A visit to a Christmas market is the perfect way to get you in the festive spirit and despite their German origins, Christmas markets continue to pop up across the globe and are continuing to grow in popularity and number each year.
Here, Ben Myatt, show director at Destinations: The Holiday and Travel Show, recommends his top Christmas markets to visit for a long weekend and to include in your winter plans.
Vienna, Austria
Transforming the picturesque squares of Vienna into a magical Christmas market, Vienna is a must-visit at Christmas. With various markets to explore such as the Wiener Christkindlmarkt or the Christmas Market at Schonbrunn Castle, the Christmas markets in Vienna tick every festive box. From atmospheric streets lined with twinkling lights and decorations, to quaint market stalls selling an array of Christmas goodies, you can sample your way around each market, indulging on sweet treats and warming drinks whilst enjoying the sights and sounds of this festive winter wonderland.
Open from November 15 until December 26, 2024 and November 8 2024 until January 6, 2025.
Edinburgh, Scotland
Transforming the city into a centre of festive fun, whether you’re looking for a traditional Christmas market, outdoor events, a spot of ice skating or a thrill at a fun fair, Edinburgh’s Christmas sees a host of festive fun hit the city, perfect for all the family. Edinburgh’s historic city centre will have around 70 stalls selling everything from handmade gifts to bespoke products and more. Once you have ticked off your Christmas shopping, why not stop off at the West Princes Street Gardens Family Funfair or head over to St Andrew Square for the UK’s largest illuminated Christmas Tree maze? Plus, entry into Edinburgh’s Christmas is completely free!
Open from November 15, 2024 until January 4, 2025.
Bruges, Belgium
With two Christmas markets to explore, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into Christmas town with a visit to Bruges. Easily reached via train, wander through the pretty tree-lined and festoon-lit fairytale streets which resemble gingerbread houses, as you indulge on a fresh Belgian waffle (with chocolate sauce, of course) and explore what Bruges has to offer at Christmas time. With market stalls at Grote Markt that transform the historic centre, you’re only a short stroll away from the Simon Stevinplein Christmas market which focuses on artisanal craft products and is the perfect place to pick up a unique gift for someone special.
Open from November 22, 2024 until January 5, 2025.
Nuremberg, Germany
One of the oldest and most famous Christmas markets in the world, the Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt is awash with the joys of Christmas. Dating back to the 17th century, the market sells traditional decorations and items such as wooden nutcrackers, handblown glass ornaments and more. Set amongst the historic architecture of Hauptmarkt square, make sure to sample the original Nuremberg Bratwurst!
Open from November 29, 2024 until December 24, 2024.
Tallinn, Estonia
A magical winter world situated in Tallinn’s Old Town on Town Hall Square, experience traditional Christmas dishes and delicacies, unique handmade crafts and kick off the Christmas season in style with the Tallinn Christmas market. Explore the market, which surrounds what is known as the most beautiful Christmas tree of the city – a tradition which has lasted more than 580 years – whilst sipping on a glass of glögg (hot mulled wine) as you enjoy the sounds of Estonian carols that ring out across the square.
Open from November 22, 2024 until December 27, 2024.
Strasbourg, France
Fondly referred to as the ‘Capital of Christmas’, the Christkindelsmärik is one of the oldest Christmas markets in France and Europe. Dating back to 1570, the Christmas market is the perfect place to kick start your Christmas shopping and feel truly festive. Centred around Cathedral Square and Place Broglie, hundreds of traditional stalls and ski chalets sell ornaments, toys, trinkets and more. With food stalls selling fresh crêpes and mulled wine, perfect for keeping you warm as you stroll through the sparkling and illuminated streets, be sure to get a picture in front of the 30metre tall Christmas tree adorned with colourful ornaments and twinkling lights in the market centre.
Open from November 27, 2024 until December 27, 2024.
Bath, UK
Explore the cobbled streets and the Christmas market filled with independent craft makers and artisans in the majestic city of Bath. Nestled in the historic city centre, the streets of Bath are transformed into a magical, festive experience. Open seven days a week you can pick up everything you need for a unforgettable Christmas from one of the 170 chalets – from food to clothing, decorations and more!
Open from November 28, 2024 until December 15, 2024
London, UK
If you want to stick to the capital, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to Christmas markets. However, you can’t beat a visit to Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park. With something for all the family, this has everything you need for a truly fun and festive day out. From food and drink to fair ground rides, circus tents and market stalls to explore, its easy to spend the entire day here.
Open from November 21, 2024 until January 5, 2025
Destinations: The Holiday and Travel Show will take place at Manchester Central from January 16-19, 2025, and at Olympia London from January 30 until February 2, 2025.
