Not only are the markets great places to eat and shop but they are always decorated beautifully. You can really get into the holiday spirit just by being at one of them. There are so many fantastic Christmas markets but we decided to highlight a sampling of some of the favorites. Here’s what you need to know about the best Christmas markets from across the globe. Many of the markets last for a month or more.
25 Best Christmas Markets
Warsaw, Poland
When: November 25 to January 6Location: Old Town Market Square and PragaOpen Times: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., close at 9:30 p.m. on Fridays and SaturdaysSpecialties: Sweet fruit-based vodka, vegetarian pierogies, wooden decorations and decorated doorsWeather: December temperatures are typically 36°F/25°F (high/low)Where To Stay: Spichlerz is a 7-minute walk to Warsaw Old Town
Frankfurt, Germany
When: November 21 - December 22Location: the Weihnachtsmarkt Frankfurt Romerberg and a few other unique markets around the city Open Times: Monday - Saturday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.Specialties: 30-meter tree with 6500 lights, vintage carousel, grilled sausage, roasted nuts, and pretty ornaments. Plus, jewelry, pottery, sculptures, photographs and more from local artists.Weather: Average December weather is 42°F/35°F (high/low)Where To Stay: Sofitel Frankfurt Opera
Riga, Latvia
When: November 27 - January 1Location: Christmas Market on Dome SquareOpen Times: Mondays to Thursdays and Sundays it is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays it is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Specialties: Beautiful architecture, international atmosphere, carousel, mulled wine, freshly baked products, Latvian soup, gingerbread market and lots of kids’ activitiesWeather: The average temperature in December is around 30°Where To Stay: Riga Islande Hotel
Tallinn, Estonia
When: November 25 - January 8Location: Town Hall SquareSpecialties: Historical location, half-a-century-old buildings and long traditions, heart-shaped ornaments, 3000 performers and lighting of advent candlesWeather: 33°F/24°F (high/low)Where To Stay: Hotel Telegraaf
Manhattan, New York
When: November 17 - December 24Location: Union Square Holiday MarketOpen Times: Mon - Fri 11 a.m. - 8 p.m., Sat 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. and Sun 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.Specialties: 185 vendors featuring unique gifts created by local craftsmen, artists and entrepreneursWeather: Average temperature in December is 44°F/31°F (high/low)Where To Stay: Hyatt Union Square
Moscow, Russia
When: November 29 - February 28Location: Red Square Christmas MarketOpen Times: Monday - Thursday 11 a.m. - 10 p.m., Friday 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. and Saturday - Sunday 10 a.m. - 11 p.m.Specialties: Set around Moscow’s largest ice rink, babushka dolls Weather: The temperature in December is very cold and hovers below 0°F
Bamberg, Germany
When: November 22 - December 23Location: Maximiliansplatz, a large square in the heart of Bamberg’s old townOpen Times: 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Opens at 11 a.m. on SundaysSpecialties: Freshly baked lebkuchen (gingerbread).Weather: December temperatures average 39°F/29°FWhere To Stay: Le Baldinger Boutique Hotel
Barcelona, Spain
When: Late November - December 23Location: Market of Saint LuciaOpen Times: 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.Specialties: Oldest Christmas market in Barcelona, trees, mistletoe, nativity scenes and accessoriesWeather: 60°F/49°F (high/low)
Lodz, Poland
When: November 26 - December 23Location: Piotrkowska Street and Schiller Passage Open Times: 12 p.m. - 8 p.m.Specialties: Wooden sheds, festive lights, regional handicrafts, food products, sweets and holiday decorations Weather: 35°F/27°F (high/low)
Quebec City, Quebec
When: November 24 to December 18, 2022 (hours: Sunday - 11 a.m.-6p.m., Thursday, Friday, Saturday - 11 a.m.-9 p.m.) and December 21 to 23, 2022 (hours: Wednesday, Thursday - 11 a.m.-9 p.m. and Friday - 11 a.m.-8 p.m.)Location: Old QuebecSpecialties: Beautiful decorations, German treats, exquisite Christmas gifts and pop-up performancesWeather: December temperatures average 26°F/14°F (high/low)
Edinburgh, UK
When: November 22 - January 3Location: East Princes Street GardensOpen Times: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. dailySpecialties: Smooth and sweet local whiskey flavored with spices, tangerines and honey, Christmas Wheel, the Star Flyer and Santa Land, the Christmas tree maze and reindeer carouselWeather: December temperatures average 45°F/34°F (high/low)Where To Stay: Market Street Hotel
Bruges, Belgium
When: November 25 - January 8Location: MarktOpen Times: Sunday to Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday & Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Christmas Eve 12/24/2022 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; New Year’s Eve 12/31/2022 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.Specialties: Waffles, beer and chocolateWeather: 45°F/38°F
Berlin, Germany
When: November 21 - December 30Location: Spandau CitadelOpen Times: Monday to Friday from 2 p.m. - 10 p.m., Saturday & Sunday from 12 p.m. - 10 p.m. (closed 24 and 25 December)Specialties: Ancient fortress walls, local arts and crafts and Christmas decorations, Christmas tree forest and fairground ridesWeather: December average temperatures: 39°F/31°F (high/low)
Toronto, Ontario
When: November 18 - December 23Location: Distillery DistrictSpecialties: Hot chocolate, treats and giftsWeather: 37°F/27°F
Aylesbury, England
When: November 12 - January 2Location: WaddesonOpen Times: Grounds 12-7 p.m., House 12:30 p.m.-7 p.m. Specialties: Magical lights, gardens and dazzling displaysWeather: 46°F/38°FWhere To Stay: The Five Arrows
Winchester, UK
When: November 18 - December 22Location: Winchester CathedralOpen Times: Sunday – Thursday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.Friday – Saturday 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.Specialties: Handpicked high-quality exhibitors, stunning location, wooden chalets, festive lighting and Christmas carolsWeather: 47°F/36°F
Leonberg, Germany
When: November 22 - December 22Location: Ludwigsburg BaroqueOpen Times: Daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Specialties: Glove puppets and music boxes, antique and modern Christmas tree decorations and specialty foodsWeather: Average December temperatures are 28°F/17°F
Manchester, UK
When: November 10 - December 22Location: Piccadilly GardensSpecialties: Local traders, live music, and giant Nordic-themed tipi barWeather: December temperatures average 46°F/39°F (high/low)
Vienna, Austria
When: November 19 - December 26Location: City Hall SquareSpecialties: Christmas gifts, tree decorations, sweets and warming drinksWeather: December temperatures average 39°F/31°F (high/low)Where To Stay: SO/Vienna
Budapest, Hungary
When: November 18 - January 1Location: Vörösmarty SquareOpen Times: Monday - Thursday: 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.; Friday - Saturday: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.; Sunday: 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.Specialties: Concerts, craft and play house, German food and fragrant winter beverages
Cheltenham, UK
When: December 8 - December 23Location: The Promenade & Long GardensOpen Times: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.Specialties: a variety of craft creations from wonderful traders; you will find everything from jewelry to glasswork, and woodcraft to original art printsWeather: 47°F/37°F
Oradea, Romania
When: December 2 - December 26Location: Union SquareSpecialties: Fun-wheel, an ice rink, a huge Christmas tree, goodies and gifts, tasty food and delicious winter drinks perfect to keep one warmWeather: 39°F/28°F
Bremen, Germany
When: November 21 - December 23Location: Historic Market SquareSpecialties: One of Germany’s finest Christmas markets; festive lights, flickering candles and lovingly decorated stands; Weather: 41°F/32°F
London, England
When: November 22 - January 2Location: Hyde ParkSpecialties: More than 100 rides and attractions, 200 chalets, traditional German Christmas marketWeather: 48°F/40°FWhere To Stay: Royal Lancaster
Copenhagen, Denmark
When: November 18 - December 31Location: There are many Christmas markets in Copenhagen including Højbro Square, Tivoli Gardens and Nyhavn Christmas market on the waterfront.Open Times: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and until midnight on the weekendsSpecialties: Beautiful white Christmas setting, unique Danish Christmas themes, cinnamon-infused mulled wine Weather: December temperatures average 40°F/33°F (high/low)Where To Stay: CitizenM
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