If you are sitting on your couch right now, and surfing across some Christmas movies on Netflix, then your Christmas excitement needs more feeding. This time of the year is all about the Christmas tree, jingle bells, gifts and gatherings, secret Santa, and more.
In the backdrop of a peaceful yet admiring season of the year, there is a trend of Christmas markets being organized worldwide. Yes, you heard it right. A Christmas market is becoming a place more loved by tourists these days.
The beauty of the decorated stalls, the aroma of the hot beverages, and the feel of some wishes coming true are what make this time worth living for. You can see people from different parts of the world, meeting and exploring the joy and happiness of Christmas with an amazingly pleasing vibe.
So, let’s read more about the Christmas markets of the world and what they have in store for us.
Most Charming and Captivating Christmas Markets in the World
1. Christmas Market of Strasbourg, France
Strasbourg Christmas market is one of the most beautiful and popular markets across the world. You can sense a true Christmas vibe with all the arrangements here.
This Christmas market in France further adds to the shine of the festival by hosting numerous events.
It hosts more than 500 events that visitors can enjoy. All this is accompanied by delicious pastries, the spicy bread of Christmas, sweets and so much more!
Be it food stalls, Christmas gifts, and more, the market offers you everything. So, according to the duration of the market, you can plan your trip to France.
Location- focused around Cathedral Square and Place Broglie
Time To Visit- Late November
Nearby Accomodation Options- Hotel Hannong, Ibis Strasbourg Centre Historique, Le Jean-Sébastien Bach
2. Christmas Market of Basel, Switzerland
Christmas in Switzerland only adds up to the prevailing beauty of the country. The feel of snow and the aroma of hot chocolate render a breath of bliss when here.
There are numerous Christmas markets in Switzerland, however, the Basel market is one of the most famous ones among Switzerland Christmas Markets.
The Basel Christmas Market is at Barfüsserplatz and Münsterplatz. Besides other Christmas essentials, you can also explore some handcrafted goods here. And yes, this is the largest Christmas market around here!
Location- located on Barfüsserplatz around the historic Barfüsserkirche and on Münsterplatz right next to the cathedral
Time To Visit- Late November
Nearby Accommodation Options- The Passage - Urban Retreat, Hitrental Marktplatz Studios
3. Christmas Market of London, UK
Winter Wonderland in London is just like a dream come true. It is an irresistible place to visit and have fun during Christmas time.
It also encompasses the largest outdoor ice rink in the UK, a spot admired by all families. The streets of this market are incredibly happening to make your vacation a memorable one.
The market takes place in the popular Hyde Park which is loaded with all the Christmas lights and Christmas decorations.
So, what are you waiting for? This is one of the most vibrant Christmas markets in London, and the market gains its pace as winter enters!
Location- Hyde Park
Time To Visit- Early November
Nearby Accommodation Options- Park Plaza County Hall London, Strand Palace Hotel
4. Christmas Market of Dresden, Germany
The vibrance of Dresden's German Christmas market is an incredible one. It is one of those views that stay in your eyes for many years.
Saying that, did you know that Dresden's Striezelmarkt was first held in 1434, making it the oldest Christmas Market? The city of Dresden has a lot to offer but Christmas time is something more enchanting and mesmerizing.
A large number of small and large markets are held all across, featuring candles and figures, ornaments, gingerbread, mulled wine, and more.
Furthermore, the folklore also takes place to add to the charm of the festival. It does not end here, this German Christmas market also encompasses the giant candle pyramid, which stands 14 meters tall.
Location- Altmarkt, 01067 Dresden, Germany
Time To Visit- Late November
Nearby Accommodation Options- Steigenberger Hotel de Saxe, Hyperion Hotel Dresden am Schloss, Townhouse Dresden
5. Christmas Market of Prague, Czech Republic
Prague, even though it is a small locality, is one of the most beautiful places to go to when seeking a vacation. Its charm and aura during the time of Christmas just enhances.
You can find some decorated wooden huts here, along with some ceramics, a variety of jewelry options, embroidered lace to scented candles.
There is everything here. Furthermore, you should not miss out on tasty treats such as barbecue sausages, flatbreads, honey wine, meat, sweet dumplings and so much more. For more information, you can visit the website below.
Location- Christmas markets are held in Old Town Square in the center of Prague
Time To Visit- Early December
Nearby Accommodation Options- Hotel Rott, Hotel Leon D´Oro, Grand Hotel Praha
6. Christmas Market of Zagreb, Croatia
The Croatia Christmas market is awarded as the best Christmas market, and this is due to the amazing setup and initiatives taken by Zagreb.
Be it the mind-blowing attractions such as the live carving of ice sculptures, ice rink, pop-up bars, soulful music stages, delicious street food stalls, and a lot more.
The Christmas market of Zagreb also takes the kids cruising along the streets of the city with Santa and elves, making the vibe more pleasant and happening.
Thus, this is one of the most mesmerizing places you can go to with your family during Christmas!
Location- Jelacic Square, Zagreb, Croatia
Time To Visit- Late November
Nearby Accommodation Options- Art Hotel Like, The Westin Zagreb, Hotel Dubrovnik
7. Christmas Market of Copenhagen, Denmark
Denmark is a highly captivating country to visit, and its light just enhances when Christmas time begins, which is quite early in November, lasting till December.
With over 1000 snow-covered Christmas trees, the sound of twinkling Swarovski balls, the light stalls, the Christmas baubles, and more make the Copenhagen Christmas market a go-to destination for all the Christmas fun.
Be it essential Christmas shopping or having a good fun time, this is the ideal place.
The market also features various kinds of shops providing knitted products, the best decorations, a lot many crafts, and leather products as well. For more information, you can visit the below website.
Location- Nyhavn, Christiania and Tivoli Gardens
Time To Visit- Early November
Nearby Accommodation Options- Go Hotel Saga, Cabinn Copenhagen, Wakeup Copenhagen
8. Christmas Market of Budapest, Hungary
When you are looking for a Christmas indulgence, then you ought to visit Budapest. You can find streets filled with shops selling gifts, souvenirs, Christmas tree decorations, and whatnot.
Thereafter, you have a variety of eating options. The tasty stuffed cabbage and grilled meats and sausages, it’s just worth eating.
The best part is that all this happens in the backdrop of some really good melodies of folk, jazz, world music, soul, blues, and more.
So, be ready to experience true delight and visit this Christmas market if you are planning a trip to Hungary.
Location- Vörösmarty Square, in the center of the city on the Pest side
Time To Visit- Early November
Nearby Accommodation Options- Carlton Hotel Budapest, Hotel La Prima Fashion, Hotel Vision
9. Christmas Market of Vienna, Austria
The love for Christmas cookies and the presence of Christmas candles have to stay. This market in Vienna pleases you with everything of this kind.
The mesmerising view of the whole city being decorated, the glimpse of beautiful lightning, and more make the vibe simply more special.
It is one of the best Christmas markets in the world with some of the most unique craftwork stalls. Besides, the little children's area is the ideal place to teach kids to bake and engage them in something!
Location- in front of the imposing Rathaus city hall
Time To Visit- Mid-November
Nearby Accommodation Options- Hotel Rathauspark Wien · The Levante Parliament · Hotel Pension Residenz
10. Stockholm Christmas Market, Sweden
Stockholm's Old Town Christmas Market is the oldest in the country. Besides being the oldest, it is one of the most classy and spectacular Christmas markets around the world.
The city is transformed into a completely different and beautiful one when the Christmas decorations begin here.
The Stockholm Christmas market features the best stalls to eat seasonal delicacies and purchase some memorable Christmas kind of presents.
If you are looking for a magical and festive Christmas this December, then you should visit this market in Stockholm.
Location- Stortorget, Gamla stan, Stockholm
Time To Visit- Late November
Nearby Accommodation Options- Lord Nelson Hotel, Castle House Inn
11. Helsinki Christmas Market, Finland
Finland’s winters are one of the most beautiful and mind-calming ones. The month of December in Helsinki is again a time when you can see snow all around and enjoy the weather.
In the backdrop of this environment, Christmas time features the warm gestures and cozy decorations of their window shops. Even in the prevalent low temperature, Helsinki’s annual Christmas market is the largest of its kind celebration throughout the country.
The famous ancient wine, gourmet food, and the historic beautiful white cathedral make the place incredibly amazing to be at. The market reflects a different kind of spark with the artificially decorated lights and the natural snow around.
Location: Senate Square, Aleksanterinkatu Street, Helsinki, Finland.
Time To Visit - Early December
Nearby Accommodation Options- Bob W City Centre, Hotel F6, hotel Kämp
Feel the True Delight of Christmas with Visa2Fly
Is your spirit full of Christmas now? Well, if you are planning your trip around, then you can match your plan with the upcoming Christmas markets, and travel accordingly.
The optimism and sparkle radiated by these markets all across the world, make them a happening destination for every traveller. You can feel the music, taste good food, have a long walk around, buy gifts, and spend the best time with your loved ones here.
Most importantly, we are here to ease your visa-obtaining process for any destination you plan to visit. No more excuses, start planning Christmas is closer than it appears on the calendar!
