There’s no better way to experience the festive fervor than to visit local markets during that time. After all, they bring people together when they shop, eat, and connect with each other. Christmas markets are especially popular for being some of the best places to socialize during the festive season, and every country has their own such places. From Vienna to Sapporo, they are not just meant to buy and sell items, but also revel in the collective cheery atmosphere of the city.
5 Must-Visit Best Christmas Markets In The World
- Christkindlesmarkt, Nuremberg, Germany
- Vienna Christmas Markets
- Budapest Markets
- Strasbourg Markets
- Christkindlmarket, Chicago, USA
Christkindlesmarkt, Nuremberg, Germany
Each holiday season from late November to New Year’s Eve, this Christmas market in the heart of Nuremberg transforms into a winter wonderland. As you make your way through the lanes of the market, prepare to munch on delicious gingerbread cookies (called Lebkuchen). And while you’re snacking on some munchies, don’t forget to shop at local stalls selling a range of items for your holiday needs.
Oh, and there are also stalls selling freshly prepared foods and drinks. If you think this market is just about shopping and feasting, you’re quite wrong. Here you’ll also find choir groups singing in harmony, setting the holiday vibes just right. Prepare for a fun evening stroll through the market and you’ll be pleasantly surprised at every turn!
Dates: 29 November to 24 December, 2024
Vienna Christmas Markets
THE Christmas markets that you’ve grown up reading in your bedtime stories become a reality in Vienna! Yes, you heard us right. Here, you have locals selling their Christmas-themed goods, bakeries baking the freshest bread, and the aroma of hot chocolate, mulled wine, and roasted chestnuts wafting through the air. Are you already drooling? There’s a lot more in store!
These markets, which are spread throughout the various cobblestone streets and avenues of Vienna, are a sensorial experience along with being major shopping hubs. But it’s not just about shopping – there are plenty of other activities you can indulge in. From art performances and classical concerts to ice skating rinks, there’s something for everyone. The Schönbrunn Palace and its market, the Christmas Village at Belvedere Palace, and the iconic Rathausplatz are some places you must not miss out on if you plan to live out your Christmas dream.
Dates: Usually from mid-November to Christmas Eve, sometimes even post-Christmas till early January
Budapest Markets
Some of the best Christmas markets in the world are located in Hungary, which is known for its rich traditions. The Vörösmarty Square Christmas Fair, situated in the city center, features beautifully decorated stalls offering handcrafted goods, from ceramics to leather products, and delicious quick bites.
Hungarian cuisine takes center stage here with mouthwatering options like chimney cakes and goulash soup. And while you’re munching on these delicacies, you can watch traditional folk performances and live music throughout the market. The market’s closeness to the city’s iconic thermal baths makes it easy to pair shopping with a rejuvenating soak. Also, when you’re here, make sure you don’t miss the nearby St. Stephen’s Basilica Christmas Market. This boasts a light show projected onto the basilica’s facade which will make for a great activity to end your shopping spree for the day with.
Dates: Late November to Christmas Eve
Strasbourg Markets
The iconic city of Strasbourg, dating all the way back to 1570, is known for hosting one of the oldest and best Christmas markets in Europe. The legacy of Christmas in this city has earned it the title of being the ‘Capital of Christmas’. There are different markets that are spread throughout the city, but the Christkindelsmärik, on Place Broglie has been the most prominent one throughout history.
The richly illuminated streets and stocked-up vendor stalls and bakeries dot the market. From artisanal bread, wine, and cheeses, to traditional foods like bredele and foie gras, the markets offer the best of France’s delectable cuisine. Just a few steps away from the main market lies the towering Great Christmas Tree in Place Kléber, inarguably the most iconic landmark here in Strasbourg, so visiting it is a must!
Dates: 27 November to 27 December, 2024
Christkindlmarket, Chicago, USA
If you can’t make it to Europe, Chicago’s Christkindlmarket is for you. The 16th-century Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremberg inspired this American Christmas market. It unites German and European traditions and adds a local charm to it. This market is known for its German-style treats, a plethora of gifts, and unique souvenirs. Looking for a cuckoo clock or a nutcracker? They’ve got it here!
People across Chicago visit this market to get their hands on Christmas-special delicacies. This includes schnitzels, pretzels, strudel, a variety of cakes, and a hot steaming cuppa mulled wine. A specialty of this mulled wine is that it is served in custom-designed mugs that are just perfect as nifty collectibles! With some great live performances and warm lights, this place transforms into heaven in the evening.
Dates: 22 November to 24 December
Summing Up
Just when the mercury dips and Conan Gray makes us yearn for sweaters, winter markets start flourishing around the world. No less than a wonderland, a Christmas market is the perfect place to socialize, buy festive goodies, and munch on seasonal delicacies. We’ve listed out some of the best Christmas markets in the world, and we’re sure there are plenty of others too. You have the markets at Munich, Cologne, and Frankfurt, among others. Let us know which one’s got you the most excited!
FAQs
What Is The Christmas Market Capital Of The World?
Strasbourg is known as the Christmas market capital of the world. This is because it has been hosting some of the oldest markets in the world, since the late 1500s.
Where Is The Best Place To Spend Christmas In Asia?
Here are some of the best places to spend Christmas in Asia:
- Sapporo, Japan
- Goa, India
- Bangkok, Thailand
- Tokyo, Japan
- Hanoi, Vietnam
- Shillong, India
- Shimla, India
Which City In India Celebrates Christmas The Most?
Goa and its cities are known for their vibrant Christmas celebrations. With a significant Christian population, the state is best known for its Christmas carnivals and festivities.
Which Country Is Best For Christmas Vacation?
Here are some of the best countries for a Christmas vacation. They are known for having some of the best Christmas markets in the world too.
- Vienna
- Belgium
- France
- Switzerland
- Hungary
- Japan
