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    Christmas Markets

    Streets glittering with lights, charmingly decorated stores, and merriment all around! Christmas markets hold the true essence of the holiday season and fill tourists with joy. Christmas is also the time when local artisans come out to showcase their crafts, allowing buyers to have plenty of options for gifts for loved ones. Combine these adorned streets with fresh snow and you get a magical winter wonderland that makes for the most exciting of times.

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    For the holiday season, check out our curated list of the best Christmas markets in Europe, the USA, and Canada.

    Historical and cultural relevance of Christmas markets

    Christmas markets started as December markets in medieval times in the streets of Dresden, Germany. These open-air wintertime markets with street vendors selling their diverse products turned into Christmas markets and are today one of the most charming aspects of Christmas. Eventually, these Christmas markets started to be hosted worldwide, including in the USA and Canada.

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    Apart from providing a memorable experience, these markets hold cultural relevance as they uphold age-old traditions and bring locals and tourists together.

    Destinations with the best Christmas markets

    Even though Christmas markets have started to be hosted worldwide, European cities still hold some of the most vibrant and gorgeous markets. Many cities in Europe boast a rich culture and history and showcase charming cobblestone streets, making for the perfect setting for these markets. Apart from the festive Christmas markets across Europe, you can find plenty of cities in the USA and Canada that host bustling and beautifully lit Christmas markets.

    Best Christmas markets in the UK

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    Visit the UK during the holiday season and witness the English festivities and culture. Check out a few of the cities that host some of the best Christmas markets in the UK.

    • London: One of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world, London hosts several monthlong Christmas markets that bring people of different communities together. If you are in London during the holiday season, get in the festive mood and enjoy yourself in an endearing setting. Apart from the Christmas markets, you can also check out plenty of other things to do during the big festival.
    • Leeds: During the months of November and December, go out and about in and around Leeds, where you can find plenty of Christmas markets being hosted. At one of the top city squares, you can also find a traditional German Christmas market that is perfect for both kids and adults.
    • Edinburgh: The magical Scottish capital, Edinburgh, is known for hosting one of the best Christmas markets in Europe. One of the highlights of the market is the Ferris wheel, which offers stunning views of Edinburgh Castle. For tourists, it’s a brilliant opportunity to buy local crafts. When in Edinburgh, you can also find plenty of other things to do on Christmas.

    Best Christmas markets in Germany

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    Germany, where Christmas markets originated, is one of the best places to witness the Christmas festivities. Check out a few of the German cities that still host historic Christmas markets.

    • Dresden: Home to the first-ever Christmas market, the iconic Striezelmarkt, Dresden is one of the best places in the world to spend the holiday season. The city also hosts various other Christmas markets that are sure to provide tourists and locals with an exciting experience.
    • Cologne: If you are in Cologne during the Christmas festivities, visit the Cologne Cathedral, which hosts one of the most exhilarating Christmas markets in the city. For an even more entertaining time, you can check out Cologne’s Old Town, which is adorned with charming Christmas trees and sparkling lights. On the gorgeous city streets, you can also find plenty of other things to do on Christmas.
    • Berlin: With over 70 Christmas markets being hosted every year in the German capital, it is one of the best places in Europe to celebrate the big festival. One of the most gorgeous markets you can check out is hosted at the historic square of Gendarmenmarkt. Apart from the markets, the city also boasts plenty of other things to do during the festival that you can check out.

    Best Christmas markets in other European capitals

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    The majority of the historically and culturally rich European capitals host charming Christmas markets, which are worth the hype. Check out a few of the top European capitals that host some of the best Christmas markets.

    • Vienna: For your next Christmas, visit the Austrian capital and explore its glowing Christmas markets while strolling on its charming, pedestrian-friendly streets. One of the best markets you can check out, not just in Vienna but the whole of Austria, is Christkindlmarkt, where you can find plenty of art and food stalls. If you have explored each Christmas market, you can also check out plenty of other things to do during the festival in Vienna,
    • Copenhagen: Spend a snowy Christmas in the chic Danish capital, which hosts numerous delightful Christmas markets. One of the most vibrant markets you can check out is hosted at the iconic Tivoli Gardens, where you can also listen to local bands playing traditional festive music.
    • Prague: The dreamy city of Prague becomes even more endearing during Christmas when its streets are adorned with glowy lights and artisanal stalls. The city’s premier location, the iconic Old Town, is a sight to behold, even more so during the holiday season. You can also check out other charming Christmas markets and discover the best of them during your Christmastime visit to Prague.

    Best Christmas markets in the USA

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    Even though Christmas markets in the USA are not as old as their European counterparts, they are by no means less vibrant or festive. Check out a few of the top cities in the USA with the most charming Christmas markets.

    • New York City: One of the most vibrant cities in the world, New York City is a brilliant place to spend Christmas. From ice skating to shopping, the city offers a plethora of things to do during Christmas. It also hosts plenty of Christmas markets that bring people of different communities and cultures together in this cosmopolitan city.
    • Chicago: If you happen to be in Chicago during the holiday season, don’t forget to check out the traditional Christkindlmarket that is hosted from Thanksgiving to Christmas Eve. Apart from the traditional market, the city hosts a range of other Christmas markets that make for exciting holidays. For more entertainment, you can check out plenty of other things to do on Christmas.
    • Denver: Planning to be in Denver for Christmas? The city hosts glowing and vibrant Christmas markets that make for a fun and exciting holiday experience. From admiring light displays to taking carousel rides, the city also boasts plenty of other things to do during Christmas.

    Best Christmas markets in Canada

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    One thing you can be sure of in Canada is a snowy and festive Christmas. Snow, combined with dazzling Christmas lights, makes for a vibrant and cheerful holiday. Check out a few of the top Canadian cities that host stunning Christmas markets.

    • Toronto: If you are in Toronto during the holiday season, you can check out various Christmas markets and events for a fun holiday activity. Apart from markets and events, the city offers plenty of things to do during Christmas that are perfect for families and couples alike.
    • Montreal: With the charmingly decorated Old Montreal and the Christmas market of Montreal Christmas Village, Montreal is one of the best cities in Canada for spending the big festival. The city boasts several other delightful Christmas markets where you can buy unique gifts for family and friends. Apart from visiting markets, there are plenty of things to do on Christmas in Montreal.
    • Vancouver: The West Coast city of Vancouver hosts a range of Christmas markets and holds a variety of celebrations, making the holiday season enjoyable for everyone. One of the most vibrant Christmas markets the city hosts is the Vancouver Christmas Market, which features over 80 food, drink, and gift stalls.

    Things to do at Christmas markets

    Being one of the most popular attractions during the holiday season, Christmas markets offer plenty of things to do to make the festivities even more enjoyable. From mouthwatering cuisine to art, these markets are perfect for discovering unique local items. On your visit to a Christmas market, you can also admire the charming decorations and lights that perfectly depict the Christmas vibe. Check out more activities and things you can do on your visit to a Christmas market.

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    • Exploring stalls: At the stalls that make up the Christmas markets, you can find plenty of unique Christmas gift items and can purchase them for your loved ones. These stalls are also perfect for sampling local and artisanal cuisine or enjoying mulled wines.
    • Interacting with locals and tourists: In bustling metropolitan areas, Christmas markets are one of the best things that bring people from diverse cultures and communities together. It is also one of those times when everyone feels a sense of joy and merriment, making the interactions even more pleasing. Aside from interacting, you can also experience other cultures by checking out the various artisanal stalls that sell local items.
    • Traditional singing and dancing: Singing and dancing are just the perfect way to bring on the festive mood. Keeping up with the merriment and the joy, singing and dancing to traditional tunes is another fun aspect of Christmas markets. These tunes are usually played by live musicians and bands.

    Take your festive mood to another level

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    The holiday season featuring the festivities of Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year is one of the most joyful times of the year. And what better way to welcome this jolly season than by spending time in the vibrant Christmas markets? With fun activities for both adults and kids, Christmas markets take everyone in stride and add more joy to your holidays.

    If you’re planning to visit one during the holiday, this expansive guide and curated list of the best Christmas markets will answer all your queries.


    Christmas markets in the USA and Canada

    Christmas markets in Europe

    FAQ's about Christmas Markets

    • When did Christmas markets originate?
      Even though wintertime open-air markets have been there since the medieval period, the first traditional Christmas market was opened in 1434 in Dresden.
    • What activities can I engage in at Christmas markets?
      At a Christmas market, you can check out the food, drinks, and shopping stalls. From traditional cuisines to mulled wines, you can get many Christmas treats and gifts at these markets. Singing and dancing are also common at the markets.
    • When are Christmas markets organized?
      Christmas markets are usually organized any time between mid-November and early January. Different markets have different durations, and some are only organized on specific days.
    • What kind of Christmas gifts can I buy at Christmas markets?
      Christmas markets are perfect places to buy Christmas gifts for friends and family. One of the best ways to find the perfect gift is to explore the market and find something unique and handmade. From tree ornaments to cute home decor items, the markets have it all.
    • How can I open a stall at a Christmas market?
      To open your stall at a Christmas market, you have to reach out and pitch your stall idea to the market organizers.
    • Can I take my pet along to Christmas markets?
      Many Christmas markets across Europe, the USA, and Canada are pet-friendly and allow you to take along your furry companions. However, it’s best to check with the organizers or on the market’s website before visiting.
    • Is there an admission fee to Christmas markets?
      While most Christmas markets are public and allow entry free of charge, you might come across a market once in a while that charges a fee for entry. You can find that out on the market’s website or by contacting the organizers.

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