Christmas Markets Around The World
As the holiday season descends upon us, it’s hard not to get caught up in the magic. The scent of cinnamon and mulled wine wafts through the air, transporting us to a winter wonderland. For many cities around the world, Christmas is a time to go all out with festive decorations, street food, and unique handicrafts. It’s an opportunity to indulge in holiday cheer with loved ones by your side.
For those looking to spice up their holiday celebrations or make it a special moment with that someone special, Christmas markets are a must-visit destination. Imagine strolling hand-in-hand with your partner through snowflakes gently falling from the sky, hot chocolate warming your hands as you take in the sights and sounds of the season.
From Basel’s charming Christmas Market in Switzerland to Gendarmenmarkt’s bustling stalls in Germany, Strasbourg’s medieval-inspired market in France, Noel Sydney’s festive celebrations Down Under, Hyde Park Winter Wonderland’s magical atmosphere in London, Roppongi Hills’ vibrant Japanese market in Tokyo, and the iconic Winter Village at Bryant Park in New York – these Christmas markets offer a unique and unforgettable experience.
So why not make this holiday season one to remember by visiting some of the world’s most enchanting Christmas markets?
Basel Christmas Market, Switzerland
Imagine a winter wonderland of sorts – the snow-capped Alps, bustling skiing resorts, and festive markets sprinkled throughout Switzerland. Among the many options, one market stands out as a must-visit: Basel’s Christmas Market. This esteemed event boasts not one, but two sections: Barfusserplatz and Munsterplatz.
Here, you’ll find almost 200 beautifully decorated wooden chalets, each offering an array of unique products like Swiss sausages, fondue, traditional Basel Lackerli treats, festive decor, candles, and spices. The market takes place at Rheingasse, 4058 Basel, Switzerland from November 24 to December 23, operating daily from 11 am to 8:30 pm local time. And the best part? Admission is completely free.
Gendarmenmarkt, Germany
Berlin’s Gendarmenmarkt Christmas market is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the essence of German holiday traditions. Spanning from November 21st to December 31st, this iconic market offers a unique blend of festive atmosphere, local flavors, and handmade crafts. As the sun sets on Berlin, the market transforms into a winter wonderland, illuminated by thousands of twinkling lights that cast a magical spell over the bustling stalls.
Operational hours vary depending on the day of the week, with Sunday to Thursday trading from 12 am to 10 pm, and Friday and Saturday extending till 11 pm. However, on December 24th, the market will close at 6 pm, while on December 31st, it will shut shop at local time. Admission to this winter wonderland is a mere 1 euro, with children aged 0-12 enjoying free entry.
Additionally, visitors can take advantage of daily promotions between 11 am and 2 pm (excluding December 24th, 25th, 26th, and 31st). Each year, around 800,000 people from all over the world flock to Gendarmenmarkt to soak up the festive energy and revel in the market’s renowned charm.
Strasbourg Christmas Market, France
Immersive experiences await at Europe’s oldest Christmas market in Strasbourg, France, where festive traditions dating back to 1570 come alive. The charming town’s Place Broglie transforms into a winter wonderland from November 21st to December 23rd, with operating hours between 11 am and 8 pm local time. What’s more? Admission is free!
As you wander through over 300 cozy chalets, indulge in an Alsatian blend of French and German delights – delectable treats, warming drinks, and unique trinkets to take home. Get ready to be enveloped in the magic of Strasbourg’s Christmas market.
Noel Sydney Christmas, NSW
Step into a winter wonderland at Noel Sydney’s enchanting Christmas market! From December 9th to 24th, this magical event transforms the Royal Botanic Garden into a fairytale setting, where you can indulge in a range of delectable food options, browse through an assortment of market stalls, and marvel at the mesmerizing digital Christmas forest.
As night falls, the atmosphere comes alive with captivating performances from community choirs, variety shows, and fun song and dance routines, accompanied by a spectacular Christmas sky show. And the best part? Admission is absolutely free! So mark your calendars for 16 nights of unforgettable festive cheer, only at Noel Sydney’s Christmas market.
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, London
Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland in London is an unmissable experience during the Christmas season. This iconic event attracts visitors from far and wide, boasting over 200 rides, 70-meter-high Ferris wheel, and a spacious outdoor ice skating rink, alongside rows of stalls filled with unique gifts. But that’s not all – the market also features impromptu performances, hands-on workshops, and live music to keep you entertained throughout your visit.
With operating hours from 5 am to 12 am (local time), November 18th to January 2nd, 2023, this event is free during off-peak periods, but expect to pay £5 or £7.50 for peak hour access. It’s no wonder visitors spend an entire day taking in the sights and sounds of this festive extravaganza.
Roppongi Hills Christmas Market, Tokyo
In the heart of Tokyo’s nightlife district, Roppongi Hills transforms into a winter wonderland with its annual Christmas market, taking place from November 26th to December 25th. The market is open daily from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm local time, and admission is completely free. Inspired by traditional European Christmas markets, the Roppongi Hills market offers a unique blend of global and local flair.
You can browse through gift-selling stalls adorned with classic Christmas decorations, indulge in mouthwatering Japanese cuisine, and marvel at the dazzling illuminations that illuminate the entire area.
Winter Village at Bryant Park, New York
As you stroll through the festive atmosphere of Bryant Park’s Winter Village, it’s hard not to get caught up in the holiday cheer. The sweet aroma of treats wafts through the air, accompanied by the cheerful sound of bells ringing and the twinkling glow of fairy lights that illuminate the 17,000-square-foot outdoor ice rink.
The park transforms into a winter wonderland each year as the Christmas season approaches, complete with show-stopping performances and over 150 kiosks offering a diverse range of culinary delights and drinks. It’s truly a sensory experience that will leave you feeling merry and bright.
But amidst all the joy and revelry, it’s also a time to celebrate love.
Amidst the twinkling lights and cozy atmosphere of these holiday markets, there’s no better way to show your partner some holiday cheer than by strolling hand in hand through the festive stalls, taking in the sights, sounds, and smells of the season.
With its iconic location at 41st Street and 6th Avenue in Manhattan, the Winter Village at Bryant Park is open from October 28 to March 5, 2023, from 8 am to 10 pm local time. And the best part?
Admission is free, making it the perfect destination for a fun-filled day or evening with your loved one.
