Christmas markets around the world: 7 countries to add to your winter travel list

Christmas markets turn cities into festive destinations with illuminated streets, decorated squares, seasonal food, handmade gifts and local traditions. Europe remains the heart of the Christmas-market experience, with centuries-old markets spread across historic cities. But travellers can also find Christmas markets outside Europe, offering a different mix of local culture and holiday traditions. Here are seven countries worth considering for a Christmas-market getaway.

Vienna offers a Christmas-market experience across several parts of the city, with markets set against landmarks such as the City Hall, Schönbrunn Palace and Belvedere Palace. Visitors can browse handicrafts, Christmas decorations and seasonal food while enjoying festive lights. The city also has smaller markets in historic neighbourhoods, making it possible to combine traditional Christmas shopping with sightseeing, music and Vienna’s winter atmosphere.

Strasbourg is one of Europe’s oldest Christmas-market destinations and has been associated with the tradition since 1570. The market spreads across the historic centre, with several locations around the cathedral, Place Kléber and the Petite France district. Visitors can explore decorated streets, Alsatian food and traditional stalls while taking in the city’s Christmas lights. Nearby towns in Alsace also offer smaller seasonal markets.

Nuremberg is home to the Christkindlesmarkt, one of Germany’s best-known Christmas markets, with roots going back centuries. Around 180 wooden stalls fill the main market area with Christmas decorations, handmade items and seasonal food. Visitors can also try the city’s famous gingerbread and explore the adjoining children’s Christmas market. The historic Old Town, festive lights and traditional market setting make Nuremberg a destination built around Christmas traditions.

Prague offers a Christmas-market setting where festive stalls meet the city’s historic architecture. The Old Town Square is a major draw during the holiday season, with decorations, food, gifts and seasonal performances adding to the experience. You can combine market visits with walks through Prague’s historic centre, including its churches, bridges and medieval streets. The city’s compact centre also makes it convenient to explore several festive spots on foot.

Tallinn brings a different Christmas-market experience, centred around its medieval Old Town. The city’s historic architecture, cobbled streets and winter setting create a backdrop for seasonal stalls selling crafts, gifts and local food. Visitors can explore the market while walking through the UNESCO-listed Old Town and discovering Estonia’s Christmas traditions. Tallinn can be a good choice if you are looking for a smaller European capital with a historic winter atmosphere.

Quebec City offers a North American take on the traditional Christmas-market experience, with European-inspired festive settings and winter activities. The city’s historic districts provide a backdrop for seasonal stalls, decorations, food and gifts. Visitors can combine a market trip with walks through Old Quebec and its winter streets. If you are seeking a Christmas getaway outside Europe, Quebec City brings together holiday traditions, historic surroundings and a distinctly Canadian setting.

Japan offers a different interpretation of the Christmas-market tradition, with festive markets appearing in major cities during the holiday season. Tokyo, in particular, hosts seasonal events featuring European-style decorations, food, drinks and gift stalls. Visitors can combine Christmas-market stops with the city’s winter illuminations, shopping districts and food scene. It is an option if you want to experience Christmas festivities while exploring a destination with a very different cultural setting.