What if you let yourself be invaded by the magic of the parties? Discover our selection of the most beautiful Christmas markets in the world for a fairytale trip.
A little around the world, November announces some magic. While the night falls and the summer spleen is gaining ground, Christmas markets open their doors, inviting to warm the hearts. An ancestral tradition that puts its suitcases in the four corners of the planet until January, for the happiness of the little ones as big ones. Wooden chalets, santons, hot wine or spice bread give in turn the tone of this particular atmosphere.
Very popular around the world, Christmas markets host millions of visitors every year around the world. A warm and borderless success that we invite you to discover through our selection of the most beautiful Christmas markets in the world.
1. Strasbourg, France
Photo credit: Shutterstock / Hadrian
Where? Place de la Cathédrale in Strasbourg
When? 23 November to 30 December
This is probably the most famous Christmas markets in France and Europe. The Strasbourg market and its three hundred chalets attract more than two million visitors every year! It must be said that with its huge fir, rink and illuminated cathedral, the Strasbourg Christmas market is truly impressive. Many shows, concerts and activities for the whole family come to add some magic to the event. A must not be missed!
2. Vienna, Austria
Photo credit: Shutterstock / S.Borisov
Where? Place de l’Hôtel-de-Ville (Rathausplatz) for the main market
When? 16 November to 5 January 2020
It is one of the oldest and most beautiful Christmas markets in the world! It has the particularity to take place throughout the city and on most places in Vienna. More than one hundred and fifty cottages offer Christmas gifts, fir decorations, craftsmanships, sweets or hot drinks. Skating, attractions and entertainment for small and large are also set up anywhere in the city.
3. Cologne, Germany
Photo credit: Shutterstock / Mapics
Where? Place of the Cathedral
When? From 25 November to 23 December
Here is one of the most famous Christmas markets in Germany! At the foot of the cathedral, hundreds of shows take place under the marvelous eyes of visitors. In the hundred and fifty cottages present, you can buy crafts, pretty Christmas gifts and obviously some local culinary specialties. Not to mention the extraordinary tree of twenty-five meters high!
4. Petzen, Austria
Photo credit: Facebook – JUFA Hotel Bleiburg/Pliberk – Sport-Resort
Where? Top of the Petzen trails
When? On 7, 14 and 21 December
Are you looking for a Christmas market that comes out of the ordinary? Petzen’s Christmas market in Austria is the highest Christmas market in Europe. Located at the top of the ski slopes, more than 1,700 metres above sea level, this market is located in an old stable and includes about 20 beautifully decorated chalets. To get there, take a cable car and enjoy a wonderful view of the valley.
5. Bruges, Belgium
Photo credit: Flickr – Visit Bruges
Where? Place Simon Stevin
When? From 25 December to 2 January 2020
Gaufres, hot wines and local specialties are to be enjoyed in one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in the world. Installed in the historic centre of the Belgian Venice, each winter, a fairytale Christmas market where you will find handmade decorations and original Christmas gifts for your loved ones.
6. Sapporo, Japan
Photo credit: Flickr – yoppy
Where? Parc Ôdōri
When? 24 November to 25 December
Welcome to one of the world’s most illuminated Christmas markets! In 2002, during the thirty years of twinning between the city and Munich, Sapporo organized its first Christmas market. Since then, success has been at the rendezvous and the Christmas market of Sapporo welcomes many curious people every year in search of European flavours.
7. Nuremberg, Germany
Photo credit: Shutterstock / Mapics
Where? HauptMarkt, (place of Notre-Dame Cathedral)
When? 29 November to 24 December
The Nuremberg market integrates the pioneers of Germany. And for cause, no less than two million people cross their doors every year! The day of the opening remains the most plebiscity: the bells tintent, the songs resound and a spectacle of all beauty takes place on the parvis of the Gothic Cathedral of Notre-Dame.
On the decor, we would almost believe it! A huge crèche occupies the center of the square with all around, wooden toys, spice rolls and other Christmas symbols. Nuremberg, it is above all the promise of a magical tradition.
8. New York, United States
Photo credit: Shutterstock / elena_prosvirova
Where? Union Square
When? November 21 to December 24 (closed for Thanksgiving )
Christmas in New York always has something special. Loved in the heart of the city, its Christmas market does not derogate from the rule. The atmosphere is festive and everything is done to impress visitors! Patinories, decorations, illuminations, Christmas songs, unique craft and artistic works... The municipality does not harm the means to make the party a success. One thing is certain, if your feet still touch the ground, your head is in the stars.
9. Millstatt, Austria
Photo credit: Facebook – Kap 4613
Where? Bar Kap 4613
When? November 21 to January 6, 2020 (closed on Monday and December 24)
In a mythical place in the city, facing Lake Millstatt, the Christmas market invites parties to the end of the years. Here, about twenty stands offer handicrafts, decorations and culinary specialties of Carinthia: hot wine, sausages and grilled chestnuts. The Christmas tree and the floating forest are the two attractions not to be missed. The Millstatt market is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful Christmas markets around the world.
10. Die, Germany
Photo credit: Shutterstock / Igor Link
Where? Hauptmarkt
When? November 22 to December 22 (closed on November 24)
Faced with the magnificent Cathedral of Trier, eighty-five chalets offer wooden toys, decorations, candles, but also the famous hot potato cakes and local grilled sausages.
11. Breitnau, Germany
Photo credit: Shutterstock / Olga Niekrasova
Where? Sous le viaduc de Ravenna du Höllentalbahn
When? 29 November to 24 December
If you are looking for an original market, please visit Breitnau in Germany. In a valley overlooking the railway viaduct of Höllentalbahn, is the only Christmas market in Breitnau, in the gorges of Ravenna. The viaduct is lit and the traditional music immerses you in a magical atmosphere. About forty exhibitors suggest you discover the products of the region. The youngest will be able to climb into Santa's train, shot by goats.
12. RovaniemiFinland
Photo credit: Shutterstock / Aleksei Verhovski
Where? Santa village
When? November 10 to December 23, but it is open all year round
What's more magical than spending Christmas in the Santa's home in person! In the city of Rovaniemi, the capital of Lapland, north of Finland, is one of the most authentic and beautiful Christmas markets in the world.
His particularity? It is open throughout the year! But it is from mid-November that he really animates himself. Sledge and reindeer dogs, snowmobile tours, ice constructions and of course shopping, nothing is missing in the Christmas market of Rovaniemi.
13. TallinnEstonia
Photo credit: Shutterstock / Grisha Bruev
Where? Town Hall Square
When? From 15 November to 7 January 2020
Since 1441 Tallinn has been hosting one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in the world every year. In the small cabins located on the main square of the city, you can enjoy Estonian specialities and discover local crafts. Do not miss the menu-zoo of the market as well as the many shows offered. In Tallinn, Christmas magic is on the date.
Loading comments ...