If you’re itching to make your Christmas shopping a global adventure, a visit to a Christmas market must be on the top of your list! You want to design a trip around those magical visits, here is a list for you to keep in mind!
Closest to the north pole: Tallinn, Estonia
Being close to where Santa lives seems like a good idea for a Christmas trip, doesn’ it? And, if Santa Claus had a weekend getaway, Tallinn’s Christmas market would be it. Held in the charming Town Hall Square, Tallinn’s market is all cobblestones, snow-dusted roofs, and twinkling fairy lights. The centerpiece? A Christmas tree tradition dating back to 1441. Bonus: You’re practically guaranteed snow, so pack your fluffiest scarf. (Pro tip: If you don’t buy marzipan here, you’re doing it wrong.)
If you go to Tallinn, you can even visit the Christmas Market in Helsinki, which is just 2 hours away by ferry, and experience some Finnish saunas and give yourself a rest from the Holidays rush.
Most Traditional: Marché de Noël in Strasbourg, France
Known as the “Capital of Christmas,” Strasbourg practically invented Christmas markets. Stroll through half-timbered houses and around 300 stalls selling handcrafted ornaments, Alsatian wine, and enough pretzels to make your jeans cry. This is tradition at its finest—expect carolers, glowing lights, and a very serious dedication to mulled wine (they even have competitions).
Best for Kids: Children’s Market in Nuremberg, Germany
Children are the main characters during Christmas, even if in your case it is just your inner child. The Kinderweihnacht (Children’s Market) in Nuremberg, Germany, is a market dedicated to them. Featuring an old-fashioned carousel, a mini Ferris wheel, and hands-on workshops where little ones can bake cookies or decorate gingerbread. Plus, they get their own pint-sized mugs for hot chocolate. Adorable overload, guaranteed.
For Foodies: Vienna, Austria
Vienna’s Christmas markets are like a giant smorgasbord of holiday treats. Ever had a cheese-stuffed pretzel? How about kaiserschmarrn (a fluffy shredded pancake)? Every bite is a celebration of comfort food. Head to the market at Rathausplatz for a culinary extravaganza, followed by some ice skating in their ice rink to burn the calories. But pace yourself—there are about 20 markets to explore in the city, which is always on the top of Christmas Markets lists.
For Shows and Cultural Performances: Prague, Czech Republic
Prague’s Christmas markets are the Broadway of the holiday season. Imagine strolling through Old Town Square while live choirs belt out carols and nativity plays unfold before you. You can find markets in two spots: Wenceslas Square and Old Town Square, both featuring several stages with performances. Between shows, you can munch on chimney cakes and soak in the city’s Gothic charm, which also happens to be highly instagrammable.
For A More Diverse Cultural Tradition: Feria de la Navidad in Oaxaca, Mexico
Either if you happen to be in Mexico during this time, or if you wish to experiment different traditions, know that all latin-americans’ middle names is Celebration (yes, we are all related =P). You can find bazars with traditional Christmas lights mixed with local crafts in almost every city. Pay special attention to the Nochebuena flowers, a species of red flower linked to Christmas in Mexican culture. Oaxaca is a special spot to experience authentic Mexican culture!
For an Unusual Experience: Valkenburg, Netherlands
How do you make a Christmas market even more magical? Put it in a cave. Valkenburg’s Velvet Cave market is part Christmas wonderland, part underground labyrinth. Explore stalls tucked into stone walls, murals, and even Santa’s workshop. It’s like shopping in a fairytale—just watch your head on the stalactites.
In Southeast Asia: Gardens by the Bay, Singapore
Who says Christmas has to be snowy? Singapore’s Christmas Wonderland at Gardens by the Bay is the spot to be festive in the tropics. Wooden stalls selling ornaments and sweets are set against a backdrop of futuristic Supertrees. Add a blizzard of LED lights and nightly performances, and you’ve got a holiday experience that’s hotter than eggnog.
By the Beach: Bondi Beach Christmas Market, Australia
You are not really a snow person? Ever wished to shop for Christmas gifts while wearing flip-flops? Welcome to the Bondi Beach Christmas Market, where sandy toes meet bohemian vibes. Explore artisan crafts, summer cocktails, and handmade jewelry, all while the waves crash in the background. Maybe it is not a terrible idea to exchange snow for some sunshine and surfboards once in a while?
