Why not let yourself be swept away by the magic of the festive season? Discover our selection of the world’s most beautiful Christmas markets for a magical journey.
All over the world, November heralds a bit of magic. As night falls and the summer spleen gains ground, Christmas markets open their doors, inviting us to warm our hearts. An age-old tradition that takes place all over the world until January, to the delight of young and old alike. Wooden chalets, Christmas crib figures, mulled wine and gingerbread set the tone for this very special atmosphere.
Popular in every corner of the globe, Christmas markets welcome millions of visitors every year. We invite you to discover this warm and boundless success through our selection of the world’s most beautiful Christmas markets.
1. Strasbourg, France
Photo credit: Shutterstock / Hadrian
When? November 23 to December 30
This is undoubtedly the most famous Christmas market in France and Europe. The Strasbourg market and its three hundred chalets attract over two million visitors every year! With its huge Christmas tree, ice rink and illuminated cathedral, the Strasbourg Christmas market is truly impressive. Numerous shows, concerts and activities for the whole family add a little magic to the event. A must-see event not to be missed!
2. Vienna, Austria
Photo credit: Shutterstock / S.Borisov
When? November 16 to January 5, 2020
It’s one of the oldest and most beautiful Christmas markets in the world! It is unique in that it takes place all over the city and in most of Vienna’s squares. Over one hundred and fifty chalets sell Christmas gifts, tree decorations, handicrafts, sweets and hot drinks. Skating rinks, attractions and entertainment for young and old are also set up throughout the city.
3. Cologne, Germany
Photo credit: Shutterstock / Mapics
When? November 25 to December 23
This is one of Germany’s most famous Christmas markets! At the foot of the cathedral, hundreds of shows take place before the amazed eyes of visitors. In the one hundred and fifty chalets, you can buy handicrafts, pretty Christmas gifts and, of course, some local culinary specialities. And don’t forget the extraordinary 25-metre-high Christmas tree!
4. Petzen, Austria
Photo credit: Facebook – JUFA Hotel Bleiburg/Pliberk – Sport-Resort
When? December 7, 14 and 21
Looking for an unusual Christmas market? The Petzen Christmas Market in Austria is the highest Christmas market in Europe. Located at the top of the ski slopes, at an altitude of over 1,700 meters, the market is housed in a former cowshed and comprises some twenty beautifully decorated chalets. To get there, take the gondola up to the top of the slopes and enjoy a magnificent view over the valley.
5. Bruges, Belgium
When? December 25 to January 2, 2020
Waffles, mulled wine and local specialities can all be enjoyed at one of the world’s finest Christmas markets. Every winter, in the historic center of Belgian Venice, you’ll find an enchanting Christmas market selling handmade decorations and original gifts for your loved ones.
6. Sapporo, Japan
Photo credit: Flickr – yoppy
When? November 24 to December 25
Welcome to one of the world’s most illuminated Christmas markets! In 2002, on the occasion of thirty years of twinning between the city and Munich, Sapporo organized its first Christmas market. Since then, the Sapporo Christmas Market has been a great success, welcoming many curious visitors every year in search of European flavors.
7. Nuremberg, Germany
Photo credit: Shutterstock / Mapics
When? November 29 to December 24
The Nuremberg market is one of Germany’s pioneers. And with good reason: no fewer than two million people pass through its gates every year! Opening day remains the most popular: bells tinkle, songs ring out and a spectacular show takes place on the forecourt of the Gothic Cathedral of Our Lady.
In terms of décor, it’s almost as if you were there! A huge crib occupies the center of the square, surrounded by wooden toys, gingerbread pucks and other Christmas symbols. Above all, Nuremberg promises a tradition steeped in magic.
8. New York, USA
Photo credit: Shutterstock / elena_prosvirova
When? November 21 to December 24 (closed for Thanksgiving)
Christmas in New York is always something special. Nestled in the heart of the city, its Christmas market is no exception. The atmosphere is festive and everything is done to impress visitors! Skating rinks, decorations, illuminations, Christmas carols, unique handicrafts and artworks… the municipality spares no expense to make the festivities a success. One thing’s for sure: while your feet may still be on the ground, your head is in the stars.
9. Millstatt, Austria
Photo credit: Facebook – Kap 4613
When? November 21 to January 6, 2020 (closed on Mondays and December 24)
In one of the town’s mythical locations, facing Millstatt Lake, the Christmas market is an invitation to the festive season. Here, some twenty stalls offer handicrafts, decorations and Carinthian culinary specialities: mulled wine, sausages and roasted chestnuts. The Christmas tree and the floating forest are two attractions not to be missed. The Millstatt market is without doubt one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in the world.
10. Trier, Germany
Photo credit: Shutterstock / Igor Link
When? November 22 to December 22 (closed November 24)
Facing Trier’s magnificent cathedral, ninety-five chalets offer wooden toys, decorations and candles, as well as the famous hot potato pancakes and local grilled sausages.
11. Breitnau, Germany
Photo credit: Shutterstock / Olga Niekrasova
When? November 29 to December 24
If you’re looking for an original market, don’t hesitate to visit the one in Breitnau, Germany. In a valley overlooked by the Höllentalbahn railway viaduct, lies the unique Breitnau Christmas Market in the Ravenna Gorge. The viaduct is illuminated, and traditional music creates a magical atmosphere. Some forty exhibitors invite you to discover the products of the region. Younger visitors can climb into Santa’s sleigh, pulled by goats.
12. Rovaniemi, Finland
Photo credit: Shutterstock / Aleksei Verhovski
When? November 10 to December 23, but open all year round
What could be more magical than spending Christmas in the home of Santa Claus himself? The town of Rovaniemi, capital of Lapland in northern Finland, is home to one of the world’s most authentic and beautiful Christmas markets.
What makes it special? It’s open all year round! But it’s from mid-November onwards that it really comes alive. From dog sledding and reindeer rides to snowmobile tours, ice sculptures and, of course, shopping, there’s no shortage of things to do at the Rovaniemi Christmas Market.
13. Tallinn, Estonia
Photo credit: Shutterstock / Grisha Bruev
When? November 15 to January 7, 2020
Every year since 1441, Tallinn has hosted one of the world’s finest Christmas markets. In the little huts on the town’s main square, you can sample Estonian specialities and discover local crafts. Don’t miss the market’s zoo menu and the many shows on offer. Tallinn is the place to be for the magic of Christmas.