From Mulled Wine to Handmade Gifts, These Markets Will Sleigh Your Holiday Spirit!
Christmas markets are a beloved holiday tradition around the world. These markets have a festive spirit, twinkling lights, delicious food, and unique gifts. It’s a Christmas lover’s dream come true.
Here are some of the best Christmas markets around the world:
- Strasbourg Christmas Market, France Strasbourg is known as the “Capital of Christmas.” Its market is one of the oldest and most famous in Europe. The market has been held since 1570 and attracts millions of visitors annually. The market features over 300 stalls selling traditional Christmas ornaments, gifts, and food. The city is transformed into a winter wonderland with hundreds of thousands of lights and decorations.
- The Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremberg, Germany, is one of the most famous Christmas markets in the world. The market dates back to the 16th century and features over 180 stalls selling handmade crafts, toys, and delicious treats like gingerbread and mulled wine. Visitors can also see the famous Nuremberg Christmas Angel, who opens the market with a traditional prologue.
- Tivoli Gardens Christmas Market, Denmark The Tivoli Gardens Christmas Market in Copenhagen is one of Europe’s most magical Christmas markets. The market is held in the historic Tivoli Gardens amusement park and features over 60 stalls selling Nordic handicrafts, mulled wine, and Danish holiday treats. Visitors can also enjoy live music, parades, and amusement park rides.
- Vienna Christmas Markets, Austria Vienna has several Christmas markets, each with its own unique charm. The largest is the Christkindlmarkt in front of City Hall, which features over 150 stalls selling handicrafts and delicious Austrian treats. The market also features a traditional carousel and an ice skating rink. Other notable Vienna Christmas markets include the Spittelberg Christmas Market and the Old Viennese Christmas Market at the Freyung.
- Toronto Christmas Market, Canada The Toronto Christmas Market is held in the historic Distillery District and features over 500 vendors selling handmade crafts and delicious food. Visitors can enjoy live music and entertainment, a Ferris wheel, and a giant Christmas tree. The market is also known for its unique European-style wooden huts imported from Germany.
- Bryant Park Winter Village, New York City The Bryant Park Winter Village in New York City is a popular holiday destination for locals and tourists alike. The market features over 170 vendors selling handmade crafts, delicious food, a skating rink, and a holiday-themed bar. The market is also known for its beautiful Christmas tree and festive decorations.
Did you know?
that the tradition of Christmas markets dates back to the Late Middle Ages in Germany? The first recorded Christmas market was held in 1384 in Bautzen, Germany. These markets were initially held to provide people with the necessary goods and food for the long winter months.Â
A little history:
The tradition of Christmas markets, also known as Christkindlmarkt or Weihnachtsmarkt, dates back to the Late Middle Ages in Germany. The first recorded Christmas market was held in 1384 in Bautzen, Germany. These markets were initially held to provide people with the necessary goods and food for the long winter months.
In the 1500s, Christmas markets began to take on a more festive tone with the addition of Christmas decorations and gifts. The markets became an essential part of the holiday season in Germany, with many towns and cities hosting their own markets.
By the 1800s, Christmas markets had become famous throughout Europe, and many traditions we associate with them today were established. This included the sale of handmade crafts and gifts and the consumption of traditional holiday foods and drinks such as gingerbread and mulled wine.
In the 1900s, Christmas markets continued to spread worldwide, now being held in countries as far-flung as Canada, the United States, and Australia. Today, Christmas markets are a holiday tradition that brings people together to celebrate the season with festive decorations, delicious food, and unique gifts.
