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World's 10 Best Holiday Markets

  • <p><strong>Where: </strong>Nuremberg, Germany</p> <p>The at is arguably the most popular European Christmas market. The market opens the Friday before the first Sunday of advent, and crowds gather to watch Christkind open the festivities. More than 180 wooden stands shimmer with colorful Christmas lights featuring handcrafted Christmas ornaments, toys, games, and holiday treats. Visitors can enjoy cups of mulled wine and rum punch, or sample Nüremberg bratwurst and gingerbread. End the night with a carriage ride around Old Town, and take in the Christmas greens and decorations.</p> <p><strong>Insider Tip:</strong> Every year, Nuremberg schoolchildren take part in a lantern procession that passes through the market. Don't miss the event, which usually takes place the week before Christmas.</p> <p><strong>When:</strong> November 29 - December 24</p> <p><strong>Where to Stay:</strong> Several hotels are within walking distance of the market, including and .</p> <p><strong>Plan Your Trip: </strong>Visit </p>
    1/5

    Christkindlesmarkt

    Where: Nuremberg, Germany

    The at is arguably the most popular European Christmas market. The market opens the Friday before the first Sunday of advent, and crowds gather to watch Christkind open the festivities. More than 180 wooden stands shimmer with colorful Christmas lights featuring handcrafted Christmas ornaments, toys, games, and holiday treats. Visitors can enjoy cups of mulled wine and rum punch, or sample Nüremberg bratwurst and gingerbread. End the night with a carriage ride around Old Town, and take in the Christmas greens and decorations.

    Insider Tip: Every year, Nuremberg schoolchildren take part in a lantern procession that passes through the market. Don't miss the event, which usually takes place the week before Christmas.

    When: November 29 - December 24

    Where to Stay: Several hotels are within walking distance of the market, including and .

    Plan Your Trip: Visit

    Amzphoto/Dreamstime.com
  • <p><strong>Where: </strong>Strasbourg, France</p> <p>Known as the “Capital of Christmas, is home to , France’s oldest and best Christmas market. Christkindelsmarik comprises twelve markets that are organized by product. Visitors can sample bretzels, pain d’épices, and hot spiced wine at the Alsatian food stands at Place des Meuniers, or stop by the Place de la Gare market to browse local produce and crafts. Place Kléber holds the <em>piece de resistance</em>: a giant Christmas tree with shimmering ornaments and lights.</p> <p><strong>Insider Tip:</strong> Visitors will find 60 small wooden huts in Place Kléber, where different organizations take donations and explain their charitable mission. In keeping with holiday spirit, many visitors leave gifts by the Christmas tree for those in need.</p> <p><strong>When:</strong> November 29 - December 31</p> <p><strong>Where to Stay:</strong> is steps away from the market, and faces the city’s famous cathedral. , located in the center of the city, is only a short walk from the Christmas festivities.</p> <p><strong>Plan Your Trip: </strong>Visit </p>
    2/5

    Christkindlesmarik

    Where: Strasbourg, France

    Known as the “Capital of Christmas, is home to , France’s oldest and best Christmas market. Christkindelsmarik comprises twelve markets that are organized by product. Visitors can sample bretzels, pain d’épices, and hot spiced wine at the Alsatian food stands at Place des Meuniers, or stop by the Place de la Gare market to browse local produce and crafts. Place Kléber holds the piece de resistance: a giant Christmas tree with shimmering ornaments and lights.

    Insider Tip: Visitors will find 60 small wooden huts in Place Kléber, where different organizations take donations and explain their charitable mission. In keeping with holiday spirit, many visitors leave gifts by the Christmas tree for those in need.

    When: November 29 - December 31

    Where to Stay: is steps away from the market, and faces the city’s famous cathedral. , located in the center of the city, is only a short walk from the Christmas festivities.

    Plan Your Trip: Visit

    Radu Razvan/Shutterstock
  • <p><strong>Where: </strong>Copenhagen, Denmark</p> <p>Tivoli Gardens in are known for amusement park rides and restaurants, but the Gardens are also home to a vibrant . Every year in November, the park is decked with bright lights and decorations, and transformed into a Christmas village. Fifty different stalls line the park’s pathways and offer traditional Christmas products and entertainment. Guests can visit Father Christmas in his den, purchase Scandinavian knitwear and traditional Christmas tree decorations, and sample Danish holiday treats: “aebleskive,” a pan-baked doughnut, and “glögg,” a spiced wine with raisins and almonds.</p> <p><strong>Insider Tip:</strong> Many restaurants in Tivoli offer traditional Danish “julefrokost,” or Christmas lunch. The holiday feast includes pickled herring, meatballs, roast pork, fried duck, cheese, and rice pudding. Visitors won’t walk away hungry.</p> <p><strong>When: </strong>November 15 - December 31</p> <p><strong>Where to Stay:</strong> For warm Danish hospitality and an upscale atmosphere, check into . The hotel is located near Tivoli Gardens and the city’s shopping district.</p> <p><strong>Plan Your Trip: </strong>Visit </p>
    3/5

    Tivoli Gardens’ Christmas Market

    Where: Copenhagen, Denmark

    Tivoli Gardens in are known for amusement park rides and restaurants, but the Gardens are also home to a vibrant . Every year in November, the park is decked with bright lights and decorations, and transformed into a Christmas village. Fifty different stalls line the park’s pathways and offer traditional Christmas products and entertainment. Guests can visit Father Christmas in his den, purchase Scandinavian knitwear and traditional Christmas tree decorations, and sample Danish holiday treats: “aebleskive,” a pan-baked doughnut, and “glögg,” a spiced wine with raisins and almonds.

    Insider Tip: Many restaurants in Tivoli offer traditional Danish “julefrokost,” or Christmas lunch. The holiday feast includes pickled herring, meatballs, roast pork, fried duck, cheese, and rice pudding. Visitors won’t walk away hungry.

    When: November 15 - December 31

    Where to Stay: For warm Danish hospitality and an upscale atmosphere, check into . The hotel is located near Tivoli Gardens and the city’s shopping district.

    Plan Your Trip: Visit

  • <p><strong>Where: </strong>Barcelona, Spain</p> <p>It's easy to deck the halls in at the . The market offers more than 280 stands with artisanal Christmas wares and decorations. Stands are divided into four sections: nativities and figures, greenery and plants, crafts, and simbombes (traditional instruments used for caroling). Products include handmade clothing and jewelry, natural Christmas trees, nativity scenes, and handcrafted Christmas decorations. Visitors can take a break from holiday shopping by listening to Scandinavian choir music, or watching Catalan dance performances.</p> <p><strong>Insider Tip:</strong> One of the best days to visit the market is on the Day of Santa Llucia, December 13. On this day, the market features traditional Christmas activities such as storytelling, caroling, dance performances, and a parade.</p> <p><strong>When:</strong> November 30 - December 23</p> <p><strong>Where to Stay:</strong> The market is located near Barcelona Cathedral, and is the perfect place to stay after a day of shopping and entertainment. Also nearby is the , a centrally located property near all the city’s main attractions.</p> <p><strong>Plan Your Trip: </strong>Visit </p>
    4/5

    Fira de Santa Llucia

    Where: Barcelona, Spain

    It's easy to deck the halls in at the . The market offers more than 280 stands with artisanal Christmas wares and decorations. Stands are divided into four sections: nativities and figures, greenery and plants, crafts, and simbombes (traditional instruments used for caroling). Products include handmade clothing and jewelry, natural Christmas trees, nativity scenes, and handcrafted Christmas decorations. Visitors can take a break from holiday shopping by listening to Scandinavian choir music, or watching Catalan dance performances.

    Insider Tip: One of the best days to visit the market is on the Day of Santa Llucia, December 13. On this day, the market features traditional Christmas activities such as storytelling, caroling, dance performances, and a parade.

    When: November 30 - December 23

    Where to Stay: The market is located near Barcelona Cathedral, and is the perfect place to stay after a day of shopping and entertainment. Also nearby is the , a centrally located property near all the city’s main attractions.

    Plan Your Trip: Visit

  • <p><strong>Where: </strong>Toronto, Canada</p> <p>The combines old world charm with modern-day holiday attractions. Hosted in the city’s Distillery Historic District, the market features festive lighting and décor, and musical performances from carolers and Bavarian brass bands. The market’s beer gardens and hospitality lounges are especially popular, as guests can warm up with beer, mulled wine, or hot rum drinks. Visitors can also browse through local, handcrafted products and check out the market’s giant Christmas tree. Those with a competitive spirit can take part in the World Caroling Challenge, a group performance of some of the most well known Christmas tunes.</p> <p><strong>When: </strong>November 29 - December 15</p> <p><strong>Where to Stay:</strong> Many hotels offer discounted rates for guests who attend the Christmas market, including and . The hotels are both located in downtown Toronto with easy access to the market.</p> <p><strong>Plan Your Trip: </strong>Visit </p>
    5/5

    Toronto Christmas Market

    Where: Toronto, Canada

    The combines old world charm with modern-day holiday attractions. Hosted in the city’s Distillery Historic District, the market features festive lighting and décor, and musical performances from carolers and Bavarian brass bands. The market’s beer gardens and hospitality lounges are especially popular, as guests can warm up with beer, mulled wine, or hot rum drinks. Visitors can also browse through local, handcrafted products and check out the market’s giant Christmas tree. Those with a competitive spirit can take part in the World Caroling Challenge, a group performance of some of the most well known Christmas tunes.

    When: November 29 - December 15

    Where to Stay: Many hotels offer discounted rates for guests who attend the Christmas market, including and . The hotels are both located in downtown Toronto with easy access to the market.

    Plan Your Trip: Visit

    Courtesy of Lowes Toronto Christmas Market
<p><strong>Where: </strong>Nuremberg, Germany</p> <p>The at is arguably the most popular European Christmas market. The market opens the Friday before the first Sunday of advent, and crowds gather to watch Christkind open the festivities. More than 180 wooden stands shimmer with colorful Christmas lights featuring handcrafted Christmas ornaments, toys, games, and holiday treats. Visitors can enjoy cups of mulled wine and rum punch, or sample Nüremberg bratwurst and gingerbread. End the night with a carriage ride around Old Town, and take in the Christmas greens and decorations.</p> <p><strong>Insider Tip:</strong> Every year, Nuremberg schoolchildren take part in a lantern procession that passes through the market. Don't miss the event, which usually takes place the week before Christmas.</p> <p><strong>When:</strong> November 29 - December 24</p> <p><strong>Where to Stay:</strong> Several hotels are within walking distance of the market, including and .</p> <p><strong>Plan Your Trip: </strong>Visit </p>
<p><strong>Where: </strong>Strasbourg, France</p> <p>Known as the “Capital of Christmas, is home to , France’s oldest and best Christmas market. Christkindelsmarik comprises twelve markets that are organized by product. Visitors can sample bretzels, pain d’épices, and hot spiced wine at the Alsatian food stands at Place des Meuniers, or stop by the Place de la Gare market to browse local produce and crafts. Place Kléber holds the <em>piece de resistance</em>: a giant Christmas tree with shimmering ornaments and lights.</p> <p><strong>Insider Tip:</strong> Visitors will find 60 small wooden huts in Place Kléber, where different organizations take donations and explain their charitable mission. In keeping with holiday spirit, many visitors leave gifts by the Christmas tree for those in need.</p> <p><strong>When:</strong> November 29 - December 31</p> <p><strong>Where to Stay:</strong> is steps away from the market, and faces the city’s famous cathedral. , located in the center of the city, is only a short walk from the Christmas festivities.</p> <p><strong>Plan Your Trip: </strong>Visit </p>
<p><strong>Where: </strong>Copenhagen, Denmark</p> <p>Tivoli Gardens in are known for amusement park rides and restaurants, but the Gardens are also home to a vibrant . Every year in November, the park is decked with bright lights and decorations, and transformed into a Christmas village. Fifty different stalls line the park’s pathways and offer traditional Christmas products and entertainment. Guests can visit Father Christmas in his den, purchase Scandinavian knitwear and traditional Christmas tree decorations, and sample Danish holiday treats: “aebleskive,” a pan-baked doughnut, and “glögg,” a spiced wine with raisins and almonds.</p> <p><strong>Insider Tip:</strong> Many restaurants in Tivoli offer traditional Danish “julefrokost,” or Christmas lunch. The holiday feast includes pickled herring, meatballs, roast pork, fried duck, cheese, and rice pudding. Visitors won’t walk away hungry.</p> <p><strong>When: </strong>November 15 - December 31</p> <p><strong>Where to Stay:</strong> For warm Danish hospitality and an upscale atmosphere, check into . The hotel is located near Tivoli Gardens and the city’s shopping district.</p> <p><strong>Plan Your Trip: </strong>Visit </p>
<p><strong>Where: </strong>Barcelona, Spain</p> <p>It's easy to deck the halls in at the . The market offers more than 280 stands with artisanal Christmas wares and decorations. Stands are divided into four sections: nativities and figures, greenery and plants, crafts, and simbombes (traditional instruments used for caroling). Products include handmade clothing and jewelry, natural Christmas trees, nativity scenes, and handcrafted Christmas decorations. Visitors can take a break from holiday shopping by listening to Scandinavian choir music, or watching Catalan dance performances.</p> <p><strong>Insider Tip:</strong> One of the best days to visit the market is on the Day of Santa Llucia, December 13. On this day, the market features traditional Christmas activities such as storytelling, caroling, dance performances, and a parade.</p> <p><strong>When:</strong> November 30 - December 23</p> <p><strong>Where to Stay:</strong> The market is located near Barcelona Cathedral, and is the perfect place to stay after a day of shopping and entertainment. Also nearby is the , a centrally located property near all the city’s main attractions.</p> <p><strong>Plan Your Trip: </strong>Visit </p>
<p><strong>Where: </strong>Toronto, Canada</p> <p>The combines old world charm with modern-day holiday attractions. Hosted in the city’s Distillery Historic District, the market features festive lighting and décor, and musical performances from carolers and Bavarian brass bands. The market’s beer gardens and hospitality lounges are especially popular, as guests can warm up with beer, mulled wine, or hot rum drinks. Visitors can also browse through local, handcrafted products and check out the market’s giant Christmas tree. Those with a competitive spirit can take part in the World Caroling Challenge, a group performance of some of the most well known Christmas tunes.</p> <p><strong>When: </strong>November 29 - December 15</p> <p><strong>Where to Stay:</strong> Many hotels offer discounted rates for guests who attend the Christmas market, including and . The hotels are both located in downtown Toronto with easy access to the market.</p> <p><strong>Plan Your Trip: </strong>Visit </p>
Updated

During the weeks before Christmas, holiday markets open across Europe and America. Crowds gather to watch Christmas carolers, lantern processions, and tree lightings, while they browse stands of handmade gifts, toys, and decorations. The markets are the perfect place to warm up with a glass of mulled wine, or satisfy your sweet tooth with a Christmas treat. Whether you’re taking in Strasbourg’s sparkling Christmas tree, or sampling gingerbread at the Tallinn Christmas market, you can't help but get in the holiday spirit. Here are our picks for the world’s best holiday markets.


By Emily Wasserman