The 25 Best Christmas Markets That Are So Magical You Have To See To Believe

Festive marketplaces from all over the world.

Christmas markets began in Germany all the way back in 1310. However, Dresden’s Striezelmarkt in 1434 is thought of as the first real Christmas marketThe tradition actually began a little earlier when shopkeepers in Vienna were granted the right to hold a market for a couple of days in early winter. The idea was to let the townspeople stock up on supplies to last through the coldest months. Over the years, it has grown to become a huge holiday tradition where vendors bring in not only food but Christmas decorations and gift items. These Christmas markets draw huge crowds and now take place all over Europe, the UK, Canada and the United States.

Not only are the markets great places to eat and shop but they are always decorated beautifully. You can really get into the holiday spirit just by being at one of them. There are so many fantastic Christmas markets but we decided to highlight a sampling of some of the favorites. Here's what you need to know about the best Christmas markets from across the globe. Many of the markets last for a month or more.

Related: 51 of the Cutest Christmas Towns That Are Filled With Extra Holiday Magic

25 Best Christmas Markets

Warsaw, Poland

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  • When: November 25 to January 6

  • Location: Old Town Market Square and Praga

  • Open Times: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., close at 9:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays

  • Specialties: Sweet fruit-based vodka, vegetarian pierogies, wooden decorations and decorated doors

  • Weather: December temperatures are typically 36°F/25°F (high/low)

  • Where To Stay: Spichlerz is a 7-minute walk to Warsaw Old Town

Frankfurt, Germany

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  • When: November 21 - December 22

  • Location: the Weihnachtsmarkt Frankfurt Romerberg and a few other unique markets around the city

  • Open Times: Monday - Saturday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

  • Specialties: 30-meter tree with 6500 lights, vintage carousel, grilled sausage, roasted nuts, and pretty ornaments. Plus, jewelry, pottery, sculptures, photographs and more from local artists.

  • Weather: Average December weather is 42°F/35°F (high/low)

  • Where To Stay: Sofitel Frankfurt Opera

Related: Celebrate The Holidays With Kids At The Most Festive U.S. Cities

Riga, Latvia

<p><a href="https://unsplash.com/@ydaniels" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Daniels Joffe/unsplash;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Daniels Joffe/unsplash</a></p>
  • When: November 27 - January 1

  • Location: Christmas Market on Dome Square

  • Open Times:  Mondays to Thursdays and Sundays it is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays it is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

  • Specialties: Beautiful architecture, international atmosphere, carousel, mulled wine, freshly baked products, Latvian soup, gingerbread market and lots of kids' activities

  • Weather: The average temperature in December is around 30°

  • Where To Stay: Riga Islande Hotel

Tallinn, Estonia

<p><a href="https://unsplash.com/@hertwashere" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Hert Niks/unsplash;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Hert Niks/unsplash</a></p>
  • When: November 25 - January 8

  • Location: Town Hall Square

  • Specialties: Historical location, half-a-century-old buildings and long traditions, heart-shaped ornaments, 3000 performers and lighting of advent candles

  • Weather: 33°F/24°F (high/low)

  • Where To Stay: Hotel Telegraaf

Manhattan, New York

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  • When: November 17 - December 24

  • Location: Union Square Holiday Market

  • Open Times: Mon - Fri 11 a.m. - 8 p.m., Sat 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. and Sun 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.

  • Specialties: 185 vendors featuring unique gifts created by local craftsmen, artists and entrepreneurs

  • Weather: Average temperature in December is 44°F/31°F (high/low)

  • Where To Stay: Hyatt Union Square

Moscow, Russia

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  • When: November 29 - February 28

  • Location: Red Square Christmas Market

  • Open Times: Monday - Thursday 11 a.m. - 10 p.m., Friday 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. and Saturday - Sunday 10 a.m. - 11 p.m.

  • Specialties: Set around Moscow's largest ice rink, babushka dolls

  • Weather: The temperature in December is very cold and hovers below 0°F

Bamberg, Germany

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Barcelona, Spain

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  • When: Late November - December 23

  • Location: Market of Saint Lucia

  • Open Times: 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.

  • Specialties: Oldest Christmas market in Barcelona, trees, mistletoe, nativity scenes and accessories

  • Weather: 60°F/49°F (high/low)

Lodz, Poland

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  • When: November 26 - December 23

  • Location: Piotrkowska Street and Schiller Passage 

  • Open Times: 12 p.m. - 8 p.m.

  • Specialties: Wooden sheds, festive lights, regional handicrafts, food products, sweets and holiday decorations

  • Weather: 35°F/27°F (high/low)

Related: Travel Abroad Without Leaving Home With Christmas in Vienna, Starring Sarah Drew and Brennan Elliott

Quebec City, Quebec

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  • When: November 24 to December 18, 2022 (hours: Sunday - 11 a.m.-6p.m., Thursday, Friday, Saturday - 11 a.m.-9 p.m.) and December 21 to 23, 2022 (hours: Wednesday, Thursday - 11 a.m.-9 p.m. and Friday - 11 a.m.-8 p.m.)

  • Location: Old Quebec

  • Specialties: Beautiful decorations, German treats, exquisite Christmas gifts and pop-up performances

  • Weather: December temperatures average 26°F/14°F (high/low)

Edinburgh, UK

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  • When: November 22 - January 3

  • Location: East Princes Street Gardens

  • Open Times: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily

  • Specialties: Smooth and sweet local whiskey flavored with spices, tangerines and honey, Christmas Wheel, the Star Flyer and Santa Land, the Christmas tree maze and reindeer carousel

  • Weather: December temperatures average 45°F/34°F (high/low)

  • Where To Stay: Market Street Hotel

Bruges, Belgium

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  • When: November 25 - January 8

  • Location: Markt

  • Open Times: Sunday to Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday & Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Christmas Eve 12/24/2022 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; New Year’s Eve 12/31/2022 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

  • Specialties: Waffles, beer and chocolate

  • Weather: 45°F/38°F

Berlin, Germany

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  • When: November 21 - December 30

  • Location: Spandau Citadel

  • Open Times: Monday to Friday from 2 p.m. - 10 p.m., Saturday & Sunday from 12 p.m. - 10 p.m. (closed 24 and 25 December)

  • Specialties: Ancient fortress walls, local arts and crafts and Christmas decorations, Christmas tree forest and fairground rides

  • Weather: December average temperatures: 39°F/31°F (high/low)

Toronto, Ontario

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  • When: November 18 - December 23

  • Location: Distillery District

  • Specialties: Hot chocolate, treats and gifts

  • Weather: 37°F/27°F

Aylesbury, England

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  • When: November 12 - January 2

  • Location: Waddeson

  • Open Times: Grounds 12-7 p.m., House 12:30 p.m.-7 p.m.

  • Specialties: Magical lights, gardens and dazzling displays

  • Weather: 46°F/38°F

  • Where To Stay: The Five Arrows

Winchester, UK

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  • When: November 18 - December 22

  • Location: Winchester Cathedral

  • Open Times: Sunday – Thursday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
    Friday – Saturday 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.

  • Specialties: Handpicked high-quality exhibitors, stunning location, wooden chalets, festive lighting and Christmas carols

  • Weather: 47°F/36°F

Leonberg, Germany

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  • When: November 22 - December 22

  • Location: Ludwigsburg Baroque

  • Open Times: Daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

  • Specialties: Glove puppets and music boxes, antique and modern Christmas tree decorations and specialty foods

  • Weather: Average December temperatures are 28°F/17°F

Manchester, UK

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  • When: November 10 - December 22

  • Location: Piccadilly Gardens

  • Specialties: Local traders, live music, and giant Nordic-themed tipi bar

  • Weather: December temperatures average 46°F/39°F (high/low)

Vienna, Austria

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  • When: November 19 - December 26

  • Location: City Hall Square

  • Specialties: Christmas gifts, tree decorations, sweets and warming drinks

  • Weather: December temperatures average 39°F/31°F (high/low)

  • Where To Stay: SO/Vienna

Budapest, Hungary

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  • When: November 18 - January 1

  • Location: V?r?smarty Square

  • Open Times: Monday - Thursday: 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.; Friday - Saturday: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.; Sunday: 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.

  • Specialties: Concerts, craft and play house, German food and fragrant winter beverages

Cheltenham, UK

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  • When: December 8 - December 23

  • Location: The Promenade & Long Gardens

  • Open Times:  9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

  • Specialties: a variety of craft creations from wonderful traders; you will find everything from jewelry to glasswork, and woodcraft to original art prints

  • Weather: 47°F/37°F

Oradea, Romania

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  • When: December 2 - December 26

  • Location: Union Square

  • Specialties: Fun-wheel, an ice rink, a huge Christmas tree, goodies and gifts, tasty food and delicious winter drinks perfect to keep one warm

  • Weather: 39°F/28°F

Bremen, Germany

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  • When: November 21 - December 23

  • Location: Historic Market Square

  • Specialties: One of Germany's finest Christmas markets; festive lights, flickering candles and lovingly decorated stands;

  • Weather: 41°F/32°F

London, England

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  • When: November 22 - January 2

  • Location: Hyde Park

  • Specialties: More than 100 rides and attractions, 200 chalets, traditional German Christmas market

  • Weather: 48°F/40°F

  • Where To Stay: Royal Lancaster

Copenhagen, Denmark

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  • When: November 18 - December 31

  • Location: There are many Christmas markets in Copenhagen including H?jbro Square, Tivoli Gardens and Nyhavn Christmas market on the waterfront.

  • Open Times: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and until midnight on the weekends

  • Specialties: Beautiful white Christmas setting, unique Danish Christmas themes, cinnamon-infused mulled wine

  • Weather: December temperatures average 40°F/33°F (high/low)

  • Where To Stay: CitizenM

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