During the holiday season, Christmas markets captivate our imagination with twinkling lights, holiday treats, and unique gifts made by local artisans. From centuries-old European festivals to North American winter wonderlands, these markets encapsulate the magic and joy of the season. Here are five of the world’s biggest holiday markets to visit this year.
Rathausplatz Christkindlmarkt – Vienna, Austria
Christmas markets abound during the holidays in the Austrian capital, but the Rathausplatz Christkindlmarkt is the city’s largest. Its location in front of Vienna’s city hall makes it a central focus throughout the season, and there are nearly 100 vendor booths selling handicrafts and holiday treats.
Dating back to the 18th century, the Rathausplatz market has steadily grown throughout the centuries to become one of the largest Christmas markets in the world. Holiday treats including chocolate-covered strawberries, German sausages, and handmade pastries are favorites among marketgoers. In 2023, an estimated 3.3 million people attended the market, and Vienna is anticipating even more visitors this year.
Striezelmarkt – Dresden, Germany
In 2024, Dresden Striezelmarkt will celebrate its 590th year, making it the oldest Christmas market in Germany, and — by some estimates — the world. First held in 1434, this market has become a beloved favorite in the region. Running from November 27 to December 24, it features events such as an Advent Calendar Festival, a Gingerbread Festival, a Day of Christmas Crafts, and a Children’s Festival.
The family-friendly festival also offers a variety of rides, including a historic Ferris wheel that provides breathtaking views of the twinkling lights and joyful shoppers below. Vendors sell an array of handmade crafts such as ornaments, wooden toys, nutcrackers, Schwibbogen (decorative candle arches), glassware, prune figurines, and Moravian stars — while seasonal food and drink, including mulled wine, potato pancakes, and savory sausages, can’t be passed up.
Christkindelsmärik – Strasbourg, France
This annual Christmas market is the longest-running holiday market in France, and it’s particularly famous for its mulled wine (vin chaud). Since 1570, the square in front of Strasbourg Cathedral has come alive at the end of November, transforming into a vibrant hub filled with festive vendors, live performances, and millions of visitors eager to join in the holiday celebrations.
Affectionately known as “the Capital of Christmas,” Strasbourg proudly claims to be one of the most illuminated cities in Europe during the holiday season. Streets sparkle with lights, windows are adorned with decorations, and homes and balconies are draped in a magical glow. At the heart of this display stands a 100-foot Christmas tree in Place Kléber, one of the tallest decorated trees in Europe. Scattered throughout the market are around 300 wooden chalets, each housing a vendor selling handicrafts, tasty drinks, Christmas ornaments and decorations, and traditional foods such as pain d’épices (sweet spiced bread).
Christkindlesmarkt – Nuremberg, Germany
Rivaling Germany’s oldest market in Dresden, Nuremberg’s Christkindlesmarkt is also one of the world’s largest Christmas markets. Dating back to 1628, this historic market is set to draw more than 2 million visitors in 2024. From November 29 to December 24, Nuremberg’s picturesque Old Town transforms into a holiday haven with 180 wooden stalls draped in red-and-white striped awnings, offering Christmas treats and traditional crafts for sale.
The heart of the market is the iconic Hauptmarkt, a market square in front of the Church of Our Lady. The festive spirit spills over into surrounding streets, including a children’s market. Against the backdrop of the Old Town’s stunning Gothic architecture, illuminated by thousands of twinkling lights, the atmosphere is nothing short of magical.
Distillery Winter Village – Toronto, Canada
Formerly known as the Toronto Christmas Market, the Distillery Winter Village is a newcomer compared to the centuries-old markets on this list. But in just 10 years, it’s become one of the largest holiday festivals in North America, attracting around 800,000 visitors each holiday season. Beyond its size, the market stands out with a stunning 100-foot tunnel of lights, strung above the streets of Toronto’s charming Distillery District.
Indeed, with its cobblestone streets and a towering 55-foot silver fir tree, this historic Toronto district feels more like a European winter wonderland. The festival features a Santa’s Grotto, fairground rides, beer gardens, and dozens of vendors offering seasonal gifts and traditional foods. And yes, poutine is definitely on the menu.
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