2023 Global Christmas Markets Guide

As we eagerly await the holiday season, the thoughts of brisk winter evenings, joyous feasts, and cosy family gatherings fill us with joy. Engaging in time-honoured traditions such as baking festive plum cakes and decking the halls with ornaments is heartwarming. However, a visit to a Christmas market can elevate the festive spirit exponentially.
Witness the charm of the world's finest Christmas markets, from the historic Rathausplatz in Vienna to the majestic Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. These markets are a treasure trove of delights, offering everything from spiced wine served in unique mugs to sugary candied nuts, and quaint huts filled with gingerbread and holiday keepsakes. The tantalizing aroma of hot cocoa mixed with the harmonious sounds of Christmas carols creates an ambience of pure holiday bliss. Let's explore 10 of the world's most enchanting Christmas markets that you might consider adding to your holiday itinerary. Here are the world’s best Christmas markets for your holiday adventure.

Market of Metz at Place de la République, Paris, France

Metz, in France, is famous for its festive Christmas celebrations, particularly the market at Place de la République, the city centre's largest square. The entrance features a strikingly lit Christmas Pyramid. The pyramid's base is a richly stocked Christmas shop with a plethora of ornaments and heritage decorations. The upper levels display captivating nativity figures. Among its approximately 30 chalets, the standout is the MOSL Quality Chalet, offering everything from traditional Christmas cakes and Boulay macarons to regional beers and Moselle AOC wines. Look out for 'Made in Moselle' goods like Meisenthal Christmas ornaments, fragrant plum candles, and exquisite glasswork — perfect for holiday gifting.
2023 Availability: November 18 - December 24
Operating Hours: 11 am - 10 pm daily

Helsinki's Tuomaan Markkinat, Finland

Known locally as Tuomaan Markkinat, Helsinki’s Christmas Market is a festive wonderland with more than 140 vendors housed in charming huts. Some stalls entice with mistletoe, woollen wear, and snug knits, while others offer culinary delights like spiced wine and festive porridge. This market, the oldest and largest outdoor celebration in Helsinki, is situated at Senate Square near the iconic White Helsinki Cathedral. Alongside a shimmering Christmas tree and melodious carols, the market features huts selling Finnish ingredients, crafts, and memorabilia. During your visit, indulge in Finnish glöggi (mulled wine), gingerbread, local pastries, sausages, fresh bread, salmon, and other delights.
2023 Dates: December 1 - December 22
Hours: 11 am - 8 pm on weekdays, 10 am - 7 pm on weekends (Saturday and Sunday)

Heinzel Winter Fairytale in Cologne, Germany

Experience a magical white Christmas in the Old Town of Cologne. The Heinzel Winter Fairytale market is a living wonderland, hosting ice dancing, jugglers, and live performances alongside over 100 stalls. The stalls along Alter Markt and Heumarkt are themed, offering an array of Christmas delicacies like freshly baked strudels, apple pancakes, handbrot, flame-grilled salmon, and potato fritters. Post a delightful meal, and marvel at the craftsmanship of European artisans, including wood carvers, blacksmiths, and confectioners. The highlight here is the Ice Skating Rink and Ice Stock Sport, set against the backdrop of a grand horseman statue, providing a mesmerizing setting for skaters of all ages. Enjoy spectacular views of the market and ice rink from a wooden chalet, enhanced by a glass of warm Glühwein.
2023 Dates:
Alter Markt: November 24 - December 23
Heumarkt: November 24 - January 07, 2024
Operating Hours: 11 am - 10 pm daily, except December 26 (11 am - 9 pm)

Viennese Christmas Market (Wiener Christkindlmarkt), Vienna, Austria

Welcoming you with a tall archway adorned with twinkling candles, the Viennese Christmas Market at Rathausplatz is a sight to behold. Besides delectable confections, warm beverages, and craft stalls, the market is famous for the Vienna Ice World. Here, ice skaters can weave through the romantically illuminated City Hall Park. The Tree of Hearts is a must-visit for couples, while children will delight in the 12-meter high carousel, the joyous reindeer train, a nativity scene trail, a children's chalet, and a skating rink.
2023 Dates: November 11 - December 26
Hours: 10 am - 10 pm daily, except December 24 (10 am - 6.30 pm)

Tokyo Christmas Market, Tokyo, Japan