15 Magical Christmas Markets Around The World That People Love
For many, Christmas truly is the most magical time of the year.
It’s never too early to start planning the festive season, so here are 15 Christmas markets worldwide that you should consider adding to your December itinerary.
1. Christkindelsmärik, Strasbourg, France
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The Christkindelsmärik in France is near Strasbourg Cathedral, on the Grande Île. It began in 1871 on Place Broglie and now attracts over 2 million visitors annually. The food selection is one of the selling factors of this market, and visitors love the Christmas stories projected on the town hall wall.
2. Christkindlmarkt on the Rathausplatz, Austria
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Christkindlmarkt on the Rathausplatz is the most renowned market in Vienna and boasts over 100 booths. The ice skating rink remains open until early January, and there is a big emphasis on being family-friendly. The market draws in over 4 million visitors annually and has been going since the 18th century.
3. Old Town Christmas Market, Czech Republic
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Prague’s Old Town Christmas Market is the country’s biggest, oldest, and most famous Christmas market. The massive Christmas tree is in the center of the town square and is surrounded by wooden houses, which are the booths where you can purchase delicious food and hot beverages. The Christmas concerts and shows are always the stars of the market.
4. Bath Christmas Market, England
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Bath’s town center is transformed over Christmas with more than 170 twinkling chalets and the best South West crafters. You can check off your Christmas shopping list with booths selling handmade jewelry and stylish homeware or enjoy the festive atmosphere while sipping a glass of mulled wine.
5. Siegburg Medieval Christmas Market, Germany
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For a taste of the Middle Ages, the Siegburg Medieval Christmas market is a charming event that commits to the theme. The market is underrated and less crowded than other German Christmas Markets, but the costumed performers and hand-cranked carousel will transport you to another era, and you won’t want to leave.
6. Innsbruck’s Old Town Christmas Market, Austria
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Beneath the twinkling Christmas tree in Innsbruck’s Old Town are 70 cute Christmas stalls. Among other delicate folk art, you can find carved nativity figurines, felt hats, and scented almonds in these stalls. Innsbruck’s Old Town Christmas Market is celebrating its 50th anniversary and is one of the most traditional Christmas Markets in the city.
7. Tallinn Christmas Market, Estonia
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The Tallinn Christmas Market occurs at the Town Hall Square and hints at feeling like a fairy tale. The Christmas tree was first displayed in the Town Hall Square in 1441 and is Europe’s first Christmas tree to be put on display. Indulge in Estonian cuisine and warm Christmas drinks while browsing the beautiful handicrafts.
8. Munich Christkindlmarkt at Marienplatz, Germany
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Munich’s original Christmas Market began in the 14th century and is considered the city’s original Christmas market. It is the biggest Nativity scene market in Germany, and you can find everything you’ll need for an authentic Nativity scene.
9. Manchester Christmas Markets, England
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The Manchester Christmas Market is considered the oldest in the country and one of the best Christmas Markets you can visit, with over nine million visitors annually. Three hundred crafted stalls are set up across ten different city sites, each offering something unique or mouthwatering.
10. Wrocław Christmas Market, Poland
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If you’re looking for Europe’s most beautiful Christmas Market, visit the Wrocław Christmas Market in Poland. You can enjoy a gastronomy journey as many stalls sell cuisine from around the world. You can walk to the top of the three-floor fairytale house or take your children to watch fairy tales being performed.
11. Fête Des Lyon, France
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The Festival of Lights in Lyon takes place over four days, so it can get pretty crowded. Since 1852, every year on December 8th, the city holds its international event where temporary lights are installed throughout the city to illuminate it for four days. The festival is held to commemorate the city’s heritage and mark the beginning of the Christmas season and is a spectacular sight to experience.
12. Weihnachtsmarkt in der Ravennaschlucht, Germany
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The Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market is a little more exclusive than other German Christmas Markets, as you have to buy a ticket, which is great if you’re not a fan of crowds. The market features local musicians and artisans and showcases the Black Forest region’s local traditions. The Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market is an excellent option for delicious food, exciting entertainment, and a little less crowds.
13. Krakow Christmas Market, Poland
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Poland’s most famous Christmas Market is the Krakow Christmas Market, set in the old town center. Timber huts sell handcrafted Christmas decorations and children’s toys; otherwise, satiate your hunger with slow-cooked goulash or soup.
14. Salzburg Christkindlmarkt on Dom, Austria
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From Exciting activities to delicious food and beautiful handcrafted products, the Salzburg Christmas Market at the Dom and Residenzplatz will keep you busy for hours. It is one of the oldest Advent markets in the world and dates back to the 15th century. The market is set within the World Heritage-listed Old City and serves a festive atmosphere that will put you in the Christmas mood.
15. Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, England
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Celebrate Christmas within the iconic Hyde Park and immerse yourself in all its Christmas festivities. Winter Wonderland hosts family-friendly performances, rollercoaster rides, delectable treats and street foods, and fire pits to warm up while sipping your mulled wine.
Where indicated, some images courtesy of Depositphotos.com.
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