There is no travel experience quite like visiting the World’s Christmas Markets, which are often set against a backdrop of soaring mountains, quaint villages and even castles. Here, a festive ambiance sets the stage for a celebration of traditions. Twinkling lights, hot cider, vibrant market stalls and locals singing Christmas Carols combine to bring the magic of the holiday season to you.
9 of the Best Christmas Markets Worldwide
Countries worldwide are already planning their Christmas markets for 2024. Wherever you go in the world, the kids can see Santa Claus while you sample some of the local food and focus on getting into the Christmas spirit. Some of the top Christmas markets in 2024 include the following:
1. Christkindelsmärik: Strasbourg, France
Christkindelsmärik is widely considered the best place to celebrate Christmas in Europe. This quaint town becomes something out of a fairytale during the festive season. This self-branded "Capital of Christmas" is the oldest Christmas market in France and attracts several million visitors a year.
Strasbourg is full of narrow alleys and picturesque squares. Christmas visitors can travel to Place Kleber, home of the Great Christmas Tree. The town has been holding the Christkindelsmärik market since 1570, making it the ideal cultural location for anyone wanting to enjoy a true European Christmas.
2. Vienna's Christmas World: Vienna, Austria
Christmas markets began in Vienna around 1296, so if you're looking for nostalgia, no better place exists. Vienna's Christmas World is the largest and most famous of all Vienna's Christmas markets. When you visit Rathausplatz Square over the festive season, you're greeted with wafts of cinnamon and cloves from the many quality food stalls. Many consider this the biggest Christmas market in the world. It's open from mid-November and draws a massive 3 million visitors a year.
Vienna's Christmas World has everything from an ice rink to reindeer rides. It's a true Christmas classic for adults, complete with strudel and classic mulled wine. There are 20 official Christmas markets throughout Vienna, so if you're visiting the country, it's worth exploring them all.
3. Fira de Santa Llúcia: Barcelona, Spain
If Christmas festivals in Europe are more your scene, Fira de Santa Llúcia may be your ideal Christmas location. The festivities at this market date back to 1786 — today, they begin in late November, creating a three-week Christmas extravaganza. The Barcelona Cathedral provides the perfect backdrop for over 300 stalls, selling all the festive nostalgia you can imagine. The kids can enjoy the caga tió — a massive Christmas log piñata that spills out candy and gifts.
4. Tivoli Gardens: Copenhagen, Denmark
The Tivoli Gardens Christmas market is another favorite for families traveling with children. It boasts an attractive selection of fairground rides to keep younger family members entertained. Adults can browse the most incredible shops and stalls or take in the three light shows in the park. The gardens are decked with glittering decorations that shine against the traditional snow-covered buildings. Stop by the skating rink and enjoy the classic Christmas fun.
5. Distillery Winter Village: Toronto, Canada
Toronto's Distillery Winter Village is among the biggest in North America. It's based in the historic Distillery district, creating a magical festive vibe for the whole family. It's the picture of Christmas, complete with Santa's Grotto and a selection of vibrant Christmas lights. In the center, an impressive 56-foot Christmas tree continues to draw crowds from across the world. It opens on November 13, 2024. You have weeks to sing along to your favorite carols, explore the international cuisine and warm up with mulled wine on the heated patios.
6. Frankfurt Christmas Market: Birmingham, UK
Birmingham brims with festivities with the arrival of the Frankfurt Christmas market — the largest authentic German Christmas market outside of Germany. Visit Victoria Square, enjoy over 80 stalls and pop across to the neighboring craft market at Centenary Square to try some traditional British fare and a selection of craft beers. The kids will love the singing Christmas moose, affectionately known as Chris moose. Take a ride on the carousel, listen to local Christmas carols and soak up the festive atmosphere.
7. Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square Markets: Prague, Czech Republic
Explore two stunning Christmas markets within walking distance of each other in Prague. The gothic architecture adds an otherworldly feel to the experience, alongside the traditional food and chimney cakes — hot rolled pastry covered in generous doses of cinnamon and sugar, cooked over a grill.
It's the ideal place to enjoy a white Christmas while wandering between the city's two principal Christmas markets — Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square. Both markets are known for their exquisite handmade toys and jewelry. They're open from November 30 to January 6, and you can even visit on Christmas Day.
8. Christmas Village: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
There's no need to miss out if you're staying home this festive season. Christmas Village in Philadelphia gives you the feel of an authentic German Christmas market in LOVE Park and City Hall's Courtyard. Shop over 110 vendors or ride on the double-tier carousel to kick-start your festive spirit. From there, enjoy a selection of traditional European foods. Settle in for a live performance from an array of local artists or participate in the traditional Christmas tree lighting ceremony. The kids can enjoy themed events such as Santa's house and storytime. At the same time, adults participate in weekly wine and spirit tastings.
9. Old Town Christmas Market: Stockholm, Sweden
Old Christmas market has something to offer every visitor. Whether you're looking for a traditional or modern Christmas, this market is full of the heavenly scent of gingerbread, snow-covered stalls and artisanal food and drinks. The market dates back to 1915 and boasts a selection of stalls for some of the best shopping in Europe. Over the festive season, Stockholm is decorated with a million LED Christmas lights. There's plenty to see when you're not enjoying the local tradition at the market.
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