Your guide to Christmas market travel around the world
Christmas markets bring a special kind of magic to cities around the world. They create a welcoming space where you can enjoy local traditions and festive cheer. You can stroll between stalls, try seasonal treats, and take in the lights and music.
Let’s explore some of the best festive markets to visit this season.
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Nuremberg, Germany
Nuremberg comes alive during the festive season. Its Christmas market fills the old town with bright lights, mulled wine, and a warm holiday buzz.
Top things to enjoy:
Christkindlesmarkt: Explore one of Europe’s most famous Christmas markets. Browse handmade decorations, taste local treats like gingerbread, and enjoy the cosy glow of traditional wooden stalls.
Nuremberg Castle: Head up to the castle for sweeping views of the city. The walk is short, and the historic buildings add a fairy-tale feel to your trip.
Toy Museum: Discover Nuremberg’s long history of toy making. It’s fun, colourful, and great for all ages.
Currency:
Ensure to bring euros (EUR) for shopping, snacks, and market treats.
Prague, Czechia
Prague turns magical at Christmas. The city glows with warm lights, lively markets, and charming streets that feel made for winter wanderers.
Top things to enjoy:
Old Town Square market: Visit the heart of Prague’s festive celebrations. You can browse handcrafted gifts, try fresh pastries, and admire the huge Christmas tree set against historic towers.
Charles Bridge walk: Take a gentle stroll across this iconic bridge. The views of the river and skyline look even more beautiful with seasonal decorations.
Prague Castle: Explore one of the city’s standout landmarks. Its courtyards and surrounding streets feel especially atmospheric during the holidays.
Currency:
Make sure to carry some Czech koruna (CZK) for souvenirs and market purchases.
New York City, USA
The festive spirit transforms New York each December. Twinkling streets and vibrant corners bring a warm glow to the chilly season.
Top things to enjoy:
Rockefeller Center: See the famous Christmas tree and watch skaters glide across the ice. The decorations create a brilliant holiday backdrop for photos.
Fifth Avenue window displays: Walk along Fifth Avenue to enjoy creative shopfronts. Each one tells its own story with colourful themes and playful designs.
Bryant Park Winter Village: Explore a cosy mix of small stalls and an open-air ice rink. It’s perfect for picking up winter treats and warming up with hot drinks.
Currency:
You’ll need US dollars (USD) for shopping, food, and festive activities.
Toronto, Canada
Toronto becomes a vibrant winter wonderland at Christmas. From glowing squares to bustling markets, every part of the city adds to the festive charm.
Top things to enjoy:
Nathan Phillips Square: Visit the square for its bright tree and outdoor skating rink. It’s a great spot to soak up the city’s winter spirit.
Distillery Winter Village: Explore the cobbled streets lined with artisan stalls and festive décor. You can pick up unique gifts and enjoy seasonal treats as you wander.
CN Tower views: Take a trip up the CN Tower for sweeping views of the snowy skyline. The city looks stunning from above at this time of year.
Currency:
Bring Canadian dollars (CAD) for shopping, market food, and local attractions.
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Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen feels wonderfully festive at Christmas. Its mix of glowing lights, charming streets, and relaxed Scandinavian style creates a cosy winter escape.
Top things to enjoy:
Tivoli Gardens Christmas fair: Step into Tivoli for twinkling lights, themed decorations, and cheerful stalls. It’s one of the city’s most magical winter experiences.
Nyhavn harbour: Wander along the colourful waterfront and enjoy the small festive booths dotted along the quay. The warm lights reflecting off the water make it a lovely spot for photos.
Kongens Nytorv market: Visit this lively square to browse seasonal crafts and taste Danish treats. The grand buildings around the plaza add to the holiday charm.
Currency:
Take Danish kroner (DKK) for market snacks, shopping, and local attractions.
Reykjavik, Iceland
Reykjavik turns into a charming winter haven at Christmas. The city mixes crisp Arctic air, glowing decorations, and a calm, festive atmosphere that feels truly special.
Top things to enjoy:
Austurvöllur Christmas market: Visit this central square for cosy wooden stalls, handmade gifts, and classic Icelandic treats. The warm lights create a lovely contrast to the snowy streets.
Laugavegur High Street: Stroll along the city’s main shopping street to enjoy festive displays and independent shops. It’s a great place to pick up unique presents and soak up the holiday buzz.
Harpa concert hall: Walk by this striking glass building, which often glows with seasonal colours. You can enjoy a calm moment by the waterfront before heading back into the city centre.
Currency:
Bring Icelandic króna (ISK) for market snacks, local crafts, and winter activities.
Strasbourg, France
Strasbourg feels wonderfully enchanting at Christmas. The city blends half-timbered charm with dazzling lights, giving it a warm and festive character that’s hard to match.
Top things to enjoy:
Christkindelsmärik: Explore one of Europe’s oldest Christmas markets. The wooden stalls, traditional ornaments, and regional treats create a joyful holiday atmosphere.
Petite France: Wander through this storybook neighbourhood filled with narrow lanes and picturesque buildings. The decorations make it even more magical during December.
Cathedral Square Market: Visit the area around Strasbourg Cathedral for beautifully lit stalls and local crafts. The towering Gothic architecture adds extra drama to the scene.
Currency:
Bring euros (EUR) for festive snacks, handmade gifts, and local attractions.
Takeaways
Christmas markets offer a brilliant way to soak up the festive season, wherever you travel. Each city is beautifully decorated, from snowy streets to glowing stalls and local treats.
Whether you fancy handcrafted gifts, classic winter snacks, or sparkling lights, these markets make every trip feel magical. Pack the right currency, wrap up warm, and enjoy the festive fun.
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