best places to visit christmas markets

The 11 best Christmas markets in Europe for 2023

If sipping gluhwein , perusing endless stalls of holiday wares and admiring thousands of glittering fairy lights seems like your personal winter wonderland, plan to celebrate this season at one of Europe 's festive markets. Traditional Christmas markets date back hundreds of years and are still popular today in many European countries.

The weather is cold (and snowy in some destinations). However, experiencing the sparkling lights, wafting smells of traditional foods and holiday cheer can be the best ways to brave the chilly temperatures. Since many markets begin in November and run through the holidays, travelers have plenty of opportunities to snag a fall or winter flight deal or off-peak award redemption.

Here are some of the best Christmas markets in Europe, complete with tips on ways to get there and where to stay.

Zurich, Switzerland

Held at Sechselautenplatz, Zurich's "Wienachtsdorf" is one of the city's largest Christmas markets, enchanting visitors with its festive ambience against the backdrop of the Zurich Opera House.

A short walk from Lake Zurich, around 100 stalls create a charming Christmas village, offering a unique shopping experience with local designers showcasing distinctive jewelry and finds. The market also boasts a variety of culinary options, ranging from international dishes to traditional Swiss cuisine at the Fondue-Chalet, ensuring no visitor leaves hungry. The market, which runs from Nov. 23 to Dec. 23, 2023, is a perfect spot for an after-work drink, a day out with friends, or family time making candles at Burkliplatz.

Stay : Stay at the Zurich Marriott Hotel, which has renovated rooms and is a 15-minute train ride to the Christmas market. Rates start from 59,000 Marriott Bonvoy points or $278 per night.

Arrive : Zurich is a major transportation hub with numerous nonstop flights from the U.S. Swiss International Airlines , United Airlines and Delta Air Lines all have nonstop options from the New York area. American Airlines also offers flights from Philadelphia, Charlotte, Dallas and Phoenix. Then it's just a quick train ride to the heart of the city.

Copenhagen, Denmark

Mark your calendars for a festive extravaganza at Kongens Nytorv (King's New Square), running from Nov. 3 to Dec. 21, 2023.

As Copenhagen's largest market, it transforms into a captivating wonderland adorned with twinkling Christmas lights and splendid decorations. Navigate through a labyrinth of wooden stalls, each brimming with delightful Danish delicacies, toys and more. Kids will be thrilled to snap a photo with Santa, while adults can unwind with a warming glass of Christmas punch. Couples, don't miss out on a charming stroll along the historic, cobbled lanes. With High Bridge Square and Nyhavn just around the corner, there are many other markets to explore, too.

Stay : The Nobis Hotel Copenhagen strikes the perfect balance for travelers seeking proximity to the city's bustling hot spots while still enjoying a tranquil retreat away from the thick of it all. Plus, the posh property is bookable using Marriott Bonvoy points. Rates start from 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy points or $310.

Arrive : There are a few nonstop options to Copenhagen from the U.S., including New York City, Chicago, Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, Boston, Miami and San Francisco. Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) is the main provider, but other airlines, such as Icelandair , offer layover options for cheaper airfares.

Related: How to get to Denmark with credit card points and airline miles

Edinburgh, Scotland

From Nov. 17, 2023, to Jan. 6, 2024, Edinburgh transforms into a winter wonderland, hosting one of the United Kingdom's most grandiose and beloved Christmas markets. Picture over 130 charming huts, each illuminated with festive lights and strewn with decorations, creating an enchanting atmosphere.

These stalls offer a plethora of local, handmade gifts and an array of scrumptious treats to savor. Don't miss out on a mesmerizing ride on the big wheel, presenting panoramic views of the entire festive extravaganza. The festival has something special for everyone, with various rides suited for kids and adults and even a Santa's grotto for a close-up encounter with Santa Claus.

Related: How to spend one day in Edinburgh

Stay : Hilton Edinburgh Carlton is a top choice for festive fun at Edinburgh's Christmas market, just a short walk away, with rates from around $253 or 60,000 Hilton Honors points nightly. Another great option is Hotel Indigo Edinburgh — Princes Street, an IHG Hotel, starting at $195 or 38,000 IHG One Rewards points per night. For a luxurious stay, consider the iconic Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh-The Caledonian on Princes Street, offering stunning castle views starting at around $275 or 67,000 Hilton Honors points per night.

Arrive : Direct flights to Edinburgh are available from New York City, Boston, Orlando, Atlanta, Chicago and Washington, D.C., through Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Virgin Atlantic and other carriers.

Vienna, Austria

Wander past more than 100 stalls at Vienna's largest Christmas market , in the Rathausplatz City Hall Square (Nov. 19 to Dec. 26). Kids will love the reindeer train, Ferris wheel and carousel — there's also a Nativity path. This year, the market and its stalls will focus on improving sustainability, so expect more eco-friendly products and materials.

Planning a winter visit? Strap on rental skates at Vienna Ice World in City Hall Square to glide around the 96,000-square-foot rink. (Exact dates are to be determined, but the rink should be open from January through March of 2024.)

Stay: The Park Hyatt Vienna is the ultimate Viennese luxury: high, arching ceilings, an indoor swimming pool and suites decked out with chandeliers and marble bathrooms. Winter rates start at 456 euros ($457) or 21,000 Hyatt Honors points per night but are significantly higher around Christmas.

Arrive: Austrian Airlines, the flagship carrier, is part of the Star Alliance . If you have miles on any partner airline, you should be able to get a seat at a good valuation. Austrian flies direct from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD), New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) and Washington, D.C.'s Dulles International (IAD), with seasonal flights from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). If you are flying into a European hub such as London's Heathrow Airport (LHR), British Airways and Austrian fly nonstop between the two cities, as well as low-cost carriers like Wizz Air and Ryanair.

One of the most famous countries in Europe for Christmas markets, Germany has a market in practically every city. We couldn't pick just one, so here are some of the best:

• Cologne : This city, famous for its towering Gothic cathedral, features not one but seven different Christmas markets, including an LGBTQ-friendly Christmas market (most run from Nov. 23 to Dec. 23).
• Munich : Bavaria's most famous market normally operates in Marienplatz, decorated with thousands of candles and featuring more than 100 stalls (Nov. 27 to Dec. 24).
• Munich Airport : Jump right into the holiday spirit (even go ice skating) during a long layover at Munich International Airport (MUC), which transforms into a Christmas market (Nov. 17 to Dec.31).
• Frankfurt : Enjoy shopping and a 100-foot-tall Christmas scene at Frankfurt's main Christmas Market (Nov. 27 to Dec. 21).
• Nuremberg : In addition to its world-renowned lebkuchen (gingerbread), keep a look out for this market's Christkind , a young lady with curly blond hair dressed like a golden angel who makes frequent appearances at the festivities (Dec. 1 to Dec. 24).
• Berlin : Germany's capital has a number of Christmas markets, but one of the best is the market flanked by two cathedrals in Gendarmenmarkt (Nov. 27 to Dec. 30). Expect the typical food and shopping but also incredible holiday-inspired performances from fire eaters, acrobats, jugglers and choirs belting out classical, jazz and gospel Christmas tunes.
• Dresden : One of the country's oldest and largest markets, the Striezelmarkt, in what was once East Germany, features puppet theaters, storytelling time and gingerbread-decorating workshops (Nov. 29 to Dec. 24).

Stay: The JW Marriott Frankfurt features 219 rooms and more than 200 hand-painted art pieces by German artist Hartwig Ebersbach. Rates start as low as 264 euros ($264) or 45,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

Arrive: Star Alliance partner Lufthansa operates direct flights to Germany out of several U.S. airports, including major hubs like New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT), as well as smaller airports like Denver International Airport (DEN).

If you want to visit in comfort and style, you can splash out for one of the most iconic fifth-freedom routes out of the U.S., offered by Singapore Airlines between New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Germany's Frankfurt Airport (FRA). Super-luxurious business-class awards on this route cost 81,000 miles each way through Singapore Airlines' KrisFlyer program. You can transfer points to KrisFlyer from all of the transferable points programs — American Express Membership Rewards , Capital One Rewards , Citi ThankYou and Chase Ultimate Rewards .

Strasbourg, France

You can't go wrong with markets in French cities like Lyon and Lille. However, Strasbourg's Christkindelsmarik, near the city's cathedral, is one of France's most popular holiday haunts for sipping mulled wine, tasting French wintery treats like tarte flambee or sugary bredele biscuits and shopping for wares among the wooden stalls (Nov. 24 to Dec. 24).

The city is known as the Capital of Christmas. Strasbourg's towering Christmas tree, millions of twinkling lights and festive ice rink can convince any Grinch to love the festive season.

Stay: Consider a stay at one of the newest hotel additions to the city, the Aloft Strasbourg Etoile. The hotel is welcoming and modern, just a 15-minute walk to the main Christmas market. Rates start at 96 euros ($96) or 21,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

Arrive: Strasbourg is a smaller city, and you can't fly nonstop there from the U.S. Instead, fly to Strasbourg Airport (SXB) from hubs such as Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), Adolfo Suarez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) or Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS). Or, plan a layover to check out Munich Airport's Christmas market (see above), then continue on to Strasbourg. You can also take a train from Frankfurt or Paris to the French city.

Related: The best ways to travel to Europe using points and miles

Tallinn, Estonia

Sample Baltic holiday cuisine like black pudding and gingerbread paired with spiced wine at the Christmas market in Tallinn's medieval Town Hall Square (Dec. 1 to Jan. 7).

The setting is simply stunning. Historic buildings surround stalls selling Christmas goods and decorations (many of which are heart-shaped, as Estonians firmly believe Christmas is a time of love), with the enormous tree as a centerpiece.

This season, there will be two different carousels for the little ones and a double-decker holiday bus to ride around town.

Stay : The Radisson Blu Sky Hotel is a short walk away from the town square, which you can view from the hotel's outdoor terrace that overlooks the Estonian capital. Rates start at 96 euros ($96) or 44,000 Radisson Rewards points per night.

Arrive : Although you can't fly nonstop from the U.S. to Tallinn Airport (TLL), you can connect easily to hubs such as Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW), Istanbul Airport (IST), Frankfurt or Brussels Airport (BRU) and then fly on over. If you fly Finnair between the U.S. and Helsinki Airport (HEL), a ferry to Tallinn takes about 3 1/2 hours. From various London airports, you can fly to Tallinn on low-cost airlines like Air Baltic, Ryanair or Wizz Air.

Brussels, Belgium

While Antwerp, Ghent and Brugge's markets have a smaller, more charming and cozier vibe, Brussels' Winter Wonders market (Nov. 24 to Dec. 31) is the largest and most impressive in Belgium, with more than 200 stands weaving through the city center.

Take a spin around the ice rink, fly high in the Ferris wheel or enjoy a visit from Santa. The market also offers an immersive audio and visual Christmas show, an innovative way to experience all the holiday fun.

Stay : Budget travelers can stay in the midst of all the action at the Holiday Inn Express Grand Palace for as low as 133 euros ($133) or 27,000 IHG One Rewards points per night (breakfast included).

Arrive : Fly to Brussels on Star Alliance carriers from hubs like New York and Washington, D.C. Some of your one-way redemption options include United MileagePlus, Avianca LifeMiles, Air Canada Aeroplan and Singapore KrisFlyer. Consider combining a trip to Brussels with other European cities (or Christmas markets) using the Brussels Airlines pit-stop service. This stopover program allows passengers to stay from one to five nights at no extra charge in Belgium.

If you fly from the U.S. to London, you can fly to Brussels on British Airways and Brussels Airlines. Taking the Eurostar train between London and Brussels is an alternative option — the ride takes just over two hours. Rates start as low as 33 British pounds ($37) each way.

Prague, Czech Republic

It's hard to decide whether to visit Prague's Old Town Square market or Wenceslas Square market. Considering they're a 10-minute walk from each other, it's easy to visit both (Dec. 2 to Jan. 6).

There's also another market near the Prague Castle. The markets sell similar items, like Medovina honey wine and Czech crafts like puppets and dolls, but Old Town Square has live animals like sheep and donkeys for children to pet.

Stay : Hilton Prague Old Town is a 10-minute walk from Old Town Square, offering modern comforts and renovated guest rooms that still retain that old-world Prague charm. Room rates start at 145 euros ($145) or 33,000 points per night.

Arrive : Find great deals over the next few months, flying to Prague from the U.S. with TAP Air Portugal and LOT Polish Airlines. Fares from Chicago O'Hare, Miami International Airport, Newark Liberty International Airport and Dulles International Airport can be found for as low as $500.

Many airlines fly to Vaclav Havel Airport Prague (PRG) from numerous European hubs, which is also a cost-effective way of traveling during winter. Although British Airways has a direct route to the Czech Republic capital, it's easy to get there if your Avios balance isn't quite topped off via low-cost carriers like Ryanair, EasyJet, Jet2 and Wizz Air from various London airports.

Just make sure to brush up on the rules before flying European low-cost carriers, so you're not caught off guard.

Zagreb, Croatia

Voted numerous times as Europe's best Christmas market, Zagreb's holiday magic is truly special. In fact, the entire city is decked out with lights, Nativity scenes and decorations. Start at the Zrinjevac Park Christmas market (Dec. 2 to Jan. 7), where you can sample hot strukli , a pastry with melted cheese, or medenjaci cookies paired with soul-warming wine as you browse handmade ornaments and toys.

Then visit Zagreb Cathedral with its famous Nativity scene out front. Finish the evening up with a few laps around King Tomislav Square ice rink or a ride on the carousel in Strossmayer Square.

Stay : A short walk away from the Christmas action, the Westin Zagreb is ideal for those wanting a quiet, contemporary space to relax while still staying close to all the holiday cheer. Rates start at 108 euros ($108) or 15,00 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

Arrive : Getting to Zagreb Franjo Tudman Airport (ZAG) will take you more than one flight: There are no nonstop flights available from the U.S. to the Croatian capital, and United's nonstop seasonal service from Newark Liberty International Airport to Dubrovnik Airport (DBV) only operates from May to October.

You'll need to stop first in destinations like London, Frankfurt, Istanbul or Frankfurt en route to Zagreb on various airlines. Both British Airways and Croatia Airlines fly between London and Zagreb, with Ryanair also operating from London Stansted Airport (STN).

Basel, Switzerland

Wander through over 160 snow-covered wooden stalls at Basel's Christmas market, stretching from Barfusserplatz to Munsterplatz (Nov. 22 to Dec. 22). A steaming mug of gluhwein perfectly complements traditional delights like waffles, gingerbread and melted Swiss raclette.

Stay : The new Basel Marriott offers the best of Swiss culture without sacrificing modernity. Rates start around 169 Swiss francs ($171) or 27,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

Arrive : Getting to EuroAirport Basel Mulhouse Freiburg (BSL) from the U.S. requires a stop somewhere in Europe. The airport is actually in France, though it's a short drive from both Basel and the border of Germany — perfect for visiting three countries in one trip. You can also fly Swiss International Airlines to Zurich, stopping there quickly before hopping on a Swiss Federal Railways train to Basel, bookable as one complete ticket on the Swiss website.

If London is your preferred international hub, getting to Basel from the U.K. is simple. You can fly EasyJet from London Gatwick (LGW), Manchester Airport (MAN), Edinburgh Airport (EDI), or British Airways from London's Heathrow Airport (LHR).

Bottom line

Christmas markets are a festive way to celebrate the holidays, complete with local gastronomy, mulled wine, ice skating and twinkling holiday decorations.

If you want to visit other European destinations, check before booking to see if your destination has a market. Many cities have versions of these seasonal markets, including Copenhagen, Gothenburg, Madrid, Budapest and Krakow.

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The 20 Best Christmas Markets in the United States

Every winter atmospheric Christmas markets take place in towns, villages and cities across America, helping get both locals and visitors into the festive mood.

Visitors peruse stalls at the Great Dickens Christmas Fair (Photo: The Great Dickens Christmas Fair)

There’s nothing quite like wrapping up warm and strolling around a Christmas market, browsing for gifts and sampling seasonal treats. With the roots of these buzzing bazaars found in Germany in the Middle Ages, many of America’s holiday markets are modelled on their Teutonic cousins across the pond. Wooden booths and northern European-style arts & crafts are both nods to this heritage, and it’s a pastiche that is lapped up by huge numbers each year. Listed from west to east, below is a potted journey around the 20 best Christmas markets to visit in the United States, based on size, history, and authenticity.

The Great Dickens Christmas Fair (Daly City, San Francisco Bay Area, California)

Fans of the works of legendary English writer Charles Dickens will be familiar with his atmospheric novels, among which “A Christmas Carol” remains a favourite with many. This holiday fair invites visitors to step back in time and experience Victorian London, where most of Dickens’ novels were set, all the way down to the hustle and bustle of its street markets. Each year the event sees the Cow Palace Arena in Daly City transformed with improvised lamplit lanes, mock pubs and theatres, dance floors and music halls, tearooms and shops, plus hundreds of costumed characters doing the rounds.

Cow Palace Arena, Daly City

Leavenworth’s Christkindlmarkt (Leavenworth, Washington)

The logging town of Leavenworth reinvented itself in the 1960’s as a faux-Bavarian village. Today, nestled in the mountains of the Bavarian northwest, this scenic community pays tribute to its heritage by doing Christmas in authentic style, featuring month-long celebrations with carol-singing, lighting ceremonies, and special events for all ages and tastes. A hugely popular event for over two decades, the market is held both indoor and outdoors, ensuring visitors can enjoy themselves whatever the weather. Highlights include live music, kids’ craft activities, and a stunning lantern parade that heralds the opening of the market.

Leavenworth Festhalle & Front Street Park, Leavenworth

Georgetown Christmas Market (Georgetown, Colorado)

For the residents of Georgetown, the festive season offers up an excuse to turn back the clock by re-enacting Yuletide as it was enjoyed some 100 years ago. Revellers who come along to the town’s annual Christmas market will be greeted by such evocative sights as horse-drawn wagons riding through the historic centre and carol singers dressed in Victorian costumes, among other seasonal themed entertainment. There’ll also be plenty of speciality gifts and products to browse. And remember to pick up a bag of roasted chestnuts – surely no Christmas is complete without them?

Strousse Park on 6th and Rose Street, Georgetown 

A mountainous backdrop at Georgetown Christmas Market (Photo: georgetown-colorado.org)

Denver Christkindlmarkt (Denver, Colorado)

Ambling through festively decorated and illuminated streets, enjoying rides on old-fashioned carousels, buying handmade Christmas decorations, listening to German Christmas carols, and drinking hot spiced wine. This is just a taster of what awaits you at Denver’s hugely popular Christkindlmarkt. Organised each year by the German American Chamber of Commerce and the German Cultural Foundation, the event has grown to become one of America’s biggest and best holiday fairs, bringing the atmosphere of European Christmas to Colorado and drawing visitors from far and wide.

Civic Center Park, Denver

Illuminated Christmas trees at the Denver Christkindlmarkt (Photo: Amy Aletheia Cahill via Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0)

Texas Christkindl Market (Arlington, Texas)

Arlington puts on one of Texas’ most popular Christmas markets, a family-friendly German-inspired fair featuring holiday gifts, decorations and other traditional festive goods, as well as an array of live entertainment. Visitors can ensconce themselves in the Warming Haus while kids will enjoy catching a glimpse of the Christkindl Angel and getting their photo taken with Santa himself. The market also claims to be the only place in the southwest where you can find exclusive Käthe Wohlfahrt Christmas decorations and designs from the renowned Rothenburg ob der Tauber Christmas Village in Germany.

Choctaw Stadium, Arlington

Two small boys dressed in traditional German garb enjoy a good-natured arm-wrestling match at the Texas Christkindl Market (Photo: Texas Christkindl Market)

Tomball German Christmas Market (Tomball, Texas)

This fun-packed event is a street festival, musical concert and open-air Christmas market all rolled into one. Visitors can tap their feet to well-known stage performers and carol singers while perusing the 175-plus vendors peddling enticing Christmas items, arts and crafts, and plenty more. There’s also a huge range of festive food and drink offerings, including mulled wine, beer, Christmas Stollen, bratwurst and sauerkraut. A dedicated kid’s area featuring carnival rides, bungee-jumping, a rock wall, a petting zoo and pony rides help keep little ones entertained for hours.

Tomball Old Town

Old World Christmas Market (Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin)

This market does what it says on the tin, rekindling the centuries’-old German Christkindlesmarkts with authentic gifts, ornaments and food specialities sold at quaint timbre booths. The setting is perhaps unusual for a Christmas market, taking place in a luxury resort overlooking Wisconsin’s scenic Elkhart Lake, but it’s certainly eye-catching. The market stalls feature freshly-cut balsam trees adorned with thousands of twinkling lights, a European-style food court, and an appearance by Father Christmas, all staged in a heated tent the length of a football field.

The Osthoff Resort, Elkhart Lake

Festive visitors browse the stalls at the Old World Christmas Market in Wisconsin (Photo: Old World Christmas Market at The Osthoff Resort)

Christkindlmarket (Chicago, Illinois)

Sausages are one of the main incentives for visiting Chicago’s Christkindlmarket, one of the longest-running Christmas markets anywhere in America. Though there’s plenty of other mouth-watering German-inspired food to be found here too, not to mention numerous vendors selling cuckoo clocks, table laces, ornaments, woodworking masterpieces and other great gift and souvenir ideas. One of the most popular activities at the market is to grab yourself a glass of gluehwein in a themed cup that changes its design every year. For kids, there’s a Kinder Club that hosts fun-packed activities including scavenger hunts.

Daley Plaza, Chicago

Cincideutsch Christkindlmarkt (Cincinnati, Ohio)

This market is part of a broader celebration called Macy’s Light Up the Square, which takes place each year in the heart of Cincinnati and features the annual lighting of a Christmas tree along with live music, a fireworks display and an ice skating rink. The market itself in Fountain Square is authentically German in style and boasts a wide range of vendors and local artisans selling traditional German fare including Glühwein, hot chocolate, sweets and baked goods, handcrafted gifts, seasonal decorations and other festive-themed products from charming half-timbered stalls.

Fountain Square, downtown Cincinnati

A busy scene at Cincideutsch Christkindlmarkt (Photo: 5chw4r7z via Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0)

Germania Society Christkindlmarkt (Cincinnati, Ohio)

If anyone in America is going to hit the bullseye with a Christmas market, you’d hope it would be the Germania Society, a Cincinnati-based organisation that celebrates German culture through a diverse programme of events and activities throughout the year. Each winter, they play host to an extensive market at Germania Park featuring an assortment of imported German gifts, along with traditional food and drink. Live entertainment is also in ample supply, with German music, a children’s lantern parade, a petting zoo and carriage rides all helping to create a warm and welcoming family-friendly atmosphere.

Germania Park, Cincinnati

Atlanta Christkindl Market (Atlanta, Georgia)

A visit from the Nuremburg Christkind, with her white and golden dress, long blond curls and golden crown, kicks off this busy Christmas market in dramatic style each year, with kids enjoying the chance to take selfies and listen to her regale them with German Christmas folktales. The market itself is packed full of German crafts and other items, including hand-carved wooden toys and trinkets, delicate Christmas tree ornaments, and fine laces. There’s also also tons of excellent traditional food, including hearty German dishes like currywurst, bratwurst, and leberkäse to keep revellers well fuelled.

 Centennial Olympic Park, Atlanta

A stall holder poses for a photo at the Atlanta Christkindl Market (Photo: Atlanta Christkindl Market)

Downtown Holiday Market (Washington, District of Columbia)

The Downtown Holiday Market is consistently ranked among America’s best Christmas fairs, and anyone who’s visited will testify as to why. Located on Washington’s F Street between 7th & 9th streets NW, outside the National Portrait Gallery and Smithsonian American Art Museum, the event features a consistently rotating selection of exhibitors and artisans offering a huge array of fine art, crafts, jewellery, pottery, clothing, speciality food items, and plenty more. The market takes place annually every day from mid-November all the way through to Christmas Eve.

Downtown Washington 

Visitors to the Downtown Holiday Market in Washington DC stroll between the stalls (Photo: Downtown Holiday Market)

WeihnachtsMarkt (Harmony, Pennsylvania)

Set in the grounds of a prestigious museum, this is another untypical venue for a Christmas market, but does nothing to deter the large numbers who visit each year to enjoy the unique atmosphere and array of gifts on display. There’s a high level of quality control, meaning that artists and vendors are selected based on the standard of their offerings, so you can guarantee the items you’re browsing are authentic German imports. There’s also live entertainment, including quilting, weaving demonstrations and carol singing, plus a Reindeer Express Mailbox for kids to send off their letters to Santa – plus lashings of traditional German food and drink.

The Harmony Museum, Harmony

Traditional German dancing at the WeihnachtsMarkt (Photo: The Harmony Museum)

Christkindlmarket (Bethlehem, Pennsylvania)

Held over five weeks each year and featuring more than 125 artisanal stall holders, Christkindlmarkt Bethlehem positively oozes old-world charm. As well as an impressive range of souvenir and gift ideas, there’s also the heart-warming sound of live Christmas music, plus impressive ice-sculpting demonstrations and giant playhouses, both of which help draw families with kids to the market. Visitors can expect to find beautiful glass art, handmade jewellery, wheel-thrown pottery, gourmet foods and hand-crafted candles, to name just a few goodies.

SteelStacks, Bethlehem

Christmas Village (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)

Taking place in the grounds of Philadelphia’s City Hall, this German-themed Christmas Village is widely renowned for its delightful festive atmosphere thanks to the thousands of lights and live music performances of Christmas classics. As for things to buy, there are more than 80 stalls selling ornaments, toys, jewellery, and arts and crafts, while traditional European food and drink is in good supply with waffles, gingerbread, bratwurst and mulled wine among the treats vying to tempt visitors into submission.

Love Park & City Hall, Philadelphia

Philadelphia’s Christmas market against a back drop of old and modern buildings (Photo: Brooke via Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0 )

Canandaigua Christkindl Market (Canandaigua, New York State)

There’s no need to worry about New York City’s famous winter cold snap at this market, which is held under several heated tents on the pristine lawn of the majestic Granger Homestead and Carriage Museum in Canandaigua. Over 130 regional artisans and food vendors regularly turn up for the annual event, which also features live entertainment and festive music. Younger visitors can meet the Christkindl Angel as well as the big man himself alongside his better half, Mrs Claus, who will be waiting to greet them in the dedicated Santa’s House.

Granger Homestead and Carriage Museum, Canandaigua

Visitors to the Canandaigua Christkindl Market in NYC line up for festive German treats (Photo: Granger Homestead via Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0 )

Christmas Village (Baltimore, Maryland)

Baltimore’s German Christmas market has been a regular fixture on the city’s winter calendar since 2013 and features thousands of lights, a giant Christmas Tree and enough traditional food to shake a stick at, including mouth-watering waffles, gingerbread and bratwurst. There are both indoor and outdoor areas, meaning those less inclined to brave the cold can always retreat to warmer environs thanks to a heated tent, underneath which you’ll find a food court and a diverse mix of stallholders selling holiday gifts, ornaments, jewellery, arts and crafts and much more.

West Shore Park, Inner Harbor, Baltimore

Union Square Holiday Market (NYC, New York)

While some Christmas markets are best suited for a quick wander, you could easily set aside an entire day to explore this internationally renowned event in the heart of Manhattan. As well as more than 150 vendors showcasing handcrafted goods and other eclectic items, there’s also a whole host of entertainment, including a kid’s craft studio and live musical performances. Some great gift ideas to be found here include brew-your-own beer kits and monogrammed stuffed animals. There’s also plenty of food and drink on offer, either to enjoy as you walk or to take home.

Union Square Park, NYC

Columbus Circle Holiday Market (NYC, New York)

This is one of the best known Christmas markets anywhere in the US, thanks in some measure to its iconic location at the entrance to Central Park. Visitors can – and very often do – lose themselves in the glittering array of aisles where art, jewellery, homeware and delicious food and drink are on display, much of which has been created by gifted artisans and independent designers. If you need help navigating your way around, dedicated on-site concierge staff will guide you to your preferred stalls.

Columbus Circle, NYC

Christmas shoppers browse the Columbus Circle Holiday Market in NYC (Photo: Charley Lhasa via Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0 )

Bryant Park Winter Village (NYC, New York)

Shopping is only half the story at the Bryant Park Winter Village. Each year, the expansive public park in Midtown Manhattan is transformed into a hugely popular entertainment hub, hosting a huge outdoor ice skating rink that helps make it one of the most atmospheric places to visit during Christmas anywhere in the Big Apple. There are also more than 100 stall holders and food kiosks here selling everything from distinctive apparel, jewellery and decorations to delicious festive cuisine.

Bryant Park, NYC

BONUS EVENTS:

While most of the Christmas markets listed above are large city-based events, there are also a number of smaller, more low-key fairs that take place across small town America. Here are two of the best:

Yorktown Christmas Market (Yorktown, Virginia)

The small Virginia town of Yorktown comes alive each festive season with the opening of its Christmas market. Proceedings kick off with a Christmas tree lightening, a tradition that dates back in the town to 1945. As for the market itself, visitors can enjoy the presence of some 60 vendors, plus holiday music, food and drink, and of course, a visit from Santa himself. Seasonal gift and produce buying is popular here too, with soups and baked goods, preserves, candles, soap, and festive art among the wares on offer.

Venues across Yorktown

Frankenmuth ChristKindlMarkt (Frankenmuth, Michigan)

The small German town of Frankenmuth celebrates its heritage as “Michigan’s Little Bavaria” each year. The Christmas market actually runs all-year-round, but really comes into bloom for the main event in late November, with the city dressed up in dazzling lights and lavish decorations for several weeks. Horse-drawn carriages offer festive rides, while glowing trees along Main Street light up the promenade through downtown towards a beautiful 40-foot Christmas tree. There’s also a free music and lights show that runs several times a day.

Venues across Frankenmuth

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These 6 U.S. Christmas markets feel like a fairy tale

From a charming Danish village lookalike in the West to a historic bluff-top town in the South, these destinations add local flavor to holiday merrymaking.

Europe , especially Germany , is rightly famed for its Christmas markets that bring a fairy tale sense of wonder to the season. But you don’t have to journey abroad for holiday magic—these fairs in the United States showcase European-style festivities while celebrating their cities’ cultural heritage.

Kerstmarkt , Holland, Michigan

Through December 16

Founded by Dutch immigrants in the 1840s roughly 30 miles from Grand Rapids, Holland is a pocket of the Netherlands in the U.S. The town even sports a wooden shoe factory. “The Dutch culture is alive and well in the community, featuring the Tulip Time festival in May and buildings like our working windmill that reflect the Dutch heritage,” says resident Kris Van Haitsma.

Holland’s Kerstmarkt (Dutch for Christmas market) has been a beloved annual tradition for 26 years. Wooden booths fill the 8th Street Marketplace downtown, offering goods from area producers. Look for handmade items from pens to brooms and wool socks from a sheep farm, says Van Haitsma, whose Mud Lake Farm whips up an elderberry chai soda just for the Kerstmarkt.

Along with finding one-of-a-kind gifts, you can sample Dutch delicacies like stroopwafels (caramel-filled waffle cookies); meet Sinterklaas, the Dutch Santa Claus; and listen to handbell concerts and carolers dressed in Dickens-era attire.

Texas Christkindl Market , Arlington, Texas

Through December 23

Arlington, Texas, knows all about the spirit of giving. The city “adopted” the Bavarian town of Bad Königshofen in 1951, sending much-needed supplies of food and clothing to refugees fleeing East Germany. A close relationship continues to this day; the sister cities each have a park named after the other.

That history inspired the annual Texas Christkindl Market, now in its 13th year. Arlington partners with another German town, Rothenburg ob der Tauber—considered one of the most enchanting places in Bavaria—to bring holiday magic and European charm to Texas. The event’s biggest vendor, Käthe Wohlfahrt, is also Germany’s largest Christmas goods company. Based in Rothenburg, it produces traditional German decorations, such as delicate glass ornaments, wooden toys, and nutcrackers. While browsing the wares, don’t miss a performance by the Swiss Longhorns, a famed quartet playing 12-foot-long alphorns.

( Here are the best places in the world to visit in December .)

Christkindlmarkt , Carmel, Indiana

Through December 24

The Glühwein Pyramid, a tiered wooden structure strung with lights, is a hallmark of Christmas markets in Germany. The same could be said of this market in the town of Carmel, located just north of Indianapolis. Carmel’s 33-foot-tall, 10-ton version sparkles with 3,000 bulbs, forming the centerpiece of the painstakingly detailed event.

The chief goal is authenticity, says Maria Murphy, the market’s CEO. “The Carmel Christkindlmarkt from its inception has always aimed to recreate the experience of visiting a market in a small town in Germany,” she says. That extends to the food. “One vendor flew to Germany just to bring back a specific kind of bread for his team to taste as they planned out the bread for their döner kebabs,” she adds.

Stop by the Werkstatt to watch renowned woodworkers and glassblowers from Germany at work. Kids can try their own crafts in the Kinderecke, while exhibits in the Kulturecke explore Indiana’s German-American history: The state was a major hub for German immigration in the 19th century. Notable Indianans of German descent include the writer Kurt Vonnegut.

Christmas Village , Baltimore, Maryland

Baltimore’s German heritage dates to its founding. German settlers already living on the Chesapeake Bay were among the city’s first residents when it was established in 1729. By the late 19th century, Baltimore was the second leading port of entry for European immigrants in the U.S., after New York City’s Ellis Island, and a quarter of Baltimoreans were either German-born or had German parents.

That heritage is celebrated at the annual Christmas Village, held in the heart of the Inner Harbor at West Shore Park. Warm up with a glass of hot mulled wine at the Glühwein Pyramid (custom-made by a German craftsman), then peruse the nearly 60 vendors. Be sure to sample the array of sausages at the Best of Wurst stall. Take a spin on the carousel or climb aboard the 65-foot Ferris wheel for views of the Inner Harbor and the lights twinkling across Charm City.

Christmas in Natchez , Mississippi

Through December 27

Founded by the French in 1716 and named for the area’s original Indigenous inhabitants , Natchez is the oldest continuous settlement on the Mississippi River. During the holidays the “Christmas Capital of the South” makes the most of its spectacular location, perched on a bluff overlooking the river.

The monthlong Christmas in Natchez transforms the historic downtown, with a 34-foot-high Christmas tree on Main Street and displays representing Kwanzaa and Hanukkah. The new European Christmas Village offers plenty of stalls for browsing. Every Thursday, join the caroling in Memorial Park, where giant oak trees make a memorable backdrop for lighted holiday displays with nursery rhyme themes.

( Here are 11 of the best Christmas markets in the U.K. )

Solvang Julefest , Solvang, California

Through January 6, 2024

In this town less than an hour’s drive north of Santa Barbara, you can visit Denmark without leaving the U.S. “Solvang is a Danish-settled city, founded in 1911, which still retains its Danish design details, architectural styles, and ambience,” says Mayor Mark Infanti. The annual Julefest offers “a little slice of Danish holidays,” Infanti says.

Guided candlelight tours (select evenings through December 23) take visitors through the streets lined with half-timbered medieval-style buildings. Along the way, join in caroling and learn about Danish traditions and local history.

Marvel at the light and music show held every evening in Solvang Park, or gaze at colorful Christmas lights throughout the Santa Ynez Valley on the Solvang Trolley (hot chocolate included). Back in town, keep your eyes peeled for the nisser (Danish gnomes) hidden around downtown—find all of them for a Solvang keepsake.

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The Best Christmas Markets in Moscow in 2021-2022

Photo by  @betagamma

What are the top Christmas markets in Moscow?

• Journey to Christmas Festival : Moscow’s biggest festive celebration spans nearly 80 historic sites. Visit traditional markets, watch theatre performances, ballet and light shows, try food from throughout the world, play winter games, and so much more.
• Christmas Market on Red Square : Russia’s most famous square is adorned with lights, decorations, and this festive market. Browse antiques, art and souvenirs with the backdrop of the Kremlin and St Basil’s, and warm up with traditional Russian snacks.
• Handicraft Formula Fair : The dream fair for lovers of arts and crafts, you’ll find gifts of every kind like hand-blown glass, mosaics, woodwork, as well as craft kits for adults and children. You can even get involved yourself - workshops include jewellery, Christmas decorations and more.
• The Franco-Belgian Christmas Fair : If you’ve had your fill of Russian markets, here you’ll find something a little different. Browse cosmetics, clothes and antiques, as well as food and drink which you can enjoy at the fair or take home!
• Orthodox Christmas Gift Fair : Experience the rich traditions of the Russian Orthodox Church at this fair, where monasteries, churches and farms take part. Discover literature, icons and folk art, as well as delicious food made on the farms.
• Artflection Handmade Fair : Russia’s biggest handmade fair is run by artists and experts, promising only the highest quality unique gifts. You can also take part in workshops to create handmade gifts.
• Markets at the All Russian Exhibition Centre : Two festive markets will take place. At the Eastern Fairytale fair, vendors from Central Asia to the Far East sell ceramics, jewellery, teas, spices and more.

A Moscow tour  during the winter is a magical Russian Christmas experience.The festive atmosphere warms the snow-dusted city, thousands of lights are strung across the city’s wide boulevards, and Christmas attractions are set up on the historical squares. From traditional fairs with souvenirs and carousels, to unique festivals run by the Orthodox church, fairs of handmade goods, and markets selling products from France all the way to the Far East, anyone visiting Moscow during the festive season will be spoilt for choice.

The “Journey to Christmas” Festival

Photo by  @miklevasilyev

Moscow’s largest festive celebration spans nearly 80 sites throughout the city - squares, parks and wide boulevards will be adorned and covered with decorations, installations and lights, complete with markets, performances, interactive excursions, light shows and more. As well as traditional fairs, there is an endless amount of fun to be had for all ages:

• Watch ballet on ice at Revolution Square, with famous performances such as the Nutcracker and Swan Like
• Ride down Russia’s largest ice slide, or ice skate, sledge, and play winter games
• Learn about the traditions of 19th century Christmas in Russia
• Discover festive delicacies from Russia and abroad, including a gingerbread village
• Browse the Christmas book market and listen to Russian winter poems
• Children can take part in craft workshops and cooking classes
• Visit the website below to discover each step of the Journey to Christmas.

Where: Nearly 80 locations all over Moscow When: 10th December 2021 - 09th January 2022

The “Journey to Christmas” Festival at Sokolniki 

Photo by  @eugene_tones

This unique fair is a dream for arts and crafts lovers coming to Moscow for this date. You will certainly find the perfect souvenir among all of the different crafts offered. There are also gifts to inspire creativity, such as embroidery, scrapbooking, soap-making kits, and kits suitable for children. The fair organises over some workshops for all ages. Small performances and parades are held, as well as craft competitions!

Where: Sokolniki Exhibition Centre, Fontannaya Square When: 31st December 2021, 13:00-19:00

Orthodox Christmas Gift Fair in Sokolniki

Photo by  @evgeny

The Sokolniki gift fair is a traditional market which allows visitors to experience the rich traditions of Russian Orthodox culture. Monasteries, churches and church farms from all over the country will set up stalls offering religious literature and icons, jewellery, clothing and applied folk art souvenirs, as well as honey, jams and products from church farms. 

Where: Sokolniki Exhibition Centre, Pavilion 4, 4.1 When: 21 - 27th December 2019

Markets at VDNKh, the All Russian Exhibition Centre

Photo by  @kkalerry

Those looking for original gifts should head to the Eastern Fairytale fair at VNDKh, Russia’s largest exhibition centre. Vendors from Russia, Central Asia, the Far East and South-East Asia offer a multitude of gifts. Browse ceramics, unique artwork, ethically-produced clothes, and jewellery with precious stones. You can also find eastern health products and medicines, natural cosmetics, and exotic teas and spices. 

For those searching for specifically Russian handicrafts, in the same building you will find the New Year’s Gift Fair. Vendors from throughout Russia sell traditional scarves and hats, hand-embroidered garments and linen, as well as jewellery and ornaments.

Where: Both exhibitions are held in Pavilion 57, VNDKh When: 27th - 30th December 2019

Read on to learn about  winter activities in Moscow  and  New Year celebrations in Moscow . 

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Christmas and New Year in Moscow: best markets and decorations to see

• September 18, 2023

Christmas and New Year in Moscow: what to do, where to go? We are getting more and more questions about Christmas and New Year in Moscow and St. Petersburg. So I decided to write two articles for each city to give you as much information as possible about the magical holiday season in Moscow and Saint Petersburg. I will then talk about things not to miss, places to see and of course the Moscow Christmas markets and decorations. Moscow at Christmas time and New Year is magical!

So, how can you enjoy the holiday season in Moscow at Christmas and at New Year Eve? Let’s go!

Winter holiday in Russia

First, a small point on the calendar. Orthodox Christmas takes place on January 7. There is therefore no special event on December 25. On the other hand, New Year is celebrated well on December 31 and it is the most awaited and appreciated holiday of the Russians. In fact, in Russia, Christmas is truly a religious event. Therefore, it’s more like New Year that we give gifts and party. So, Moscow at Christmas time is not as festive as we can imagine.

The heart of the holiday season extends between December 31 and January 7. But the first decorations begin to appear in mid-December. We must therefore aim for this period, if you wish to celebrate Christmas and New Year in Moscow. You can already see Moscow Christmas decorations in early December.

New year in Moscow or in Saint Petersburg?

Even though I love my hometown of St. Petersburg, if you have to choose between New Year in Moscow and St. Petersburg, I would recommend Moscow . This is clearly the destination for those who love this holiday and expect something magical . In Saint Petersburg, it’s also very festive, but much more modestly. However, Moscow Christmas decorations are the best in Russia.

Christmas and New Year in Moscow

This time of year is wonderful! If you enjoy Moscow Christmas markets and decorations, mulled wine, skating rinks and everything associated with this period: do not hesitate to spend Christmas and New Year in Moscow!

Moscow Red Square: the place to be!

It’s the most magical place in Moscow during the holiday season! To celebrate Christmas and New Years in Moscow, it is essential to go to the essential Red Square.

In the evening, all the lights come on and make the place even more beautiful.

GUM’s Moscow Christmas market is very very cool: skating rink, mulled wine and candy stands, games for children, entertainment, a real party atmosphere! On the other hand, during the week, there are far fewer people and less entertainment than at weekends.

Once in Red Square, don’t forget to enter the GUM. Inside this store, it feels like walking the streets of a European city. There are 3 aisles, 2 floors (3 if you count in the Russian way, because floor 0 does not exist). So it’s a nicely decorated and friendly place to warm up a bit.

Don’t be surprised to see several ice cream vendors. The favorite ice cream for Russians is Plombières ice cream. At GUM, it is served “as before”, that is to say as in Soviet times: in a fine waffle in the shape of glass. It’s called “stakantchik”, a little glass in Russian.

Around Red Square

If you are coming for Christmas and New Years in Moscow, there are neighborhoods not to be missed! Even if the city is decorated everywhere, the concentrate is near the Red Square. Ploshchad means “place” in Russian, ulitsa means “street”.

• Ulitsa Nikolskaya, emblematic street of the 2018 World Cup where all the fans met.
• Ploshchad Revolutsii, opposite the Bolchoi Thetre
• Manezhnaya Ploshchad
• Ulitsa Tverskaya
• Ulitsa Bol’shaya Dmitrovka
• Sloteshnikov Pereoulok
• Ulitsa Kuznetsky Most
• Ulitsa Petrovka
• Nikitsky + Tverskoy Boulevard
• Zaryadye Park, which runs along the Moskva River, where a magnificent view of the Kremlin and the city opens up and small hills covered with snow (except this year … where the temperatures are abnormally high for this period.)

Here are some photos of Zaryadye Park that I took with my phone (it’s even better in reality!).

Moscow Christmas markets

Christmas and New Years in Moscow, first of all the Christmas markets! Moreover, in September 2018 the British daily newspaper The Telegraphe had included Moscow in its TOP 10 of the most beautiful destinations for Christmas markets .

It’s impossible to name all the Christmas markets in Moscow: there are so many! Some last several weeks, others – only a few days. All the parks have their Christmas market, not counting all the other places… Here are the 3 most beautiful in terms of location, duration and decorations:

• On Red Square, opposite GUM, of course! (in general, open from the beginning of December)
• On Ploshchad Revolutsii square
• In Stoleshnikov Pereoulok street (small market)

Here are some pictures of Stoleshnikov Pereoulok and its Moscow Christmas market: Moscow Christmas decorations are fantastic!

Interesting places at Christmas and New Year in Moscow

In the blog post What to do in Moscow in winter? I already indicate the main places to see in general in winter. They are valid for the holiday season, if not more. If you’re celebrating Christmas and New Years in Moscow, rest assured, it’s not just Red Square to visit.

VDNKh. This huge Soviet-era exhibition center is getting a makeover. Besides, the place is interesting to visit already without the festivities. Here everything is huge: don’t expect a cute Christmas market. By cons, very few people on weekdays, except the week of January 31 to 7.

Izmailovo. Far from the city center, it is a kremlin (fortress) recently built in the old style where there is a flea market. In winter, with snow, the place takes on the appearance of a Disney tale. There are places to stop for a hot drink or … vodka! A vodka museum is located on the territory of the Kremlin.

Gorky Park. Gorky Park is the most visited park in Moscow. Another nice Muzeon park is nearby. It is therefore possible to do both. In both parks will be installed Christmas markets from December 26. Many more people on weekends than weekdays.

Hermitage Park. It’s a nice little park in downtown Moscow where you meet more Muscovites than tourists. During the holiday season, the park organizes entertainment.

New Year in Moscow

If you come to spend Christmas and New Year in Moscow, know that the most important event for Russians is New Years Day. December 31 is also the most festive time of the year. Some of the Muscovites will stay at home with family and friends, but many will go out to celebrate the arrival of the New Year on the streets of Moscow.

Where to celebrate New Year in Moscow?

We find more or less the same places. For example, you can build an itinerary of several places to make the most of New Years Eve in Moscow.

Red Square. The evening of December 31, Red Square will not finally be open to everyone. There are very few tickets: they are distributed on social criteria and to the active inhabitants of the city (there is a portal where the inhabitants can participate actively in the life of the city by voting, giving proposals … etc). Another possibility to access Red Square the evening of the 31st is to buy tickets for the ice rink. But there are only 500 places and they leave very quickly. In addition, staying all evening on the ice rink (9 p.m. to 1 a.m.) is not necessarily great. The vast majority of people will not be there, but all around. For example, the Zaryadye park from which we can see the Saint Basil’s Cathedral and the Kremlin !

Around Red Square. Very close to Red Square, the party will be on Manezhnaya ploschad and Tverskaya street which will be completely pedestrian. Outdoor concert, street entertainment, music, Moscow Christmas decorations: party atmosphere guaranteed! For example, to give you an idea, here is a Youtube video showing the street on December 31, 2018:

Zaryadye Park. Also close to Red Square is a new park that runs along the Moskva River. For New Year 2019, Zaryadye park offers a program from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m.: songs, dances, acrobatic show, midnight countdown! In addition, all cafes, restaurants and other park services will also be open. Further information on the official Zaryadye website in English . If you decide to stand Christmas and New Year in Moscow, it is a place to discover without a doubt.

In the parks of Moscow. There are party programs in almost every major city park. Gorky Park, Gorky Park and Pobedy Park (with its ice castle) are therefore nice places where you can go. Programs vary from year to year.

Good to know! From December 28, 2019 to January 6, 2020, one end of Tverskaya Street and other streets close to the heart of the city center will be pedestrianized. However, this change will modify the circulation of buses in this area of ​​Moscow.

New Year’s fireworks in Moscow

There is not one article fire, but several! On December 31 in Moscow, fireworks were launched from more than 30 locations.

• When? The big fireworks take place at 1 a.m. This is the time all of Russia will pass in the New Year.
• Where? Pretty much everywhere. The midnight fireworks are the most central, between the Kremlin and Zaryadie Park. You must therefore position yourself near this area, if you want to stay in the heart of the city center. But the fireworks (more than 30 launch sites!) Will cover other places in the city. It is often said that Sparrow Hill is the perfect place to see the fireworks. However, it is located quite far from the city center.

New Year in Moscow: public transport

Public transport in Moscow operates throughout the night of December 31, according to the official website of the Moscow city hall. It’s very convenient to move around and enjoy the party in several places in the city! To find out more about Moscow transportation cards, read the blog post: Moscow public transportation and taxi . In 2019, public transport will be free the night of December 31 (from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.).

For the record, the night of December 31, 2017, 35,000 people celebrated the arrival of New Year at midnight on Moscow’s public transport! In addition, almost 500,000 people took advantage of overnight transportation.

Moscow at Christmas time

Orthodox Christmas in Moscow (and in Russia globally) is January 7, more preciously the night of January 6 to 7 . It’s an important holiday. However, it is not as festive as New Years Day.

Liturgies take place at night in cathedrals and Orthodox churches. The main cathedral in Moscow at Christmas time is the Cathedral of Christ the Savior. It is therefore the liturgy in this cathedral which is transmitted on the main channels of the country live.

In 2020, public transport will operate until 2 a.m. in Moscow at Christmas time.

Moscow is the best destination for Christmas and New Year in Russia!

Moscow city hall really does the utmost to decorate the city: streets, squares and parks. So if you are looking for when to go to Moscow and enjoy the holiday mood, Christmas and New Year in Moscow is perfect for you, because Moscow Christmas decorations are really exceptional.

Before departure, here is what you may find useful:

• How to get a tourist voucher for Russian visa?
• Where to stay in Moscow?
• Airport transfer: how to get to Moscow?
• What to visit in Moscow?

If you hesitate between Moscow and Saint Petersburg, the moods in the two cities are different. For the holiday season, Moscow is much more decorated than Saint Petersburg. The budget in terms of decorations and entertainment is clearly not the same. Christmas and New Year in Moscow, it’s excitement! However, if you are looking to celebrate New Years Day much more calmly , St. Petersburg is more suitable.

Will you plan to got to Moscow at Christmas time? Or later during the winter? Our travel tips could help you to prepare your trip, here are some of them.

Moscow travel tips:

• How to visit Kremlin?
• Red Square: all you need to know
• Tourist voucher for Russian visa
• St. Basile Cathedral: practical information for the visit

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What to expect from celebrating Christmas in Moscow

October 4, 2018 by Karen Turner 3 Comments

Last year was a magical Christmas.  Jacob and I visited our dear friend Nikita in Moscow.   Celebrating Christmas in Moscow was magical and one of my favorite parts of spending the holiday season in Russia meant that we got to visit some of the Christmas markets in Moscow, including the Red Square Christmas Market.  Keep reading for tips for attending the Christmas markets in Moscow.

• 0.1 Which Christmas in Moscow!?
• 0.2 Avoiding the crowds during Christmas in Moscow
• 0.3.1 Souvenirs worth getting from the Christmas Market
• 1 Have you experienced Christmas in Moscow?

Which Christmas in Moscow!?

Whether you’re visiting during Western Christmas or Orthodox Christmas, you’re in luck: You’ll be able to experience a bit of Christmas spirit in Russia. Although Christmas is celebrated in Russia according to the Orthodox calendar, you’ll still find Christmas decorations set up in December in time for Christmas in Western Europe.   These decoration will be up through January, which is when Orthodox Christmas occurs.

Russia has a unique history in terms of Christmas as it was banned during the Soviet period.  Officials tried to combine Christmas into New Year’s Eve, which is a popular family holiday in Russia today.  However, in post-Soviet Russia, Christmas is a big deal.  Many tourists come to Moscow as well as other Russian cities to enjoy the festive atmosphere, shop, and take selfies. 

You’ll find Christmas decorations as well as smaller markets all throughout the city.  Each neighborhood typically has a tree as well as some kind of festivities, however the most popular area to visit is along Tverskaya Street.

If you’re planning on visiting Moscow for Christmas, be sure to book your hotel room in Moscow early as this is a popular travel time for Russians.  We waited to book our room until we got the visa documents together  and ended up paying a premium compared to when we first checked prices.

You might be required to have your accommodations booked in order to request a visa.  Some hotels will assist you in getting an invitation letter, if required, for an additional fee.  We stayed at Legendary Historical Hotel Sovietsky , a grand Soviet-era hotel that offered visa assistance.

Not surprisingly, it was chilly in Moscow during Christmas, however the crowds were intense enough that I ended up partially unzipping my jacket!  If you’ll just be enjoying the city center of Moscow, a good pair of boots (or booties) for walking around, a winter jacket, pants (possibly with tight underneath for added warmth), gloves, a hat, and a scarf.  I ended up layering up with a sweater and a t-shirt underneath my jacket.  

Avoiding the crowds during Christmas in Moscow

The period between New Year’s Eve and Orthodox Christmas is one of the busiest times for Moscow.  Many Russians will come to the city center to enjoy the spectacular lights and shop.  

Avoiding the crowds will prove more difficult than you imagine.  We attempted to go to the Red Square a few times, but ended up being frustrated with the crowds.

The Red Square Christmas Market

The Red Square Christmas market has beautifully decorated stalls, multiple selfie spots, children’s rides, and enough stalls to purchase some unique gifts.  It took us about 1-2 hours to browse the market. 

I was a bit put off by how crowded the Red Square Christmas was.  It was a bit chaotic and claustrophobic, however it was definitely worth viewing.  I recommend avoiding wearing backpacks and ensuring that your bag is zips securely as we were warned about pickpockets.

Like Christmas markets elsewhere, you’ll find numerous drinks, including glintwine. Glintwine is the Russian equivalent of gluhwein, a delicious mulled wine made with cloves and oranges.  You’ll also find lots of tea in giant samovars, a great treat during the winter months in Moscow.  Additionally, you’ll find cookies as well as food stands serving typical foods, such as Georgian-style meats. 

Souvenirs worth getting from the Christmas Market

Birch is a typical wood from Russia and it is credited for keeping the Soviet army alive during World War II.  (Its bark can be burned for warmth!) You’ll find numerous stalls selling birch souvenirs, including containers for coffee.  I paid about 7 euros for my birch coffee container.  You’ll also find the famous matryoshka dolls, which originate in Sergiev Posad , a great souvenir from Russia.

Have you experienced Christmas in Moscow?

About Karen Turner

New Yorker–born and raised. Currently living in the Hague, the Netherlands after stints in Paris and Amsterdam. Lover of travel, adventure, nature, city, dresses, and cats.

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• Blacklane Blog

The 21 Best Christmas Markets in the World

Estimated reading time: 22 minutes

Discover the best Christmas markets in the world, where you can enjoy festive treats, traditional crafts, and magical atmospheres.

Christmas markets are a celebration of the joy and warmth of the holiday season, where even the likes of Scrooge would find it hard to resist! And while many people associate Christmas markets with Germany and its specialties like Lebkuchen (traditional gingerbread) and glühwein (mulled wine), there are many other countries that have their own versions of these festive fairs. So, grab your hot chocolate and blanket, and join us as we explore some of the best Christmas markets in the world.

Table of Contents

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Before we take you on a tour of these magical places, let’s take a moment to appreciate the history of this tradition that dates back to medieval times. The origins of Christmas markets are not very clear, but some sources suggest that Vienna was the first city to have a December market, which was granted by Duke Albrecht I in 1296. However, this market may not have been exclusively related to Christmas, as it mainly included other goods. At the same time according to various historical sources , the first true Christmas markets, which focused on selling festive items and treats, emerged in Germany in the 15th and 16th centuries. For example, Dresden’s Striezelmarkt was first held in 1434 and Nuremberg’s Christkindlesmarkt dates back to 1530. 

Christmas markets later spread to other parts of Europe, such as Italy, Switzerland, and France, where they adopted local customs and flavors. Today, Christmas markets are a global phenomenon, with events held in countries as far as China and the United States. Some of the traditional items sold at Christmas markets include wooden toys, nutcrackers, candles, ornaments, gingerbread, roasted nuts, and mulled wine. 

Dates: November 29 to December 24, 2023

As mentioned, Nuremberg Christmas Market stands out as one of the oldest and finest in Europe, consistently drawing millions of visitors each year. Recognized as among the best Christmas markets in Germany, it holds a special place in the hearts of those seeking festive tradition.

Renowned for its commitment to sustainability, this market sets itself apart by embracing eco-friendly practices. All mulled wine vendors operate within the reusable cup system, not only saving energy but also significantly reducing the use of disposable containers. The market is powered by regenerative energy sourced from a regional hydroelectric plant and a photovoltaic power plant, adding an environmentally conscious touch to the holiday spirit.

The market takes place in the Hauptmarkt, the main square of Nuremberg, in the old town. It is inaugurated by the Nuremberg Christkind , a young woman dressed in a golden robe and a crown, who recites a traditional prologue from the balcony of the Frauenkirche church . She is the symbol of the market and represents the spirit of Christmas.

As you wander through the market, the air is filled with the scents of grilled sausages, crackling pork, and warm mulled wine, ensuring that food enthusiasts are in for a treat. The vibrant atmosphere is adorned with bright Christmas tree decorations, whimsical tinsel angels, intricately carved wooden nutcrackers, and colorful stars, creating a scene that evokes childlike excitement in every visitor. 

To add a dash of nostalgia, explore the Children’s Christmas Market , a dedicated space where little ones can revel in the magic of the season with age-old traditions like carousel rides and visits with Santa Claus.

Dates: November 28, 2023, to January 1, 2024

Discover the lively and artsy side of Christmas in Berlin, where tradition gets a modern twist. With a whopping 100 Christmas markets scattered across the city, you can experience the magic of Christmas in every corner. From the big one in Spandau to a quirky market just for dogs (called Sirius ), Berlin’s festive scene is as diverse as its population.

For a classic Berlin market vibe, head to Alexanderplatz , with vendors offering Bratwurst, gingerbread, and mulled wine to tempt your taste buds. The market boasts a giant Christmas pyramid that you can walk inside, adorned with over 5000 twinkling lights – the largest of its kind in Europe.

Another great place is Charlottenburg Palace Christmas Market . With over 250 festively decorated stalls, this market offers a wide range of crafts, treats, and holiday delights against the backdrop of Charlottenburg Palace .

If you’re up for some action, check out Winter World on Potsdamer Platz. It’s more about winter sports than shopping, with tobogganing, curling, and a cool ice-skating rink that even offers free lessons for kids.

But, among all the options, WeihnachtsZauber Gendarmenmarkt takes the cake as the most popular. It sits in Bebelplatz at the Staatsoper Unter den Linden, surrounded by famous landmarks such as the State Opera (Staatsoper) , St. Hedwig’s Cathedral , and the Altes Palais . Picture this: countless white tents covered in lights, all converging on a giant Christmas tree lighting up the whole place.

Last but not least don’t miss the Lucia Christmas Market at the Kulturbrauerei, offering a Scandinavian-inspired experience with Nordic crafts, traditional food, and a cozy atmosphere. The market features a unique Lucia procession, adding to the festive charm of Berlin during the holiday season.

Dates: November 23 to December 23, 2023

Cologne is a well-known festive destination that can make your Christmas unforgettable. The largest Christmas market in Cologne, nestled in the city center beneath the towering cathedral, is Markt der Engel . This is a place of wonder and magic, where you can meet celestial beings, such as angels and the winter queen, who has a snowy owl by her side and a fluffy unicorn as her companion. You can also marvel at the glowing creatures on stilts, who roam the streets like myths come to life. Above you, a dazzling canopy of lights brightens up the night.

For the little ones, Nikolausdorf (Saint Nicholas’s Village) is a must-visit. Located in a Christmas village next to Cologne’s impressive middle-age Hahnentorburg , you’ll learn about the tale of St. Nicholas, the patron saint of children, with the Hahnen gate adding to the magical setting.

Dates: November 27 to December 21, 2023

Frankfurt’s Christmas market , which has a history that goes back to 1393, is one of the best Christmas markets in Germany. The sheer scale of the Weihnachtsmarkt Frankfurt Römerberg is awe-inspiring, welcoming approximately three million visitors annually.

This market captivates with its fairytale-like setting at Römerberg, the picturesque, cobbled town square. The setting features iconic elements such as St. Paul’s Church , a historic carousel, and a towering 30-meter-high Christmas tree. As the sun sets, the entire scene comes alive with a magical glow, as thousands of LED lights and decorations illuminate the night sky.

Dates: November 24 to December 24, 2023

Strasbourg is known as France’s “Capital of Christmas”, and for good reason. The heart of the city is splendidly adorned with 300 traditional market stalls, each offering a delightful array of hand-painted wooden Christmas decorations that add a touch of rustic charm. 

At the center of this magical spectacle is the Christkindelsmärik , the oldest Christmas market in France, which attracts millions of visitors each year. The market’s beautiful wooden chalets create a picturesque scene, complemented by nightly concerts and performances. For those seeking a bit of adventure, the ice-skating rink adds a lively touch to the festivities.

As you explore this charming market, treat yourself to tasty foods like foie gras, a French specialty with a rich and buttery flavor, and warm white wine. Make sure to try bredele, special Alsatian Christmas cookies that are synonymous with Christmas.

And don’t forget to check out the big Christmas tree in the main square of Place Kléber, which stands as a noteworthy seasonal attraction.

Dates: November 14 to December 29, 2023

Only a short drive from Paris, Colmar is a beautiful town in the Alsace region of France, renowned for its colorful half-timbered houses and picturesque canals. During the Christmas season, the town becomes even more magical as it hosts six different Christmas markets. The market in Little Venice offers a stunning view of the illuminated boats on the river and the whimsical white Christmas trees. The Gourmet Market at Place de la Cathédrale invites you to try local delicacies such as Bouchée à la Reine, black truffle risotto, and Alsatian wine. The Koïfhus , the former customs house, showcases unique handicrafts and the history and culture of Alsace.

Colmar’s Christmas markets are not only a feast for the eyes and the palate, but also for the ears. You can enjoy the carols sung by children on boats, the music played by street performers, and the stories told by the night-watchman. You can also join the treasure hunt, the festival of lights, and the guided tours that reveal the secrets of the town!

Dates: November 17, 2023, to January 6, 2024

Edinburgh is a city that knows how to celebrate Christmas and New Year in style. From November to January, the Scottish capital hosts a series of festive events that reveal its beauty, culture, and spirit.

The European Christmas Market in East Princes Street Gardens offers a variety of traditional gifts, crafts, and food from different countries. For a thrilling experience, you can try the Big Wheel , a giant Ferris wheel, the star flyer (a high-speed spinning ride), or the ice rink and admire the stunning views of Edinburgh Castle .

The city also hosts a range of events, such as the Castle of Light , a dazzling display of lights and projections on the walls of Edinburgh Castle, the Torchlight Procession , a parade of torchbearers that raises money for charity, and the Night Afore Disco Party , a groovy night of music and dancing under the castle. You can also visit the Royal Botanic Garden to see its Christmas illuminations, or the Scottish National Gallery to enjoy its winter scenes.

And of course, no visit to Edinburgh would be complete without experiencing Hogmanay , the Scottish name for New Year’s Eve. Edinburgh’s Hogmanay is one of the biggest New Year’s parties in the world, attracting thousands of visitors every year. You can experience the lively Street Party with music, street performers, and fireworks. Or dance to traditional Scottish tunes at the Ceilidh in the Gardens . Everyone joins in for Auld Lang Syne , a song celebrating friendship and good memories.

Dates: December 7, 2023, to January 6, 2024

If you want to experience the magic of Christmas in Italy, you should not miss the Milan Christmas Market in Piazza Duomo. The market has more than 60 stalls that offer traditional Christmas products, such as decorations, nativity scenes, stockings and more.

But this market is not the only attraction in Milan during the festive season. The city has many other events and traditions that make it a wonderful destination for Christmas lovers. For example, on December 7th, the city celebrates the feast of St. Ambrose , the patron saint of Milan. This is also the opening day of the opera season at the renowned La Scala Theatre , which attracts celebrities and VIPs from all over the world.

Of course, you cannot leave Milan without tasting its famous panettone, a sweet bread with candied fruits and raisins that is traditionally eaten during Christmas. The origin of this delicacy dates back to the 15th century, when a young baker named Toni created it for his beloved princess!

If you are looking for more fun and entertainment, you can visit the Villaggio delle Meraviglie (Village of Wonders), which is located in the Indro Montanelli Gardens . The village features an ice-skating rink, a snow park, a Santa Claus house, a carousel, and many stalls selling food and crafts. The village is open from November to January, and it is a great place for families and children.

Dates: November 25 to December 31, 2023

Nestled in the historic Plaza Mayor, Madrid Christmas Market has roots dating back to the 19th century when it began as a lively fruit market during the festive season. With 104 stalls brimming with diverse gifts, an expansive nativity scene, and a towering white light Christmas tree that bathes the area in a warm glow, this market is a feast for the senses.

While the stalls have evolved over the years, the market’s traditions remain a vital part of Spain’s Christmas celebrations. You can watch live shows of fairy tales, puppetry, and music, or join the locals in singing carols and eating roasted chestnuts.

The market is a paradise for collectors, who can find rare and valuable items from vintage pieces spanning the 1960s to the 1980s to archaeological finds, paintings, and a delightful assortment of miscellanea; every corner holds a unique discovery.

Dates: December 1, 2023, to January 1, 2024

If you’re looking for a warmer destination to celebrate the festive season, why not visit the Christmas market in Madeira ? This Portuguese island is known for its natural beauty, and its capital, Funchal, hosts a traditional Christmas market every year. The market is located in the central walkways of Avenida Arriaga, where you can enjoy the sight of exotic flowers and trees. This place has a charming atmosphere, as it preserves the old-fashioned style of Christmas celebrations. The wooden shacks are decorated with colorful flowers, lights, and ornaments, creating a cozy mood.

The market offers a variety of local products, such as honey cake, roasted chestnuts, and Madeira wine. You can also watch the vendors prepare their delicacies in front of you, and sample some of their specialties. The market is also a great place to enjoy some live music, as local singers and musicians perform every day.

Dates: November 23, 2023, to January 1, 2024 Salzburg is a beautiful city that celebrates Christmas with music and tradition. The birthplace of Mozart, Salzburg hosts a charming Christkindlmarkt in the Old City, a UNESCO World Heritage site. If you love music, you are in for a treat. The beloved carol, Silent Night , first performed nearby, fills the air with its soothing melody. You will also appreciate the choral and wind performances that take place regularly. 

In addition, the market stalls, which have been selling crafts and gifts since the 15th century, offer a variety of items to choose from. You can find anything from candles and ornaments to toys and books. The food at the market is also delicious, and you can sample roast pork sandwiches, roasted almonds, and mulled wine to keep warm. And for an added dose of festive fun, consider joining a workshop to learn the art of making gingerbread and other treats.

Dates: November 24, 2023, to January 7, 2024

Bruges welcomes you to the Winter Glow Festival , a spectacular event that is all about light and joy. The highlight of the festival is the Light Experience Trail , which features ten stunning installations that cover the city’s squares and monuments with colors and projections. The trail invites you to discover Bruges from a different perspective and to enjoy the magical atmosphere created by the lights.

In addition to the festival, you can also enjoy the two Christmas markets in the city center, each with its own character.

The main Christmas market is in the Grote Markt, the historic square surrounded by the majestic Belfry , the Provincial Palace , and the iconic guild houses. Here, you can browse the wooden chalets selling traditional Christmas items and local delicacies, such as Belgian chocolate (obviously), waffles, and deep-fried delights known as kroketten. You can also enjoy the glittering ice rink and skate under the stars or watch the action from the cozy winter bar.

The other Christmas market is in Simon Stevinplein, a tree-lined square that offers colorful jewelry, pottery, and candles. You can also sample some of the best Belgian beers and cheeses here or enjoy the warmth of a cup of hot chocolate.

Dates: November 24 to December 31, 2023

The Winter Wonders in Brussels covers several locations, including Grand-Place , Bourse Place , Place Sainte-Catherine and Marché aux Poissons (fish market). This entertaining event turns the city center into a fairy place, with various attractions and activities for all ages.

Treat yourself to the famous Belgian waffles, chocolates that redefine sweetness, and beers that will make your taste buds dance. You can also discover the cultural diversity of Brussels, as the event hosts a guest of honor every year, showcasing the music, food, and art of a different country. 

Dates: November 23, 2023, to January 1, 2024

Gdańsk’s Yuletide fair is a cozy Christmas market where the festive spirit and the rich history of Gdańsk meet. It offers a unique and intimate experience that is different from the larger markets in Krakow and Wroclaw.

The market features several attractions, including a parade of elves on stilts, a snow queen who sings with her choir and a moose that tells jokes! A vintage carousel adds a touch of nostalgia to the festivities. Under the mistletoe, couples can share a kiss that is believed to bring joy, luck and health to their relationship.

Besides the ambiance, the market is a great place for those seeking festive gifts. You can choose from handmade jewelry and ceramics or upcycled clothing and knitwear that have festive vibes.

As you explore the Gdańsk Christmas market, treat your taste buds to a variety of dishes. You can find traditional Polish cuisine like pierogi, as well as international flavors like Alsatian pancakes, Greek bougatsa, and crunchy outside soft inside Spanish churros. And when you need to warm up, sip on the signature mulled wine or the comforting hot chocolate.

Dates: November 18, 2023, to January 1, 2024

Budapest offers two locations to enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of Christmas: Vorosmarty Square and Basilica.

Vorosmarty Square is the oldest and most traditional Christmas market in Budapest. Located in the heart of the city, it transforms into a beautiful village with wooden huts selling handmade crafts, delicious treats and hot drinks.

Basilica is the more modern Christmas market and features a dazzling light show on the facade of the Basilica, which is the largest church in Hungary. You can also skate around a giant Christmas tree on the ice rink, or warm up with some lencseleves, a traditional lentil soup that symbolizes wealth and prosperity for the new year. Like Vorosmarty fair, Basilica also offers a variety of food stalls, handicraft shops and free concerts.

Dates: December 1, 2023, to January 7, 2024

The Christmas Market in Tallinn is set at the center of the old town, in the Town Hall Square, which dates back to the 13th century and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site . The square is transformed into a winter wonderland, with snow-covered roofs, sparkling lights, and a towering Christmas tree that has been erected every year since 1441, making it one of the oldest in Europe. 

You can explore the wooden stalls, and find a variety of gifts, such as handmade wreaths made of natural materials, local arts and crafts that highlight the Estonian culture, sweets such as marzipan and gingerbread, honey from local beekeepers, and sheepskin rugs that will keep your home cozy. You can also enjoy the festive atmosphere, with live music from brass bands, bell ringers, choirs, street performers such as jugglers, fire eaters, and dancers, and fireworks that light up the sky. Don’t miss the chance to meet Santa, who arrives on a real reindeer sleigh, and to take a photo with him and his elves!

Czech Republic

Dates: December 2, 2023, to January 6, 2024

Prague is a year-round fairy-tale city, and when the festive season arrives, it transforms into pure magic. Picture the streets with twinkling lights, festive ornaments, and Christmas markets. Walking through the famous Old Town Square, you’ll be fascinated by the Gothic charm of the Church of Our Lady before Týn and the medieval marvel of the astronomical clock .

The square comes alive with lights and sounds. Explore the stalls for unique gifts like hand-blown glass ornaments and classic wooden toys. Treat your taste buds to local delights such as juicy sausages, fluffy pancakes, and cheesy flatbread. And, of course, don’t miss out on svarak, a warm and spicy drink made with wine and citrus. It’s the perfect way to stay cozy and festive, and you can see why it is regarded as one of the best Christmas markets in the world. If you have little ones in tow, they’ll be thrilled to meet the farm animals at the nativity scene—petting sheep, goats, and even a donkey.

Dates: November 11, 2023, to January 8, 2024

Craiova Christmas Market has earned its place as one of Europe’s most beautiful markets, a notable achievement for the city, marking its debut in the top 3 of the European Best Destinations .

The market is spread across four locations in the city center, each with its own theme and are linked together by beautiful illuminations that use over a million led bulbs. What makes Craiova stand out are its charming Christmas cottages, painted and carved by Romanian artists, depicting characters from fairy tales.

You can find handmade crafts, local delicacies, and souvenirs at the market stalls, or enjoy a ride on the Christmas trucks that take you around the city. You can also watch live performances by local artists, or enjoy the opera and ballet that show the culture of Craiova.

Dates: November 17, 2023, to January 1, 2024 London’s Christmas markets are hubs of fun and joy, offering a delightful escape into the spirit of the season. And one of the crown jewels is Hyde Park Winter Wonderland , with over 100 charming wooden cabins lining the streets, offering everything from delectable food and drinks to winter accessories and cute toys.

At the heart of this magical place lies the U.K.’s largest outdoor ice rink, inviting everyone to glide under the sparkling lights. Also, for those seeking a panoramic thrill, the giant observation wheel offers a breathtaking view over the entire event. Talking about thrills, daredevils can delight in various rides scattered around the market, and don’t miss the authentic carousel—a timeless attraction that doubles as the perfect scene for a family photo.

However, the capital offers more than one option for a festive market experience. Explore the Covent Garden Christmas Market , where hundreds of glittering lights illuminate the surroundings, and you can peruse upscale crafts and gourmet food. Alternatively, visit the Leicester Square Christmas Market for cabaret performances and comedy shows in a Belgian Spiegeltent (a mirrored and glassy old-style tent). Take a stroll along the Thames at the Southbank Winter Market , and enjoy international cuisine and live entertainment.

Dates: November 10 to December 21, 2023

Step into Manchester’s Christmas magic at Piccadilly Gardens , where more than 300 stalls bring a world of delights—from tasty treats to festive finds. When it gets dark, the place sparkles with thousands of lights, creating a magical feeling. And don’t miss the giant Santa stealing the show, giving you that perfect Christmas moment.

Additionally, Manchester spreads the festive cheer across different markets, like the lively King Street or the peaceful Cathedral Gardens. Each spot has its own character, making the whole city a festive playground. You can also enjoy a variety of food and drinks from around the world, such as German bratwursts, Hungarian goulash, Spanish paella, French crepes, Dutch pancakes, Belgian waffles, and of course, mulled wine. And if you are looking for some family-friendly fun, you can skate on the ice rink in Cathedral Gardens, watch the Christmas Parade on Sunday 3 December, or take selfies with the light-up sculptures around the city center.

Dates: October 27, 2023, to March 3, 2024

New York City is a magical place to be during the holiday season, with dazzling lights, festive decorations, and cozy markets that offer something for everyone. Among the many Christmas markets in the city, one of the most popular and beloved ones is the Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park . Some even claim that this is the best Christmas market in the world , and it is not hard to see why. This market is inspired by the traditional European Christmas markets, and features more than 180 stalls selling unique gifts, crafts, and food from local and international vendors. Whether you are looking for a handmade scarf, a personalized ornament, or a delicious treat, you will find it at the Winter Village.

One of the main attractions of the market is the 17,000-square-foot ice skating rink, which is free to use if you bring your own skates, or you can rent them at the skating pavilion. The rink offers a stunning view of the park and the city skyline. If you prefer to stay warm and cozy, you can visit The Lodge, a covered outdoor area where you can sip a hot chocolate or a cocktail, watch the skaters, or admire the tree. The Lodge also has a variety of food options, from burgers and fries to crepes and waffles. The market is located in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, between 40th and 42nd Streets and Fifth and Sixth Avenues. Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate the season with your friends and family at the Winter Village at Bryant Park.

We’ve compiled a list of some of the best Christmas markets in the world, beams of light in the dark, cold nights. However, it’s essential to keep in mind that, as joyful as they are, traffic can become incredibly congested in certain locations, making it challenging to reach your destination on time and in a relaxed state.

For a truly stress-free festive journey, count on Blacklane . By booking your chauffeured ride with Blacklane, you’re choosing the most convenient way to reach your destination, saving you time and hassle.

With our top-tier sedans as well as larger SUVs or Vans for larger families, there’s an option for everyone, and you can feel good about your footprint since all our rides are carbon offset . Just choose the best time for you and leave the driving to the professionals. Plus, if your plans change you can easily change your booking or cancel for free up until 1 hour before your ride.

FAQs About the best Christmas markets in the world

Some of the best Christmas markets in the world are Christkindelsmarik in Strasbourg, Weihnachtsmarkt in Frankfurt, Milan Christmas Market in Piazza Duomo and Craiova Christmas Market in Craiova, Romania.

Some of the best Christmas markets in the US are Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park in New York City, Atlanta Christkindl Market in Atlanta, Cambria Christmas Market in Cambria, Georgetown Christmas Market in Georgetown, and Leavenworth’s Christkindlmarkt in Leavenworth.

Some of the best Christmas markets in Germany are Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremberg, Dresden Striezelmarkt in Dresden, Berlin WeihnachtsZauber in Berlin, and Cologne Cathedral Christmas Market in Cologne.

Christmas markets started in the late Middle Ages in the German-speaking part of Europe, and later spread to other countries and regions.

Ellie Smith

Ellie is an avid traveler, writer, and adventurer, with a passion for exploring the world and sharing her experiences through storytelling. Working for global chauffeur company Blacklane and having lived in cities like Dubai and Berlin, she has gained valuable first-hand experience in uncovering hidden gems worldwide.

After signing up for the newsletter, you will also receive occasional news stories and promotions from Blacklane via email. We will not sell or distribute your email address to any third party at any time. View our Privacy Policy.

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The best Christmas markets in the U.S.

Shop for artisanal gifts and indulge in seasonal treats at the best Christmas markets in the U.S., where the holidays are magical

Photograph: Courtesy Christkindlmarket Chicago

If you're looking to shop local over big box retail giants this year, look no further than the best Christmas markets in the U.S., where you're sure to get your crew unique gifts while getting into the holiday spirit.  

Christmas markets began in Europe centuries ago to celebrate and prepare for the season, and the tradition later spread to America. Each market has its unique set-up and vendors who sell everything from handmade decorations and ornaments to artwork to seasonal food and drink (mulled wine is the go-to choice to keep you cozy while you shop!)  

Bundle up and explore the expansive Christmas markets in cities like  Chicago , Philadelphia , and Washington, D.C . Meander through the sparkling lights and aisles of wooden stalls selling custom gifts while listening to live  Christmas music  and indulging in festive fare like bratwursts, glühwein (mulled wine) and hot cocoa. The best Christmas markets in the U.S. have a little something for everyone. 

RECOMMENDED: The best Christmas light displays in the USA The best Christmas vacations for an epic holiday

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

Best Christmas markets in the USA

1.  downtown holiday market | washington, d.c..

D.C.’s bustling Downtown Holiday Market turns F Street NW (right in front of the National Portrait Gallery) into a daily block party. In addition to the vendors, there are over 75 performances from local musicians. But of course, the main reason to go is for shopping. The Downtown Holiday Market features more than 70 Black-owned and minority-owned businesses from the D.C Department of Small and Local Business Development’s Made in D.C. program, six food vendors, and live entertainment by regional performers.

Nov 17—Dec 23 (noon-8pm). Closed Thanksgiving Day, Nov 23 and Mon, Dec 4, 2023.

F Street NW between 7th and 9th Streets NW, Washington, D.C. 

2.  Union Square Market | New York, NY

New York is a quintessential Christmas city, and the Union Square Holiday Market is NYC’s essential holiday market. This year’s market features over 160 vendors, so you can find something for all those hard-to-shop-for friends and relatives. Weave your way through the labyrinth of stalls and treat yourself to sweet and savory treats as a reward for crossing everything off your shopping list.

 Nov 16—Dec 24, 2023 (Mon–Fri 11am-8pm, Sat 10am-8pm, Sun 11am-7pm). Closed Thanksgiving Day, Nov 23, Christmas Day, Dec 25.

Union Square Park, New York 

3.  Great Dickens Christmas Fair | Daly City, CA

The Great Dickens Christmas Fair is one of the most unique holiday markets in the USA. Organizers transform the Cow Palace arena outside San Francisco into Dickensian London with hundreds of performers and vendors dressed in Victorian costumes. Wander through music halls and festive shops filled with handmade goods, have a pint at Mad Sal's Dockside Alehouse, and sample festive foods like roasted chestnuts, fish and chips, and Christmas pudding. Interact with beloved Dickens' characters like Tiny Tim, Bob Cratchit, and Father Christmas. Spend a few hours here and you'll be laden with jewelry, leather goods, candles, ceramics, accessories, and an abundance of Christmas cheer.

Nov 18-19, 24-26; Dec 2-3, 9-10, 16-17, 2023 (10am-6pm).

Cow Palace Exhibition Halls, 2600 Geneva Boulevard, Daly City 

4.  Christmas Village | Baltimore, MD

Baltimore’s Inner Harbor comes alive with authentic German holiday spirit from Thanksgiving through Christmas Eve. Covered in thousands of lights (including the gorgeously lit The Pyramid, a German wooden Christmas tower of glühwein), Christmas Village in Baltimore combines an indoor and outdoor holiday market with an amusement park and beer garden. Stay warm with a mug of glühwein and Belgian fries, or if the cold doesn’t bother you, grab a large stein of German beer on tap at the Hofbrau stall.

Nov 18–Dec 24 (Sun–Thur: noon-8pm, Fri–Sat: noon-9pm, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Eve: noon-5pm). Closed Nov 20-22, 27-28; Dec 4-5, 11-12, 2023.

West Shore Park, 501 Light Street, Baltimore

5.  Old World Christmas Market | Elkhart Lake, WI

Elkhart Lake is a bit off the beaten path, but the annual Old World Christmas Market is worth the trip. The Osthoff Resort hosts regional and international artisans each year for their festive market. The giant heated tent contains unique treasures like glass-blown ornaments, fresh Christmas wreaths, handmade jewelry, and plenty more for your holiday shopping. You’ll also find horse-drawn wagon rides, ornament-making activities and tasty German food like sauerbraten and potato pancakes.

Dec 1–10 (10am-5pm)

Osthoff Resort, 101 Osthoff Avenue, Elkhart Lake

6.  Christkindlmarket | Chicago, IL

Chicago’s German-style Christmas market is so popular that it has three locations this year. Inspired by the 16th century Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremberg, Germany, Christkindlmarket Chicago has exclusive vendors selling whimsical gifts, Christmas ornaments, and handmade wooden nutcrackers, plus savory and sweet treats like roasted nuts, fresh pretzels, bratwurst and hot spiced wine.

Daley Plaza location: Nov 17–Dec 24, 2023. (Sun–Thur: 11am-8pm, Fri–Sat: 11am-9pm, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Eve: 11am-4pm).

50 W Washington St., Chicago

Wrigleyville location: Nov 17–Dec 31, 2023. (Mond–Thur: 3pm-9pm, Fri–Sat: 11am-10pm, Sun: 11am-7pm, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve: 11am-4pm; Closed Christmas Day; Dec. 26-28: 11am-9pm).

Gallagher Way, 3635 N Clark St., Chicago

Aurora location: Nov 17–Dec 24, 2023. (Thur: 11am-7pm, Fri–Sat: 11am-9pm, Sun: 11am-6pm, Dec 18-20: 11am-7pm, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Eve: 11am-4pm).

RiverEdge Park, 360 N. Broadway, Aurora 

7.  Christmas Village | Philadelphia, PA

Travel the world without ever leaving Philadelphia. Christmas Village takes over Philly’s LOVE Park from late November through Christmas Eve. Shop for gifts from all over the world. In addition to shops and holiday foods, there are rides for the kids, plus beer and wine tastings for the adults. The Christmas Village is one of a quartet of holiday happenings in Philadelphia, which include the Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market and the Ice Rink at Dilworth Park and the municipal Christmas Tree on North Broad Street.

Nov 18–Dec 24, 2023. (noon-8pm).

LOVE Park 1500 Arch Street, Philadelphia

8.  Christkindlmarkt | Bethlehem, PA

As you might expect in a town called Bethlehem, this Pennsylvania town is a big Christmas destination just like its Biblical namesake (it even calls itself The Christmas City). The annual Christkindlmarkt covers 10 acres (about the size of 7.5 football fields) with shopping, food, and live music. Check off everything on your Christmas shopping list with more than 100 vendors coming from as far away as Texas to help you find everything from art to home goods. Feast on traditional German treats like strudel and pretzels, plus modern street food favorites like poutine.

Nov 17-19, 24-26, 30, Dec 1–3, 7-10, 14-17, 2023. PNC Plaza at SteelStacks, 645 East First Street

9.  Kerstmarkt | Holland, MI

Many cities have German-style markets around the holidays, but Holland, Michigan, celebrates its Dutch heritage with Kerstmarkt (similar to traditional markets that pop up across the Netherlands every December). Held at 8th Street Market Place in front of the Civic Center, Kerstmarkt features 18 wooden booths. Special market events can also pop up, so make sure to check the calendar.

Nov 18 (9am-6pm) 2023, Nov 24  (11am-8pm), Nov 25 (9am-6pm), Dec 1 (3pm-8pm), Dec 2 (9am-6pm), Dec 8 (3pm-8pm), Dec 9 (9am-6pm), Dec 15 (3pm-8pm), Dec 16 (9am-6pm).

8th Street Market Place, 150 West 8th Street, Holland

10.  Tomball German Fest | Tomball, TX

You will find plenty of festive gemütlichkeit (friendliness) at the three-day Tomball German Fest. Browse the 150-plus stalls for arts and crafts, Christmas baubles and German souvenirs in the expansive open-air market. The German heritage festival features a variety of music and dance acts performed on four stages, and tempting holiday treats made by local vendors.

Dec 8, 2023 (6pm-10pm), Dec 9 (10am-10pm), Dec 10 (10am-6pm).

201 S. Elm Street, Tomball

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30 of the best Christmas markets in Europe for 2023

Nov 1, 2023 • 15 min read

Here are some of Europe's best alternative Christmas markets © Image Bank / Getty Images

Chestnuts roasting on an open fire, copious amounts of mulled wine and some of the best hot chocolate you've ever had.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas across Europe , with hundreds of festive markets glittering brilliantly as soon as the first Advent door is opened. While Germany is the real fairy-tale deal, Christmas markets sparkle across the continent, come snow or shine, with crafts, choirs, light displays, and local grub.

From Alpine summits to tiny island towns, we bring you 30 European favorites that shine with their own Christmas culture, from unmissable classics to off-the-beaten-track faves.

1. Dresden, Germany

Dates : November 29–December 24, 2023

The granddaddy of Germany ’s Christmas markets, Dresden ’s Striezelmarkt has enraptured folk since 1434. It’s big , with 240 chalets welcoming nearly three million visitors each year. But it’s not just for tourists. The backdrop is spellbinding, with thousands of lights and, on the Altmarkt, the world’s biggest Christmas pyramid adorned with life-sized figures. The city on the Elbe fizzes festively with carousels and carollers, ice skating and stalls doing a brisk trade in everything from beautifully handmade nutcrackers, Räuchermännchen (smoking men) and Erzgebirge crib figures to Germany’s tastiest Christstollen, dense, buttery fruitcake sprinkled with icing sugar.

2. Innsbruck, Austria

Dates : November 15–December 23, 2023

In the snowy Austrian Alps, Innsbruck hosts several enchanting Christmas markets. In the medieval old town, a huge tree glitters in front of the Golden Roof, folk bands play and chalets sell decorations, candles, gingerbread, and mulled wine. Kids love the traditional fairground rides and puppet shows on riverside Marktplatz or take them to fairy-tale-themed Kiebachgasse. Market stalls and trees packed with twinkling lights light up Maria-Theresien-Strasse.

3. Nuremberg, Germany

Dates : December 1–24, 2023

You can’t whisper Weihnachtsmarkt (Christmas market) without Nuremberg being uttered in the same breath. Does it live up to the hype? You bet. You’ll have to jostle with crowds, as two million visitors flock here each year, but it’s still fantasy stuff, with a blonde-locked, gold-robed Christkind launching the festivities. The hub is the Hauptmarkt, with its candy-striped chalets dishing out everything from Zwetschgenmännle (figures made from prunes, figs and nuts) to Lebkuchen (gingerbread) and brass-foil Rauschgold angels. But you’ll feel the festive vibes everywhere, with carols, concerts, fairground rides and a magnificent nativity scene in front of the Gothic church .

4. Barcelona, Spain

Dates : November 24–December 23, 2023

Who needs Santa when you can have a grinning, present-pooping log called Caga Tió? You will find this Catalan Christmas oddity in miniature form alongside mistletoe, turrón nougat and a biblical wonderland of nativity figurines at Barcelona 's Fira de Santa Llúcia, sprawling in front of the Gothic cathedral on Plaça de la Seu. And if you think Caga Tió is bizarre, wait until you see the irreverent Caganer, a defecating figurine hidden in the nativity scene for good fortune and fertile harvests.

5. Ravenna Gorge, Germany

Dates: November 24–December 17, 2023

Sheltering under a strikingly illuminated 40m-high viaduct in the thickly wooded, steep-sided Höllental (‘Hell Valley’) in Germany ’s Black Forest , this festive beauty in the Ravenna Gorge looks as though it has been plucked straight from the pages of a Grimm fairy tale. If there’s a dusting of snow, the winter wonderland picture is complete. Tourists? Not really – this one is largely for locals and is all the lovelier for it. Look out for Black Forest paper-cut designs, lambswool rugs and local smoked ham and venison sausage. Take a train to Hinterzarten or Himmelreich, then hop on the free shuttle or walk.

6. Mt Pilatus‏, Switzerland

Dates : November 17–19, 2023

For novelty value and sensational Alpine views, ride to Europe's highest Christmas market on the world's steepest cogwheel railway, which has been trundling up to 6995ft (2132m) Mt Pilatus since 1889. Perched above Lake Lucerne , the mountaintop Christkindlimärt has festive music and over 40 decorated market stalls selling beeswax candles, nativity figurines, gingerbread and other stocking fillers.

7. Zagreb, Croatia

Dates: December 2, 2023–January 7, 2024

The capital of Croatia might not immediately spring to mind when you fix your sights on Christmas markets, but Zagreb ’s is right up there with Europe’s finest. Wintry temperatures, twinkling trees and thousands of fairy lights bring a pinch of festive magic to its parks, squares and historic heart, where the twin-spired Gothic cathedral looms large. Head to Fuliranje (“Fooling Around”) market for carols, concerts, crafts and DJs, or swing across to Ban Jelačić Sq to snack on hot chestnuts, licitars (intricately decorated gingerbread hearts) and Hrvatsko Zagorje–region wooden toys.

8. Schloss Hellbrunn‏, Austria

Dates : November 23–December 24, 2023

Christmas markets glitter all over Austria come Advent, but few are as magical as Hellbrunn Advent Magic held at Salzburg 's Schloss Hellbrunn , with carollers, handicraft stalls, a Christmas train ride and petting zoo for kids, and the baroque palace's 24 windows transformed into a giant Advent calendar. A Christmas parade, brass bands, Alphorn blowers, nativity scenes and a veritable forest of 400 twinkling trees make Yuletide here special.

9. Zürich, Switzerland

Dates : 23 November–23 December 2023

Think you’ve seen one Christmas market, you’ve seen them all? Not like the ones in Zürich you haven’t. Sitting astride its namesake lake and the Limmat River, Switzerland ’s swankiest city pulls out all the stops with a flurry of markets. Hit the alleys of the historic Niederdorf quarter for mulled wine, raclette and fondue, pedal an e-bike to make the lights glimmer on the ginormous tree on the main station concourse, or head over to the Christmas village on Sechseläutenplatz to hunt for gifts in 100 chalets set up in front of the opera house. The icing on the festive cake is the Singing Christmas Tree on Werdmühleplatz, formed by choir singers wearing red beanies, who belt out carols and gospel classics at 5:30pm daily.

10. Colmar, France

Dates : November 24–December 30, 2023

For the true spirit of Christmas, you can't beat Colmar in Alsace , where the gingerbready, half-timbered old town hosts five different Christmas markets. Canal-woven Petite Venise hosts the children's market, keeping the kids entertained with its carousel, animated nativity scene and Santa's letterbox, while antique, art and craft shoppers roam the Ancienne Douane . Alsatian gingerbread, spicy Bredele cookies, anise-flavored Springerle biscuits and kirsch-laced Berawecka fruit cake make great foodie stocking fillers.

11. Lisbon, Portugal

Dates : November 18–December 21, 2023

Lisbon gets its Christmas groove on during Advent with sparkling lights illuminating its praças , parks and azulejo-clad façades. Right in the heart of Baixa, fountain-splashed Rossio Sq is where the action is, with a giant tree, Santa train, choirs, workshops, bands, and chalets selling crafts, mulled wine, hot chestnuts and porco preto (black pork) sandwiches. While you’re in the festive mood, take the kids to Wonderland Lisboa (November 30, 2023, to January 1, 2024) in Parque Eduardo VII for a spin on the Ferris wheel and ice rink.

12. Gengenbach, Germany

Dates : November 30–December 23, 2023

Few towns look as Christmassy as Gengenbach in Germany 's Black Forest . Its half-timbered old town is real snow globe stuff when the fairy lights are flicked on, timber chalets glow and carollers sing in front of the 18th-century, pink-and-cream Rathaus (Town Hall). Grab a spot here at 6pm to see one of 24 windows open to reveal an Advent calendar scene by famous artists and illustrators.

13. Helsinki, Finland

Dates: December 1–22, 2023

With frosty winds whipping across the Baltic and often the promise of snow, the Finnish capital, Helsinki , is the real Christmas deal – and one of the few cities where you can combine a festive shop with a sauna and swim in an avanto (ice hole). Market-wise, the biggie is on elegant 19th-century Senaatintori (Senate Sq), topped off by the pearly-white dome of the neoclassical Tuomiokirkko cathedral. Here a vintage carousel turns and rustic timber chalets sell traditional crafts, decorations and glögi (mulled wine). Festivities kick off with the switching on of the lights on Aleksanterinkatu, with a glittering parade, dance troupes, elves and a visit from Santa all the way from Lapland.

14. Tallinn, Estonia

Dates : December 1, 2023–January 7, 2024

You're more or less guaranteed snow in Tallinn at Christmas. Festivities are spread throughout the Unesco-listed Old Town, with an enormous tree towering above quaint wooden chalets on Raekoja plats (Town Hall Sq), its medieval centerpiece. Estonian crafts like hand-knitted hats, sea-grass animals, wickerwork and wood carvings are top buys. Santa Claus often stages an appearance in the evening. Find respite from sub-zero temperatures in candlelit cafes and warm up with hearty Estonian grub like sauerkraut and blood sausage.

15. Nice, France

Dates : December 7, 2023–January 7, 2024

It’s usually more blue skies, palms and double figures than snow, but Nice is a cracking choice if you want to combine a Christmas shop with a shot of southern French flair. The stately Promenade des Anglais dazzles with lights and Jardin Albert 1er gets properly into the festive swing with chalets selling gifts, crafts, mulled wine and (this being the ritzy Côte d'Azur) champagne and oysters. DJ sets, light festivals, fairground rides and visits from Santa are all part and parcel. And don’t miss the opportunity to grab gourmet stocking fillers like Provençal olive oil and honey.

16. Tromsø, Norway

Dates : 1–22 December, 2023

Oslo’s festivities are bigger, but for snowglobe looks and the true heart-warming spirit of Christmas, stray further north to Tromsø , 400km (248 miles) north of the Arctic Circle. Even bah-humbugs can’t help but be touched by the magic here, with snowy streets beautifully illuminated and stalls selling woolly hats, hand-carved gifts, gløgg (mulled wine) and the local riff on a kebab (wild mutton in pitta). Stomp down to the harbor for the Ferris wheel and ice rink, or float above the city on Fjellheisen cable car to see the lights from above. Here you can combine a festive shop with Northern Lights shows, reindeer sleigh rides and dog sledding. Cool, huh?

17. Winchester, UK

Dates : November 17–December 21, 2023

Gazes are lifted in wonder to the soaring spires of one of Britain’s most magnificent medieval cathedrals at Winchester ’s Christmas market. After a romp around the city’s decorous Elizabethan and Regency streets, the market in the cathedral’s historic grounds beckons. Taking a leaf out of the traditional German book, it’s all incredibly tasteful, with baubled trees, family craft workshops and timber chalets selling everything from hand-carved music boxes to artisan cheese, bean-to-bar chocolate and hand-blown glass. For more festive spirit still, time your visit to catch one of the cathedral’s Christmas concerts.

18. St Helier, Jersey

Dates : November 23–December 10, 2023

Supporting local artisans is central to the Genuine Jersey Simply Christmas Market held in St Helier, Jersey . Chestnut trees strung with lights illuminate Royal Sq, and market stalls get shoppers into the festive spirit with mistletoe, real ales, minced pies and locally-made crafts. There'll be live music and entertainment too, bringing visitors all the Christmas spirit they need in one enticing package.

19. Ulm, Germany

Dates : November 27–December 23, 2023

Never heard of Ulm ? You’re not alone but you are missing a trick. Midway between Munich and Stuttgart, this southern German city on the Danube is a stunner – it’s the birthplace of Albert Einstein, home to a whopping Gothic cathedral crowned by the world’s tallest steeple (161m or 528ft high) and enchants visitors with its canal-woven, half-timbered old quarter. Oh, and its Christmas market is a cracker, with a live nativity scene to coo over, a carousel to ride, a tree glimmering with 18,000 lights, a storytelling yurt, and 120 stalls trading in everything from Steiff toys to beeswax candles and edible snowballs.

20. Malmö, Sweden

Dates : November 24–December 18, 2023

Malmö dishes up a Swedish smorgasbord of Christmas markets, concerts and twinkling trees. Browse for handmade decorations, pausing to warm up over glögg (mulled wine) with pepparkakor (ginger biscuits) or lussekatter (saffron-flavored buns). Katrinetorp manor (December 8–10) is the go-to-market for antiques, poinsettias and festive food, while the market in Gustav Adolf Sq sells fairtrade, recycled and vintage gifts. Slip on skates to twirl around the open-air ice rinks at Raoul Wallenberg’s and Folkets Park.

21. Berlin, Germany

Dates: November 27–December 31, 2023

Berlin turns the Christmas fun up to the max, with more than 80 Weihnachtsmärkte  switching their lights on for Advent and shimmering brightly until New Year. If you have kids in tow, don't miss WeihnachtsZauber on Bebelplatz, overlooked by the grand State Opera . Street entertainers deliver a full-on fairy tale, with acrobats, dance troupes, ice queens, golden angels, choirs and performers on stilts, and white, star-topped tents selling everything from quality ceramics to wood carvings, marzipan, fondue and schnitzel with champagne. If you fancy a shot of snow fun, head over to Potsdamer Platz for ice skating, sledding and mulled wine.

22. Seville, Spain

Dates : November 5–December 23, 2023

You might associate Seville more with flamenco and sunburn than Father Christmas and snow. But the high-spirited capital of Andalucía has tons of festive sparkle, as well as pleasingly mild temperatures and the first oranges ripening on trees in December. Most enchanting of all the Christmas markets is the Feria del Belén on Avenida de la Constitución in the shadow of the Gothic, gold-stone Catedral , which specializes in the belén (nativity scene), with exquisite and incredibly ornate hand-carved scenes, figures and decorations. The streets are also filled with lights, campanilleros (musical choirs) and sweet treats like convent-made polvorones (almond shortbread biscuits).

23. Erfurt, Germany

Dates: 28 November–22 December 2023

Medieval Erfurt , right in the heart of Germany , is a proper feast at Christmas. The city’s big market is on Domplatz, backdropped by the stately Gothic cathedral (where Martin Luther was ordained) and the three-towered, five-naved Severikirche . For kids, it’s like the Nutcracker come to life, with a 20m-high (65ft) tree, Ferris wheel, carousel, towering Christmas pyramid and nativity scene, enchanted forest, fairy-tale scenes and bakery. Brass bands and choirs enliven crowds as they browse 200 stalls selling pottery, Erzgebirge wood carvings and traditional blue-dyed fabrics. Pause to snack on Thuringian bratwurst and Erfurt Schittchen (the local take on Stollen).

24. Padstow, England

Dates : December 7–10, 2023

On the blustery Cornish coast, Padstow's Christmas Festival is a cracker. Rick Stein, Paul Ainsworth and Nathan Outlaw are among a star-studded line-up of chefs giving cookery demos to spice up Christmas dinner. Jazz bands and carollers entertain crowds milling around quayside stalls selling Cornish chutneys, pies and mulled cider, wooden toys and decorations. For kids, there's the reindeer enclosure and Santa Fun Run, where some 200 Father Christmas wannabes race for charity. Fireworks sparkle in the harbor at 8:30pm on Friday.

25. Freiburg, Germany

Dates: November 23–December 23, 2023

In Germany’s Black Forest, snug against the border with Switzerland and France, the vivacious university city of Freiburg hosts one of the country’s loveliest Christmas markets in its alley-woven medieval heart. Lights illuminate the gabled houses on Rathausplatz , where 120 wooden chalets keep things traditional with regional food and crafts. Nose around the stalls for folk carvings and nativity figures, Moravian stars, beeswax candles, sheepskin rugs and Black Forest ham. Snacks like roasted almonds and local Langer Rote sausages pair well with glühwein . Kids will have a blast baking cookies, making candles and riding the Ferris wheel.

26. Budapest, Hungary

Dates : November 18–December 31, 2023

The Hungarian capital dazzles at Christmas, especially at the market on stately Vörösmarty tér , which is transformed into a sea of gold lights and red-baubled trees. There’s no tourist tat at this nostalgic number, just choirs and concerts, glass-blowing, wood-carving and candle-making workshops, and a parade of prettily lit timber chalets where you can pick up mézeskalács (honey gingerbread), Hungarian pottery, embroidery and wood carvings. Warm up over gulyásleves (goulash soup in a bread bowl). If you can, tie in your visit with the candle-lighting ceremony of the enormous wreath at the Basilica of St Stephen at 4pm on Sundays during Advent.

27. Milan, Italy

Dates : December 1, 2023–January 6, 2024

As the fashion powerhouse of northern Italy , Milan styles Christmas in its own glam way. The headline market is Oh Bej! Oh Bej! (How Beautiful! How Beautiful!), which kicks off on December 7, 2023 (the Feast of St Ambrogio) at Renaissance Castello Sforzesco – a fortified vision in red brick. Going strong since 1510, the Christmas fair hums with stalls selling handcrafted toys, flowers, books, artisan-made iron, copper and brass creations, panettone and firunatt (necklace-like strings of chestnuts). More? Head over to the Christmas market twinkling below the Duomo , or go skating and snow tubing at the central station.

28. Basel, Switzerland

Dates : November 23–December 23, 2023

A progressive, art-loving city on the Rhine,  Basel in northern Switzerland is never more bewitching than during Advent, when a heart-warmingly traditional Christmas market springs up on historic Barfüsserplatz and cathedral -crowned Münsterplatz. Snowglobe-strung trees, a fairy-tale forest, a revolving Weihnachtpyramide (Christmas pyramid) with nativity scenes, a fantasy carousel and stalls brimming with handcrafted toys, decorations and crafts await. Snack-wise, try local potato pancakes, grilled sausages and Baumstriezel (chimney cake) with hot chocolate or mulled wine.

29. Vienna, Austria

Dates: November 18, 2023–January 4, 2024

With its palaces and horse-drawn carriages, Vienna is fantasy stuff – and never more than during Advent, when you’re only ever a step away from the next Christmas market. Go for fairground rides, ice skating and mulled wine at the buzzy market in front of the neo-Gothic Rathaus or high-quality crafts at the romantic number in the narrow Biedermeier lanes of Spittelberg . Fairest of the lot, though, is the market on the grounds of Schloss Schönbrunn , with its magnificent tree, choirs, brass bands, carousel, and 80 huts selling everything from nostalgic wooden toys to beeswax candles, felt figurines, Alpine cheese and candied nuts.

30. Brussels, Belgium

Dates : November 24–December 31, 2023

With its step-gabled townhouses, cobbles and strikingly lit Grand Place, Brussels is like a scene behind the door of an old-fashioned Advent calendar. And at Christmas, it’s a knockout. Winter Wonders sprinkles the city with fairy dust, with sound and laser shows and a fabulous tree lighting up the Grand Place, ice and curling rinks and a merry-go-round on Place de Brouckère, and a 200-stall market spreading out from Place Sainte-Catherine, where you can shop for stocking fillers, scoff waffles and pick up Belgian beer and chocolate.

This article was first published Nov 5, 2012 and updated Nov 1, 2023.

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• Enjoy A Joyous Christmas In Moscow With These Vibrant And Unique Experiences In 2024

28 Dec 2021

Moscow is the most populous city in Russia and is also its capital city. Millions of tourists visit Russia and Moscow is the top tourist destination in the city. Moscow has over 13 million people and is a great choice for tourists to visit in the summer months as well as in winter. Christmas in Moscow is truly beautiful as Moscow often gets snowfall during the holiday season. The festive mood is in the air and there are many tourist attractions in the city during Christmas. Moscow is a major world city and a major political and economic capital in the Eastern European region.

Weather In Moscow During Christmas

If tourists want to enjoy a white Christmas in Moscow, they have to look at the average temperatures and weather conditions in the area during Christmas. The average temperature in Moscow is usually below freezing during Christmas and snow is a routine event during this time. Wearing thermal clothing and warm clothing is essential and packing such clothing items for Christmas in Moscow makes sense.

When Is Christmas In Moscow

Christmas in Moscow is celebrated on 25 December but according to the Gregorian calendar which falls in the first week of January. Christmas is observed throughout Russia and the Russian Orthodox Church plays a critical role in this celebration. There is a festive mood, many tourist attractions, and the celebration is something tourists enjoy when they visit Moscow. The following are some of the tourist’s attractions for people visiting Moscow during Christmas.

15 Interesting Things To Do In Moscow: Trekking, Opera, And More In 2022

12 Things To Do In Moscow During Christmas

Moscow is possibly one of the finest Christmas destinations. It is a heavenly wonder of celebrations and fun. The lights go shining and festive spirits get high. Here are the things you should look out for on your trip to celebrate Christmas in Moscow 2022:

• Journey Into Christmas Festival In Moscow
• Ice Theatre at Novopushkinsky Public Garden
• Moskva Fair On Tverskaya Ploshchad
• Kremlin Russian Christmas Market
• Red Square Christmas Tree
• Christmas Restaurants in Moscow
• Dorogomilovsky Market Christmas
• Ded Moroz Parade in Moscow
• White Christmas in Moscow
• Magic Forest on Manezhnaya Square
• International Christmas Theatre on Tverskaya Street
• Park Zaryadye

1. Journey Into Christmas Festival In Moscow

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Journey into Christmas is an annual event that starts on 22 December in Moscow kicking off a series of events related to Christmas during the holiday season. This Christmas festival is spread over 30 venues in Moscow and tourists can enjoy different types of events in the city. The journey into Christmas festivals has many events like shows, theatres, and art classes. Moscow is the perfect Christmas destination as thousands of lights are put up across the city, especially in central areas like areas around the Kremlin, and popular spots like Tverskaya Ulitsa and Tverskoy Bulvar.

What’s Special : The beautiful attractions of the city

New Year In Moscow 2022: Spend Your New Beginnings At These 9 Best Places

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2. Ice Theatre At Novopushkinsky Public Garden

Would it not be fun watching performers waltzing on the ice rink? You must have seen ice hockey games but this is something unique. Moscow is a prodigy in ice ballet performances. Ice ballet performances of famous plays like The Nutcracker, Swan Lake, and Cipollino are one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city and much-awaited on Christmas day in Moscow. These are legendary ballets that have made Moscow famous all over the world.

Location : Moscow, Russia, 123104 Timings : 11 am to 10 pm, Mon-Fri, 10 am to 10 pm, Sat-Sun 

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3. Moskva Fair On Tverskaya Ploshchad

Christmas celebration in Moscow is not complete without the Christmas fairs in the city. There are many Christmas fairs in the city Moskva Fair on Tverskaya Ploshchad, but this is one of the best Christmas decorations in Moscow. There are hundreds of stalls that appear at these fairs selling Christmas items, food items, and they also include some recreational stalls especially for children visiting these fairs. There are also many stalls that sell souvenirs and special items that Russia is known for at these fairs and are very popular with tourists visiting Moscow.

Location : Moskva, Russia, 125009

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4. Kremlin Russian Christmas Market

Moscow’s Christmas markets are famous all over the world. Christmas Markets in Moscow are visited by tourists and locals and there are some great stalls at these markets. With the Kremlin as a majestic backdrop, the Red Square Christmas Market is a wonderful choice for tourists. This market sells souvenirs, Christmas decorations, Matryoshka Dolls, and Khokhloma painted toys. The market is spread out around skating rinks which are enjoyed by a large number of people while visiting this market.

Location : Moscow, Russia, 103132 Timings : 9 am to 5 pm

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5. Red Square Christmas Tree

Christmas Trees are an essential part of the celebration of Christmas. The main Christmas tree in Moscow is placed in the Red Square every year and this is a truly spectacular tree with decorations and lights making it a major tourist attraction during Christmas at Moscow. The tree is usually chosen by experts every year and the main Christmas tree has to be of a specific height and diameter and needs to be aesthetically beautiful. Every year there is a different theme for the decorations of the main Christmas tree in Moscow. Christmas Trees are put up all over the city around 20th December every year. Hundreds of places throughout the city put up Christmas trees all over Moscow.

Location : Red Square, Moscow, Russia, 109012

6. Christmas Restaurants In Moscow

One of the main tourist attractions in Moscow is the traditional Russian cuisine served during Christmas at Moscow. There are many great restaurants in the city to enjoy. Restaurants like Streat, Uhvat, Oblomov, and Ottepel. Other good restaurants in the city include Lepim i Varim, Severyane, and Pasticceria Don Giulio are other great restaurants in the city. You will be drooling in no time when you smell the aroma and look at the table laden with delicious Christmas special foods.

What’s Special : The specially-themed dishes

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7. Dorogomilovsky Market Christmas

Dorogomilovsky Market is a great market in the city and tourists in Moscow can enjoy a great time at such markets during Christmas. Tourists can experience traditional Christmas meals in Russia that include traditional delicacies like meats, kholodets, pies, pierogies, kalachi, blinis, kompots, kissel, and many types of sweet dishes. These dishes are also available at Christmas markets and Christmas fairs in Moscow and it is a great experience for tourists visiting Moscow.

Location : Ulitsa Mozhayskiy Val, 10, Moscow, Russia, 121151 Timings : 8 am to 8 pm

8. Ded Moroz Parade In Moscow

Ded Moroz means Santa Claus in Russian. There is a Ded Moroz Parade in Moscow every year where hundreds of people dress up like Santa Clause and participate in the parade. This is a fun time in Moscow and a very popular tourist attraction in the city. It is a grand spectacle which you ought not to miss if you are traveling to Russia because this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. You will fall in love with the colorful extravaganza during the time of festival.

What’s Special : The festive celebration of locals

9. White Christmas Celebration In Moscow

Christmas in Moscow 2022 has a number of events planned for the year. There are ice slides near the Kremlin, beautifully decorated parks, white theatre on Kilemtovsky Lane, and skating and walking parks all over the city. The Revolyutsii Square in Moscow has giant ice slides with the view of the Kremlin which are a lot of fun for the tourists. Why Christmas in Moscow is called white is because lakes get frozen, everything is laden with white snow and you can enjoy drinking the famous Russian Vodka during this time.

What’s Special : The rides and slides

10. Magic Forest On Manezhnaya Square

The Magic Forest on Manezhnaya Square has around 300 trees and it truly feels like a walk around the forest while visiting this area during Christmas in Moscow. The famous performance of 12 Months is a part of the show at this event making it a top choice for tourists. Come, be a part of the Moscow journey at this Magic Forest happening right in the heart of the city. This winter festive decoration is something you should not miss during Christmas in Moscow.

What’s Special : The decoration in the trees

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11. International Christmas Theatre On Tverskaya Street

International Christmas Theatre is a great choice for tourists visiting Moscow during this time of the year and there is a list of major events in Moscow during Christmas. On the famous Tverskaya Street in Moscow, tourists can enjoy staged fairytales and really get into the Christmas mood. Come, be a part of theatrical journey during Christmas in Moscow.

What’s Special : The special performances

12. Park Zaryadye

Tourists can enjoy a beautiful stroll at the Park Zaryadye which is lit up with Christmas lights and Christmas decorations throughout the Christmas season. Celebrations begin on December 22nd and end around 14th January next year. This is a great park to visit in the evening or night to see the lights at Christmas.

Location : Varvarka Street Household 6, Structure 1, Moscow, Russia, 109012 Timings : Always open

10 Reasons Why Russia Is The Ultimate Christmas Destination

Here are some reasons that make Russia the ultimate Christmas destination and how best you can experience Moscow Christmas .

• The Lit Christmas Markets
• Shopping At GUM
• Quirky Christmas Decorations
• Having Champagne For Breakfast Is A Christmas Tradition
• Experience Riding On The Bullet Train In Winter
• You’ll Go Bananas Over Russian Souvenirs!
• You’ll Love The Hospitality During Christmas
• Russia Is Even More Beautiful In Winters
• It’s The Best Time To Enjoy Hot Russian Meals
• Red Square Winter Festivities Should Not Be Missed

1. The Lit Christmas Markets

The Moscow Christmas Market 2022  is going to be an incredible spectacle and will offer some of the most unbelievable personages. You should make sure your itinerary allows you to roam around the glam and glitzy markets in Moscow or anywhere else in Russia for learning about Russian Christmas traditions, seeing the gold-red-green decor, buy unique things, and gorge on freshly baked plum cakes and cookies.

2. Shopping At GUM

The Grand Mall (or GUM) located at Moscow’s Red Square is an extravagantly decorated shopping arcade where you’ll be fascinated with the Christmas decor with garlands, postcards, Christmas trees, candies, and more. But what will actually blow your mind are the awesome Christmas deals on international brands and merchandise sold here. It’s the best place to find authentic, high-quality products in Russia that are not over-priced.

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3. Quirky Christmas Decorations

You’ll absolutely love the unique and creative Christmas decorations all across Moscow. The prominent places and many small streets and cafes will be lined up with postcards as garlands, socks with candies, large Christmas trees, lights, and much more, all with a touch of Russian heritage and culture. You’ll be able to find something to click everywhere you turn your head. The best time to witness the awesome Christmas decor in Moscow will be night-time when eye-warming lights will be twinkling everywhere.

4. Having Champagne For Breakfast Is A Christmas Tradition!

Totally bizarre, isn’t it? But it’s a thing in Russia and the locals strongly follow the tradition. Imagine having toast and coffee in a cafe on Christmas Eve and suddenly being served a tall and shimmering glass of Champagne! This sweet surprise will surely make your day! Throughout the Christmas holidays in Russia, people are served champagne for breakfast every year without fail. Why are you still waiting?

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5. Experience Riding On The Bullet Train In Winter

There’s no better experience than riding the famous bullet train of Russia that will give you an instant adrenaline rush, and no better time to ride it than the winter season when it’s not choked with tourists. The Sapsan bullet train gives you the chance to travel between the two biggest cities of Russia – Moscow and Saint Petersburg, which also happen to be the two best places to celebrate Christmas in Russia!

6. You’ll Go Bananas Over Russian Souvenirs!

Moscow Christmas is a treat for shopaholics across the world. People from different parts of the world visit this city for the range of Christmas goodies, gifts, and souvenirs that are available here. Most of these are quirky Russian handicrafts that make excellent souvenirs for the festive season. You can grab things like Christmas balls painted with Russian stories, crystal snowflake ornaments and jewelry, crystal keychains, paper mache figurines of Santa Claus and Rudolph, pearl necklaces, babushka (Russian dolls), cute fragrance bottles, oddly shaped liquor bottles, and much more.

12 Day Trips From Moscow To Explore The Beautiful Capital City Of Russia!

7. You’ll Love The Hospitality During Christmas

Russian people are known to be very sweet and helpful, but when you’re there during Christmas, you’ll actually feel that their hospitality and generosity are sort of amplified during the festive season. If you’re lucky, you might even get invited to a Russian afternoon tea experience by a generous local living near you! Don’t shy away from striking a friendly conversation in cafes and markets. You never know, you may end up bagging a discount on your meal or your Christmas shopping, respectively!

8. Russia Is Even More Beautiful In Winters

This is one of the most fabulous reasons for an avid traveler and nature lover to visit Moscow during the Christmas season. The whole city, as well as the surrounding areas and hills, turn into a winter wonderland in December, making this place ten times more beautiful than it already is! And if you add sparkling lights, lit Christmas trees, and merrymaking to this pleasing white landscape, the stunning vision will simply blow your mind!

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9. It’s The Best Time To Enjoy Hot Russian Meals

Borscht is the best kind of food for surviving the Russian winter and wintertime is the most ideal season to try borscht in Moscow, Russia. Russian cuisine is nutritious and absolutely delicious. There won’t be a better time than the biting Russian winter to walk into a nice and cozy cafe and enjoy a steaming hot plate of Russian food like Borscht. And the best part is, you’ll get to taste a variety of Christmas dishes like stuffed Turkey, roast beef, plum cakes, rolls, and the likes.

10. Red Square Winter Festivities Should Not Be Missed!

The Red Square is the Rockefeller Center of Russia – brimming with the energy and festive spirit of Christmas in Moscow. At this point, stalls open really early in the morning during Christmas time and you can do anything here from taking a stroll in the snow, watching street performances, have a cup of steaming coffee and cake, or buy Christmas trinkets and souvenirs like a babushka. It’s also a great place for buying Moscow Christmas lights for decorating your Christmas tree.

With The Red Square Turning White, Snowfall In Moscow Hits A 100-Year High!

Moscow is a truly great city and millions of tourists visit this city. A visit to Russia during Christmas is a great option as there are many special events taking place in the city during this time. Christmas in Moscow is usually a white Christmas as it snows during this time of the year. It is a little cold in Moscow during this time of the year but the truly special Christmas in Moscow totally makes it worth it for tourists to visit Moscow during Christmas.

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Frequently Asked Questions For Christmas In Moscow

What does Russia do for Christmas?

Russia celebrates Christmas with just as much enthusiasm as any European or American destination, only with a little Russian touch. You’ll find Christmas markets, decked up Christmas trees, people exchanging gifts and some even dressed up as Santa during this festive season in Russia.

Is December a good time to visit Russia?

December is a great time to visit Russia for those who want to witness Christmas in Russia and play in the snow.

How cold is Russia in December?

The average temperature in Moscow in December is 9°C. It ranges from a minimum of 4°C in the night time to a maximum of 13°C in the daytime.

Does it snow in Moscow in December?

Yes, you’ll be able to experience snowfall in Russia in December.

What is a traditional Russian Christmas dinner?

Russians enjoy the common Christmas dinners like roast beef, hot rolls, grilled vegetables, plum cakes, and wine. You may even find Borscht as an addition to a traditional Christmas feast in Russia.

What is there to do in Moscow in December?

There’s plenty to do in Moscow in December. You can play in the snow, shop at the Christmas markets, have coffee at the many decorated cafes, go ice skating, ride the bullet train, and explore the famous tourist attractions like the Kremlin.

What should I wear in Moscow in winter?

You should wear proper winter clothing in Moscow in winter since it tends to get really cold. Jackets, sweaters, scarves, hats, boots, gloves, and layers of woolens are an absolute must.

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More From Forbes

Christmas in europe the 20 best and safest christmas markets according to european best destinations.

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Best Christmas market in Europe, Montbéliard, France

In partnership with more than 350 European tourist offices and the Eden network created by the European Commission to promote sustainable tourism, European Best Destinations (EBD) has released its list of the Best European Christmas markets 2021-2022.

The list of the 20 destinations with the contintent’s best Christmas markets was based on the votes of thousands of travellers who placed more than 100 markets at the top of their ranking.

This year, 173,620 travellers from 163 countries participated in the online voting process, with 61% of votes coming from Europe and 39% from abroad, mainly the U.S., Canada, Australia and Russia.

The 20 Christmas Markets selected are not only alleys of chalets but cultural and artistic events with concerts, creative workshops, Christmas lights, fireworks, shows and ice rinks and are committed to sustainability, offering local food and artisanal products.

And they’re all respecting strict and unprecedented health standards.

Last year, Europe canceled all Christmas markets due to the Covid pandemic. This year, nearly 90% of them are open thanks to security measures, traffic corridors and precise health requirements that include vaccination passports, provision of hydro-alcoholic gels and wearing of masks.

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From this 20-best-Christmas-markets list, Prague is the only one to cancel its Christmas market while Vienna closed temporarily and is planning to reopen on December 13.

The following interesting data comes from the analysis of the votes:

• The favorite Christmas market of American travelers is Budapest, followed by Madeira and Craiova.
• The # 1 Christmas market this year had already been crowned in 2019.
• The favorite Christmas market of British travelers is Budapest, followed by Basel and Metz.
• The favorite Christmas market of Italians is Asti, followed by Basel and Budapest.
• Slovenians and Croatians also placed the Asti Christmas market as their favorite in Europe.
• Craiova is the highest-ranked Romanian Christmas destination. It’s among the Christmas markets with the greatest amount of lighting (1 million leds) and also with the most impressive cultural programming.
• Basel, Budapest, Metz, Montéliard and Vienna are the most-voted Christmas markets throughout the past decade.
• Zagreb and Strasbourg (both thrice-awarded) are out of competition but still among the favorite Christmas destinations for travelers. Zagreb is the only destination awarded the title of Best Christmas Market in Europe three consecutive times.
• Craiova and Madeira, both new in the list have established themselves among the top 10 favorites.
• Trier won the title of Best Christmas Market in Germany while Edinburgh won in the United Kingdom, followed by Manchester and Nottingham.

Like the recent new restrictive measures taken by the U.S. government to prevent the spread of the new Covid-19 Omicron variant, many European countries are requiring a negative COVID-19 test taken within one day of departure of all arrivals, regardless of their vaccination status or if recovered from the virus.

1. Budapest, Hungary: Best European Christmas Market 2022

#1 Christmas Market in Europe: Budapest's Advent Feast at the Basilica.

With this slogan, the  Advent Feast at the Basilica , Budapest's Christmas market has been selected as the best in Europe for the second time.

More than 100 artisan and food vendors offer their products in the spectacularly-decorated atmosphere of the most beautiful market in Europe that every day is enhanced by an impressive light-show projected on the facade of the Basilica.

2. Basel, Switzerland

View over the Christmas market at the Barfüssplatz in Basel at dusk.

Basel ’s authentic Christmas Market with its unique atmosphere has a deep-rooted tradition as Switzerland’s most beautiful and largest holiday site. Not only is the well-preserved Old Town radiant in the warm Christmas lights but the shops and facades of many buildings glitter with original decorations.

Roughly 100 tall pine trees border the streets leading to the market, which is being held in the heart of the festively-bedecked Old Town. The Christmas Market is located on Barfüsserplatz and on Münsterplatz – one of the most beautiful squares in Basel.

A magnificent Christmas tree, classified among the  most beautiful Christmas trees in Europe , stands on Münsterplatz with ornaments by well-known decorator Johann Wanner. 

3. Metz, France

An image depicting Santa Claus is displayed on "Le Sentiers des Lanternes" (The Lantern Trail) ... [+] made up of nearly 2,000 lanterns and installed for the Christmas holidays. Photo by Jean Christophe Verhaegen.

Metz’s Christmas market has been listed for the past 10 years among the best in Europe and is considered to be one the  most beautiful Christmas markets in France .

Unique activities such as the “lantern trail,” a ferris wheel and many chalets offering local products only to be seen in  Metz at Christmas make this destination attractive not only to travellers looking for the most beautiful Christmas markets in Europe but also to creators, designers, innovative concept hotels, start-ups, artists and trendy businesses.

The Christmas markets are spread around the city’s main squares. Find hand-crafted gifts in the Christmas pyramid, sample the finest gingerbread on offer, skate along the ice road and then warm up around a mulled wine or hot chocolate before walking through the magical "Sentiers des Lanternes." Let the lights chase away the dark winter days.

4. Vienna, Austria

Illuminated arch and lights at the famous Christmas market in front of Vienna's Town Hall.

Partly canceled in 2021,  Vienna Christmas Market  re-starts in mid-December 2021 when Vienna’s prettiest squares transform into magical Christmas atmosphere with the aromas of Christmas baked goods and hot punch. 

One of the best-known markets is the traditional “Vienna Magic of Advent,” which transforms the City Hall Square into a shining fairytale land with the trees of the surrounding City Hall Park festively decorated and radiating a sea of lights — a Viennese experience not to be missed.

Another hot spot is the Christmas market in front of Schönbrunn Palace that offers sheer romance. Behind it, an imperial backdrop is converted into a  New Year's  market after Christmas. The atmospheric market offers traditional handicrafts, handmade Christmas decorations, Christmas concerts and an extensive children's program, including a Christmas workshop.

5. Montbéliard , France

World famous for the beauty of its lighting, Montbéliard ’s Christmas market is one the most beautiful in France, world-famous for the beauty of its lighting. Located in Franche-Comté (Eastern France), the town of Montbéliard – well known for its hospitality — becomes still more enchanting a few weeks before Christmas.

During the period of Advent, Montbéliard revives the tradition of Württemberg and organizes a Christmas market like no other, its 140 lovely stalls full of authentic art and crafts and local gastronomic products spread out along the luminous streets and accompanied by the music of choral songs.

  6. Craiova, Romania

Ice Rink in Craiova, #6 Best Christmas market in Europe 2021-2022

Appearing for the first time in the Best European Christmas Markets competition,  Craiova is the highest-ranked Romanian Christmas Market.

To respect social distancing measures, Craiova officials have scattered the various Christmas events — markets, concerts, creative workshops and food stands — in different sections of the city. Linked together by magical illuminations (more than one million led bulbs) the Craiova fair is not only one of the best Christmas markets in Europe but also the best Christmas Lights Destination in Romania.

Mihai Viteazul Square opposite the Craiova Town Hall has become an ice rink under a magnificent Christmas tree. Romanian culinary specialties on Shakespeare Square mix together with Christmas Street food trucks surrounded by rides and games for children.

7. Trier, Germany

Best Christmas market in Germany: Trier, Germany.

The  Trier Christmas market  is the  best Christmas market in Germany  and one of the most Romantic Christmas markets worldwide.

Now in its 43rd year and set on the medieval main plaza in front of the imposing backdrop of Trier Cathedral, 95 attractively-decorated booths offer a fitting framework for this time of the year.

The program for the entire family changes almost daily – from an historical puppet theater to star tenor and songsmiths.

The  Trier Christmas Market  is often described by travel organizers as “romantic with wonderful ambience.” Germany’s only Mulled Wine Queen “is looking forward to the international guests in Trier.”

A large selection of delicious specialties such as the “Original Moselle Vintner Mulled Wine” attracts visitors from around the world. 

8. Madeira, Portugal

Christmas market in Madeira Portugal.

Portugal’s Madeira and Porto Santo , celebrated islands during the year for visitors from around the world, become magical for the end-of-year celebrations when they are adorned with a thousand lights to celebrate Christmas and   New Year .

A great variety of products are on display, including exotic flowers, traditional souvenirs and typical delicacies and drinks that add to the merriment in a welcoming ambience along with Christmas carols and performances by folk groups. 

Madeira and Porto Santo are now connected directly to New York’s JFK Airport, among other American airports.

Autonomous regions listed among the safest Covid-19 destinations during the pandemic, the islands require vaccination passport for entry but so far no additional tests.

The end-of-year celebration includes a firework show recorded in the Guiness Book of Records as the World's greatest show.

9. Brussels, Belgium

Christmas market in Brussels's Grand Plaza.

‘Winter Wonders’ is the most famous  Christmas market in Belgium , followed by  Ghent ,  Antwerpen ,  Bruge s and  Liege . With 2.5 million visitors, Winter Wonders is a big event in Brussels as the city ‘dresses up’ in its best festive finery.

Among the great classics are unsurpassed sound-and-light shows at the Grand Place, a  majestic tree , a life-sized manger, a skating rink and many exhibitions around Christmas markets bursting with treasures.

The capital of Europe, Brussels has for several years also been one of its Christmas capitals along with  Strasbourg ,  Budapest  and  Vienna .

10. Govone & Asti, Italy

Govone-Asti, Italy: amng the Best European Christmas markets

Govone is considered one of the  most beautiful Christmas markets in Italy .  

" Magico Paese di Natale ” is held in the small village of Govone on the hills of Langhe-Roero, the wine region in Piedmont and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In winter, the entire village of Govone turns into the magic kingdom of Santa Claus, with multiple cultural and gastronomic attractions.

The Christmas market brings artisans selected from all over Italy offering arts and crafts, street food area and regional wines. The main treat is a musical Santa Claus show hosted every day in Govone’s scenic Savoy royal castle.

11. Edinburgh, Scotland

Scotland, Edinburgh, Princess Street Christmas Market with the Scots Monument and Balmoral Clock ... [+] Tower in view.

Edinburgh's world-renowned Christmas celebrations spread festive cheer across the Scottish capital between November 20, 2021 and January 4, 2022.

From mulled Irn Bru to vegan pigs-in-blanket and from Harry Potter-themed gifts to local handmade products, the Christmas market in East Princess Street Gardens has treats for all. Santa Land offers rides for people of all ages to Santa’s Grotto residence on Castle Street.

12. Cologne, Germany

Christmas markets in Cologne, Germany

The  Christmas markets in Cologne  are among the most beautiful in  Germany  and its beautiful Christmas tree is ranked among the  most beautiful Christmas trees in Europe .

With selected gifts, artisan handicrafts and culinary specialities, the Christmas markets in Cologne attract millions of visitors from all over the world every year.

13. Tallinn, Estonia

Christmas market in Tallinn, Estonia

Awarded the title of the “most beautiful Christmas market in Europe” three years ago, Tallinn has become a must-visit destination at Christmas.

Every year, the  Tallinn Christmas Market  delights more than 500,000 visitors with its coziness, historic location, centuries-old buildings and long traditions.

Children love the carousels and Santa Claus distributing candy at his little house as adults enjoy high-quality handicrafts, practical winter accessories, the gingerbread and hearty Christmas roasts.

  14. Praga, Czech Republic

Christmas market in Prague Czech Republic

Unfortunately, while this famous Christmas market has been canceled for 2021, plans are underway for Christmas next year.

The  Christmas markets  in Old Town Square in the center of Prague are the biggest in the Czech Republic. Set in the very heart of the city with dozens of wooden stalls offering typical Christmas goods such as traditional Czech blown-glass balls, products made of glass pearls or straw, hand-embroidered tablecloths, wooden toys and biscuit cutters.

Grown-ups enjoy the typical mulled wine and gourmets young and old can enjoy Czech Christmas biscuits, hot roasted chestnuts, gingerbread biscuits or typical Czech grilled sausages and other skewered foods.

15. Manchester, England

Christmas market in Manchester, England

It’s one of the  U.K.'s largest and most beautiful Christmas markets — and arguably the most original and best Christmas markets in the continent.

The Manchester Christmas markets  started in 1999 and have been growing every year, now attracting more than a staggering nine million visitors. Some 300 beautifully-crafted stalls scattered across the city and spread across 10 sites - each with its own distinctive character — offer international food, drinks and finely-crafted Yuletide gifts.

16. Bruges, Belgium

Bruges Christmas Market

The romantic city of  Bruges  has been selected as having one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Europe for years.

With history infusing every street, road and building, the cosy city center becomes transformed into a Christmas postcard decorated everywhere and with its markets offering traditional gifts, arts and crafts and food for everyone. Sample hot chocolate, ice-cold jenever, spiced glühwein, Belgian beers, cheeses and hearty dishes.

  17. Moscow, Russia

Christmas market in Moscow

Moscow  is included among the most beautiful Christmas Destinations in the world and one of the  Best Christmas-Lights destinations  in Europe.

The city has become increasingly trendy for the holiday season with its  New Year’s Eve  festivities attracting travelers from around the world.

The Christmas market appeals to families and friends chasing the Christmas magic with the St. Basil's Cathedral as a backdrop and the mythical Red Square decorated with a thousand garlands.

Open from the end of November until mid-February.

18. Leipzig, Germany

Christmas market in Leipzig, Germany

History abounds at the Leipzig Christmas market , which dates back to 1458.

Divided in six areas with more than 250 twinkling stalls embedded harmoniously in the historic city center, the Leipzig Christmas market is not only one of the oldest but also   one of the largest  Christmas markets in Germany .

Visitors can indulge in numerous culinary delights or explore the city’s traditional medieval market. The center of the Christmas market is Marktplatz, where a 20-meter-high Saxon spruce Christmas tree presides over the festivities and a variety of live performances. At Augustusplatz Square, a 38-meter-high ferris wheel offers seasonal views from its lofty height.

19. Nottingham, England

Nottingham, England: Best European Christmas markets

Christmas has returned to  Nottingham  with the largest event in the East Midlands.  

Over 70 traditional, Bavarian-style stalls display gifts, homemade and artisan cheeses, chutneys and chocolates. This year’s Christmas market has been expanded to include plants, mead, jewelery, scents, fashion, retro style, Eco art, Lego art, Fairtrade, continental food, local homemade stew and home accessories.

The ‘Nottingham Winter Wonderland’ features many rides (and its free).

20. Dusseldorf, Germany

Christmas market in Dusseldorf, Germany

This year, the Christmas markets in Düsseldorf , all located in the Old Town area (Altstadt), run until December 30, offering visitors, especially families with children, the experience of Christmas magic.

During this festive season, Düsseldorf offers atmospheric new features, including a 1,700-square-meter ice rink on Corneliusplatz and a children’s-activity tent on Jan-Wellem-Platz, with shows every day.  

Advent in Zagreb

Advent in Zagreb, European Best Christmas Market in 2016, 2017 and 2018

Zagreb is the only destination consecutively awarded the title of Best Christmas Market in Europe three times starting in 2016.

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17 Best Christmas Markets Around the World to Visit This Year

From mid-November to the New Year celebrations, winters are a celebration time for so many things going around. With Christmas being the main festive day, different parts of the world light up differently with beautiful enchants and ways of celebration. It’s a special time for food, drinks, and parties with your loved ones.

From winter activities to special shops to stop by, different parts of the world have special winter markets that show you another beautiful undiscovered way of welcoming Christmas and enjoying winter. You’ll for sure love these markets and their very own specialties that they offer the visitors.

Here’s a list of the top and Best Winter markets around the world that are gorgeous and mesmerizing.

Best Christmas Markets

If you also want to know about beautiful Christmas markets, here is the list of the Best Christmas Markets Around the World:

1. Birmingham, UK

The  Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market in the UK is an amazing spot to visit during the Christmas holiday season. The place has some amazing pretzels and gluhwein along with other treats to enjoy the fest. The market is extremely beautiful and vibrant to enjoy the winter lights and of course some warm delicious hot chocolates. The market opens on 2nd November and lasts up to around 24th December 2023.

2. Stockholm, Sweden

Sweden has its charm and gusto when it comes to Christmas markets. From special candies to illuminating candle pops, the place is designed and decorated all in fascination. The market is mainly at Rosendal and a pop-up market in front of Drottningholm Castle which is botanical-themed and beautiful.

Among all the Christmas markets, the most famous and mesmerizing ones are the traditional markets at Stortorget Square in the old town. The place offers various handcrafted kinds of stuff, artistic portraits, and of course a large variety of food treats. Smoked sausages, Swedish sweets, and some warm mulled wine are a hit here. The market begins on November 25, 202 3, and lasts up to December 23, 202 3.

3. Toronto, Canada

Toronto’s annual Christmas market is one of the biggest and grandest celebrations in North America. It is held at the historic Distillery District and lights up during Christmas with a modern twist of European charm and Canadian twists. The markets see feasts on poutine, folk dances from Slovenia and Ukraine, and much more. There are also some real-life big gingerbread houses kids can play in and enjoy the festive vibes. This Christmas market The Distillery Historic District at 55 Mill Street,  Toronto will start from 16th November to 31st December  2023 .

4. Prague, Czech Republic

Prague’s famous Wenceslas Square is no less than a festive treat to enjoy for you. Apart from being one of the most beautiful cities, the place is also one of the happiest spots to live in. Markets here are very fun to explore and try out some delicious treats of trinkets and warm drinks with holiday decorations all around the space. For all the food lovers, don’t forget to check out the amazing food served here right from the oven, warm and fresh. The grill and cakes and pastries, like trdelník, are not to miss from the list. The markets last from 2nd December 2023 to 6th January 2024.

5. Tallinn, Estonia

Estonia’s market lights up with some warm festive vibes and happy surroundings during Christmas. It’s no less than a fairytale to be here and enjoy the vintage holiday vibes at the town square where you can see a line of amazing 15th-century vintage buildings beautifully designed and built. There are underground candlelight bars to enjoy some warm wines and hot chocolates during winter. The markets are boosted with several huts where you can find some traditional Estonian cuisine and handmade gifts. 

The main highlight of this place is the Christmas tree, which has been set up in Town Hall Square since 1441. It was one of the first to be displayed in Europe and has had some traditional importance ever since then. The market starts on 1st December 2023 and lasts up to 7th January 20224

Read more, Best places to celebrate Christmas in Europe

6. Krakow, Poland

Krakow delivers one of the best and most beautiful Christmas markets in Poland. The greatest market of the city is held at the main square, Rynek Glowny. The place sees heavy dust and the fall of white snow and it looks mesmerizing to stop by. The place is one of the most magical spots in Western Europe to celebrate holiday vibes. Apart from the snow magic, Krakow market shops are well known for their local specialties, spiced nuts, and warm boiled candies. Besides, you can also find some amazing antiques and decorative stuff to light up your interiors this winter. The Krakow market starts on November 25 2023 and lasts up to 1 January 2024.

7. Christkindlmarket, Chicago, USA

Chicago’s Christmas markets are more influenced and inspired by the early 16th-century German style of Christmas celebrations. Many german sellers travel across the place to sell their goods here and meet new people. The place is lit with beautiful fairy lights and warm food stalls which is one of the best to enjoy here.  You can find some of the most classic picks of the german market here in Chicago with a new twist and fusion of designs.

Wooden toys, beautiful glass steins, cuckoo clocks, wooden huts with candy stripes, and twinkling lights are some of the best things to enjoy and pick here. There are also several games to enjoy try your luck here. You can visit this Christmas festival from December 1st to December 24th 2023.

8. Budapest, Hungary

Every year, Vörösmarty Square in the center of the city celebrates the Budapest Christmas Fair and Winter Festival. The place is no less than food heaven for all the foodies around. From fresh bread, and traditional pastries to glazed delights, everything here is extremely scrumptious and delicious to try.

There are more than 100 plus displays on food stalls and Christmas-themed gifts. You can buy indoor Christmas decorations materials as well as outdoor Christmas decorations materials from this market. The markets also have some entertainment for visitors such as light shows, folk dances, etc. The market opens up on December 1 and lasts up to the end of December.

• Budapest Christmas Fair in Vörösmarty Square:  Nov 17 – Jan 1, 2024
• Advent Feast at the Basilica:  Nov 17 – Jan 1, 2024
• Advent Obudan:  Dec 3 – Dec 24, 2024

9. Tivoli, Copenhagen

Tivoli is a year-round destination and is stunning to visit and stop at any time of the year. But December has its charm with Christmas decorations and winter vibes lighting every corner of the city. There are more than 100 Christmas trees and fairy lights in the Copenhagen garden. They’re also an ice rink where you can skate and enjoy. As usual, you’ll find plenty of nibbles and food treats to enjoy here. There are also special fireworks on the 25 and 26 of December in celebration of Christmas eve. The market opens on November 19 and lasts up to December 31.

10. Vienna, Austria

Vienna in Austria has a unique yet beautiful festive spirit that is recognized all over the world. The boozy vibrant markets of Vienna have more than 20 events and 151 stalls during its winter markets. You’ll find here little small huts selling hot punch and roasted chestnuts which are perfect to enjoy the markets around being warm and comfortable.

Watch out the place for some amazing decorated trees on every corner and yes, don’t forget to pick up some customized glittery happy Christmas and holiday cards from here. You can also buy a Nativity set from the market. The Christmas markets in Vienna are cute, romantic, and warm to enjoy the holiday vibes with your loved ones. It starts on 10 November until December 26th and then from December 27th to January 4th as a New Year celebration.

11. Riga, Latvia

From the old-aged traditional practice to modern-day celebrations, Riga in Latvia has been following their style of decorating a fir tree with flowers to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ.  The festive market is held at Dome Square in the old town and it is amazing to enjoy Christmas here. The market is quite well known for its handcrafted items that portray the rustic charm and magic of Latvia. Woven baskets, painted silk, hand-made pieces, and much more, there’s a lot to choose from and pick from this festive special market. While you enjoy the cozy winter, you can stop at the mini stalls to enjoy some gingerbread, green tea, and healthy roasted nuts.

The dates of this Christmas celebration are (based on the official website ):

• Old Riga Christmas Market: December 3, 2023 to January 8, 2024
• Riga Christmas Market : Dec 3, 2023 – Jan 7, 2024

12. Piazza Santa Croce, Florence

Combining the culture and display of German and Italian traditions, Piazza Santa Croce is a hidden gem spot to stop by in Florence. The special Christmas decorations German pretzels along with some authentic snacks such as panettone, pandoro, and panpepato are lovely treats for everyone. You can also shop here for some festive gift goodies for your loved ones or pick one for yourself. The market opens up from 18 November to 17 December.

13. Helsinki, Finland

Helsinki is famous as a Christmas city. You can ask anyone in Finland, everyone will claim that Santa Claus is from Finland. Aleksanterinkatu in Finland is known as the Official Christmas Street. This is one of the most famous Christmas markets in the world.

Helsinki Christmas Market is located in Senate Square and is the oldest and most popular Christmas market in Helsinki, Finland. The market starts from 1 December 2023 to 22 December 2023.

14. Sibiu, Romania

Big Square or Piața Mare in Sibiu’s historical center, where many important historical monuments are situated. Many historic monuments of this place are part of the UNESCO patrimony.

At every Christmas, this place transforms into a luminous and lively Christmas Village where you can find people selling Vin Foarte, sweets, toys, meats, Christmas kitsch, and many more. This Christmas market in December is a big attraction among travelers. This market is from 17th November 2023 to 2nd January 2024.

15. Strasbourg, France

Christkindelsmärik in Strasbourg, France is a German-style Christmas Market that specializes in hand-made decorations and Christmas designs. This Christmas market is considered one of the most famous Christmas markets throughout Europe. You can enjoy this market this year from 24 Nov, 2023 – 24 Dec, 2023

16. Winter Village at Bryant Park, NYC, USA

Winter Village at Bryant Park by Bank of America in NYC is all about holiday festivities, shopping, and food. It has a 17,000-square-foot ice-skating rink which is free to use for anyone. This ice-skating ring is the main highlight of this place.

There are over 170-holiday shops that are open from Mondays to Fridays, 11 am-8 pm, and Saturdays and Sundays, 10 am-8 pm.

17. Munich, Germany

This traditional Christmas market in Munich started in the 14th century. The romantic setting in front of the neo-Gothic town hall on Marienplatz looks mesmerizing. Due to the coronavirus situation, the Munich Christkindlmarkt got canceled in 2021. But this year, people are celebrating Christmas here with great enthusiasm. You can enjoy this Christmas marketplace in Munich, Germany from November 27 to December 24, 2023.

Read More, List of Best Christmas market in Europe

Nowadays, many of us try to buy artificial Christmas trees and Christmas tree ornaments online to save time. But visiting these markets during Christmas is fun.

Christmas is celebrated as a religious and cultural celebration among billions of people around the world. During the festival, you spend a lot of time in the Christmas markets. Here we have listed the best Christmas markets around the world. We hope you will like the article.

One of the well-known and large Christmas markets is in Strasbourg, France. Strasbourg is often referred to as the “Capital of Christmas” and hosts one of the oldest and most famous Christmas markets in Europe. The market features hundreds of stalls, festive decorations, and a lively atmosphere, attracting visitors from around the world. Keep in mind that information may change, so it’s a good idea to check the latest updates for the most current details.

Several European cities are renowned for their enchanting Christmas markets. Strasbourg, France, is often praised for its festive atmosphere and historical significance. Nuremberg, Germany, is famous for its traditional Christkindlesmarkt, while Vienna, Austria, offers a magical setting with its sparkling lights and seasonal treats. Other cities like Cologne, Germany, and Prague, Czech Republic, also boast charming Christmas markets. Ultimately, the best Christmas market depends on the individual’s preferences for atmosphere, activities, and unique offerings.

While opinions on the “Christmas market capital of the world” may vary, Strasbourg, France, is often referred to as the “Capital of Christmas.” Strasbourg is renowned for hosting one of the oldest and most iconic Christmas markets in Europe. The city’s festive atmosphere, charming decorations, and traditional Alsatian crafts contribute to its reputation as a Christmas market capital. Keep in mind that different people may have different preferences, and other cities like Nuremberg in Germany, with its famous Christkindlesmarkt, are also considered significant in the realm of Christmas markets.

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10 Best Christmas Markets in Europe

Here's a look at the best Christmas markets in Europe to visit this year, from Italy and Germany to the United Kingdom.

Adri / Getty Images

Glittering fairy lights, gourmet treats, and handmade treasures for sale in a picturesque, historic setting — Europe's famous Christmas markets evoke a classic scene straight out of a Christmas card.

There are plenty of perks to visiting Europe during the holidays, from charming seasonal decorations to great skiing. But Christmas markets, found in small towns and large cities across the continent, are one of the best ways to soak up the festive atmosphere.

In markets from Strasbourg and Berlin to Amsterdam and beyond, you can sip mulled wine and nibble on pastries as you meander your way through the stalls and chalets. Whether you prefer to collect glühwein mugs in Germany or shop for tartan Christmas ornaments in Scotland, here are 10 of the best Christmas markets in Europe. Though dates vary by year and location, you can typically expect the markets on this list to be open from late November to late December or early January.

Gendarmenmarkt Christmas Market, Berlin

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Marvel at the giant Christmas tree at the center of this historic market in Germany's capital city, where you can shop for traditional blown glass, wood carvings, and more. Head to the heated dining tents to fill up on German specialties like hearty spätzle and refreshing Kölsch beer. On New Year's Eve, ring in the new year at the market's annual party, which features everything from DJs and theatrical performances to food and firecrackers.

La Défense Marché de Noël, Paris

This market is the biggest in the Paris area, with more than 350 chalets and thousands of square feet of merry decorations, all located underneath the Grande Arche de la Défense. Shop for handicrafts and souvenirs among the market's many stalls, or indulge in some of the cheese, chocolate, and mulled wine on offer — you are in France, after all.

Strasbourg Christmas Markets

More than half a dozen Christmas markets pop up in this city in northeastern France each year, supporting Strasbourg's claim to be the "Capital of Christmas." All the markets are worth a visit, but the oldest and grandest is the Chrìstkìndelsmärik, which dates back to 1570. Whether you visit the original or one of the city's other market gems, you can shop for wooden toys and blown-glass ornaments or simply enjoy the miles of fairy lights and decorations on display. When you've worked up an appetite, dig into some foie gras or the traditional Alsatian cookies known as bredele.

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, London

With its stunning street decorations and bustling ice skating rinks, London is one of the best places on earth to visit at Christmas. The pinnacle of the city's festive offerings, though, is Hyde Park Winter Wonderland . At this sprawling market and festival, you can sip mulled wine or marshmallow-topped cocoa as you shop for candle votives, ornaments, crafts, and gourmet food. After you've checked out the stalls, you can take in a show, ride more than a dozen different roller coasters, and even meet Santa, all without leaving the park.

Edinburgh's Christmas

Load up on sweets like cinnamon-sugar chimney cakes and cotton candy at this joyous celebration in the Scottish capital city as you shop for hand-carved wooden candle holders and traditional tartan ornaments. Later, spend a few hours in Santa Land in the West Princes Street Gardens, where you can take on the candy cane bungees (trampolines) and bumper cars.

Salzburg Christmas Markets

These historic Advent markets , which are held in several places around the Austrian city of Salzburg, date as far back as the 15th century. Two special highlights are the picturesque hilltop market at Hohensalzburg Fortress and the market in Cathedral Square, which offers more than 95 vendors. No matter which locations you visit, you can savor the aromas of hot chestnuts and mulled wine as you take in all that Salzburg has to offer.

Plaza Mayor Christmas Market, Madrid

Mario Guti / Getty Images

Pick up handcrafted Belén statuettes (depicting Jesus, Mary, Joseph, and other nativity figures) as well as intricate ornaments for your tree at this centrally located Madrid market . While there, soak up the history of the expansive Plaza Mayor, which dates back to when King Philip II moved his court to Madrid.

Mercatini di Natale, Milan

Flavio Vallenari / Getty Images

Gaze up at the magnificent Duomo cathedral with a warm drink in hand as you browse the charming stalls and small huts of the Mercatini di Natale , a Christmas market held each year in Milan's Piazza del Duomo. Shop for Italian cheeses and Yuletide souvenirs as you take in the spirit of the city — the perfect way to cap off a day of sightseeing.

Het Amsterdamse Winterparadijs, Amsterdam

This "winter paradise" in Amsterdam is ideal for families — and anyone else who likes having plenty to do at a holiday market other than eat and shop. Here, you can play a game of curling, go for a ride on a snow tube, or have a no-gloves-required snowball fight with faux snow in the market's Snowgarden. Later, warm up by roasting marshmallows on one of the festival's fire pits or heading to the winter cinema for a nostalgic Christmas movie.

Basel Christmas Market

Juergen Sack / Getty Images

The Basel Christmas Market takes place each year in the Swiss city's historic Old Town. Spread across Barfüsserplatz and Münsterplatz squares, the market's 155 wooden chalets sell everything from waffles, mulled wine, and grilled sausages to Swiss raclette and the local delicacy Basler Läckerli, a spiced biscuit similar to gingerbread. Shop for hand-painted Christmas ornaments, handmade toys and jewelry, and anise-flavored cookies while you take in some of Basel's best views. Be sure to sample some feuerzangenbowle, a traditional German drink prepared by setting a rum-soaked sugarloaf on fire and melting it into mulled wine.

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26 Best Christmas Markets in Europe, From Vienna to Zagreb

By Caitlin Morton and Jessica J. Lee

No one does the holidays quite like Europeans . From December to January, Christmas markets in Europe blend tradition with culinary flair. Think wooden chalets in medieval squares, angelic choirs and snow-capped cathedrals , twinkly lights on trees, log fires, and perhaps most importantly, seasonal treats both savory and sweet, along with all the hot mulled wine you can drink.

As the days become short and the temperatures drop, town squares fill with locals toasting the season, and celebrating with friends and family. Why not join them? Whether you want the long nights of nordic winter or the more temperate climes of southern Europe, there’s plenty of fairy-tale festiveness to go around.

Here, in no particular order, are 26 of the best Christmas markets in Europe—from big city destinations to those off the beaten track (plus, where to base yourself when you make the trip).

This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

All listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. Additional reporting by Katherine LaGrave.

Cologne, Germany

Location: Cologne Cathedral in Cologne, Germany

Why we love it: This market has everything you'd expect of a classic German spread. Glühwein, crafts, twinkling lights. One thing that stands out, though, is its entertainment—more than 100 stage performances throughout the festival, including Christmas swing music and gospel, puppet shows, and performances for children. After you've had your fill of tunes (and food), head toward nearby Hohe Strasse and Schildergasse, two of Cologne's well-known shopping areas, or make your way to Heumarkt for a spot of ice skating

Where to stay: Legend Hotel Cologne (0.2 miles away)

Helsinki, Finland

Location: Senate Square in Helsinki, Finland

Why we love it: This market scores major points for its mix of contemporary and traditional—as well as its commitment to sustainability. Though visitors can do everything from playing bingo for a vegan ham to watching a holiday outfit contest for dogs, it's not all quirky: Choirs sing Christmas carols on the weekends, and visitors can stroll illuminated market stalls while drinking hot mulled wine. Try some artisan cheeses or munch on candied nuts and jam-filled pastries. Not feeling Finnish enough for you? Relax in the wood-heated unisex sauna, smack in the middle of the market in Senate Square.

Where to stay: Hotel St George (0.4 miles away)

Málaga, Spain

Location(s): Muelle Uno, Paseo de Parque, and light displays on Calle Marques de Larios in Málaga, Spain

Why we love it: Want to escape the cold and try out a Mediterranean winter ? Head to the south of Spain for one of Andalucia ’s most famous Christmas market destinations. Stroll from the old port and Santa’s Grotto to Paseo de Parque to buy some local crafts. Nibble on traditional shortbread, nougat, and borrachuelos (wine-flavored fried pastries) as you make your way to Calle Marques de Larios to see the elaborate light displays. Best of all? You can even soak up festive cheer after the main holidays end, as the markets run into early January.

Where to stay: Vincci Larios Diez (0 miles away—it’s right on Calle Larios)

Brussels, Belgium

Location: Grand-Place in Brussels, Belgium

Why we love it: Every December, “Plaisirs d’Hiver” takes over the open areas around the Bourse stock exchange, the Place de la Monnaie, the Place Sainte-Catherine, and the Marché aux Poissons, transforming the city into a winter wonderland . With more than 200 wood chalets, a covered ice rink, a Ferris wheel, and a light and sound show projected onto the Grand-Place, there’s something for the whole family to enjoy. Indulge in crisp fries with mayonnaise, tartiflette (a French potato casserole), Belgian chocolate (obviously) and waffles dotted with pearl sugar before doing a spot of Christmas shopping at the many stalls selling locally-crafted and artisan goods.

Where to stay: Hotel Amigo, A Rocco Forte Hotel (0.06 miles away)

Prague, Czech Republic

Location: Old Town and Wenceslas Square, with smaller markets at nearby Havel’s Market and Republic Square, in Prague, Czech Republic

Why we love it: Just five minutes apart by foot, Prague’s Old Town and Wenceslas markets are the best in a city that already tops our list of places to spend Christmas. (Chalk it up to the Gothic architecture and mulled wine stalls.) Fill up on traditional fish soup cooked in steaming vats, langoš (flatbreads) topped with cheese, and smoked meat dumplings. Don’t miss the roast ham and trdelník, otherwise known as chimney cake—a hot, rolled pastry rolled in cinnamon and sugar and cooked over a grill. Also, pack your hat and gloves: It gets cold here in December.

Where to stay: Four Seasons Hotel Prague (0.7 miles away)

Copenhagen, Denmark

Location: Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen, Denmark

Why we love it: The real-life inspiration for Disneyland , this twinkling theme park is the third-oldest operating amusement park in the world and beloved by tourists and locals alike. Come winter, it gets decked out in more than 500,000 fairy lights for the festive season. Enjoy music by the Tivoli Youth Guard while you warm up by a log fire. Kids can enjoy the rollercoasters before heading inside for family-friendly stage shows at the Glass Hall Theater and Tivoli Concert Hall. And don't miss delicious Danish treats like aebleskiver, small pancake puffs topped with powdered sugar, or honninghjerter. Similar to German gingerbread, this dense honey cake is sometimes filled with jam and buttercream and topped with a chocolate glaze. Hygge, indeed .

Where to stay: Nobis Hotel (0.1 miles away)

Frankfurt, Germany

Location: Römerberg, Paulsplatz, Mainkai, Hauptwache, Friedrich-Stoltze-Platz, and Roßmarkt in Frankfurt, Germany

Why we love it: Spread over the old city center and dating back to a winter market first held in the 14th century, Frankfurt’s Christmas market is one of Germany’s largest and oldest. Pick up Lebkuchen (Germany’s traditional gingerbread), roasted chestnuts and smoked salmon while browsing handicrafts to find the right gift for everyone on your list. From Friedrich-Stoltze-Platz you can find the city’s LGBTQ+ “Pink Christmas” market, where all the stalls are decorated in—you guessed it—pink. Be sure not to catch the chiming of the church bells or the Advent concerts that take place every December weekend until Christmas. Grab a bratwurst and a locally-produced Apfelwein (apple wine) as you take in the huge scale of this Weihnachtsmarkt.

Where to stay: Steigenberger Frankfurter Hof (0.3 miles away)

Wrocław, Poland

Location: Market Square and Plac Solny in Wrocław, Poland

Why we love it: While recent years and soaring energy prices have seen the range of light displays scaled back somewhat, the Christmas market in the main city square of Wrocław remains a destination for visitors from all over Central Europe. This classic Christmas market officially comes to life around December 6, when Santa Claus greets visitors and the tree lights get switched on. But you don't have to wait until December to start sampling treats from the wooden stalls: we're talking potato pancakes, bigos (hunter’s stew),sausages, pierogi, chocolate gingerbread, waffles (in various flavors), and all the mulled wine you can handle.

Where to stay: Hotel Monopol (0.2 miles away)

Trento, Italy

Location: Piazza Fiera and Piazza Cesare Battisti in Trento, Italy

Why we love it: Each year, the cobblestoned streets of Trento, in the mountainous northern Italian region of Trentino–Alto Adige, are filled with Christmas-light-covered trees and 90 wooden huts, combining for what Italians call Città del Natale , or “Christmas Town.” Vendors sell sheep’s cheeses and dried orange slices below the 13th-century Buonconsiglio Castle, and the Alps in the distance provide an incredible backdrop to the whole scene. Don’t miss the city’s fountains decorated with nativity displays by local craftspeople and be sure to fill up on tortel di patate (potato cake) and jam-filled treccia mochèna before the evening ends.

Where to stay: Il Torrione (0.04 miles away)

Edinburgh, Scotland

Location: East Princes Street Gardens in Edinburgh, Scotland

Why we love it: Adjacent to the Scottish National Gallery , this annual market turns Edinburgh 's sprawling East Princes Street Gardens into a “Santa Land” that you can witness from high above, atop the 108-foot-tall Ferris wheel, a.k.a the Big Wheel, and where you can scope out the view of Edinburgh Castle lit up for the season. Free family events in West Princes Street Gardens include a carols concert—and a celebration of Diwali too. Visit George Street for Edinburgh's Christmas ice rink; be sure to warm up with hot drinks and food afterwards. Indulge in Scottish holiday treats like venison burgers, Scottish craft brews, and hot toddies.

Where to stay: The Edinburgh Grand (0.4 miles away)

Vienna, Austria

Location: City Hall (on Rathausplatz) in Vienna, Austria

Why we love it: Some cities just look better covered in snow , and Vienna is one of them. Add some white lights against the backdrop of the city’s imposing City Hall, and you’ll see why this market is called the Viennese Dream . It has everything from reindeer rides to an ice rink for skating and curling, plus a ferris wheel and old-fashioned merry-go-round. Fill up on sausages stuffed with cheese, vanillekipferl (vanilla crescent cookies), and mulled wine. This is about as classic as it gets, folks.

Where to stay: Le Méridien Vienna (0.7 miles away)

Budapest, Hungary

Location: St. Stephen's Square in Budapest, Hungary

Why we love it: St. Stephen’s Basilica is Hungary's largest church , dedicated to the country's first king (Stephen, of course). It's fitting, then, that this festival takes place around the landmark in Szent István Square with 160 vendors, a skating rink, and weekend folk dance shows. Most of the action is in full swing before Christmas, but if you're there on January 1, stop by the fair for some lencseleves, or lentil soup—it's traditionally made in Hungary on New Year's Day as a symbol of prosperity for the coming year. And if you aren’t yet convinced, Budapest’s Christmas market was recently crowned Europe’s best in a vote by Europe’s Best Destinations .

Where to stay: Aria Hotel Budapest by Library Hotel Collection (0.08 miles away)

Gdańsk, Poland

Location: Targ Węglowy in Gdańsk, Poland

Why we love it: This port city on the Baltic Sea boasts an unexpected claim to fame: Its Christmas market recently beat out hundreds of others to become Europe’s second best (see Budapest, above, for the top spot). The whole center of town transforms into a festive fair with over 150 stalls. You’ll find everything from nutcrackers to wool hats and handmade candles. After tasting Polish classics like pierogi and smoked cheese, you can indulge in everything from crispy tofu to fresh churros at its international food stalls. Kids can enjoy the Christmas storytelling sessions or even nature talks from the region’s forest rangers.

Where to stay: Hotel Gdansk Boutique (0.75 miles away)

Colmar, France

Location: Place des Dominicains, Place Jeanne d’Arc, Place de l’Ancienne Douane, Koïfhus, Petite Venise, and Gourmet Market Place de la Cathédrale (all six markets are in and around Old Town) in Colmar, France

Why we love it: With its timbered houses and canal-lined streets, Colmar is basically a fairytale come to life year-round. But tack on some twinkle lights, an ice skating rink, and an early-1900’s carousel, and you have yourself one of the most charming Christmas destinations in all of Europe. Each market offers its own version of holiday cheer, from nativity scenes to children’s choirs, so be prepared for some serious stall-hopping. And foodies needn’t worry: The gourmet market will have you satisfied with oysters and Alsatian wines .

Where to stay: Hôtel Le Colombier (0.06 to 0.3 miles away, depending on the market)

Alberobello, Italy

Location: Piazza del Popolo, Largo Martellotta, Largo Trevisani and Largo Pietra Ficcata in Alberobello, Puglia, Italy

Why we love it: Alberobello is famous for its mid-14th century “trulli,” conical white houses typical to southern Italy—and they take center stage at the Christmas Market Under the Trulli. Throughout December, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is alight with bright stars, moons, and snowflakes, all projected on the historic limestone walls. Wander the cobbled streets of the tiny town, admire the glimmering display, munch on cod fritters and pettole (sweet fried doughnuts), and wash it all down with a glug of vincotto. Don’t miss the “living nativity” scene in the days after Christmas—booking recommended!

Where to stay: Le Corti del Casale (1 mile away)

Zagreb, Croatia

Location: Pretty much the entire city of Zagreb, Croatia

Why we love it: Voted the best Christmas market in Europe in 2016, 2017, and 2018, Advent in Zagreb is pure holiday magic, mixed with a healthy dose of spectacle. Instead of being confined to one city block, Zagreb's festival spreads across the entire city: find traditional stalls in Trg Bana Jelačića (the main city square), ice skating in Tomislavac, concerts in European Square, and a live nativity scene in front of Zagreb Cathedral. Indulge in pork sausage sandwiches, cabbage rolls, and strudla—the Croatian take on apple strudel—washed down with a glass of rakija, a popular spirit.

Where to stay: Esplanade Zagreb Hotel (0.5 miles away from Trg Bana Jelačića)

Dresden, Germany

Location: Altmarkt Square in Dresden, Germany

Why we love it: Founded as a one-day market in 1434, the Dresden Striezelmarkt is widely considered Germany's oldest—though Frankfurt and Munich have also tried for the title. Age aside, Dresden’s market is certainly the most traditional: think handmade wooden toys, a festive train for the kids, and boughs of fragrant pine decorating every wooden stall. The annual focal points here are typically the 45-foot-tall Christmas pyramid and the stollen, buttery fruitcake dusted with powdered sugar and packaged with a special seal depicting the city's famous former king, August the Strong. Don’t miss the market’s annual gingerbread fest on December 10th.

Where to stay: Hotel Taschenbergpalais Kempinski (0.2 miles away)

Stockholm, Sweden

Location: Skansen Open-Air Museum in Stockholm, Sweden

Why we love it: If you're looking to get really traditional, visit this open-air museum on the island of Djurgarden in the center of Stockholm, where all of the historic homes and farmsteads are decorated accordingly. Tuck into smoked turkey and sugared almonds at the market, or, if you’re feeling more adventurous, participate in traditional dances around the festive tree at Bollnäs Square and make your own Christmas decorations in the workshop. And if that hasn’t gotten you in the festive mood yet, there are Christmas concerts in the Seglora church each weekend. Make sure to catch the candlelit Lucia procession on December 13.

Where to stay: Grand Hôtel (1 mile away)

Strasbourg, France

Location: Place de la Cathédrale, Place Kléber, Place Gutenberg, Place Broglie, Place du Château (all near the city center) in Strasbourg, France

Why we love it: Strasbourg, a fairytale-like town in the Alsace region of France, becomes even more magical during the holiday season, branding itself the “capital of Christmas.” Its Christkindelsmärik (the oldest Christmas market in France ) attracts several million visitors each year, thanks to its charming wooden chalets, nightly concerts, and ice skating rink—not to mention all that foie gras and hot white wine. Make sure to try some bredele (Alsatian Christmas cookies) and don't forget about the city's other seasonal claim to fame: the Great Christmas Tree illuminated in the central square of Place Kléber.

Where to stay: Hôtel Les Haras (0.5 miles away)

Winchester, England

Location: Winchester Cathedral in Winchester, England

Why we love it: From mid-November to the week before Christmas, Winchester’s Gothic cathedral plays host to a carefully curated festive market. After checking out the region’s stunningly green South Downs National Park, you can head to the market to warm up. Fancy posh macaroni and cheese, a hog roast, or a rich Scotch egg? You’ll be able to indulge as you browse sustainable crafts, stationery, wooden toys, and garden decor. Sip a mulled wine and pick up some chutney and local cheese for your Christmas feast before heading into the cathedral for one of the renowned choral performances.

Where to stay: The Wykeham Arms (0.2 miles away)

Basel, Switzerland

Location: Barfüsserplatz and Münsterplatz in Basel, Switzerland

Why we love it: We all know Switzerland is a winter wonderland , but it also happens to host some of the best Christmas markets in Europe—including Basler Weihnachtsmarkt in the Rhine-side town of Basel. The market features more than 150 vendors selling handmade toys and local treats like Swiss raclette and läckerli (traditional Swiss gingerbread) from their wooden stands, plus enough twinkle lights and trees to fill a million Instagram feeds. Don’t miss the view of the festive scene from St. Martin’s tower, open for admission throughout the Advent period, and be sure to write your Christmas wishes in the Basel Wish Book.

Stay here: Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois (1 mile away)

Tallinn, Estonia

Location: Town Hall Square in Tallinn, Estonia

Why we love it: In addition to Estonian Christmas dishes like black pudding and sour cabbage (it's better than it sounds, promise), Tallinn's market—a quaint fairy-tale village of stalls dusted with snow and twinkling with lights—also has a Santa who arrives by reindeer-pulled sleigh. The highlight, though, is its Christmas tree, which the city has been displaying in front of its town hall since 1441—making it the first Christmas tree to ever be displayed in Europe. Enjoy some gingerbread and mulled wine after taking a spin on the merry-go-round.

Where to stay: Hotel Telegraaf (0.08 miles away)

Salzburg, Austria

Location: Residenzplatz and Salzburg Cathedral in Salzburg, Austria

Why we love it: Salzburg's famed Christkindlmarkt in the center of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old City isn't just mulled wine and market stands: There are daily choral performances, sing-alongs (Tuesdays from 6–8 p.m.) and traditional wind music performed above the square on Thursday and Saturday nights. You can even try your hand at baking gingerbread or head out on a Salzburg Christmas tour to learn all about the market’s history—while indulging in goodies like roast pork sandwiches and roasted almonds along the way. We're not mad about the bauernkrapfen (fried pastries), either.

Stay here: Hotel Goldener Hirsch, a Luxury Collection Hotel (0.3 miles away)

Sibiu, Romania

Location: Piața Mare in Sibiu, Romania

Why we love it: Romania might get a lot of hype around Halloween , but the country embraces Santa Claus just as much as Dracula. See: Sibiu Christmas Market, a glittery sprawl of stalls and fairy lights located in the Sibiu city center. Here you'll find more than 100 merchants, Santa’s workshop, and an ice rink, plus a new 72-feet-tall Ferris wheel, a new addition to last year's market. Be sure to enjoy some mămăligă (polenta), cabbage rolls, and mulled wine—and don’t miss out on meeting Moș Crăciun—that’s Romanian for Santa Claus.

Where to stay: Art Hotel (0.1 miles away)

Oslo, Norway

Location: Spikersuppa in Oslo, Norway

Why we love it: Jul i Vinterland , located in Oslo's city center, has all the elements you'd expect from a classic European Christmas market, from decorated stalls to a tree-lined ice skating rink. But what makes this particular festival stand apart is the food. Be prepared for coconut cupcakes and caramel apples, gløgg and warm porridge, currywurst and smoked salmon from the Lofoten Islands —as well as a chocolate wheel to spin if you’re feeling lucky. As if the culinary delights aren’t adventure enough, there’s a ferris wheel and carnival rides to boot.

Where to stay: Amerikalinjen (0.5 miles away)

Berlin, Germany

Location: KulturBrauerei in Prenzlauer Berg, Berlin, Germany

Why we love it: While Berlin has more Christmas markets than we can count, this small Scandi-themed market in an old brewery courtyard is a real neighborhood favorite. Blend in among the locals meeting for after-work Glühwein as you enjoy a piping hot Flammkuchen (German flatbread) topped with potatoes, bacon, and cheese. Test out Finnish Glögi and Icelandic Jolagløgg (or any of the other mulled wine varieties featured) before diving into raclette or Mutzenmandeln (tiny cone-shaped fritters). Kids can enjoy a hot chocolate in a yurt before taking a ride on the swing carousel, while adults warm their hands by the many wood fires dotted around the site.

Where to stay: Hotel Oderberger Berlin (0.1 miles)

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CHRISTMAS , NORTH AMERICA , UNITED STATES , WINTER · December 21, 2023 Last Updated on March 13, 2024

10 BEST CHRISTMAS MARKETS IN THE USA

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Famous throughout Europe, Christmas markets have been enjoyed by Europeans for hundreds of years, with visitors traveling from all over to experience their magic.

In recent years, this tradition has spread to America, with cities around the United States setting up Christmas markets to celebrate and prepare for the holiday season. Every market offers something unique and different, from recreated German markets to mulled wine and live music.

To enjoy the holiday spirit stateside, you can head to one of these impressive American Christmas markets and try some mulled wine, experience the magic, and purchase holiday gifts from wooden stalls with a cup of hot cocoa in hand. Here’s our guide to 10 of the best Christmas markets to experience in the USA. 

1) Kerstmarkt – Holland, Michigan

Just 30 miles from Grand Rapids, Holland was founded by Dutch Americans in the 1840s, and many Dutch Americans still live there today.

Since its first Christmas market in 1997, the Kerstmarkt has allowed locals to sell and buy local artisan and specialty products. Kerstmarket, which means Christmas market in Dutch, strives to represent and thrive on its European heritage, to recreate a typical German market with wooden booths and Dutch delicacies such as stroopwafels and concerts and carolers dressed in Dickens-era attire.

Where: 8th Street Market Place, 150 West 8th Street, Holland

Market Dates: Mid-November to Mid-December

Find out more: Kerstmarkt

Where To Stay In Holland

Luxury holland hotels.

• Haworth Hotel at Hope College – This hotel has 50 rooms, including rooms with queen beds and king beds, sleeping up to four people comfortably. This hotel is also located in the center of Holland, with easy access to the city’s attractions.
• Tulyp, Tapestry Collection by Hilton – This hotel is within walking distance of Hope College, New Holland Brewing and the Kerstmarkt.

Mid-Range Holland Hotels

• Courtyard by Marriott Holland Downtown – Within walking distance of the Kerstmarkt and other city attractions, this hotel is a great city center option. The hotel itself has a bar, a gym and two onsite restaurants.
• Holiday Inn Express Holland – This hotel has 118 individually furnished rooms with premium comforts and multiple configurations, keeping up to six people, with two queen beds and a double sofa bed in one room.

Budget Holland Hotels

• White Pines Inn and Suites of Holland – Located on West Shore Drive, this hotel is within walking distance of the Dutch Village and the Holland Area Arts Council. The hotel also has a swimming pool and 80 rooms with premium comforts.
• SpringHill Suites by Marriott Holland – This hotel consists of 40 rooms, including king rooms, queen rooms and rooms which can sleep up to five people, making it ideal for a girl’s getaway or a family trip.

2) Tomball German Fest – Tomball, Texas

Tomball German Fest is the perfect mix between a Christmas market and a festival. Taking place over one weekend in December, the festival has over 150 street vendors, with four live music stages and over 30 entertainers.

As one of the largest festivals in the surrounding Houston area, this festival attracts people from all around the state and further afield. The three-day festival is inspired by German heritage with dance acts, Christmas decorations and German souvenirs.

Where: 201 S.Elm Street, Tomball

Market Dates: December

Find out more: Tomball German Fest

Where To Stay In Houston

Luxury houston hotels.

• 1950s Cottage – This two-bedroom cottage is located in Tomball, close to the Tomball Museum Center and the festival. 
• The Post Oak Hotel at Uptown Houston – This luxury hotel in Uptown Houston has four onsite restaurants, an outdoor swimming pool and a spa. The hotel has rooms with city views, residential suites, luxury rooms and classic suites.

Mid-Range Houston Hotels

• Residence Inn Houston Tomball – This hotel offers rooms with kitchens and rooms which sleep up to five people. The hotel has a tennis court, an outdoor swimming pool and free self-parking.
• Maple Creek Bed and Breakfast – This bed and breakfast is located in Tomball and has an outdoor swimming pool, free parking, free wifi and a game room. All guestrooms are unique and have thoughtful premium touches throughout.

Budget Houston Hotels

• Hilton Garden Inn Houston – Located close to the Woodlands Mall, this hotel has an onsite restaurant with a happy hour, a bar and a gym.
• Courtyard by Marriott Houston Northwest –  This suburban hotel is located northwest of Houston and has a coffee shop, an outdoor swimming pool, an onsite bistro and a library. The 126 rooms are available in multiple configurations, including rooms that sleep up to four people.

3) Christkindlmarkt – Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

Bethlehem, or The Christmas City as it’s otherwise known, is a big Christmas destination. The yearly Christkindlmarkt covers 10 acres, with shopping stalls, live music and great food options.

Every year, over 100 vendors come from all over the country to participate in the market, with everything from German treats like strudel to modern favorites and everything in between. The market has received annual recognition as one of the best holiday markets in the United States.

Where: PNC Plaza at SteelStacks, 645 East First Street

Market Dates: Weekends in Mid-November to Mid-December

Find out more:  Christkindlmarkt

Where To Stay In Bethlehem

Luxury bethlehem hotels.

• Hotel Bethlehem – Located just a short walk from Historic Hotel Bethlehem and the Historic Bethlehem Visitors Center. The hotel offers rooms with city views and rooms which sleep up to four people.
• Wilbur Mansion – This luxury hotel offers premier suites and deluxe and superior rooms. The unique hotel offers a piece of history close to Wind Creek Bethlehem and has complimentary self-parking.

Mid-Range Bethlehem Hotels

• Hyatt Place Bethlehem – Located within walking distance of the Historic Bethlehem Visitor Center and the Historic Hotel Bethlehem, this hotel is a great location to explore the city. The hotel has 124 rooms, including king rooms, queen rooms and rooms which sleep up to six people.
• Hampton Inn and Suites Bethlehem – Located in Bethlehem in the business district close to the Bethlehem Golf Club and the Steamboat National Historic Site. This hotel has an indoor swimming pool, a coffee shop and a garden.

Budget Bethlehem Hotels

• Hilton Garden Inn Allentown – This hotel has an indoor swimming pool, complimentary self-parking and free breakfast. Located in Allentown, this hotel is close to the Bethlehem Golf Club and Allentown Lehigh Canal Trailhead.
• Staybridge Suites Allentown – Located in Allentown, just a short drive from Bethlehem, this hotel is a great place to stay to visit the market. The hotel offers two-bedroom suites sleeping eight people and one-bedroom suites sleeping four.

4) Christmas Village – Philadelphia, PA

Modeled after the traditional Christmas markets in Germany, the Christmas Village offers the City of Philadelphia a great place to do their holiday shopping. The authentic open-air style market is located at LOVE Park and attracts large numbers of visitors every year.

Visitors can purchase gifts from all around the world, traditional holiday foods, and beer and wine tastings. The market happens in conjunction with the Made in Philadephia Holiday Market, the Ice Rink at Dilworth Park and the Christmas Tree on North Broad Street.

Where: LOVE Park 1500 Arch Street, Philadelphia

Market Dates: Mid-November to December 24th

Find out more: Christmas Village

Where To Stay In Philadelphia

Luxury philadelphia hotels.

• The Ritz-Carlton Philadelphia – This luxury hotel is just a short walk from the Pennsylvania Convention Center and the Reading Terminal Market. The hotel offers club rooms with king beds, superior rooms, deluxe rooms and luxury suites.
• Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia – This luxury spa hotel is just a short walk to Rittenhouse Square and the city’s major attractions. The hotel offers rooms with views of landmarks, city views and skyline views.

Mid-Range Philadelphia Hotels

• Le Meridien Philadelphia – This pet-friendly hotel is connected to the Philadephia Convention Center and the Reading Terminal Market.
• Aloft Philadephia Downtown – Located Downtown, this Beaux Arts hotel has a 24-hour gym, a bar and a coffee shop.

Budget Philadelphia Hotels

• Marriott Philadelphia West – This suburban hotel in West Conshohocken has a gym, an indoor swimming pool, a grocery store and an onsite restaurant. 
• Chestnut Hill Hotel – Located in Chestnut Hill, this hotel has three restaurants, a hair salon and a bar. It has 36 rooms, including king and queen rooms and king suites.

5) Christkindlesmarket – Chicago, Illinois

This Christmas market is so popular that it now has three locations around the city. Christkindlmarket is inspired by 16th-century Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremberg, Germany, with Christmas ornaments, handmade wooden nutcrackers, hot species wine, and handmade gifts.

The admission-free market has a cozy atmosphere with the smell of roasted nuts, fresh pretzels, bratwurst and hotel wine in every corner.

• 50 W Washington St, Chicago
• Gallagher Way, 3635 N Clark St, Chicago
• RiverEdge Park, 360 N Broadway, Aurora

Find out more: Christkindlesmarket

Where To Stay In Chicago

Luxury chicago hotels.

• Langham Hotel – This 5-star hotel has 316 individually furnished rooms, including suites with four guests and club view rooms. Some rooms also have river and city views.
• The St Regis Chicago – Located in downtown Chicago and within walking distance of Millennium Park and Michigan Avenue, this hotel offers a luxury place to stay in the city’s heart.

Mid-Range Chicago Hotels

• The Peninsula Chicago – Located in Downtown Chicago, this hotel is within walking distance of bars and restaurants and popular tourist attractions like the Millennium Park and Chicago Riverwalk.
• Westin Chicago River North – Located close to the Chicago Riverwalk and Michigan Avenue, this hotel is an excellent base for visiting the market. The hotel has an onsite restaurant and bar, with easy access to other great bars and restaurants in the city.

Budget Chicago Hotels

• Virgin Hotels Chicago – Complete with two restaurants and a nightclub, this hotel is just a short walk from the riverfront.
• Chicago Athletic Association Hotel – This hotel is just two minutes from Millennium Park, with many rooms overlooking the park. The 4.5-star hotel has a rooftop terrace, a coffee shop and two onsite restaurants.

6) Christkindlmarkt – Carmel, Indiana

Winner of the USA Today’s Best Holiday Market for the last four years running, Christkindlmarkt has over 60 huts, German food and drink offerings and music performed by people worldwide.

Located just outside of Indianapolis, this market thrives on being as authentic as possible. From the Glühwein Pyramid, a tiered wooden structure with lights at the front entrance to vendors who fly to Germany to bring back specific types of breads to replicate.

Where: 10 Carter Green, Carmel, IN

Find out more: Christkindlmarkt

Where To Stay In Indianapolis

Luxury indianapolis hotels.

• Conrad Indianapolis – Located in Downtown Indianapolis, this hotel is connected to a shopping center close to the Eiteljorg Museum. The hotel has an indoor swimming pool with sun loungers, a spa and an onsite restaurant.
• Le Meridien Indianapolis – This pet-friendly hotel is an excellent base for exploring the Christkindlmarkt in Carmel. The hotel offers guests a relaxing stay with a full breakfast, an onsite restaurant and a coffee shop.

Mid-Range Indianapolis Hotels

• Omni Severin Hotel – A downtown Indianapolis hotel connected to the convention center and allows pets. The hotel features three restaurants for guests to enjoy.
• Bottleworks Hotel – Located in Downtown Indianapolis, this hotel is within a walkable area of the city, perfect for exploring. The hotel has an onsite spa and restaurant.

Budget Indianapolis Hotels

• Hotel Indy – Located close to the Gainbridge Fieldhouse and the Indiana Convention Center, this hotel has a bar, a gym and a restaurant.
• Crown Plaza Indianapolis – This hotel is close to the Indiana Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium. The hotel also has a bar, a 24-hour gym, and two onsite restaurants.

7) Texas Christkindl Market – Arlington, Texas

Since 2011, the Texas Christkindl Market has been celebrating the 70+ year relationship between Arlington and its sister city, Bad Königshofen, the Bavarian town. In 2011, Arlington was so inspired by their relationship that they created an annual Christmas market to commemorate the holiday season.

The city partners with Rothenburg ob der Tauber to bring the magic of European Christmas markets to Texas each year, featuring handcrafted gifts, collectibles, and designs from the iconic Rothenburg ob der Tauber Christmas Village.

Where: 1650 E Randol Mill Road, Arlington, TX 76011

Market Dates: Mid-November to December 23rd

Find out more: Texas Christkindl Market

Where To Stay In Dallas

Luxury dallas hotels.

• Live by Loews, Arlington – Steeped in luxury, this hotel is located close to the Globe Life Field and AT&T Stadium and has a poolside bar, rooftop terrace and shopping all onsite. The hotel has 300 rooms with premium comforts and many room configuration options.
• Sheraton Arlington Hotel – Located in East Arlington, this hotel is close to the local theme parks, the Christmas market, Heritage Park and Ruth Paine House Museum. The hotel offers three onsite restaurants, an outdoor swimming pool and a hotel tub.

Mid-Range Dallas Hotels

• Courtyard by Marriott Dallas Arlington – Located near Six Flags Hurricane Harbor and AT&T Stadium, Courtyard by Marriott Dallas Arlington features a grocery store, coffee shop and onsite restaurant. The hotel also has both an outdoor and indoor swimming pool.
• Aloft Dallas Arlington Entertainment District – Located in the North Arlington neighborhood, this property is situated in the entertainment district and close to theme parks.

Budget Dallas Hotels

• Four Points by Sheraton – Located in East Arlington, this hotel has 102 rooms, including executive suites, king rooms, queen rooms and rooms that sleep up to five people, great for a girl’s trip or family getaway.
• DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Arlington DFW South – This hotel has a terrace, a bar and a 24-hour gym. The hotel also features an outdoor swimming pool with sun loungers and complimentary self-parking.

8) Christmas Village – Baltimore, Maryland

Baltimore has a rich German heritage that dates back to its founding. The city was established in 1729 and among its first residents were German settlers already living on the Chesapeake Bay. By the late 19th century, Baltimore had become the second leading port of entry for European immigrants in the United States, right after New York City’s Ellis Island.

This heritage is celebrated each year at the Christmas Village. Visitors can enjoy a hot glass of mulled wine at the Glühwein Pyramid, sample an array of sausages, and wander around the almost 60 vendors. Warm up with glühwein and Belgian fries, or grab a German beer stein at the Hofbrau stall.

Where: West Shore Park, 501 Light Street, Baltimore

Where To Stay In Baltimore

Luxury baltimore hotels.

• Four Seasons Hotel Baltimore – Located in the neighborhood of Harbor East in Baltimore, this property is conveniently located near the airport and a metro station. This hotel offers 256 rooms, including rooms with harbor or city views and rooms with balconies.
• Sagamore Pendry Baltimore – This hotel is located near Baltimore’s Inner Harbor Marina and features a garden, terrace, and poolside bar. 

Mid-Range Baltimore Hotels

• The Inn at Henderson’s Wharf – The Inn at Henderson’s Wharf is conveniently situated by Harbor Point Central Plaza and Baltimore Cruise Terminal, boasting a marina, a terrace and even a complimentary manager’s reception.
• Renaissance Baltimore Harborplace Hotel – This hotel is conveniently located close to the Baltimore Inner Harbor Marina and within walking distance of the National Aquarium in Baltimore.

Budget Baltimore Hotels

• Admiral Fell Inn Baltimore Harbor – With 80 rooms, this hotel has a room option to suit everyone, from rooms sleeping four to city-view rooms and rooms with balconies. The hotel also features two restaurants, with French cuisine, al fresco dining and a superb brunch.
• Pier 5 Hotel Baltimore – Located near the Pier Six Concert Pavilion and Baltimore Convention Center, Pier 5 Hotel Baltimore offers a marina, terrace and garden.

9) The Great Dickens Christmas Fair – Daly City, CA

The Great Dickens Christmas Fair is a unique holiday market in the USA. Located in the Cow Palace arena just outside San Francisco, the organizers transform the venue into Dickensian London, with street performers, music halls, festive shops, and festive foods such as roasted chestnuts, fish and chips, and Christmas pudding.

The vendors dress in Victorian costumes, with shops filled with handmade goods and festive foods.

Where: Cow Palace Exhibition Halls, 2600 Geneva Boulevard, Daly City

Market Dates: Mid-November to December 17th

Find out more: The Great Dickens Christmas Fair

Where To Stay In San Francisco

Luxury san francisco hotels.

• St Regis San Francisco – This luxury bayside hotel is within walking distance of the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art and the Moscone Convention Center. The hotel offers suite options, presidential suite options, and grand rooms.
• Orchard Garden Hotel – Located just a short walk from Union Square, this hotel offers an excellent base for visiting Daly City and exploring San Francisco. The hotel has a rooftop terrace and an onsite restaurant.

Mid-Range San Francisco Hotels

• Hotel Triton – This upscale hotel has 140 rooms, including executive king rooms, deluxe rooms and premium rooms. The hotel also has valet parking and an onsite cafe.
• Handlery Union Square Hotel – Located in the entertainment district this hotel is close to some of the city’s major attractions. The hotel also has a heated swimming pool with sun loungers, a sauna, a gym and valet parking.

Budget San Francisco Hotels

• Hotel Zetta San Francisco – Located in Downtown San Francisco in the entertainment district this hotel is a great location to visit the market and explore everything the city has to offer. The hotel has 116 rooms, with free bicycle rentals and a cooked-to-order breakfast.
• Handlery Union Square Hotel – With rooms sleeping up to four people this hotel is a great option for a friend group visiting the market or a family trip.

10) Union Square Market, New York, NY

New York is often considered by many to be a Christmas City, with lights and festivity around every corner. The Union Square Holiday Market features over 160 vendors where visitors can weave through treats, sweet and savory stalls and holiday gifts.

Where: Union Square Park, New York

Find out more: Union Square Market

Where To Stay In NYC

Luxury new york hotels.

• Mandarin Oriental New York – A 5-star luxury hotel just a two-minute walk from Central Park. The hotel has 244 rooms with Hudson River views, Central Park views and two-bedroom rooms which can sleep up to seven people.
• 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge – This five-star hotel offers guests a luxury escape from the city. The hotel has a poolside bar, swimming pool, rooftop bar, coffee shop and an onsite cafe.

Mid-Range New York Hotels

• Hotel Belleclaire Central Park – This 4-star hotel is located on Broadway close to a metro station and within walkable distance of top attractions. The hotel has 254 rooms with premium comforts and thoughtful touches throughout.
• The Pierre, A Taj Hotel, New York – A luxury hotel located on 61st Street, close to Central Park, Broadway and Times Square. This hotel features rooms with two bedrooms, suites and executive suites with a mixture of park and city views.

Budget New York Hotels

• Arlo Williamsburg Hotel – Located in Brooklyn, this hotel is close to Grand Central Terminal and has easy access to the city. The hotel also has a poolside bar, nightclub, terrace and outdoor swimming pool.
• The Surrey – This art deco boutique hotel has a rooftop terrace and garden, an onsite spa and a restaurant. The Surrey hotel has 189 rooms with premium bedding and pillow menus.

Best Christmas Markets In The USA Wrap Up

I hope you’ve found this USA Christmas markets guide helpful and you are now excited to visit a Christmas market with your friends!

If you have questions about Christmas markets or tips for our readers, please leave these in the comments below! And suppose you’re interested in visiting Christmas markets in Europe. In that case, you can check out all our European Christmas Markets guide for inspiration and trip ideas.

We hope that this article has inspired you to visit USA Christmas Markets. If you have any questions or advice to share with our readers, please leave these in the comments below.

Want to write for We Are Travel Girls? Please visit our Contribute Page  to submit your article.

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Read More About Christmas Markets

• Poland: 3 Day Itinerary in Krakow and Zakopane
• Complete Guide to the Riga Christmas Market
• Ultimate Guide to Christmas in Edinburgh
• 12 Best Christmas Markets in Europe

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Exploring Krakow Christmas Markets: The Budget-Friendly Side to European Markets

C aleb and I LOVE Krakow. We’ve been in the Summer, and it felt like a hidden gem (overused term, we know!) After visiting the Krakow Christmas markets, we both agree that Winter feels exactly the same: a place less traveled that is freaking magical!

In the guide, we’ll share everything you should consider when deciding if you should visit Krakow or skip it, as well as a guide to the markets with everything you should eat!  We’ve also got some insider tips from our own visit to Krakow during December!

Here’s a video we made so you can get an overall feeling of the vibe!

✔️ Quick Info:

📅 Opening Dates:  TBD! We’ll keep this updated

⏰ Best time to go:  late afternoon to just after sunset on weekdays.

🍴 Must eat:  Pierogi, Bigos stew and Oscypek Cheese

🏨 Where to stay:  We stayed at  Roller ApartHotels  and loved it, and it’s proximity to markets – only 4 minutes walk!

💴 Paying:  card is accepted most places. Bring Euros just in case.

Markets Covered In This Guide: Rynek Glowny , The Kazimierz Market

What To Expect & Know If You’re Deciding To Visit

Before we get into our detailed guide to the Christmas markets in Krakow, we want to help you figure out if it’s worth visiting for what you’re looking for ! Maybe you stumbled across our post in the “info gathering” stage and not the “I know I’m going here; give me a detailed guide” stage.

So boil some pierogi, and let’s discuss:

First off, Krakow’s Christmas market was named Europe’s best in 2023 . So, do what you want with that info.

More than 90% of people in Poland identify as Catholic, so Christmas is right up there in importance with Easter! There are some unique Christmas traditions like St. Nicholas Day on December 6th, or you can buy a thin wafer called Oplatek at the markets and share it with each other as a symbol of good wishes for the year.

If you want a market that has some cultural significance , you’ll find it here!

Caleb and I loved how the whole old town of Krakow felt SO FLIPPING Christmas-y , even around the market. The cute little side streets were all lit up with Christmas lights, and we were lucky enough to experience snow!

It all felt so magical, and we kinda felt like we were in one of those Lifetime Christmas movies that you secretly pretend to hate but sorta love.

When we first got to the market, we were both a little like, “Oh…. that’s all?”  because the market doesn’t even take up the whole main square! But, after visiting, we realized that size, in fact, does not matter.

Because the market was on the smaller side, if we compare them to bigger markets like the ones we visited in Prague or Berlin, it does make it a more cozy, festive, and authentic feeling .  The market is also not as tackily decorated as some of the huge ones, which gives it a real feeling of Christmas that is also romantic. It doesn’t feel as commercialized.

We also really like that there is only *one* main market , so you don’t have to stumble around (thanks cheap mulled wine) trying to hit them all in a short time.

A big reason we go to Christmas markets is TO EAT, so if you share our non-christmas-calorie-counting-hearts, you absolutely should come to Krakow for Christmas. We saw some of the most unique foods here that you can only get in Krakow. Bring yo’ stretchy pants, friends. You’ll need them.

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We always like to keep our thoughts honest,  so we’d say there are *some* downsides to consider. 

There really is only one main market, so if you want a variety or to see a lot of markets, it’s probably not for you. 

Because the market was only part of the square, it did make it feel more cramped and busy than some of the other markets that are more spread out, so keep that in mind!

If you want to go to a market that has lots of local performances like we saw in Bratislava, you’ll likely be let down here. When we researched, so many articles said there was a big stage with Polish dancing and performances, so we were excited! However, we did not see any stage. This may change this year? But, be prepared for this stage not to exist .

If you’re looking for the “WOW” factor with lots of crazy decorations and large sizes that other markets around Europe have, the chances are pretty high that you’ll be disappointed with the Christmas market in Krakow.

Krakow at Christmas is for you if…

To help you decide if you want to visit or not, here are some things that would make it worth checking out if you agree to all/most of them:

• You don’t mind a slower pace and taking your time with a more authentic Christmas experience.
• You like simple beauty and aren’t looking for an epic WOW factor.
• You’re on a budget
• You’re a foodie (especially vegetarians, as we saw  lots of meat-free options!)

It’s not for you if:

On the flip side, if you agree with these thoughts, then maybe the Krakow Christmas market should be a “skipper”:

• You want to hit A LOT of markets in one city.
• You’re looking for a huge WOW factor or for a market with lots of activities. 

Guide To The Biggest Market in Rynek Główny

The biggest Christmas market is in Krakow’s market square (Rynek Glowny) , and as I said above, it really only takes about ½ of the square.  While it is small, it is beautiful with its simple garlands and strands of lights running between the equally simple market stalls.

You won’t find crazy-decorated stalls like those in Strasbourg here, and we didn’t mind!  It’s festive in a pretty way, not a tacky way, especially with the MASSIVE Christmas tree that welcomes you (along with every other photo-happy tourist) when you walk into the square.

The main square sits under Saint Mary’s Basilica , which was unfortunately closed when we visited but did look really pretty. It all lit up at night in the background of the market, making it one of the more romantic Christmas markets we’ve been to!

As we walked around, it was pretty obvious what the focus was: food! We noticed that there seemed to be a “food area” in the middle with all the food stalls, with the ‘shopping stalls” around the outside. We didn’t see other markets organized like this, so our foodie hearts LOVED IT.

TAYLOR’S TIP:  The best stands for mulled wine are on the outskirts of the market and are not very visible. Look for the signs that say “Grzaniec Galicyjski” with long lines of people getting drinks from a window. We call them “mulled wine speakeasies.”

Just note that if you’re trying to collect those cute shoe mugs, you won’t find them here . We had mulled wine in the paper “to-go” coffee cups which was kinda a letdown. But, it’s only 4-5 Euros, which is way cheaper than the 8 Euros we paid at the crappy Budapest market.

We tasted a lot of unique food here, like fried sheep cheese, a ton of different kinds of soup (SO good for a cold night), and peirogi because, duh, it’s Poland! More on the food in a second.

If you want to buy some things at the market , we highly suggest you buy from the stalls around the central food area . While we walked around, we saw that those stalls were the most unique and were selling goods that seemed more likely to be made by local artisans.

There is the covered “cloth hall” in the middle of the market that acts as a year-round market, but honestly? It felt insane! It’s a narrow hallway, and it’s indoors, so there were tons of people squished in trying to get warm, and the shopping felt a little less unique and more mass-produced.

TAYLOR’S TIP:  If you drink too much mulled wine (does that exist?) there IS a bathroom on the bottom floor of the cloth hall. It cost a couple of Euros, but saved us a few times!

The Kazimierz Market

When we walked down to explore Kazimierz (the Jewish district), we also came across a very small and cute market inside Plac Wolnica that had almost no one visiting it at sunset. It was the best time to visit any markets!

If you want a low-key, totally authentic experience, we’d recommend making a little stop there too! But, it’s not something you need to go out of your way for, in our opinion.

Regional Food To Try

Boy, oh boy, you are in for a heavy-but-delish treat with Krakow’s Christmas Market food! Here are the things we tried and recommend you follow suit:

• Grilled meat and sausages – in typical Caleb fashion, he went for the Polish sausages first.

Did that come out wrong? Moving on.

If you’re into meat, you won’t have any issue finding food because there are SO MANY grilling huts.

• Bigos strew – this is one of my favorite soups! It translates to” hunters stew” and kinda reminds me of the cabbage stew that all the 1990 moms ate because it was zero calories.

But, like, not zero calories because it has all kinds of sausage in it.

Just expect to eat it fast because we wish ours was hotter. It was kinda lukewarm.

• Other soups: Poland is big on soup, and we saw so many stalls devoted to soups! You can try pumpkin soup, tomato soup, garlic soup, and borscht (beet soup). SO MANY SOUPS TO SLURP.
• Fried sheep cheese (Oscypek) – OMG, you guys. This is one of the best foods at any Christmas market , full stop. It’s smoked sheep cheese, grilled, and then topped with cranberry jam.

You can also get it wrapped in ham, which we did…again and again and again.

• Halva – one of my favorite sweet treats made of sesame tahini, sugar, and nuts. It’s SUPER sweet, but we didn’t see it in any other markets.
• Peirogi – would you trust if we didn’t include pierogies? We had some unique flavors like duck and apricot and pulled beef and veggies!

TAYLOR’S TIP:  While the pierogi here is great, our favorite in the city is at Pierogi, Mr. Vincent! We even compared them with the famous Przystanek Pierogarnia. Mr. Vincent also sells the BEST MULLED wine in the whole world, and they have a deal on it when you buy pierogies. You’re welcome.

• Piernik – old Polish gingerbread that is super spiced!
• Makowiec – A rolled poppyseed cake that gets all in your teeth, FYI.
• Open Grilled Sandwich (Pajda) – this is not for the faint of heart? Stomach? Either way, this massive slice of bread, toasted then slathered with bacon fat or garlic butter and topped with meat, cheese, and onions, is going to fill you up.

We warned you to bring stretchy pants. 

You’ll also find some of the food you see at other markets, like potato pancakes and cabbage rolls.

Tip For The Best Experience 

Where to stay:.

We stayed at Roller Aparthotel, and it was the best place to stay in Krakow for christmas markets! It was just a couple of minutes’ walk to the main market. It was a really nice size, quite modern, and clean. 

>> Click here to check prices, reviews, and availability <<

You can pay by card at many of the stalls, but some are cash only! Be prepared.

Don’t get mulled wine in the central food area.

As we said, the best stalls are the “secret” ones around the outside. We had some in the central area, and they were a little more expensive and not as good.

Don’t Miss This Next

Ready to start planning an epic Christmas market trip? Read our ultimate, step-by-step guide to make it easy-peasy for you!

Or, check out our beginner’s guide to European Christmas markets with all our best tips!

So, do you think you’ll be visiting Krakow?

Other Christmas Market Guides

• Copenhagen Christmas markets
• Berlin Christmas markets
• Strasbourg Christmas markets
• Esslingen Christmas markets

Election latest: Leaders get brutally blunt audience question at final debate - as PM shows off new favourite attack line

Follow reaction and fallout from the final head-to-head between the prime minister and Labour leader ahead of polling day on 4 July.

Wednesday 26 June 2024 21:55, UK

• General Election 2024

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Sunak and Starmer's final debate

• Voters can't pick a winner in snap poll
• Audience member asks brutally blunt question
• Starmer says Sunak 'bullied into action' over betting
• 'A deal with the Taliban?' - PM mocks Labour's migration plan
• Pro-Palestine protest echoes through venue as leaders speak
• Jon Craig analysis: This is a like watching England | PM has a new favourite attack line | Sunak wins on illegal migration | But then misses open goal
• Live reporting by Faith Ridler , Ollie Cooper   and   Katie Williams
• Police to investigate betting scandal cases
• Protester climbs on top of Tory campaign bus
• Man arrested in honeytrap scandal | Labour suspends suspect

Election essentials

• Manifesto pledges: Conservatives | Greens | Labour | Lib Dems | Plaid | Reform | SNP
• Trackers:  Who's leading polls? | Is PM keeping promises?
• Campaign Heritage:  Memorable moments from elections gone by
• Follow Sky's politics podcasts:  Electoral Dysfunction | Politics At Jack And Sam's
• Read more:  Who is standing down? | Key seats to watch | What counts as voter ID? | Check if your constituency is changing | Guide to election lingo | How to watch election on Sky News

Up to spin for the Conservatives is ex-minister David Davis.

"This debate was very important," he says, noting it's the final one before the public decides who to back.

He was a fan of Rishi Sunak's new attack line - the repeated pleas to voters not to "surrender" their borders or finances to Labour. 

"[Sunak has] faced a once-in-a-generation issue in terms of a war in Europe, he's faced a once-in-a-century issue in terms of a pandemic, and he did it with an economy from which we'd inherited massive debts in the past," he adds.

After all that, "he managed to get inflation down from 11% to 2% in six months". 

"The public will look at this and say: 'We've got a difficult world, all sorts of disruptions at home and abroad, who will deal with it the best of these two'?" he says.

"I know who I'll be voting for."

By  Tim Baker , political reporter, in Nottingham

With minutes to go, a group of smiling Labour spinners arrived to watch the final summations.

Darren Jones - under fire for his comments about the cost of going for net zero, revealed in The Telegraph - tells Sky News it's clear who was more prime ministerial during the debate.

He and the other Starmer backers then burst away to the various cameras and microphones to talk up their leader.

Meanwhile, serious faced Conservatives enter from the other end of the room to give their verdicts. 

Tory candidate - and former minister - David Davies says he thinks Rishi Sunak's repetition of the "surrender" phrase will have gone down well.

This just in from YouGov - which has found there was no winner in tonight's BBC leaders' debate, the last of the general election campaign.

Asked who performed best - the results came in exactly 50/50.

Our deputy political editor Sam Coates says there will likely be disappointment in the Conservative ranks over this result.

"Neck-and-neck polling doesn't seem to me like it's going to change the race," he says.

"I think there's a really interesting question about Rishi Sunak's tactics, in my view, watching that, he was effective in highlighting the choice - the policy difference between the two men.

"I wonder looking at that poll whether that's what the public are really looking for."

However, there were distinctions when viewers were asked who performed better on certain topics.

Rishi Sunak came out on top on immigration and tax, while Sir Keir Starmer performed better on welfare and the UK's relationship with the EU.

Labour also just edged ahead on the economy - with 47% saying they performed better, and 43% backing the Tories.

The Met Police has announced it will take the lead on investigating "a small number of cases" related to the Westminster betting scandal.

A spokesman said the force would "assess whether the alleged offending goes beyond Gambling Act offences to include others, such as misconduct in public office".

The Met is not taking over the entire investigation into bets on the timing of the election, they said.

"The Gambling Commission will continue to lead the investigation into cases where the alleged offending is limited to breaches of the Gambling Act only," said the spokesperson.

They added that more details would be provided tomorrow.

The final debate of this election is over.

Sir Keir Starmer and Rishi Sunak went head-to-head for an hour and 15 minutes.

At times, the exchange become heated, with the prime minister in particular targeting Sir Keir's stance on issues while the Labour leader was speaking. 

The two men clashed particularly on borders, taxes, and gender. 

Our chief political correspondent Jon Craig says: "The debate ends as it began, with Rishi Sunak shouting over Sir Keir Starmer. 

"It's not a good look."

Jon adds: "And as the debate ended, there was no handshake between the pair, which is unusual for these TV clashes.

There’s clearly no love lost between these two. It showed. A pretty ill-tempered clash at times. 

"Sunak on the attack, Starmer more on the defensive."

Follow along for the latest reaction, or scroll back through to see how the debate unfolded. 

In his closing statement, Sir Keir Starmer reiterates that power is in the hands of the public on 4 July.

He says: "My message to you is simple - if you want your NHS back, you have to vote for it.

"If you want a growing economy, you have to vote for it. If you want more police on our streets, more teachers in our schools - you have to vote for it.

"If you want to end 14 years of chaos and rebuild our country, then that power is in your hand on 4 July."

And that brings the debate to an end - with no handshake obvious between the leaders. 

In his closing statement, Rishi Sunak says he understands why the country is "frustrated" with the Conservative Party - and him.

"I get it. But this is not a by-election, it's a choice with profound consequences for you and our country," he says.

He urges voters to think "what a Labour government would mean".

"Can you afford to pay at least £2,000 more in tax? And why won't Keir Starmer be straight with you about what he wants to do?"

Sir Keir can be heard muttering "that's a lie" from off-screen.

Mr Sunak urges people not to "surrender" to Labour if they are "not certain".

"Don't vote for any other party. Vote Conservative," he says.

Karl McCartney, who is a Conservative candidate and former MP, is clearly not as enthralled with the debate as the rest of us.

He's busy watching the Georgia vs Portugal game in the Euros (we won't spoil the score here).

But he's clearly unhappy with the standard of the officiating - something that can't be said about Mishal Husain.

Audience member Tasnim has a question on young people - and it will be the last question of this BBC debate. 

Young people are losing hope, she says, so what will the candidates do to keep them in the UK?

Sir Keir Starmer says he will ensure that there are new homes built and high-paid jobs available to young people. 

"We've got to build the houses," he says, noting high rent and house costs pricing younger generations out. 

He bemoans Rishi Sunak's record on housing.

The prime minister says he will reintroduce a new form of help-to-buy to save on deposits, and to "effectively abolish stamp duty" for first-time buyers.

"Your question is fundamentally why I got into politics," he says. 

He says those are two "practical" examples of what he can do to help young people get homes. 

He doesn't address jobs as Sir Keir did, and the Labour leader attacks the Tories' record on housing targets and funding for future building. 

Next is a question from Julie, who asks how the UK can mend a broken trading relationship with Europe.

Rishi Sunak begins by apologising for difficulties she has faced in her small business since the UK left the EU.

He says "in order to help" he plans to cut tax on business rates, which he claims is the thing "everyone talks about" on the ground.

Mr Sunak says the Conservatives will continue to have "good relationships with Europe" - but the best way to help is to cut taxes like national insurance.

Our chief political correspondent Jon Craig says the PM was clearly dodging the question.

"On Brexit, the PM is like a cracked record," he adds.

Starmer vows to get 'better deal'

The Labour leader says the UK will not go back to the EU but he "doesn't accept" that "we can't get a better deal".

"We want to arrange to get a better deal... I think Boris Johnson botched it," he adds.

Mr Sunak questions what the price of this would be, saying this could be the free movement of people.

"Free movement by the back door - this is the choice for you at this election."

Sir Keir says: "We are not accepting freedom of movement."

Mr Sunak asks again what this deal will cost, saying: "You're taking people for fools."

The Labour leader says it is "important when you start these negotiations the lines you will not cross".

He clarifies that he would not accept any increased migration as part of a deal with the EU.

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