It’s that time of year when cities all around the world erupt with magical shows of lights, markets, and activities to bring communities together to celebrate the festive holiday. Take a look at the overwhelming beauty of the most picturesque Christmas markets in the world to add to the list of things you must experience!
Toronto
The traditional markets of Toronto are brought to life with the spectacular modern lights and the most magical Christmas tree which towers over the square.
Sip on some mulled wine or hot chocolate as you walk through the stalls selling handmade crafts, gifts and delicious food. Relax under the stunning ceiling of fairy lights and enjoy the performances of local musicians.
Cologne
The fourth-largest city in Germany is a spectacle at this time of year. Surrounded by beautiful cultural monuments including the famous Cologne Cathedral, enjoy a wide range of markets lined with fairy lights.
With the fairy lights connecting to the Christmas tree in the centre of the square, this acts as the main unmissable feature of the markets.
Salzburg
The magical city of Salzburg has everything you could dream of at Christmas. Surrounded by the city’s beautiful monuments, domes and towers, including the Hohensalzburg fortress and the Cathedral of Salzburg, the historic city centre is the perfect setting for its spectacular Christmas markets.
Visit the incredible giant advent calendar in Hellbrunn, the markets on Mirabell Square and St. Leonhard Advent Market.
Colmar
The beautiful city of Colmar consists of five central Christmas markets which are over 20 years old, set on cobbled streets, lined with traditional houses and highlighted with stunning lights.
Stroll through each of the five markets which act as their own little villages, giving this experience a unique character as you can experience such a diverse range of activities including wine tasting, tours, shows, and concerts!
Madrid
With Christmas trees and icicles of fairy lights lighting up the streets of Madrid, you can enjoy the 104 markets of the annual Plaza Mayor Market and take in the culture of the city!
Enjoy some delicious food and drink at the outdoor seating areas at the range of cafes and restaurants before exploring the rest of the brilliant decorations across the city.
Copenhagen
Denmark’s capital is home to a variety of Christmas markets during the festive period, with the most striking production of lights being set in the Tivoli Gardens.
This gorgeous array of fairy lights, lanterns, Christmas trees, rides and stalls are overlooked by the iconic Nimb Hotel which illuminates its surroundings.
Check out the other majestic markets at Gavno Slot, Hojbro Plads, Hans Christian Andersen and the Nyhavn Christmas markets!
Budapest
Labelled the best Christmas markets in Europe 2020, visit the cultural city in its most fabulous glowing form where streets are lit up at every turn.
Visit the charming Christmas markets in front of St Stephen’s Basilica, highlighted with an amazing Christmas tree and a variety of markets selling a mix of crafts, gifts, food and mulled wine.
Go ice-skating at Budapest City Park or go for dinner at one of the exquisite restaurants outlining the square before touring the markets and watching the Christmas animation projected onto the cathedral.
By Layla Maguire
KeiKei is a London-based award-winning journalist and videographer with a degree in Broadcast Media and Journalism from the University of the West of Scotland and an extensive reporting background in news, entertainment, travel, and lifestyle.
KeiKei has travelled the globe interviewing, reporting and reviewing. Her work has been published in worldwide media outlets including, The New York Post, The Guardian, The Mirror, The Daily Mail, National Geographic and Conde Nast publications.
