The Christmas season is upon us, and like every year, that irrepressible urge to check flight prices for a low-cost deal and treat yourself to a little getaway abroad returns. Visiting the Christmas markets is a must: who wouldn't dream of a journey filled with golden lights, the scent of cinnamon, and giant trees in a beautifully decorated square? Christmas markets are the realm of sweet treats, emotions, and the traditions of the place we visit: wooden stalls overflowing with typical delicacies, artisans creating small works to take home as souvenirs, and that small feeling of happiness that greets you as soon as you start wandering through them all. So, before the month fills up with commitments, there's only one decision left to make: where will you lose yourself, this time, in the magic of Christmas?
What Are Christmas Markets And Why Do We Like Them?
Before we embark on a Christmas journey around the world, it's worth going back in time and discovering the origins of Christmas markets. Traditionally called Weihnachtsmarkt or Christkindlmarkt, they originated in German-speaking countries. One of the most famous in the world is the Striezelmarkt in Dresden, which, according to written sources, has existed since 1434.
The idea was to hold a pre-holiday market where residents could purchase food, gifts, and crafts, breaking the Advent fast and creating a moment of socialization. In countries like Germany, Austria, Estonia, and Poland, the weather during this period is very cold. Social life is limited to small, convivial moments where most people gather at home to spend time together. Christmas markets, with their welcoming atmosphere, aromas, and traditional music, bring everyone together at a time of year when the weather is particularly harsh.
Today, everyone loves them because they combine history, tradition, local crafts, lights, food, and that mix of Christmas shopping and a magical atmosphere. It's not just about "buying," but about immersing yourself in a celebration that engages with every sense. If you've already packed your bags, it's time to join us to discover the most beautiful markets in Europe and around the world.
1. Dresden (Germany)
As we mentioned before, if there's a Christmas market that truly embodies tradition, it's the Striezelmarkt in Dresden, Germany. Founded in 1434, it's considered the oldest in the world, and after nearly six centuries, it hasn't lost a shred of its charm. Every year, it attracts around three million visitors who fill the Altmarkt to admire the iconic Christmas pyramid, the largest in the world, adorned with life-size figures that slowly rotate like a living music box. To complete the atmosphere, enjoy a nice warm glass of mulled wine and a taste of stollen: the city's famous cake, rich in candied fruit, butter, and powdered sugar. Many travelers say it's more than just a market: it's the cradle of the European Christmas, guardian of centuries-old traditions, and home to the largest Christmas pyramid in the world. An experience that alone is worth a winter trip.
Date: November 26 – December 24, 2025
2. Zurich (Switzerland)
According to several travel websites, Zurich‘s Christmas market (Wienachtsdorf) is among the most beautiful in Europe for 2025. It's a dazzling spectacle that has won the hearts, praise, and positive reviews of thousands of travelers. Prepare to see a veritable Christmas village with over 100 stalls, local crafts, a fondue chalet where you can enjoy a delicious traditional cheese fondue, and a packed program for adults and children.
Date: November 20 – December 23, 2025
3. Bruges (Belgium)
The small Belgian city of Bruges has been a popular destination for Christmas travelers for several years. The atmosphere at the "Winter Glow" festival is priceless. There are two markets here: the first is in the Market Square, where you can find several wooden stalls selling countless Christmas-themed souvenirs and enjoy the best chocolate waffles topped with toppings. The best part? The chalets are surrounded by a huge ice skating rink. The city's second market is also not to be missed: it's also located in the historic center, on Simon Stevin Square, and specializes in local crafts and local products. There are countless activities you can enjoy during this period: a light-filled trail that will take you to discover every corner of the city; charming events organized for Christmas; end-of-year shopping; and a visit to the IJsgloed winter bar, which boasts an exceptional view of the ice rink. With a hot drink and a snack, your evening will be unforgettable.
Dates: November 21, 2025 – January 4, 2026
4. Vienna (Austria)
Vienna's Christmas market is considered by many to be the most romantic in Europe. The famous Christkindlmarkt on Rathausplatz, in front of the illuminated neo-Gothic town hall, is home to narrow streets and charming stalls filled with local crafts and traditional foods. If you're passing through, you absolutely must try the kipferl, crescent-shaped vanilla almond biscuits. Sylvain Claudius Goy, a French pastry enthusiast, decided to modify the recipe for these sweets and create a product with a similar shape, but with leavened, flaky dough. Thus, in 1915, what we all know as the croissant was born. Returning to other markets worth visiting, the Weihnachtsmarkt in Schönbrunn is a must-see, offering a Christmassy atmosphere in front of the Imperial Palace. Also not to be missed is the Altwiener market in Freyung, famous for its traditional products. In short, visiting them means immersing yourself in a fairytale atmosphere, among soft lights, Christmas music, and stalls full of crafts that make Vienna magical during the Advent period.
Date: November 14 – December 26, 2025
5. Tallinn (Estonia)
Tourism to the Baltics has grown dramatically recently. In the last two or three years, countless tourists have begun traveling to cities like Tallinn, Riga, and Vilnius, which were previously unpopular destinations. Tallinn's climate during the Christmas season is quite harsh, with temperatures well below freezing. However, this shouldn't be a reason not to visit the splendid Christmas markets this city has to offer. Just consider that a giant Christmas tree has traditionally been set up in the central square since 1441, before any other country. This year, the market celebrates its 25th anniversary and transforms Town Hall Square into a fairytale Christmas atmosphere. There's no shortage of traditional products and sweet specialties, such as warm cinnamon rolls and piparkoogid, traditional gingerbread cookies. There will also be stalls selling traditional Estonian dishes such as verivorst (pork blood sausage), sauerkraut, roasts, elk meatballs, and duck confit. The market remains open until December 28th, but the Christmas atmosphere continues in the city until New Year's Eve, with a concert on December 31st in Freedom Square and an ice skating rink open until spring.
Date: November 21 – December 28, 2025
6. Helsinki (Finland)
After visiting the Estonian Christmas markets in Tallinn, you can also visit those in Helsinki, Finland. A ferry ride takes about two hours, allowing you to travel from one capital to the other. It's a wonderful experience to essentially connect two countries in a single trip, so why not also visit the Christmas markets in beautiful Helsinki? They've been held in the central Senate Square since the 1990s and are divided into themed gift stalls, where vendors are grouped by category, making shopping easier. The market, as explained on the official website, is very environmentally friendly and runs entirely on renewable energy. To truly experience the Nordic Christmas spirit, Finland offers the Santa Claus Express, which takes you to Rovaniemi, in the heart of Lapland, where you can visit Santa Claus Village, which welcomes both adults and children in every season with reindeer-drawn sleighs, gift shops, and magical experiences with the elves.
Dates November 28 – December 22, 2025
7. Gdansk (Poland)
Among Europe's finest Christmas markets, Gdańsk's is particularly special. As darkness falls, the heart of this port city lights up with lights and decorations, framing the historic center. The cultural program is packed: theatrical performances, parades, and Christmas carols enliven the squares throughout the season. The wooden stalls then fill the air with the aromas of traditional foods, including pierogi, bacon-filled dumplings served with sour cream, and oscypek (sheep's cheese) smoked and grilled on the spot. Recognized for its blend of authentic atmosphere and impeccable organization, Gdańsk's Christmas market offers all the charm of Central Europe's grand markets, but with a more intimate feel, surprisingly free of the crowds typical of more famous destinations.
Date: November 21 – December 23, 2025
8. Manchester (England)
During this period, the capital of northern England transforms into a Christmas hotspot in the United Kingdom. Countless visitors flock here to immerse themselves in an atmosphere of lights, decorations, and traditional flavors, and to participate in a series of events taking place throughout the city. Albert Square, Cathedral Gardens, and Piccadilly Gardens —Manchester's iconic landmarks—will be filled with wooden stalls selling traditional products to sample and take home. The atmosphere is more international than traditional, with over 220 stalls offering street food from around the world —from steaming hot dogs to freshly prepared Spanish paella —as well as local artisanal products and handmade decorations. An ice rink, rides, and the charming "Winter Gardens" complete the offerings, making the city particularly popular with families.
Date: November 7 – December 22, 2025
9. New York (United States)
After seeing some of Europe's top Christmas destinations, we're now leaving the beloved Old Continent and getting back to our own country to experience the magic of Christmas. This holiday is extremely beloved here, in the United States, and a city like New York couldn't be left out of this guide. Not only is the giant Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center in Manhattan— a symbol for those visiting the Big Apple this season—but there are also countless markets held throughout the metropolis. The most famous is Bryant Park, in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, where the iconic park transforms into a veritable winter village with decorated wooden houses, over 170-180 stalls, artisanal gifts, street food, and an outdoor ice skating rink.
Dates: October 24, 2025 – January 4, 2026
10. Yokohama (Japan)
Our guide couldn't leave out the splendid Land of the Rising Sun, now among the top three most popular destinations for visitors from around the world. Essentially, in Japan (not having Catholic traditions) Christmas is seen as a holiday to be spent with your partner: similar to our Valentine's Day, so to speak. The port city of Yokohama, however, about an hour by train from the capital Tokyo, is one of those where the Christmas atmosphere is most felt. Here, a few steps from Minato Mirai – one of the most engaging attractions – a market is set up in the Red Brick Warehouse park. Here the setting is very similar to a typical European market, of Anglo-German origin, with stalls selling foods such as cheese fondue, waffles and hot chocolate. So if you're looking for unique gifts, a romantic experience or simply a moment of conviviality, if you find yourself in Japan, these markets are a must-see in December.
Dates: late November – December 25, 2025
11. Sydney – Perth (Australia)
The Christmas atmosphere in Australia is something completely different. If you want to have an experience outside the "ordinary" box, you have to visit the Sydney markets. Here, people celebrate in swimsuits, since it's summer, perhaps on the sunny beaches of the coast. While we celebrate Boxing Day, December 26th in Australia is the day on which the legendary annual regatta that departs from Sydney and arrives in Hobart begins. Here, the Christmas markets take place in iconic locations like The Rocks, where among the craft stalls, street food and decorations inspired by Australian flora, you can breathe in an atmosphere totally different from European markets. Perth also offers evocative markets, especially along Elizabeth Quay and in the coastal neighborhoods, where the warm climate mixes with festive traditions and a wide selection of handmade products, jewelry, local artifacts and beautiful works of Aboriginal art. Between sun, sea and colorful stalls, the markets in the two cities become a unique “down under” experience, where Christmas is experienced in flip-flops, among summer scents and an Australian atmosphere.
Dates November 16 – December 24, 2025
12. Rio de Janeiro (Brazil)
In Brazil, like in Australia, the Christmas season coincides with the start of the summer season, which runs from December to March. Associating this country with the celebration of Christmas may seem unusual, but in Rio de Janeiro, the festivities transform into a veritable showcase of local creativity. The markets here take on a unique feel, filled, needless to say, with dazzling colors and traditional food. Stalls fill with colorful handicrafts, carved wooden decorations, and objects reminiscent of Afro-Brazilian tradition. In the most iconic neighborhoods, from Copacabana to Ipanema, Christmas lights twinkle amidst palm trees and golden beaches. Having such an experience, at a time of year that for us evokes anything but days spent watching the sunset on the beach, must be priceless. Instead of the traditional mulled wine, you sip an ice-cold caipirinha, while Christmas carols intertwine with the lively rhythms of samba, making the atmosphere truly one-of-a-kind.
Dates: End of November – December 24, 2025
;Resize,width=767;)
