These 11 Christmas Markets Around the World Are More Than Merry and Bright
Christmas markets should truly be offered everywhere. Family-friendly, nostalgic, and festive, these European-inspired open-air festivals are packed with foods, sweets, hot beverages, and holiday decorations that would make any Scrooge melt. Shop for all your seasonal needs and get cultured at the same time. We've found some of the must-experience markets around the world that you should add to your holiday travel list ASAP.
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Winter Wonders in Belgium
For five weeks, 240 shops take over the heart of Brussels where guests can enjoy treats from around the world. Indulge in Japanese goodies and Belgian waffles, and sip on artisan hot wine in between ice skating, the Ferris wheel, and merry-go-round.
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Toronto Christmas Market in Canada
Toronto's Christmas Market takes place at the Distillery Historic District and is ranked among the top 10 Christmas markets in the world. In addition to the 80-plus shops and boutiques within the area already, over 30 vendors fill the streets selling seasonal goods. There's also several beer gardens where you can drink and enjoy the magical lights.
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Christkindlmarket Chicago in Illinois
Inspired by traditional German Christmas markets, Chicago's open-air festival transforms the center of its downtown to a holiday village. Visitors can expect gifts and ornaments, food, and beer and wine in addition to performances.
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Frankfurt Christmas Market in United Kingdom
Birmingham's Frankfurt Christmas Market is the largest authentic German Christmas market outside of Germany and Austria. Over 120 vendors offering hand-crafted goods, toys, jewelry, and traditional fare complete this festival.
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Wenceslas Square Christmas Market in Czech Republic
With stunning lights in Prague's Wenceslas Square, it's hard not to feel the Christmas spirit at this market. Wood-carved toys, Christmas decorations, and traditional Czech food including blood sausages and barbecued pork can be found.
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Old Town Christmas Market in Sweden
Stockholm's Old Town Christmas Market combines modern holiday markets and its medieval roots. Visitors will find Swedish sweets and foods like smoked reindeer, and Swedish crafts among the 40 stalls.
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Strasbourg Christmas Market in France
One of the oldest and biggest Christmas markets in Europe boasts over 300 stands. Strasbourg isn't called the Christmas capital for nothing. This Winter wonderland includes crafts, holiday decorations, locally baked goods, beer, wine, and so much more.
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Striezelmarkt in Germany
Dresden's Christmas market has maintained its traditional elements since 1434 for the most part. Folk art and custom delicacies and products are spread throughout the festival along with twinkling lights.
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Tivoli Gardens in Denmark
More than half a million lights illuminate the Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen. Eight different gardens, a bamboo forest, an aquarium, and all other attractions are decorated for the holiday season. Sixty stalls of foods, sweets, Christmas decorations, and products can be enjoyed in addition to light shows and fireworks.
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Wiener Christkindlmarkt in Austria
Advent candles, ornaments, and what looks like endless lights make this Christmas market in Vienna unforgettable. A diverse range of products and goodies are offered throughout the 150 stands. After ice skating, visitors can also head to the gorgeous City Hall for additional events and activities.
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Winter Village at Bryant Park in New York City
Winter Village at Bryant Park is the only place in New York that offers free ice skating admission. Shoppers can tour the "jewel box" kiosks for local foods, artisanal products, clothing, and more.