The world is gearing up for the most wonderful time of the year as Christmas markets all around the globe start to come alive. After a challenging few years, the return of these beloved markets is a sign of hope and joy for many. From Europe to the Americas, Asia to Australia, Christmas markets are transforming cities into winter wonderlands with twinkling lights, festive stalls, and the aroma of cinnamon and mulled wine filling the air.
In 2022, there is a plethora of Christmas markets to choose from, each offering its own unique charm and festive spirit. From traditional markets in historic squares to modern setups in bustling cities, there is something for everyone to enjoy. To help you get into the Christmas spirit, we’ve rounded up 50 of the best Christmas markets in the world this year.
Starting in Pretoria, South Africa, the Cullinan Christmas Night Market is a two-day winter wonderland featuring twinkling lights, carol singing, and festive treats. In Tokyo, Japan, the Tokyo Christmas Market offers a mix of stalls, light projections, and a 14-meter tall Christmas Pyramid. In Amsterdam, The Netherlands, ICE Amsterdam transforms Museumplein into a charming Christmas village with an ice rink, live entertainment, and plenty of festive food and drink.
In New Taipei City, Taiwan, Christmasland brings a white Christmas experience with a light projection show, artificial snowfall, and a traditional merry-go-round. In Innsbruck, Austria, the Innsbruck Christmas Market offers a romantic setting with over 70 stalls selling ornaments, handicrafts, and traditional dishes. In Baltimore, USA, the Christmas Village is a beloved institution modeled after the traditional Christkindle Market in Nuremberg.
Moving to Gothenburg, Sweden, the Liseberg Christmas Market transforms the amusement park into Sweden’s largest Christmas market with millions of twinkling lights. In Arlington, USA, the Christkindl Market is one of the largest Christmas markets in the southwest with family-filled fun and German folk music. In Denver, USA, the Denver Christkindl Market offers a miniature German village experience with mouthwatering German specialties and entertainment for all.
Down under in Polbokin, Australia, the Hunter Valley Gardens Christmas Spectacular boasts the Southern Hemisphere’s largest light show. In Charlottetown, Canada, the Victorian Christmas Market offers a magical setting with historical charm and festive activities. In Melbourne, Australia, The Big Design Market showcases over 270 exhibitors selling designer homewares, fashion, and local food and drink.
In London, UK, Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park is a candy-covered fairyland with a market, ice rink, circus show, and ice sculpting workshops. In Sydney, Australia, the Ultimate Christmas Market by Cambridge Markets offers a festive extravaganza with stalls, fairground rides, and traditional foods. In Salzburg, Austria, the Salzburg Christmas Market offers a magical setting with nativity scenes, choral singing, and gingerbread.
In Washington, USA, the Downtown Holiday Market is a bustling market with over 70 Black-owned and minority-owned businesses selling holiday gifts and treats. In Røros, Norway, the Røros Christmas Market is a traditional family-friendly event with horse-drawn sleigh rides and snow-covered stalls. In Montreal, Canada, the Longueuil Christmas Market is steeped in French Canadian tradition with musicians, folk dancers, and festive foods.
In Madrid, Spain, the Plaza Mayor Christmas Market features over 100 stalls selling traditional goodies and treats. In Óbidos, Portugal, Óbidos Vila Natal transforms into a frosty wonderland with festive fairground activities. In Zurich, Switzerland, the Christkindlimarkt offers magical activities and a 32-ft Christmas tree adorned with Swarovski crystals.
In Stockholm, Sweden, Stortorgets Julmarknad is the oldest Christmas market in the country with traditional Swedish treats and crafts. In Atlanta, USA, the Atlanta Christkindl Market offers a Bavarian-inspired experience with wooden toys, glass baubles, and German lace. In Winchester, UK, the Winchester Cathedral Market is known as England’s Christmas Capital with a festive market and ice rink.
In Strasbourg, France, the Strasbourg Christmas Market dates back to 1570 and offers a traditional Alsatian experience. In Bolzano, Italy, the Bolzano Christmas Market boasts Italy’s largest market with over 80 stalls and festive treats. In Valkenburg, Netherlands, the Valkenburg Christmas Market is Europe’s oldest underground market in ancient caves.
In Montreux, Switzerland, Montreux Noel offers a fairytale experience with lights, carnival rides, and a Christmas market. In Tomball, Texas, the Tomball German Festival and Christmas Market features Bavarian-inspired festivities. In Budapest, Hungary, the Vorosmarty Square Christmas Market is a festive affair with traditional foods and crafts.
In Reykjavik, Iceland, Ingólfstorg Square Christmas Market offers festive charm with Alpine-style huts and ice skating. In San Francisco, USA, The Great Dickens Christmas Fair brings Victorian London to life with music halls, pubs, and holiday goodies. In Tallinn, Estonia, the Tallinn Christmas Market offers a traditional Christmas experience with 60 snow-dusted stalls.
In New York, USA, the Union Square Holiday Market is a winter wonderland with over 150 wintry chalets selling high-quality gifts. In Riga, Latvia, the Riga Christmas Market offers a cinnamon-scented experience with festive decorations and treats. In Copenhagen, Denmark, Tivoli Gardens Christmas Market is a picture-perfect setting with pine-covered stalls and festive decorations.
In Cologne, Germany, the Weihnachtsmarkt Am Kölner Dom is the city’s largest Christmas market with over 200 stalls and traditional goodies. In Helsinki, Finland, the Tuomaan Market is the oldest and largest Christmas market in the capital with festive decorations and rides. In New York, USA, the Christkindlmarket Chicago is one of the oldest Christmas markets in America with German-inspired food and drinks.
In Berlin, Germany, the Gendarmenmarkt Christmas Market is a dazzling display of lights and festive stalls. Finally, in Brussels, Belgium, Winter Wonders is the standout Christmas market of 2022 with over 200 chalets, an ice rink, and festive entertainment.
As Christmas approaches, these markets offer a festive escape for visitors to enjoy the holiday spirit, shop for unique gifts, and indulge in delicious treats. Whether you’re looking for traditional charm, modern delights, or a mix of both, these Christmas markets around the world have something for everyone to enjoy.
