Christmas markets are a beloved tradition in many countries. They offer festive celebrations and an array of unique gifts and treats.
Whether sipping mulled wine, browsing handcrafted ornaments, or indulging in seasonal delicacies, visitors are truly whisked away into a magical experience. These charming markets offer opportunities to appreciate local culture, support local artisans, and bask in the holiday cheer.
New York City, Toronto, Vienna, Strasbourg, Cape Town, and Tokyo are a few cities where you’ll find Christmas market pop-ups worldwide. Wherever you end up, know that there are even more global hotspots where you can immerse yourself in the holiday spirit.
Best Christmas Markets In North America
Union Square Holiday Market – New York City, New York, USA
Dates: November 14, 2024 until December 24, 2024
The Union Square Holiday Market is a festive haven for holiday shoppers. In Manhattan, this NYC staple has a diverse array of artisanal goods, handmade crafts, and delectable treats from local vendors. Its iconic red and white striped tents transform Union Square into a spirited holiday village. Visitors can find everything from handmade jewelry to gourmet chocolates, making it a perfect destination for those seeking unique gifts and a jolly time.
The Great Dickens Christmas Market – Daly City, California, USA
Dates: November 13, 2024 until December 22
Go back in time and experience the charm of a Christmas written by Charles Dickens. Feel transported into Victorian-era London as you stroll amidst costumed characters, carolers, and pubs. Guests will also enjoy live music, handmade crafts, and activities for all ages. The unique vendors and experiences—like the silhouette artist, photo parlor, and London printer—all play on the historical flair.
Christkindlmarkt – Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, USA
Dates: November 15, 2024 until December 22, 2024
Christkindlmarkt offers a traditional German-style Christmas experience in the historic town of Bethlehem. Set against the backdrop of the downtown district, the market features wooden stalls selling handmade crafts, unique gifts, and delicious seasonal treats. Visitors can enjoy live holiday music and horse-drawn carriage rides, or watch ice sculptors at work.
Distillery Winter Village – Toronto, Canada
Dates: November 13, 2024 until January 5, 2025
Formerly named the Toronto Christmas Market, this charming scene in the Distillery District brings a touch of European holiday charm to Canada. Along cobblestone streets and Victorian-era buildings, it offers artisanal goods, gourmet foods, and a towering Christmas tree to awe at. Visitors can warm up with a cup of hot apple cider while exploring the festive installations and enjoying live seasonal performances.
Best Christmas Markets In Europe
Christkindlesmarkt – Nuremberg, Germany
Dates: November 29, 2024 until December 24, 2024
Nuremberg’s Christkindlesmarkt is one of the most iconic Christmas celebrations globally, dating back to the 16th century. With its picturesque setting and more than 180 wooden stalls adorned with twinkling lights, visitors can peruse handcrafted toys and ornaments while indulging in traditional Franconian gingerbread. The market’s centerpiece is the Christkind, a young angelic figure who opens the festivities with a heartwarming prologue.
Vienna Christmas Market – Vienna, Austria
Dates: November 16, 2024 until December 26, 2024
Vienna, the capital of Austria, transforms into a winter wonderland during the holiday season. The Vienna Christmas Market, aka “Christkindlmarkt am Rathausplatz,” boasts a stunning backdrop of the City Hall. Visitors can enjoy the beautifully decorated stalls showcasing Austrian crafts, local delicacies like roasted chestnuts, and delightful handmade decorations. The market’s ice-skating rink and festive concerts add an extra layer of holiday cheer.
Strasbourg Christmas Market – Strasbourg, France
Dates: November 27, 2024 until December 27, 2024
Known as the “Capital of Christmas,” Strasbourg hosts one of Europe’s oldest and most picturesque Christmas markets. It spreads across the city’s historic center, featuring hundreds of stalls, local specialties, hand-blown glass ornaments, and festive decorations. The majestic Strasbourg Cathedral serves as a stunning backdrop, illuminated with lights to enhance the enchanting atmosphere.
Tivoli Gardens Christmas Market – Copenhagen, Denmark
Dates: November 15, 2024 until January 5, 2025
Tivoli Gardens, the world’s second-oldest amusement park, boasts an array of twinkling lights and classic Danish holiday treats. During the seasonal installation, a diverse range of stalls sell Nordic-inspired gifts. Visitors of all ages can enjoy festive rides and live entertainment while witnessing the park’s enchanting decorations.
Valkenburg Christmas Market – Valkenburg, Netherlands
Dates: November 15, 2024 until January 5, 2025
Valkenburg, a charming Dutch town, hosts a Christmas market in the remarkable underground tunnels of Velvet Cave. It’s a unique experience with stalls nestled among ancient limestone formations. Visitors can shop for Christmas decorations, crafts, and regional products while enjoying the atmospheric surroundings. The cave is also adorned with enchanting lights, creating a magical underground Christmas ambiance.
More Of The World’s Best Christmas Markets
Capegate Festive Market – Cape Town, South Africa
Dates: November 22, 2024 until December 24, 2024
Held at the Capegate Shopping Center, this annual holiday market boasts 350 vendors in an outdoor, tented area. The gift-wrapping station truly makes presents a feast for the eyes. There’s live music, handmade crafts, South African culinary delights, and stalls showcasing local artisans.
Tokyo Christmas Market – Tokyo, Japan
Dates: November 19, 2024 until December 25, 2024
Tokyo hosts a vibrant Christmas market (this year in Jingu Gaien Meiji) embracing the holiday spirit with a unique cultural twist. Stalls showcase a fusion of Japanese and Western holiday traditions, offering an array of cute gifts, local street food, and traditional Christmas treats. The spacious market’s festive lights and decorations create a lively atmosphere, making it a delightful holiday experience for locals and visitors.
Santurantikuy – Cusco, Peru
Date: December 24, 2024
This Christmas market craft fair at Cusco’s Plaza de Armas features the beautiful work of local artisans. Many of the vendors provide items to create a perfect nativity scene. The event blends Andean culture and tradition with European influences. The cash-only celebration offers something for everyone, including garments, leather goods, woven artworks, sculptures, toys, herbs, and more.
