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We give you the top 24 Christmas Markets according to travelers’ reviews. From the most memorable and the most enchanting to the most festive and most legendary Christmas markets in the world.
And we also look at the 8 Christmas markets most likely to have snow during December, to make your trip even more magical.
We also look at a few of the correct names for these markets, and discover why people love them:
Vienna, Austria – Vienna’s Rathausplatz market shines with classical music performances, ornate decorations, and the aroma of roasted chestnuts. It’s a symphony of Christmas spirit. Vienna typically experiences cold weather in December with a possibility of snow, adding to the magical ambiance of its Christmas markets.
Nuremberg, Germany – The Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremberg offers a nostalgic journey with its iconic Prune Men, Nuremberg sausages, and delicate handcrafted ornaments.
Copenhagen, Denmark – Tivoli Gardens transforms into a fairy-tale Christmas wonderland with twinkling lights, an ice rink, and Nordic-inspired treats.
Prague, Czech Republic – The Old Town Square market in Prague showcases a stunning backdrop of Gothic architecture, and its wooden stalls brim with Bohemian crafts. Prague’s Christmas market in the Old Town Square can also see snowfall, creating a picturesque setting.
more fabulous markets and places to visit in the top 24:
Bruges, Belgium – Bruges’ medieval city center becomes enchanting with its ice rink, horse-drawn carriages, and stalls filled with Belgian chocolates and lace.
Stockholm, Sweden – The Skansen Open-Air Museum hosts a traditional Swedish Christmas market where you can savor mulled wine and explore historic buildings.
Rovaniemi, Finland – Santa Claus Village in Lapland offers a chance to meet the real Santa, ride reindeer, and witness the enchanting Northern Lights. Rovaniemi, located in Lapland, is known for its snowy winters, and it’s a great place to experience a winter wonderland with a high probability of snowfall in December. Although this is more a “destination” than a Christmas market, we just had to add it to our list, because it is a bucket list must-visit Christmas destination.
Budapest, Hungary – Budapest’s grand Vörösmarty Square market is famed for its Hungarian chimney cake, artisanal crafts, and festive music.
Edinburgh, Scotland – Edinburgh dazzles with its festive lights, Christmas markets, and the sparkling Christmas tree on the Mound.
Salzburg, Austria – Mozart’s hometown features a charming Christmas market in the historic district, where you can shop for handmade gifts and enjoy Austrian treats.
Amsterdam, Netherlands – Amsterdam’s illuminated canals and Dam Square market create a magical atmosphere with a backdrop of picturesque Dutch architecture. One of the largest Christmas markets in the whole of the Netherlands, the Haarlem Christmas market is a must-see, must-do experience.
Quebec City, Canada – Old Quebec transforms into a European-style Christmas village with cobblestone streets, twinkling lights, and Quebecois delights. While it may not have the term “Christmas market” in its name like some of the others, it offers a similar festive atmosphere with stalls, lights, and seasonal offerings, making it a noteworthy destination for holiday travelers looking for a European-style Christmas experience in North America.
Tallinn, Estonia – Tallinn’s medieval Old Town is adorned with twinkling lights, and its Christmas market offers traditional Estonian crafts and festive treats. Estonia experiences cold winters with a higher chance of snowfall in December, making Tallinn’s Christmas market even more enchanting.
San Francisco, USA – Union Square’s Ice Rink, giant Christmas tree, and festive decorations turn the heart of San Francisco into a winter wonderland.
Barcelona, Spain – Visit the Fira de Santa Llúcia in Barcelona for Catalan Christmas traditions, including Caga Tió and festive Catalan nativity scenes.
Dublin, Ireland – Dublin’s Christmas market at St. Stephen’s Green offers Irish crafts, cuisine, and a vibrant atmosphere for holiday shoppers.
Tokyo, Japan – Tokyo’s Roppongi Hills and Tokyo Skytree areas shine with illuminations, adding a modern and cosmopolitan touch to Christmas celebrations.
Vianden, Luxembourg – Vianden hosts a medieval-themed Christmas market in a picturesque town setting, where you can step back in time and enjoy seasonal delights.
Helsinki, Finland – Senate Square in Helsinki becomes a snowy wonderland with festive stalls offering Nordic delights and unique Christmas gifts. Helsinki, like other parts of Finland, often has snowfall in December, making the Senate Square Christmas market even more festive.
Krakow, Poland – Krakow’s Main Market Square glows with lights, and its Christmas market offers Polish holiday treats like pierogi and mulled wine. Krakow, in Poland, can have a snowy December, which enhances its Christmas market’s cozy and traditional atmosphere.
Riga, Latvia – The Old Town’s market in Riga is known for its beautiful Christmas tree and a festive atmosphere that captures the spirit of the season.
Lisbon, Portugal – Lisbon’s Wonderland Lisboa is the biggest Christmas market in Portugal. Offering a Ferris wheel, a skating rink, and Santa’s village.
Although all of these Christmas markets offer unique experiences, they share a common thread of festive spirit, charming decorations, seasonal treats, and an opportunity to shop for handcrafted gifts. Each market, while diverse, promises a magical atmosphere that captures the essence of the holiday season.
Travel Tip(s)
Layer up with insulating and waterproof outerwear to stay warm and protected in extreme cold.
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Please note that while the following destinations are more likely to have snow in December, weather conditions can vary from year to year, so it’s a good idea to check the weather forecast closer to your travel dates for the most accurate information.
The Christmas market of Strasbourg in France is certainly the oldest and to many the prettiest market in the world. If you’re getting ready to go there this Christmas, try and book a room in a beautiful hotel that dates back to 1427:
You cannot book at a better spot. The hotel is located right on the Cathedral Square. You’ll be staying right next to the Cathédrale Notre-Dame-de-Strasbourg and the Christmas Market.
You can also savour traditional Alsatian cuisine and a variety of traditional dishes in the hotel’s gourmet restaurant.
Travel Tip(s)
Keep your devices juiced up, so you can capture every unforgettable moment of your journey!
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Dresden, Germany – The Striezelmarkt in Dresden is one of the first genuine Christmas markets in the world. Founded as a one-day market in 1434.
Now, why are you waiting – book your Christmas Market Tour. If you’re still not sure, why not book a ready-made tour? Search for the best with trusted operators…
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