Festive travel guide: Must-visit Christmas markets worldwide

During the holiday season, people celebrate the magic of the season, where cities transform into sparkling fairy tales with cheerful and warm atmospheres and traditions. Christmas markets, or Xmas markets, remain an integral part of this festival and attract families, lovers of culture, and tourists interested in the holiday. Here is a list of the best Christmas markets that you should attend in the year 2024, travel tips, fun activities to undertake, and food to enjoy.

Best European Christmas markets

1. Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt, Germany

Germany is home to some of the most famous Christmas markets, and Nuremberg’s Christkindlesmarkt is one such legendary market. This market has wooden stalls that are so common in markets of old, and elegant ornaments are handmade.

Activities: Here you should not miss the festive open-air celebration of the turning on of the Christmas lights and the Christkind who will tell you a warm and endearing little story. Families can accompany their children to the Children’s Christmas Market because the site has rides and entertainment targeted to children.

Must-try foods: Try the famous local bratwurst, lebkuchen, and glühwein, which is a spiced wine served hot.

2. Vienna Christmas markets, Austria

Christmas markets in Vienna are traditional, fancy, and atmospheric, covering everything people usually love about the holiday season. The city currently holds several markets, but the one at Rathausplatz is distinctive because it is behind City Hall.

Activities: Ice-skating through the lighted trails and strolling through craft stands are special features here. Parents can take their children for wreath-making sessions or else for a carriage ride in winter-Land-Vienna.

Must-try foods: Try out vanillekipferl which are crescent-shaped cookies and sachertorte with the hot punch.

3. Prague Christmas market, Czech Republic

One of the oldest and most beautiful Xmas markets is situated in the heart of Prague’s Old Town Square. The lobby is adorned with a tall Christmas tree which overlooks the gothic Týn Church to make a perfect picture.

Activities: Watch performances of the old Czech Republic and marvel at perfectly crafted, handmade, wooden figures of the nativity scene. Don’t miss out on visiting the Old Town Hall Tower as the roof offers panoramic views of the market.

Must-try foods: Taste Chimney cake with cinnamon sugar and freshly prepared roasted ham on the spit.

4. Strasbourg Christmas market, France

The annual Christmas market 2024 of Strasbourg also known as the ‘Capital of Christmas” will be lit with beautiful lights and promises an Alsatian feel.

Activities: Find out about the various themed villages within the market and what types of crafts and tasty morsels they have to sell. Visit Strasbourg Cathedral for one of the most enchanting concerts of the choral in the Eastern part of France.

Must-try foods: Don’t miss bredele (Alsatian cookies), foie gras, and vin chaud (hot spiced wine).

Notable North American Christmas markets

1. Toronto Christmas market, Canada

This market is situated in the Distillery District, and it comes with a combination of Europe elegance and Canadian hospitality.

Activities: Hear live carolers, shop at local artisan markets, and observe the giant Christmas tree with over 2000 lights.

Must-try foods: Sip on maple-infused hot cocoa and munch on poutine with a holiday twist.

2. Union Square Holiday market, New York City, USA

New York’s Union Square is an open-air year-round market at the core of Manhattan – its market gives an urban touch to the Christmas experience.

Activities: Buy small and local souvenirs for friends and family and engage in music to artist performances. Children can greet with Santa Claus or attend the holiday ornamentation workshops.

Must-try Foods: Relish holiday-themed donuts and pretzels with a warm apple cider.

3. Chicago Christkindlmarket, USA

Located at Daley Plaza, Chicago Christkindlmarket is an annual event that mimics German Christmas Bazar and brings a European atmosphere to the USA’s Midwest region.

Activities: Play Christmas Easter Egg hunts, have a photo taken with the Christkind, and attend live holiday performances.

Must-try foods: Try schnitzels, potato pancakes, and German beer served in collectible steins.

Travel tips for festive market hopping

Plan ahead: Travel early and book your flight and accommodation as early as possible to have the best prices during the holidays.

Stay warm: Dress in layers and bring comfortable shoes for walking around outdoor markets.

Bring cash: While many vendors accept cards, some traditional stalls may prefer cash.

Time for your visit: Arrive early to avoid crowds and witness the markets lighting up at dusk.

Explore local culture: Other than markets, make sure you go around visiting attractions, museums, and landmarks around the place.

Unique activities to try at Christmas markets

Ice skating: Many markets offer picturesque rinks perfect for couples and families.

Craft workshops: Learn to make ornaments, wreaths, or candles as souvenirs.

Holiday performances: Attend caroling, listen to live bands, or watch plays and singing that capture the essence of Christmas.

Must-try foods for every foodie

Food is a central part of the Christmas market experience. Here’s what you shouldn’t miss:

Sweet treats: Gingerbread, roasted chestnuts, and marzipan-filled chocolates.

Savory delights: Sausages, roasted meats, and hearty stews.

Drinks: Warm yourself with mulled wine, spiced cider, or hot chocolate topped with whipped cream.

Whether you are interested in visiting the best Christmas markets in Europe or festive centers in North America, such gatherings are truly exciting events. Ranging from indulging in local signature dishes to entertaining yourself and your loved ones, Christmas markets are a sensory delight.

As the festive season knocks on our doors, why don’t you let JetSaver take charge of your holiday travels? Offering massive savings on flights, JetSaver enables you to experience the enchanting of the best European Christmas markets or domestic favorite markets. Booking early is recommended, especially for the holiday season, to let the holiday celebration start!