Christmas is all about celebrations! While there are many things that mark the beginning of this holiday season, Christmas markets are something that interests people of all ages. The vibrant environment, variety of stalls, decorations, and delicious food – everything about these wonderlands is unforgettable.
Let’s explore some of the magical Christmas markets that grace different countries of the world every year for a few weeks or days.
Zagreb, Croatia
The grand event, Advent in Croatia’s capital, boasts almost 25 Christmas markets, each with a unique charm. From live nativity scenes to ice sculpture carvings and outdoor gigs, you can find a number of things to explore here. The ‘fooling around area’ is a spotlight stealer where you can savor delicious street food, enjoy live entertainment, and dance your heart out.
Tallinn, Estonia
Held at Tallinn’s Town Hall Square, the modern European Christmas market is a hit in the region. You can find multiple stalls featuring different things here, be it Estonian cuisine, handicrafts, carousels, artisan breads, and more. The centerpiece is a Christmas tree, a perfect picture spot with its incredible decorations.
Stockholm, Sweden
What makes Stockholm’s Christmas Market unique is its exceptional location. It is organized in the world’s oldest open-air museum, Skansen, on Djurgarden Island. With a display of Swedish culture and yuletide music, the market welcomes groups of tourists and locals every year. Here, you can sightsee historical houses decorated colorfully and can also join dancing games for added fun.
New York City, USA
Not one but New York City features multiple Christmas markets at different locations, with each having something unique to offer. For instance, the Bryant Park Winter Village features little glass boutiques surrounding a central ice rink that adds a modern twist to the classic market. Other market-hosting areas in the city include Grand Central Terminal, Columbus Circle, and Union Square.
Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen’s Tivoli Gardens transform into a winter wonderland for the festivities. The highlight of this market is, of course, its 1,000 decorated Christmas trees. However, other attractions like fairground rides, a traditional Pixie Band, and the annual Lucia Procession are also worth exploring. You can enjoy fireworks displays too on 25th-26th December and New Year’s Eve.
Basel, Switzerland
While you can find a number of Christmas markets in Switzerland, Basel stands out for hosting one of the largest ones. The market is set in Barfusserplatz and Munsterplatz, which capture the real essence of the region’s beautiful Old Town. Here, you can navigate hundreds of stalls selling seasonal spices, decorations, candles, and much more.
Strasbourg, France
The Christmas market in Strasbourg, France, focuses on sustainability, making it distinct from others. Dating back to the 1570s, it holds the honor of being the oldest one in the region. You would spot a lot of innovative ideas when exploring the market. For instance, the Grimmeisen area utilizes repurposed shipping containers as stalls for an eco-friendly touch.
Prague, Czech Republic
Set in medieval and gothic surroundings, Prague offers a romantic Christmas experience for couples. Its largest Old Town Square Market steals the spotlight with various interesting stalls to explore. Furthermore, you can also spot nativity scenes and entertaining performances for an added touch of entertainment. Lastly, your visit would be incomplete without tasting the traditional pastries.
Toronto, Canada
Toronto organizes a Christmas market every year with Victorian-era industrial architecture. Known as Winter Village, it boasts a wide variety of beautifully decorated outdoor shopping cabins. From handmade items to local art and beyond, you can find different high-quality products for holiday gift-giving here. However, the center of attention is something else – the Christmas tree located in Trinity Square.
Vienna, Austria
Vienna hosts one of the largest Christmas markets in the world, with over 100 stalls. Called Christkindlmarkt, it is set in front of the Rathaus. When exploring here, you will find a variety of Austrian crafts and international Christmas treats. Moreover, it’s an actual paradise for food lovers with delicacies like Wiener Schnitzel, Kaiserschmarrn, and more.
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