmas straight to your door, worldwide.