The 25 Best Christmas Markets That Are So Magical You Have To See To Believe
Festive marketplaces from all over the world.
Christmas markets began in Germany all the way back in 1310. However, Dresden’s Striezelmarkt in 1434 is thought of as the first real Christmas market. The tradition actually began a little earlier when shopkeepers in Vienna were granted the right to hold a market for a couple of days in early winter. The idea was to let the townspeople stock up on supplies to last through the coldest months. Over the years, it has grown to become a huge holiday tradition where vendors bring in not only food but Christmas decorations and gift items. These Christmas markets draw huge crowds and now take place all over Europe, the UK, Canada and the United States.
Not only are the markets great places to eat and shop but they are always decorated beautifully. You can really get into the holiday spirit just by being at one of them. There are so many fantastic Christmas markets but we decided to highlight a sampling of some of the favorites. Here's what you need to know about the best Christmas markets from across the globe. Many of the markets last for a month or more.
Related: 51 of the Cutest Christmas Towns That Are Filled With Extra Holiday Magic
25 Best Christmas Markets
Warsaw, Poland
Location: Old Town Market Square and Praga
Open Times: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., close at 9:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays
Specialties: Sweet fruit-based vodka, vegetarian pierogies, wooden decorations and decorated doors
Weather: December temperatures are typically 36°F/25°F (high/low)
Where To Stay: Spichlerz is a 7-minute walk to Warsaw Old Town
Frankfurt, Germany
When: November 21 - December 22
Location: the Weihnachtsmarkt Frankfurt Romerberg and a few other unique markets around the city
Open Times: Monday - Saturday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Specialties: 30-meter tree with 6500 lights, vintage carousel, grilled sausage, roasted nuts, and pretty ornaments. Plus, jewelry, pottery, sculptures, photographs and more from local artists.
Weather: Average December weather is 42°F/35°F (high/low)
Where To Stay: Sofitel Frankfurt Opera
Related: Celebrate The Holidays With Kids At The Most Festive U.S. Cities
Riga, Latvia
When: November 27 - January 1
Location: Christmas Market on Dome Square
Open Times: Mondays to Thursdays and Sundays it is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays it is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Specialties: Beautiful architecture, international atmosphere, carousel, mulled wine, freshly baked products, Latvian soup, gingerbread market and lots of kids' activities
Weather: The average temperature in December is around 30°
Where To Stay: Riga Islande Hotel
Tallinn, Estonia
When: November 25 - January 8
Location: Town Hall Square
Specialties: Historical location, half-a-century-old buildings and long traditions, heart-shaped ornaments, 3000 performers and lighting of advent candles
Weather: 33°F/24°F (high/low)
Where To Stay: Hotel Telegraaf
Manhattan, New York
When: November 17 - December 24
Location: Union Square Holiday Market
Open Times: Mon - Fri 11 a.m. - 8 p.m., Sat 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. and Sun 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Specialties: 185 vendors featuring unique gifts created by local craftsmen, artists and entrepreneurs
Weather: Average temperature in December is 44°F/31°F (high/low)
Where To Stay: Hyatt Union Square
Moscow, Russia
When: November 29 - February 28
Location: Red Square Christmas Market
Open Times: Monday - Thursday 11 a.m. - 10 p.m., Friday 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. and Saturday - Sunday 10 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Specialties: Set around Moscow's largest ice rink, babushka dolls
Weather: The temperature in December is very cold and hovers below 0°F
Bamberg, Germany
When: November 22 - December 23
Location: Maximiliansplatz, a large square in the heart of Bamberg's old town
Open Times: 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Opens at 11 a.m. on Sundays
Specialties: Freshly baked lebkuchen (gingerbread).
Weather: December temperatures average 39°F/29°F
Where To Stay: Le Baldinger Boutique Hotel
Barcelona, Spain
When: Late November - December 23
Location: Market of Saint Lucia
Open Times: 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Specialties: Oldest Christmas market in Barcelona, trees, mistletoe, nativity scenes and accessories
Weather: 60°F/49°F (high/low)
Lodz, Poland
When: November 26 - December 23
Location: Piotrkowska Street and Schiller Passage
Open Times: 12 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Specialties: Wooden sheds, festive lights, regional handicrafts, food products, sweets and holiday decorations
Weather: 35°F/27°F (high/low)
Related: Travel Abroad Without Leaving Home With Christmas in Vienna, Starring Sarah Drew and Brennan Elliott
Quebec City, Quebec
When: November 24 to December 18, 2022 (hours: Sunday - 11 a.m.-6p.m., Thursday, Friday, Saturday - 11 a.m.-9 p.m.) and December 21 to 23, 2022 (hours: Wednesday, Thursday - 11 a.m.-9 p.m. and Friday - 11 a.m.-8 p.m.)
Location: Old Quebec
Specialties: Beautiful decorations, German treats, exquisite Christmas gifts and pop-up performances
Weather: December temperatures average 26°F/14°F (high/low)
Edinburgh, UK
When: November 22 - January 3
Location: East Princes Street Gardens
Open Times: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily
Specialties: Smooth and sweet local whiskey flavored with spices, tangerines and honey, Christmas Wheel, the Star Flyer and Santa Land, the Christmas tree maze and reindeer carousel
Weather: December temperatures average 45°F/34°F (high/low)
Where To Stay: Market Street Hotel
Bruges, Belgium
When: November 25 - January 8
Location: Markt
Open Times: Sunday to Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday & Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Christmas Eve 12/24/2022 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; New Year’s Eve 12/31/2022 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Specialties: Waffles, beer and chocolate
Weather: 45°F/38°F
Berlin, Germany
When: November 21 - December 30
Location: Spandau Citadel
Open Times: Monday to Friday from 2 p.m. - 10 p.m., Saturday & Sunday from 12 p.m. - 10 p.m. (closed 24 and 25 December)
Specialties: Ancient fortress walls, local arts and crafts and Christmas decorations, Christmas tree forest and fairground rides
Weather: December average temperatures: 39°F/31°F (high/low)
Toronto, Ontario
When: November 18 - December 23
Location: Distillery District
Specialties: Hot chocolate, treats and gifts
Weather: 37°F/27°F
Aylesbury, England
When: November 12 - January 2
Location: Waddeson
Open Times: Grounds 12-7 p.m., House 12:30 p.m.-7 p.m.
Specialties: Magical lights, gardens and dazzling displays
Weather: 46°F/38°F
Where To Stay: The Five Arrows
Winchester, UK
When: November 18 - December 22
Location: Winchester Cathedral
Open Times: Sunday – Thursday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Friday – Saturday 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.Specialties: Handpicked high-quality exhibitors, stunning location, wooden chalets, festive lighting and Christmas carols
Weather: 47°F/36°F
Leonberg, Germany
When: November 22 - December 22
Location: Ludwigsburg Baroque
Open Times: Daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Specialties: Glove puppets and music boxes, antique and modern Christmas tree decorations and specialty foods
Weather: Average December temperatures are 28°F/17°F
Manchester, UK
When: November 10 - December 22
Location: Piccadilly Gardens
Specialties: Local traders, live music, and giant Nordic-themed tipi bar
Weather: December temperatures average 46°F/39°F (high/low)
Vienna, Austria
When: November 19 - December 26
Location: City Hall Square
Specialties: Christmas gifts, tree decorations, sweets and warming drinks
Weather: December temperatures average 39°F/31°F (high/low)
Where To Stay: SO/Vienna
Budapest, Hungary
When: November 18 - January 1
Location: Vörösmarty Square
Open Times: Monday - Thursday: 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.; Friday - Saturday: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.; Sunday: 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Specialties: Concerts, craft and play house, German food and fragrant winter beverages
Cheltenham, UK
When: December 8 - December 23
Location: The Promenade & Long Gardens
Open Times: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Specialties: a variety of craft creations from wonderful traders; you will find everything from jewelry to glasswork, and woodcraft to original art prints
Weather: 47°F/37°F
Oradea, Romania
When: December 2 - December 26
Location: Union Square
Specialties: Fun-wheel, an ice rink, a huge Christmas tree, goodies and gifts, tasty food and delicious winter drinks perfect to keep one warm
Weather: 39°F/28°F
Bremen, Germany
When: November 21 - December 23
Location: Historic Market Square
Specialties: One of Germany's finest Christmas markets; festive lights, flickering candles and lovingly decorated stands;
Weather: 41°F/32°F
London, England
When: November 22 - January 2
Location: Hyde Park
Specialties: More than 100 rides and attractions, 200 chalets, traditional German Christmas market
Weather: 48°F/40°F
Where To Stay: Royal Lancaster
Copenhagen, Denmark
When: November 18 - December 31
Location: There are many Christmas markets in Copenhagen including Højbro Square, Tivoli Gardens and Nyhavn Christmas market on the waterfront.
Open Times: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and until midnight on the weekends
Specialties: Beautiful white Christmas setting, unique Danish Christmas themes, cinnamon-infused mulled wine
Weather: December temperatures average 40°F/33°F (high/low)
Where To Stay: CitizenM
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