The 25 Best Christmas Markets in the World

As the weather gets colder, there is likely one thing on everyone’s mind – when do the Christmas Markets start? No matter where in the world you are, your city will likely host a Christmas extravaganza that includes market stalls, winter wonderlands or dazzling light displays. And, with such a large array of vendors and Christmas gifts that you can find, it’s no wonder Christmas markets are one of the most popular festive pastimes. 

But the question is, which cities across the world host the best Christmas markets, and what dates are they being held this year? Let’s take a deep dive into 25 of the world’s best Christmas markets:

What are the world’s best Christmas markets?

25. Christkindlmarkt German Market – Shanghai, China

Dates: TBC – normally begin late November 

A slice of Bavaria in China, Shanghai’s Christmas Market is certainly one for the books. What greets you at the gates of this traditional market is a never-ending flurry of excited shoppers, lively stalls selling everything from food and drink to homemade crafts and gifts, live music and various light shows. Crafted in the classic German style, this Christmas market brings a magical touch to the streets of Shanghai. 

Shanghai joyfully celebrates European Christmas traditions, but don’t worry as you’re never too far from spicy noodles and soupy dumplings, as China celebrates Christmas in its own unique way. 

24. Tallinn Christmas Market – Tallinn, Estonia

Dates: Nov 21st – Dec 27th 2025

Estonia’s Christmas traditions are thought to date back to the 15th century, and its capital’s annual Christmas market that we see today was first opened in 2001, having been a cornerstone of the festive period ever since. Each year, Tallinn is transformed into a festive paradise that sees stall upon stall of homemade Estonian crafts and local dishes being served against a backdrop of Christmas lights and a large Christmas tree. 

Since it first opened, the market has become an annual tradition that is beloved by both locals and tourists. Unsuspectingly, Estonia is widely known for its festive events, so much so that it has consistently ranked highly in various publications.

23. Winchester Christmas Market – Winchester, UK

Dates: 21st Nov – 22nd Dec 2025

Consistently ranking as one of the UK’s best Christmas markets, Winchester Christmas Market hosts an extravagant affair each festive season. Imagine the cosiest and most traditional Christmas market, characterised by the classic wooden huts with people selling every type of product imaginable against a picturesque and light-adorned backdrop, and you have Winchester Christmas Market. 

One of the best things about Winchester Christmas Market is how community-focused it is, as evidenced by its interactive and immersive atmosphere and the opportunity to get involved in various workshops, such as crafts and candle-making. Get stuck into everything this market has to offer and celebrate the upcoming festive season in creative and unique ways. 

22. Singapore Christmas Wonderland – Singapore

Dates: TBC – usually held November-December

Located in Singapore’s prestigious Marina Bay, Singapore’s Christmas Wonderland is one of the city’s prime attractions. Christmas in Singapore usually involves celebrations on a wide scale, festive events and spectacular light shows, all with Singaporean and Western flair. Each year, The Gardens by the Bay, best known for its huge 50-metre-tall ‘supertrees’, plays host to a dazzling array of Christmas festivities. 

Picture a bustling market selling local and homemade crafts and food & drink, beautiful Christmas trees and decorations, carol singers, and various games and rides. With the 5-star Marina Bay Sands hotel as a backdrop, the Singapore Christmas Wonderland screams luxury. 

21. Montreaux Noel Market – Montreaux, Switzerland

Dates: November 20th - December 24th 2025

With an Alpine and lakeside backdrop like something straight out of a postcard, Montreaux Noel Market is as beautiful as it is traditional. Here, the quintessential wooden chalets serve warming food and drink and a variety of homemade and locally sourced products to coat-clad revellers, while a lit-up Santa hovers above and live music drifts through the square. 

For more than 30 years, this market has been a cornerstone of the festive season across Montreaux and the rest of Switzerland, made notable by its stunning lakeshore location courtesy of Lake Geneva.

20. Budapest Christmas Market – Budapest, Hungary

Dates: November - January 

As classic as it gets, the Christmas markets in Budapest evoke that familiar, nostalgic feeling that Christmas brings as the festive season approaches. With stalls selling freshly made mulled wine and hot chocolate, and a thriving central square full to the brim with festive cheer, you know that Budapest really knows how to put on a show. 

Both the Buda side and the Pest side offer a variety of Christmas markets and themed activities, all of which are significant cultural events within the city. Pest’s Vörösmarty Square Christmas Market is the most famous of its kind in the city, and offers a traditional Christmas market experience, with stalls selling handmade crafts and local Hungarian cuisine. 

19. Melbourne Queen Victoria Market – Melbourne, Australia

Dates: All year round

Each year in December, Melbourne's Queen Victoria Market is transformed into a festive wonderland. Europe gets a lot of the Christmas market limelight, but Queen Victoria Market offers a sunny alternative to the quintessential snow-dusted chalets. We're talking twinkling lights, festive-themed food stalls and a vibrant, bustling atmosphere. While not strictly a Christmas market, Australia's largest open-air market offers a unique take on the tradition. 

Featuring 600+ stalls selling a wide range of goods from clothes to crafts, it's perfect for a quick browse or a productive shopping trip. Through incorporating traditional elements throughout its market, combined with a unique local flair, Melbourne's Victoria Market effortlessly reinforces that magical festive feeling.

18. Tivoli Gardens Christmas Market – Copenhagen, Denmark

Dates: 14th November - 4th January

If ever there was a place to fully immerse yourself in all things Christmas-related, it’s Copenhagen’s Tivoli Gardens Christmas Market. What awaits you here is a Christmas extravaganza that features a perfect blend of thrilling amusement rides and entertainment, as well as mulled wine and plenty of market stalls.

If you want your experience to be truly unforgettable, you can even visit Santa at his home or watch a variety of live Christmas shows and performances. The entrance to the gardens features a magical archway decorated with rows of hanging lights, simulating the feeling of, as Elton John once said, stepping into Christmas. 

17. Amsterdam Christmas Market – Amsterdam, Netherlands

Dates: TBC – usually from November - January

Christmas in Amsterdam is truly something special, as instead of just one area hosting Christmas markets, the whole city comes alive with festive events, mini markets and winter wonderlands. Go ice skating at Museumplein, browse the cosy wooden chalets that offer a variety of artisan gifts and food and drink, or take a ride on various amusement rides like Ferris Wheels or carousels. 

Some markets across the city also offer creative and interactive workshops for crafts and live demonstrations to help you fully get into the Christmas spirit. No matter which part of the city you go to, you’re guaranteed to find a Christmas-themed event or the signature wooden chalets dotted around the streets. 

16. Christkindlmarkt – Chicago, USA

Dates: November 20th - December 25th 

Chicago certainly doesn’t know how to celebrate things in a low-key way, and this is especially true for its annual Christmas market. The traditional German-style Christkindlmarkt that takes place every November and December in the city’s Daley Plaza is a truly grand affair that attracts thousands of attendees each year, and that is highly regarded across the US and the rest of the world.

Hundreds of market stalls line the streets selling authentic German cuisine like pretzels and bratwursts, bespoke and homemade gifts and souvenirs, hot drinks like mulled wine and hot chocolate and international street food. The market also usually extends to other nearby areas to accommodate the huge crowds of tourists, locals and Christmas lovers. 

15. Brussels Christmas Market – Brussels, Belgium

Dates: November 28th - January 4th

Brussels has consistently shown that it’s a strong contender for entertainment and events, and its Christmas market serves as a symbol of that. What you can find in the Belgian version of this German tradition is a 2km light trail, amusement rides like a Ferris wheel and a merry-go-round, market stalls, a large ice rink, and a picturesque backdrop with a Christmas tree centrepiece. 

Each year, Brussels’ city centre truly epitomises festive, and the atmosphere is thriving and bustling with families, couples or solo travellers, all of whom are looking for a memorable way to see in the festive season. 

14. Zocalo Christmas Market – Mexico City, Mexico

Dates: TBC – Usually occurs from December - January

Mexico is no stranger to festivals and big celebrations, with its lively Días de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) festival and others, but one thing Mexico City excels at is Christmas-themed celebrations. Mexico City’s Zocalo Square Christmas Market easily rivals the city’s various other events, adding a magical touch to the streets of Mexico’s capital. At the market, you can expect to see more than 250 market stalls from local and international vendors, plus classic Christmas decor and live performances. 

Christmas in Mexico incorporates traditional European elements with a Mexican cultural flair that includes piñatas, special prayers and religious ceremonies and nativity scenes, all of which are found at Zocalo Christmas market. 

13. Toronto Christmas Market – Toronto, Canada

Dates: November 14th - December 22nd

Known by all as Distillery Winter Village thanks to its location in one of Toronto’s best-known districts, Toronto’s annual Christmas market is renowned worldwide for its traditional charm, magical atmosphere, and the sheer array of fun things to do, see, and participate in. You see, Christmas in Toronto is far more than just the usual Christmas lights, decorations, and festive activities. 

What Toronto’s annual Christmas market offers is a full wonderland of exciting events to keep you entertained for hours – listen to the sounds of carollers or choir singers serenading your after-dark market browse, stare in awe at the dazzling lights that are switched on live, sample local artisan food and drink, or simply sit and catch up with friends with a mug of mulled wine in hand. You’ll likely want to stay for hours and soak up the joyous atmosphere. 

12. Edinburgh Christmas Market – Edinburgh, UK

Dates: 15th November - 4th January

The Christmas and New Year period in Scotland is likely unlike anything you’ve ever experienced before, and Edinburgh is certainly one of the best places to be during this time of year. Edinburgh doesn’t know how to do things lowkey, as the entire city transforms into a festive paradise that’s spread across multiple streets and venues. Head to Princes Street Gardens, St Andrew Square and George Street for the best array of Christmas activities. Iconic sights include the large illuminated Ferris wheel and Christmas tree, and the stunning backdrop of Edinburgh Castle towering above. 

The streets become bustling with the classic wooden chalet stalls serving local and international foods and beverages from artisan vendors, ice skating, Santa’s grotto visits and an abundance of fairground rides and entertainment. Along with Edinburgh’s Fringe Festival, Christmas in this city is one of the best spectacles and events to experience across both the UK and the world.

11. Hyde Park Winter Wonderland – London, UK

Dates: 14th November - 1st January 

Hyde Park is the most famous park in the UK, known for its all-year-round events and entertainment, but one thing it certainly excels at is celebrating Christmas and New Year. Attracting more than 3 million visitors each year, Hyde Park’s Christmas celebrations are one of the most anticipated events of the year. What makes Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland so unforgettable is how it hooks you right from the first moment. 

First opened in 2005, this Christmas-themed event has more than doubled in both size and appeal. What you can expect from this two-decade-long tradition is: circus and music performances, stall upon stall of artisan gifts and homemade crafts, numerous fairground rides like a Ferris wheel, dodgems and a haunted mansion, and expertly crafted ice sculptures of which you can try your hand at making your own. 

10. Dresden Christmas Market – Dresden, Germany

Dates: 26th November - 24th December 

Considered to be the world’s oldest Christmas market, Dresden’s market is naturally the most authentic and is arguably what spurred the entire tradition to still be celebrated to this day. Thought to date back to the 1400s when it was just a one-day market, Dresden’s Striezelmarkt is every history or culture enthusiast and Christmas lover’s dream place to be. 

In an article by CNN Travel, Dresden is hailed as ‘the capital of Christmas’, and when it comes to atmosphere, renown and variety of things to do, the city certainly comes out on top. Partake in food workshops or see live demonstrations on how your favourite baked food is made, or stroll around the market stalls with a mug of glühwein (mulled wine).

9. Sydney Martin Place Christmas Market – Sydney, Australia

Dates: TBC

Australia’s Christmas takes place when the weather is at its hottest, so you may think it’ll be less festive without the cold or winter wonderland style atmosphere. However, on the contrary, Sydney’s Martin Place Christmas Market offers all the magic of a traditional German Christmas market. 

Giving Christmas a whole new flavour under the hot sun, you can experience all the classic vibes of the Christmas markets you know and love, with a large Christmas tree centrepiece, a selection of artisan gifts, homemade crafts and food and drink, plus live entertainment and performances. Sydney is the place to be anyway, and its Christmas celebrations certainly cement its reputation as one of the world’s best cities.

8. Quebec City Christmas Market – Quebec, Canada

Dates: November 20th - December 23rd

Each year, Quebec’s Old Town district becomes a vibrant Christmas celebration that sees giant Christmas-themed puppets parading through the streets alongside German-style market stalls and an abundance of sparkling lights. Quebec City certainly celebrates the Christmas season uniquely, but its market’s atmosphere is inherently traditional. The first Quebec City Christmas Market began in 2008, expanding from its original church location into a citywide cultural event that is renowned worldwide. 

Quebec City’s version of the classic festive tradition evokes an intense sense of nostalgia as you stroll through the stalls, with the scent of freshly baked gingerbread wafting through the streets as people mill around beside the beautiful Old Town architecture. There’s truly nothing quite like it. 

7. Tokyo Christmas Market – Tokyo, Japan

Dates: TBC

There isn’t one singular market in Tokyo, the festive cheer spreads across the city – and every one of them deserves a shoutout. Whether you visit the Skytree Christmas Market, with around 20 stalls selling everything from mulled wine to German cuisine, the newer Tokyo Tower Christmas Market, or the best-loved Meji Jingu Gaien market that draws inspiration from the classic German style, you’ll be immersed in a vibrant festive atmosphere from beginning to end. 

With these markets all being relatively new, with the Meji Jingu Market only beginning in 2015, they have absorbed the familiar atmosphere found across European Christmas Markets to create an experience that rivals its predecessors. 

6. Union Square Holiday Market – New York, USA

Dates: TBC – usually held from November - December

New York hosts an abundance of Christmas markets and celebrations, but perhaps the best-loved of all of them is the Union Square Holiday Market. Shying away from the familiar wooden chalet-style stalls in favour of red and white striped tents, Union Square Market has already started carving out its own unique style. 

Despite the market stalls being different, the same sense of nostalgia and tradition is still very much present, as the market stalls are piled high with artisan crafts and gifts, glühwein and pretzels, and a vibrant atmosphere, all of which help it to stand out among its citywide rivals. 

5. Santa’s Village – Rovaniemi, Finland

Dates: All year round 

If you want to fully immerse yourself in the magic of Christmas, then there’s really no better place to do so than Santa’s Village in Rovaniemi, Finnish Lapland. In Santa’s hometown, you can send letters to the man himself, experience a range of unique activities like dog sledding or reindeer sleigh rides, and visit a variety of local restaurants. While not strictly a Christmas market in the way you would expect, Santa’s Village does feature market stalls and souvenir shops selling a variety of appropriately themed crafts, local Finnish food and gifts. 

Although Rovaniemi features this prized attraction all year round, it’s certainly a lot more magical during the official Christmas season of November-December, as there is a constant flurry of thick snow and the Polar Night begins. Imagine browsing the shops and stalls or visiting Santa’s official home as the Northern Lights shine above? 

4. Strasbourg Christmas Market – Strasbourg, France

Dates: 26th November - 24th December 

Strasbourg’s take on the classic German tradition feels even more special than the other entries on our list for more than one reason. France’s oldest Christmas market and certainly one of the oldest in the world dates back to the late 1500s, so there’s certainly no doubting its authenticity and ability to keep tradition alive. 

Cited by many as the ‘Capital of Christmas’, the city owes this distinction to its 300-stall market, colossal Christmas tree and stunning Christmas lights. While you’ll feel fulfilled simply browsing the market stalls, Strasbourg also hosts several festive activities, like its year-round ice rink and light-adorned city walking tours. 

3. Cologne Christmas Market – Cologne, Germany

Dates: November 17th - December 23rd 

We couldn’t talk about Christmas markets without mentioning Cologne, one of the most renowned Christmas destinations in the world. While this German city may seem like an underdog against cities like Munich, Berlin and Frankfurt, it certainly comes out on top with its Christmas markets and events. 

Every corner of this city hosts its own Christmas celebrations, all of which can be accessed by the Christmas Market Express Train. Explore the largest of the markets with Heinzels Winter Fairytale, marvel at the stars and lit-up mythical creatures at the Market of Angels, browse the crafts and homemade products at the Stadtgarten Market or Cologne Harbour Christmas Market – it’s a festive heaven in Cologne, we can guarantee you that. 

2. Nuremberg Christmas Market – Nuremberg, Germany

Dates: November 28th - December 24th 

Often considered Germany’s most famous Christmas market, there’s no doubting that Nuremberg is the best place to be in Germany at Christmastime. Nuremberg’s Christkindlmarkt began in the 1600s, making it one of the world’s oldest, and since then, it has brought tradition, world-famous food and a vibrant atmosphere to the streets of the city. 

Rooted in history and religion, Nuremberg’s market is the most authentic of its kind. Famous for its cuisine, the market is the perfect place to try a German sausage or sweet treat. Across the city, you’ll find festive light displays and cabin and tent-style market stalls. With around 2 million attendees each year, Nuremberg’s Christmas Market is a thriving festive and cultural cornerstone of both Germany and the world. 

1. Rathausplatz Christkindlmarkt – Vienna, Austria

Dates: November 14th - December 26th

Coming in at number 1, we want to mention the Rathausplatz Christkindlmarkt in the Austrian capital. By no means the largest, but certainly the most magical and revered worldwide, Vienna’s Christmas celebration is nothing short of spectacular. 

Featuring ice-themed activities such as ice sculptures and skating, live carol performances and puppet shows, more than 100 market stalls serving up a slice of tradition, and thousands of twinkling lights, this Austrian Christkindlmarkt perfectly embodies and encapsulates the true meaning of Christmas and should take top spot on your festive itinerary or to-do list.