Joy To The World: 10 Christmas Markets That Should Be On Your Bucket List
As Christmas approaches, the enchanting season of sparkle and glitter unfolds. Among the myriad delights, Christmas markets worldwide stand out as one of the most captivating attractions. Let’s delve into the charm of these festive markets that add a touch of magic to the holiday season.
- Tivoli Gardens, Copenhagen
Transforming into a Christmas wonderland, Tivoli Gardens offers an enchanting experience with festive stalls set amidst its magical ambiance. This unique market, nestled within an amusement park that continues to operate its rides during the holiday season, creates a perfect blend of shopping and merry-making. Decorated with over 1000 snow-covered Christmas trees adorned with Swarovski balls, twinkling fairy light stalls, and a spectacular array of 70,000 Christmas baubles, Tivoli Gardens is your ultimate destination for Christmas shopping. Explore stalls offering knitted products, leather goods, crafts, and delicious deli items while sipping on the finest hot beverages to keep you warm in the cold weather.
2. Old Town Square Christmas Market, Prague, Czech Republic
Prague’s Old Town Christmas market transforms into a winter wonderland, proudly showcasing the region’s glory. Opening well before Christmas, the market features charming wooden huts serving as shopper stands. You will discover a variety of offerings, from ceramics and jewellery to embroidered lace, scented candles, Christmas tree ornaments, hats, gloves, and more. Indulge your taste buds with barbecue sausages, flatbreads, honey wine, and delightful sweet dumplings, all while enjoying the festive atmosphere heightened by the tunes of ongoing carols.
3. Helsinki Christmas Market, Finland
In December, Helsinki, the Finnish capital, is typically covered in a snowy blanket, creating a picturesque winter scene. Despite the chilly weather, the inviting decor and warm ambiance of shop windows entice people to embrace the festive spirit indoors. Helsinki’s expansive annual Christmas market, the largest celebration of its kind in the country, adds to the holiday charm. The scent of traditional glögi, wine, and gourmet delights waft through the air along the main street of Aleksanterinkatu, nestled around the stunning white cathedral. The market breathes life into the snowy landscape, and residents celebrate the season with enthusiasm.
4. Dresden Striezelmarkt, Germany
Recognised as the world’s first authentic Christmas market, Striezelmarkt stands out with its title of hosting the largest usable Christmas arch globally. The market creates a lively and enchanting atmosphere, featuring dazzling lights, entertaining puppet theatres, bakeries, wooden crafts, and various other delightful stalls. Visitors can explore shops offering traditional food and beverages, including pulsnitzer (gingerbreads), glühwein (mulled wine), and an array of foreign spices. Drawing approximately three million tourists and locals annually, this market has become one of the most prominent fairs during the festive month.
5. Old Town, Latvia
The tradition of observing Christmas or the Winter Solstice traces its roots back to 1510, where legend has it that the first Christmas tree was erected. Unlike its European counterparts, Riga doesn’t experience a white Christmas. However, the enticing scents of gingerbread and mulled wine will undoubtedly beckon you to its Christmas markets in the Old Town. Here, you can discover artisanal gifts such as wooden artwork, jewellery, souvenirs, and traditional sweets to delight your loved ones.
6. Budapest Christmas Fair, Hungary
The festivities at Vörösmarty Square are unparalleled. Offering a plethora of ornaments, gifts, and souvenirs, the market provides a haven for Christmas enthusiasts. Whether you are a vegetarian savouring stuffed cabbage or a meat lover relishing grilled meats and sausages, the food offerings are simply delectable. Don’t miss the holiday bazaars’ krampampuli, grog, and tea beverages. Immerse yourself in the tunes of folk, jazz, world music, soul, blues, and crossover concerts — the Budapest Fair is undeniably a place to revel in the holiday spirit.
7. Viennese Dream Christmas Market, Vienna, Austria
Against the captivating backdrop of enchanting buildings and a mesmerising city view, the Christmas market’s lights elevate its splendour. The bustling square is particularly enchanting in the evenings. Recognised as one of the world’s best Christmas markets, the distinctive craftsman stalls and the dedicated children’s area, where kids learn to bake Christmas cookies and candles, offer a delightful shopping experience for parents. The market’s standout feature is undoubtedly the international choirs harmoniously singing, attracting crowds to revel in the melodious cacophony.
8. Edinburgh Christmas Market, Scotland
Experience a Christmas extravaganza at one of the world’s finest Christmas markets in Edinburgh. Spanning six weeks, the festive atmosphere allows you to find all your decorations, gifts, and exquisite handmade products from Bavarian-style stalls. If shopping isn’t your focus, the delectable treats and special mulled wine at the stalls have you covered. The market’s enchanting decorations, lights, and carols will captivate your attention throughout.
9. Plaisir D’Hiver, Brussels, Belgium
The heart of Brussels transforms during Christmas at Plaisir D’Hiver, offering a unique market experience. With chalet kiosks showcasing gifts and crafts, you can elevate your view from the big wheel for a bird’s-eye perspective of the bustling market. The captivating light and sound show at the Grand Palace, featuring changing bioluminescence, will keep you enthralled. Indulge in the festive spirit with mulled wine and jenever, and let the kids have a blast on the merry-go-rounds. If you’re feeling adventurous, showcase your skating skills on the beautiful ice skating rink.
10. Chriskindlmarkt, Nuremberg, Germany
Nuremberg’s Central Square in the Old Town hosts one of Europe’s most renowned Christmas markets — the Christkindlmarkt. Nestled by an impressive Gothic church, the monochromatic roofs of the stalls and beautifully lit surroundings create a captivating view. Following tradition, the Chriskind, or gift giver, inaugurates the market each year with heartfelt words resonating through the magnificent church. The stalls, offering delightful sweets, mulled wines, handicrafts, souvenirs, and more, draw a large crowd annually.
In Conclusion
While Christmas may be celebrated in various ways across the globe, the enduring element is the joyous spirit of the season. The diverse Christmas markets highlighted here exemplify how people from different cultures can come together to revel in the festivities. Including a visit to one, or perhaps all, of these enchanting Christmas markets should undoubtedly find a place on your bucket list.
References:
- https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/inspiration/best-christmas-markets-world-b2409043.html
- https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/best-christmas-market/index.html
- https://www.enjoytravel.com/en/travel-news/places-to-visit/best-christmas-markets-in-the-world
- https://www.holidify.com/pages/best-christmas-markets-in-the-world-3459.html
