Best Christmas Markets Around the World
It’s the most wonderful time of the year, the one that everyone waits for. Do you recognize the festive feeling? The season when you crave nothing more than to be wrapped up in warm fuzzy clothes, a hot chocolate in one hand, and the beautiful shining lights glimmering over you as you explore new places and shop for loved ones. It’s no wonder we love Christmas so much!
All around the world, people celebrate Christmas in beautiful and unique ways. There are endless Christmas markets to explore this holiday season, and we’ve curated a list of the BEST ones to visit with Avenza Maps! Here are our favourites:
Zagreb Christmas Market- Zagreb, Croatia
This Croatian Capital doesn’t hold back at Christmas. Discover beautiful wooden chalets at every street corner selling anything from cozy knitted scarves and mittens to sweet almonds and Christmas ornaments for your tree! The brightest festive lights hang in a canopy over the street and provide a warm glow as you explore all this market has to offer. If you’re searching for the best treats, you’ll be able to buy artisanal gifts and sample a Zagreb favourite: krpice sa zeljem (pasta with cabbage) or taste test sweet fruit covered in chocolate sauce.
Zagreb
Publisher: Reise Know How — Get the Map
Christmas Village Belevedere Palace - Vienna, Austria
Discover the traditional baroque lifestyle and beautifully-made handcrafts as you wander through this Christmas market. Christmas Village Belevedere Palace is set against the gorgeous backdrop, one of Vienna’s most well-known sights. With over 40 wonderfully-decorated market stalls, you’ll find all sorts of handcrafted gifts for your loved ones! Find all types of ceramics, wooden toys, jewellery, decorations and more.
Vienna
Publisher: Paul Johnson- Offline Maps — Get the Map
The Distillery District- Toronto, Ontario
It’s at this time of year that Toronto’s famous Distillery District transforms itself into a beautiful Christmas Market for thousands of families, couples, and friends to explore! You’ll find over 65+ local shops, cafes, and restaurants in the district. Rediscover the magic of the holidays as you take a walk down the cobblestone streets of the Distillery District and shop specially curated seasonal items and gifts for your special someone- or yourself!
Known as the Capital of Christmas, the Strasbourg Christmas Market is the oldest in France, dating back as early as 1570. With over 300 wooden chalets spread out around the city, Strasbourg invites everyone to create incredible memories in this fairytale atmosphere! Looking for something delicious to try? The smell of cinnamon and spices will waft through the air as you wander the streets of this festive market. A quick stroll down Rue des Dentelles will offer numerous wooden stalls selling mulled wine, sausages, Christmas cookies and even more. There’s a reason why Strasbourg Christmas Market is one of the top Christmas markets in Europe!
Strasbourg
Publisher: Reise Know How- Get the Map
Basel Christmas Market- Basel, Switzerland
Basel
Publisher: Waldin- Get the Map
Which Christmas markets will you be exploring first this holiday season? Whether you’re looking for a spot to get pictures with friends under warm, bright lights or are eager to try some local delicacies, there’s something for everyone at each of these beautiful, unique Christmas markets. We hope you enjoy this Christmas season with your loved ones, take time to appreciate all that you’re thankful for, and allow the spirit of Christmas to invoke your childhood nostalgia!
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