Unwrap the Magic: Celebrating the 12 Days of Christmas Markets Around the World! As the holiday season paints the world in a festive glow, there’s no better way to embrace the yuletide spirit than by exploring Christmas Markets. From the aroma of spiced mulled wine to the artisanal gifts, these markets are our favourite picks!
Whether you’re wandering through the historic streets of European cities or wandering down a snowy lane in North America, our list promises to be a celebration of delicious seasonal treats & festive cheer!
So, grab your mittens, sip on some mulled wine, and let the 12 Days of Christmas Markets whisk you away to a world where the air is filled with laughter, the stalls are adorned with treasures, and the spirit of giving shines bright.
Vienna Christmas Market, Austria
A famous Christmas carol says “Santa Claus is coming to town”, but in Vienna the Christ child is coming to town. The Viennese Christkindl is just one of the many highlights of the traditional Christmas market on Rathausplatz in Vienna.
Basel Christmas Market, Switzerland
The Basel Christmas market on Barfüsserplatz and Münsterplatz is considered to be one of the prettiest and largest in Switzerland. The city center comes alive with festive decorations, crafting a unique ambiance that elevates your holiday shopping into a truly memorable experience. The Basel Christmas Market, honored as the “Best Christmas Market” by “European Best Destinations,” unfolds its charm from Thursday, November 23, to Saturday, December 23, 2023.
Strasbourg Christmas Market, France
As Christmas approaches, Strasbourg gets decked out in all its finery. At the end of the afternoon, as night draws in, the magic begins to work across the city. Thousands of Christmas lights and decorations sparkle and twinkle to create a bewitching atmosphere in the Alsatian capital.
Brussels Winter Wonderland, Belgium
The City of Brussels is celebrating the 23rd edition of Winter Wonders from 24 November to 31 December 2023. Featuring one of Europe’s most popular Christmas markets and a host of different activities, you certainly won’t be disappointed when you visit the capital this winter! Come and enjoy a magical end of the year. The event is open every day from 12pm to 10 pm. The festivities of the Grand-Place, with its Christmas tree and sound and light show, of Place De Brouckère, with its ice rink and curling rinks, and place de la Monnaie are extended until Sunday 7 January 2024.
Advent in Zagreb, Croatia
From December 2nd to January 7th, the city will glow with thousands of lights, casting a warm and romantic ambiance unique to the Advent season. Streets, squares, promenades, passages, and parks will become inviting spaces to gather with loved ones, savoring the warmth of mulled wine or hot chocolate. Indulge in the delightful scents of cinnamon, cloves, and local delicacies that will fill the city center. Forget your worries, wear a smile on your rosy cheeks, and let the festive rhythm of holiday music envelop you!
Helsinki Christmas Market, Finland
Helsinki Christmas Market is the oldest outdoor Christmas market in Helsinki. Visiting the Market has become a tradition for many, and over 300,000 people visit the Christmas Market each year. The Market offers delicious eating experiences and unique gifts sold by the craftsmen and women themselves as well as a beautiful, warm and relaxed Christmas atmosphere. The heart of the Market is a beloved old-time carousel and a fully-licensed food court that invites you to enjoy and savour all the flavours of Christmas.
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, United Kingdom
Located in London’s iconic Hyde Park, Winter Wonderland is the world’s ultimate destination for festive fun. Running for six magical weeks from 17th November 2023 to 1st January 2024, Hyde Park Winter Wonderland offers a variety of attractions, activities, entertainment, food, drinks, and so much more.
The Distillery Winter Village, Canada
The Distillery Winter Village is a picture-perfect holiday experience where friends and family gather to take-in the timeless romance and nostalgia of the holidays, stroll the cobblestone streets under the canopy lights and festive sounds, and shop a curated selection of the finest local craftspeople, one-of-a-kind shops, and vendor cabins and gifts. Dine with us at our many restaurants, cafés and outdoor bars. Best known for its majestic centrepiece Christmas tree in Trinity Square, this is the outdoor holiday market you don’t want to miss this year!
Christkindlmarket, USA
The Christkindlmarket unites cherished German and European tradition with international flair and local charm. Inspired by the 16th century Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremberg, Germany, one of the first outdoor markets of its kind, the Christkindlmarket is well-known for its vendors’ high quality gifts and food, holiday cheer, and for being the ideal place for families to make unique memories.
Stiezelmarket, Germany
The Dresden Striezelmarkt offers a wonderful variety of attractions to marvel at and take part in. Young and old alike can enjoy the Advent calendar, gnome cinema, fairytale house, the show manufactories, plum potato house, fairytale forest, crispy house, Christmas bakery and the newcomer hut.
Gardens by the Bay’s Christmas Wonderland, Singapore
Marking a decade of enchantment, Christmas Wonderland, Singapore’s largest yuletide extravaganza, is set to illuminate Gardens by the Bay from December 1, 2023, to January 1, 2024. Presented by Trip.com, this monumental 10th edition promises an oversized fairground featuring a captivating array of light displays and a host of festive delights. Prepare to be captivated by breathtaking light exhibitions, revel in the magical experience of ‘snow’ in the tropics, enjoy amusement rides, immerse yourself in the holiday spirit with the Garden Rhapsody light and sound spectacle, capture memorable moments with Santa Claus, try your luck at carnival games, savor delectable festive treats, witness yuletide performances by local artists, explore unique gift options, and much more!