Best Christmas Markets To Get Into The Holiday Spirit

Christmas Market History

Christmas markets originated in Saxony, Germany, in the Late Middle Ages. They were held to celebrate the Advent season and offered various activities such as Christmas tree sales, nativity scenes, as well as food and drink.

In German, Christkindlmarkt means “Christ Child Market,” in reference to the Christkind. The Christkind is a sprite-like child figure that has been a traditional gift-bringer in Germany and other German-speaking countries since the Reformation.

Today, Christmas markets have become a winter wonderland, offering a festive atmosphere and a variety of Christmas-related goods. As a result, they are a popular destination in December for tourists and locals alike.

Market Traditions

Christmas shopping takes on a new meaning under the twinkling lights. Each market has unique traditions, but some common themes include Christmas trees, nativity scenes, and Santa Claus. Many markets also offer a variety of food and drink, including traditional German dishes such as Bratwurst (a type of sausage) and Glühwein (mulled wine). You’ll find these markets soon become one of your favorite Christmas traditions.

What to Expect

When visiting a Christmas market, expect a festive atmosphere with seasonal music playing in the background. The holiday cheer and charming yuletide glow will remind you of the magic of Christmas while you sample food from some of the best local restaurants.

Where to Find the Best Christmas Markets

Christmas markets are located all over Europe, so you’re sure to find one perfect for you. Here are some of the best Christmas markets in the world:

1: Frankfurt’s Christmas Market

The Frankfurt Christmas market is one of the most popular in Europe and one of the oldest. Located in the scenic old town center, it has been running since 1393. With more than 200 stalls to keep them entertained, the market attracts over 3 million tourists annually.

There are many stalls selling typical wooden toys, rocking horses, dolls, and ornaments. Others specialize in delectable Christmas specials like mulled wine, roast chestnuts, grilled sausages, and gingerbread, filling the air with delicious holiday scents. The Frankfurt Christmas market is known for its wide variety of food and drink options.

2: Salzburg’s Christmas Market

The Salzburg Christmas market is located in the heart of the city and offers a variety of traditional Austrian food and drink. The market also features a nativity scene, a Christmas carousel, and live music.

The Salzburg Christkindlmarkt is a one-of-a-kind event held in the city’s UNESCO-protected Old City. The market’s distinctive location in the center of Salzburg’s World Heritage-designated Market Square and its long history make the Salzburg Christkindlmarkt an extraordinary event.

3: Budapest’s Main Market

The Budapest Christmas Market is one of the most popular markets in Hungary. There are so many ways to spend the Christmas and New Year holidays in Budapest. From the main Christmas Fair in Vörösmarty Square to the popular Advent Feast at St Stephen’s Basilica, visitors will be spoiled for choice when it comes to finding exciting and entertaining holiday activities.

More than 100 booths showcasing a variety of handmade local crafts and delectable Hungarian specialties are open for business. It is without a doubt one of the must-see Christmas markets in Budapest!

4: Prague’s Main Christmas Market

The Prague Christmas Market is one of the most popular markets in the Czech Republic. It features hundreds of wooden stalls selling traditional Czech blown-glass balls, glass pearls, straw goods, hand-embroidered tablecloths, wooden toys, and biscuit cutters. Adults often enjoy classic mulled wine, while children may be fond of Czech Christmas cookies and hot roasted chestnuts. While you may buy beautiful mementos from the stalls, the markets are more than just shopping. There are many local cuisines and drinks to try, made on the stands in front of you.

The Old Town Square, in the city’s center, and Wenceslas Square, located at the city’s heart, are the main Christmas markets. The two squares are only a 5-minute walk from each other.

5: Vienna’s Christmas Market

The Vienna Christmas Market is one of Austria’s largest and most popular markets. There are several markets in different locations around the city. For those who want to get into the holiday spirit, the market in front of City Hall is a must-see event. Its distinctive setting adds to the appeal.

The magnificent baroque backdrop of the world-famous residence, one of Vienna’s most beautiful and notable monuments, sets the popular Christmas Village Belvedere Palace against the lovely backdrop of a classic winter scene. Over 40 beautifully illuminated market stalls sell traditional handcrafted items, lavish Christmas decorations, and unique culinary delicacies.

With the scents of Christmas baked goods and hot punch, Austria’s most beautiful squares exude a magical Christmas atmosphere.

6: Dresden’s Christmas Market

The Dresden Striezelmarkt is one of Germany’s oldest and largest Christmas markets. It dates back to 1434, with its 240 stands attracting about 3 million visitors worldwide. The market runs for the whole of Advent until Christmas Eve.

The Pflaumentoffel, a centuries-old handcrafted edible figure crafted from dried plums, is one of Dresden’s most well-known specialties. The Ferris wheel offers spectacular aerial views of the Striezelmarkt’s meticulously decorated stalls.

7: Basel’s Christmas Market

The Basel Christmas Market is one of the most popular markets in Switzerland. With its location on the banks of the Rhine River, it is one of the most beautiful markets in Europe. The warm Christmas lights light up the cobblestone thoroughfare, and many structures’ windows and facades glisten with original decorations.

There are more than 300 stalls selling a wide variety of traditional Swiss goods, including handmade chocolates, christening gowns, and cuckoo clocks. The magnificent Christmas Market at Basel is a centuries-old tradition as Switzerland’s most beautiful and largest holiday destination, with a rich history.

8: Carmel, Indiana Christmas Market

The Carmel Christkindlmarkt is one of the most popular markets in the United States. It was voted Best Holiday Market in 2021 by USA Today. Every year, the Carmel Christkindlmarket offers presentations by world-renowned woodworkers from the Erzgebirge region, who share their art and culture with visitors.

With a genuine German market atmosphere, guests can browse a wide range of goods from Germany and other German-speaking European nations. A charming outdoor ice skating rink is set in the middle of the market, which features a mix of traditional German foods, beverages, and presents sold from small wooden huts.

9: Vancouver’s Christmas Market

The Vancouver Christmas Market is one of the most popular markets in Canada. It’s located at the Jack Poole Plaza and features over 80 stalls selling various food, drink, and Christmas-related items.

You will find endless activities in Vancouver to keep you in the holiday spirit. There are scavenger hunts for kids, a heated alpine lounge with stunning views and cozy seating for socializing, a love lock installation, a holiday carousel, a Christmas tree you can walk in, and so much more.

Enjoy a hot cup of Glühwein or apple cider while taking in Vancouver’s spectacular view of the North Shore. It’s the ideal time to take a selfie surrounded by beautiful lights and sounds.

10: Metz’s Christmas Market

The Christmas market in Metz is regarded as one of France’s most beautiful Christmas markets. Metz is decked out in its holiday finest, with numerous Christmas markets open across the city, illuminating the Sentier des Lanternes.

This compact city has five Christmas markets in a circular route around the magnificent Gothic cathedral. It’s easy to see them all on foot or catch one of the free buses that go through the city.

You’ll also find many traditional French foods, including crepes, macarons, and baguettes. The market is also great for finding unique gifts, such as hand-painted pottery and jewelry.

The magic of Metz’s Lantern Trail is breathtaking. It will leave you feeling inspired and bring a Christmassy warmth to your heart.

Final Thoughts

With so many great Christmas markets to choose from, you’re sure to find one that’s perfect for you. So whether you’re looking for traditional goods, food, and drink, or you’re looking for a unique experience, there’s a Christmas market out there that’s perfect for you.