There’s no better way to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year than with a visit to a Christmas market (or several)! The twinkling lights, carols, warm seasonal treats, and handcrafted treasures sold by local vendors make for a winter adventure to remember. So unwrap the joy with a curated list of the most memorable Christmas markets to ring in the season in style. And if you can’t make it this December, don’t worry. It’s the perfect time to start planning for next year!
1. Bath Christmas Market
November 27 – December 14 | Bath, England
Set against the honey-colored Georgian architecture of this UNESCO-listed city, the Bath Christmas Market transforms the streets from late November to mid-December. More than just a seasonal event, it’s an open-air showcase of artisan makers, local designers, and independent businesses. Wooden chalets line the cobbled lanes, filled with handcrafted gifts, artwork, and festive food and drink.
Stroll past Bath Abbey, pause for a steaming cup of mulled wine or hot chocolate, and take your time browsing the stalls. The atmosphere is cozy, intimate, and welcoming. And because entry is free, it’s an easy and relaxed way to start your Christmas travels.
2. Old Town Christmas Market
November 15 – December 23 | Innsbruck, Austria
In Innsbruck, the Old Town Christmas Market sits right beneath the famous Golden Roof, creating a picture-perfect backdrop of medieval façades and twinkling lights. Running from mid-November through late December, the market is made up of over 60 stalls and includes a viewing platform with a fairy-tale panorama of the Old Town below. As brass ensembles play from the balcony of the Golden Roof, the whole square seems to fill with a warm Alpine glow, in cozy contrast to the snowy mountains that surround the city. And since Innsbruck is right in the heart of the Alps, winter sports are never far away.
3. Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt
November 28 – December 24 | Nuremberg, Germany
One of the best Christmas markets in Europe, the Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt is celebrated for its rich history and Old World charm. The market opens at the end of November, with nearly 200 wooden stalls, each draped in classic red-and-white fabric. Together, they form what locals fondly call a “city of wood and cloth.”
As you wander, the scent of Nuremberg’s famous gingerbread, roasted nuts, and mulled wine fills the air. Those traveling with family can visit the Children’s Christmas City, complete with rides, hands-on activities, and storytelling at the Sternenhaus venue. There’s also the Sister Cities Market, where international vendors bring a global element to the festivities.
4. Christmas Wonderland
November 29 – January 1 | Singapore
Believe it or not, Europe isn’t the only place with fantastic markets. What Singapore lacks in cold and snow it more than makes up for with its vibrant, immersive Christmas atmosphere. Held at Gardens by the Bay (Singapore’s futuristic nature park), Christmas Wonderland blends dazzling light displays, fairground attractions, Michelin-starred food, and nightly entertainment into an all-encompasing holiday experience. Highlights include the 16-meter Christmas Pyramid, a reindeer-themed stable, and “Flying Santa,” who glides above the event space for all to see. With timed entry sessions and ticketed access, this is a holiday celebration best enjoyed with a little pre-planning.
5. Christkindelsmärik
November 26 – December 24 | Strasbourg, France
Strasbourg’s Christmas market is one of Europe’s oldest, welcoming visitors since 1570. Today, more than 300 stalls spread across the city offer holiday joy from late November through Christmas Eve. At Place Kléber, a spectacular 100-foot Christmas tree anchors the celebration with its shimmering decorations.
As you make your way through the glowing streets, the aroma of bredle (traditional Alsatian Christmas biscuits) and mulled wine leads from one historic square to the next, creating a city-wide experience that has led to Strasbourg being called the “Capital of Christmas.”
The Best Christmas Markets
From Strasbourg’s glowing squares to Singapore’s dazzling lights, each of these Christmas markets captures a distinct take on the holiday season. Whether you’re drawn to traditional chalets, iconic city backdrops, or larger-than-life displays, these destinations offer plenty of ways to embrace the festive spirit.
And if you’re dreaming of a winter getaway next year, Enchanting Travels can easily create a Christmas market tour filled with joy at every stop. Because there’s no better time to travel than when the world is alive with the magic of the season.
