Get into the spirit of the season with a visit to one of the world’s best Christmas markets. From the more traditional to the modern, these Christmas markets have everything from warm mugs of mulled wine, handmade treats, and visits with Santa to roller coasters, live music, and beer gardens.
Barcelona
When: November 24 – December 23
Where: Avinguda de la Catedral
Barcelona’s Fira de Santa Llúcia market has been going strong for over 200 years in the heart of the Gothic district. Here, you can check out traditional Catalan Christmas items from handmade figurines for nativity scenes to the Christmas log, a log with a smiling face which is said to deliver gifts in a hilarious and interesting way.
Budapest
When: November 10 – December 31
Where: Vörösmarty Square
Budapest’s bustling Vörösmarty Square transforms into a winter wonderland through the months of November and December with mulled wine, plenty of handmade crafts and steaming, hearty winter dishes to help stave off the cold.
Chicago
When: November 17 – December 24
Where: Daley Plaza
Chicago’s open-air Christkindlmarket takes inspiration from the German Christkindlmarkt, which originated in Nuremberg. Meet, greet and take photos with Christkind, the market’s namesake, a fairy-like being who wears gold and white robes, and take home a traditional German stein or a quirky pickle ornament as a fun souvenir.
Copenhagen
When: November 18 – December 31
Where: Tivoli Gardens
Copenhagen’s Tivoli Gardens transforms for the season into a Christmas village with Christmas-themed rides, twinkling lights, and holiday tunes. Get into the Christmas spirit at Honey Cake Castle, where you can make and decorate your own gorgeous honey cake hearts in a beautiful box, perfect for giving as a gift to a loved one.
Flytographer: Hector in London
London
When: November 17 – January 1 (Closed on Christmas Day)
Where: Hyde Park
Hyde Park transforms into Winter Wonderland for the holiday season and features the UK’s largest outdoor ice skating rink, over 100 rides, and shows like Cinderella on Ice and Cirque Berserk. Attractions are bookable in advance to ensure your place. If you’re looking for a more traditional vibe, head to Winter Wonderland’s Christmas Market to browse Bavarian-style stalls or visit Santa Land.
Munich
When: November 27 – December 24
Where: Marienplatz
Head to Munich’s Marienplatz for a traditional Christmas market filled with the spirit of Bavaria. Browse handpainted glass Christmas decorations or partake in fresh roasted chestnuts and a steaming mug of mulled wine.
Salzburg
When: November 23 – December 26
Where: Old Town
One of the world’s oldest Christmas markets, Salzburg’s Christkindlmarkt is a must-visit. Set in Salzburg’s Old Town, the market features 100 market stands, as well as daily programs, such as Christmas stories for kids, Krampus parades, and guided Christmas tours.
Toronto
When: November 16 – December 23 (closed on Mondays)
Where: Distillery Historic District
Take a photo with Santa at Toronto’s Christmas Market or bring your pet every Tuesday for Pet Photo Day. Heated beer gardens await the adults for a winter warmer and stalls offer tons of food options perfect for a chilly day. Did someone say raclette?
Vienna
When: November 18 – December 30
Where: In front of City Hall
Vienna’s stunning neo-Gothic city hall building becomes a magical backdrop to the city’s Christmas market. Inside City Hall, kids can learn how to make Christmas cookies or candles and international choirs will delight visitors with carols every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
Flytographer: Lindsey in Washington DC
Washington, D.C.
When: November 24 – December 23
Where: 8th and F Streets, NW
Washington, D.C.’s Downtown Holiday Market features more than 150 regional artisans and crafters. Work your way through your holiday shopping list with handmade items, such as jewelry, pottery, and paintings. Diverse live music offerings range from a cappella holiday tunes to Appalachian folk.
See more: Barcelona – Budapest – Chicago – Copenhagen – London – Munich – Salzburg – Toronto – Vienna – Washington D.C.
