The World’s Most Impressive Christmas Markets!
When December comes, everyone gets excited. With the end of the year, the evaluated past passes through our memories like a time tunnel; On the other hand, we look forward to reaching our new version with new decisions and new goals with new hopes.
Christmas is one of the special times that is received with great enthusiasm all over the world. While the streets and squares take on colorful images with fairs with beautiful concepts, the excitement of the New Year is multiplied with different activities and visual shows.
The Christmas Markets, which started to be established in Germany for the first time in the 14th century, have now become a tradition that has spread all over the world. We have listed the world’s most remarkable Christmas markets for you to spend a special New Year’s holiday full of unforgettable memories. Let’s take a short tour to the Christmas markets together…
1-Charlottenburg Palace Christmas Market – Berlin, Germany
The Charlottenburg Palace Christmas Market, located in the square where the Charlottenburg Palace, the largest palace in Berlin, is located, has a nostalgic and fascinating atmosphere. With its impressive baroque and rococo-style architecture, the palace surroundings are one of the city’s most popular tourist destinations throughout the year. At Christmas time, the orange garden, which has been located next to the square for centuries, looks like it came out of a fairy tale with special lighting. You can see different Christmas decorations, decorations for Christmas trees and souvenirs such as wooden figures on 250 stalls, which are meticulously determined every year. In addition, in the market, which has a small amusement park and food fair, both children and families enjoy Christmas delicacies. Gluhweinise, a classic German mulled wine, is a must.
2-Aachener Christmas Market – Aachen, Germany
Aachen Christmas Market, which was established around the Aachen Cathedral, has a title that always maintains its place in the list of the 10 best Christmas markets in Europe. Preparations are started months in advance for the carefully made decorations and light installations. The stage shows, which are prepared in a different concept every year, attract the attention of foreign visitors as well as local people. At the Aachen Christmas Fair, you can watch these special shows while sipping your mulled wine while tasting the local gingerbread cookies called Printen.
3-Medieval Weihnachtsmarkt- Stuttgart, Germany
The Christmas market in Esslingen, a very small city in the northwest of Germany, is like no other in the region. In the market with a medieval concept; Sellers wear medieval costumes, bards recite medieval poems, jesters and acrobats perform, important medieval crafts such as blacksmithing are on display, and many items such as baskets, candles and clothes made with period techniques are sold at more than 200 stalls. The fascinating architecture of the city also creates a wonderful backdrop for this unique experience that takes visitors back in time.
4-Striezelmarkt- Dresden, German
As it is known, the Striezelmarkt is Germany‘s oldest and most traditional Christmas Market. In addition to classical handcrafted souvenirs, lace from Vongtland, which has been known for lace making for centuries, and Pflaumentoffel figurines made from prunes unique to Dresden are among the must-buy items.
5- Cologne Christmas Markets, Germany
Every year, 9 different Christmas Markets, established in the city where mulled wine is born, welcome millions of visitors. Tin casting masters and glass workers also exhibit their crafts at Christmas Markets, surrounded by the scent of hot chocolate and gingerbread.
6-Basilica Christmas Market – Budapest, Hungary
Selected as Europe’s best Christmas Market for the second time in 2022, the Basilica Christmas Market has an enchanting atmosphere that will deserve its award. The Christmas Fair grounds, one of Hungary’s tallest and largest churches, St. It is set up in front of St. Stephen’s Basilica. Each year, different light shows, open-air musicals and concerts are held in the square, which has a large ice rink. It is possible to find the most local Hungarian products among countless handicrafts and foods at the Christmas stalls. Szaloncuko, a Hungarian confectionery made specially for Christmas, can be a great flavor to bring to your loved ones after the holidays. Also, it is impossible not to try the famous pizza langos and Kurtoskalac Dessert made with tiny cakes stacked on top of each other. We can say that there are wonderful tastes that you will love to consume at every meal.
7-Zagreb Cristmas Market, Croatia
In the city that hosts Advent in Zagreb, one of the best winter festivals in Europe, the spirit of Christmas surrounds every corner during December. The festival offers many unforgettable experiences in an atmosphere reminiscent of fairy tales. Open-air concerts in Ban Josip Jelačić, the main square of Zagreb, ice rinks and markets scattered in many corners of the city, Jazz musicians performing in the Stross region, a visual feast in Zrinjevac Park, one of the most popular addresses of the city, and many more options await visitors.
8-Grande Place Chrismas Market – Brussels, Belgium
The festival chain Plaisirs D’Hiver, aka Winter Wonders, which spreads all over Belgium, takes place in Brussels in its most magnificent form. Grande Place Chrismas Market, which was established in the square where the Chocolate Museum is located, is known as the most remarkable Christmas market in the city with its 2 km length. While exploring both the historical and modern texture of Brussels, the smell of chocolate can turn your head. In addition, video-mapping shows, street performances, concerts and family events that transform historical buildings into moving works of art are very enjoyable and interesting. Even the food stalls filled with delicious Belgian beers and special flavors that will appeal to everyone’s taste are worth spending the end of the year at Winter Wonders.
9-Old Town Square Christmas Market – Prague, Czechia
The Old Town Square Christmas Market is the most interesting of the Christmas Markets established under the name of the Tryh Praha organization in Prague. The biggest reason for this is that the Christmas market is built around the Astronomical Clock Tower, which is considered the heart of the city, and houses from the Middle Ages. In addition, the square turns into a movie set with the lights of the 25-meter-long Christmas tree blending into the gothic texture of the city. You can find many gift options, from hand-embroidered tablecloths to traditional Czech wind instruments, in dozens of wooden benches. In the food stalls; It is possible to taste mulled wines, ginger biscuits, typical Czech sausages (klobása) from street delicacies, their famous liqueur Becherovka and a local food Tredelnik Dessert.
10-Wiener Christmas Market – Vienna, Austria
Among the other Christmas Markets established in Vienna, the Wiener Christmas Market stands out with its New Year’s events especially for children and families. With street theaters, choirs, street performers dressed in traditional clothes and entertainment programs, it turns into a feast that everyone, not just families with children, would like to experience. There is also an ice rink of 3,000 square meters in the area surrounded by the Habsburg Palaces. The smell of handmade soaps, perfumes and freshly baked pretzels on the stalls stretching from the runway to the old and narrow streets of the city can make you feel in different realms.
11-Fira de Santa Llucia Christmas Market – Barcelona, Spain
Fira de Santa Llucia is Barcelona‘s oldest and largest Christmas Market. It has been established every year since 1786 in front of Barcelona Cathedral and in the city’s famous gothic architecture. It is known as the most popular Christmas Market not only in Barcelona but also in all of Spain with its flamenco concerts, juggler shows, second-hand shop, handcrafted art fairs and delicious Spanish tapas. You can come across different presentations of a typical Spanish dessert, churros, special for the new year, at every corner.
12-Place Kleber Christmas Market – Strasbourg, France
The Christmas Markets with different concepts in Strasbourg, which has the title of ‘The Capital of Christmas’, remain open in the first days of the new year. Due to this rare situation, we can say that it is an unmissable opportunity for visitors who want to spread the enthusiasm of the New Year to the days. Place Kléber Christmas Market, the main market of the city, is set up on Kleben Square in the historical center of Strasbourg. The 35-meter-high Christmas tree is covered with thousands of Christmas decorations and lights every year. In the past, gifts were left under the tree for homeless people. Nowadays, various local products are sold at the Sharing Fair, which is set up next to the tree, to be donated to those in need.
13-Place Gutenberg Christmas Market – Strasbourg, France
Established in Gutenberg Square, where Strasbourg Cathedral is located, Place Gutenberg Christmas Market is the scene of entertaining scenes that will add a new dimension to your New Year’s excitement. While the old buildings around the square are covered with all kinds of toys; The benches made in the form of cookies are decorated with shining garlands. In the area where the statue of Johannes Gutenberg, the founder of the printing house, is also located, you can come across street poets reading poems of the period. The market, where a different country is invited as a concept representative every year, is also known as the International Christmas Market.
14-Marché de Noël Colmar, Alsace, France
Colmar, the sympathetic city of France, which has a fairy-tale spirit even at other times of the year, takes on a fascinating beauty at Christmas time. The city, which is lively with concerts, gastronomic events and Christmas Markets, welcomes the arrival of Christmas with fun for 6 weeks.
15-Lille Christmas Market, France
The giant Ferris wheel spins with all its nobility while the Christmas carols caress the ears. In the town covered with artificial snow, in the heart of which there is an 18-meter Christmas tree; It is a must to enjoy the local honey and cheese with gingerbread. Cute retro toys and handmade jewelry are the favorites of the Christmas market.
16-Tallinn Christmas Market -Tallin, Estonia
Tallin Christmas Market, which received the Best Christmas Market award in Europe in 2019; It is located in the capital Tallinn, on Raekoja Plats Square. You can get lost in the magical atmosphere of carousels, wooden benches that look like mountain houses, Winter Cave and Santa Claus House. Next to the Historical Town Hall, there is a Christmas tree decorated every year since 1441. This tree is one of the most popular spots for visitors, as it is the first Christmas tree to be exhibited in Europe. In addition to handmade local accessories and souvenirs at the surrounding stalls; There are many options from Nordic-inspired street delicacies to cheer your palate. Spicy mulled wines (mulled vine) will be indispensable on cold winter evenings.
17-Tivoli Christmas Market – Copenhagen, Denmark
Tivoli Gardens, one of the three oldest amusement parks in the world, hosts thousands of people every year during the New Year period. The Ferris Wheel Ferris wheel for those who want to watch a magnificent Copenhagen view, The Golden Tower and The Demon rollercoaster for adrenaline enthusiasts await visitors from all over the world. Satisfying gastronomic tastes, Tivoli Gardens does not neglect cultural and art activities, with restaurants serving examples from world cuisine, stands where you can experience Danish flavors such as smorrebrod and ableskiver. In addition to concerts and theaters, workshops for children are also organized. With its ever-changing themes and entertaining content, Tivoli Gardens is among the indispensable addresses of those who want to spend the New Year to the fullest.
18-Lapland Christmas Market- Rovaniemi, Finland
What could be more enjoyable and fascinating than visiting Santa’s house at Christmas time? It is possible to be a part of a fascinating fairy tale with the sleds pulled by reindeer and Husky. The village, where various dance performances are performed, also provides the opportunity to meet Santa Claus. It will be a perfect experience for those who want to welcome the new year in a magnificent atmosphere in the snow.
19-Winter Wonderland Christmas Market – London, England
We can say that Winter Wonderland, which was established in Hyde Park, is a reason in itself to go to London on New Year’s Eve. There are dozens of activities for visitors of all ages in the park, where the largest ice rink in England is set up. You can watch the sparkling London nights from above by riding the Observation Ferris Wheel; You can spend adventurous moments by exploring the illusion rooms. You can also choose VR Rooms that offer a completely different reality experience and circus shows that you can join as a volunteer. A large part of the market consists of an area where you can find authentic gifts such as trinkets, inlaid ceramics and jewellery. In the food section, you can make choices according to your taste and spend pleasant hours at the counters where unlimited appetizing options are offered.
20-Red Square Christmas Market- Moscow, Russia
If you want to spend your New Year’s holiday outside of Europe, the new year in Russia begins to be celebrated in the first week of January. Kremlin Palace and established on the magnificent square where St. Basil’s Cathedral is located, the Red Square Christmas Market is covered with snow every year and is the scene of magnificent views. You can make a warm start to the day with the vendors serving liquor at the stalls that start to open in the early hours of the morning. In addition, antique souvenirs, products from Russian gzhel ceramics, babushkas and handcrafted art decorations called khokhloma will be available in abundance in this market. It can be a perfect option for those who prefer local gifts for their loved ones.
21-Toronto Christmas Market – Toronto, Canada
The Toronto Christmas Market, the largest Christmas market in North America, is set in an area with a former whiskey factory and 19th-century houses. This area, called the Distillery District, consists of dozens of streets filled with restaurants, bars, art galleries and theaters. Among the numerous concerts and shows, you may not be able to decide which one to go to. A 50-meter Christmas tree and a 100-meter light tunnel are placed in the center of the area, which gains an even more vibrant appearance with the benches opened for the New Year. You can enjoy this wonderful environment with your hot chocolate and mini donuts.
22-Bryant Park Christmas Market – New York, USA
New York, which is one of the most crowded and fast cities in the world, gets even more active during the new year. In the city, where there are dozens of Christmas markets, events are organized that will appeal to everyone. The Winter Village, which was established in Braynt Park in Manhattan, is one of the most popular places for visitors. The races held on the open-air ice rink and the performances of the medalist skaters add great excitement to the New Year’s spirit. The Christmas Market, which has a special area where ice sculpture artists and old paintings are sold, has a separate section for numerous New York-themed ornaments.
23-Hong Kong Christmas Market- China
Although Christmas is not generally celebrated in Asia, since Hong Kong is a city that gathers different nationalities under the same roof, the spirit of Christmas is experienced to the fullest in this city. Victoria Harbor and skyscrapers are decorated with eye-catching light plays.
Entering the new year in new geographies brings luck…
We wish every new year we enter with new resolutions, new hopes and new plans to bring us luck, success, happiness, peace and wealth!
What do you think, let this year be your year! Break the chains and sail to new horizons!
Call us to discover new experiences, new lifestyles with a richer perspective, and to spend the New Year’s spirit in this beautiful atmosphere!
Don’t be late for a special travel plan with the most private and comfortable planes!
Wishing you a happy and lucky New Year…