Christmas is a time when many give and receive presents. Naturally, there are Christmas markets that accommodate this, where you can find plenty of trinkets and unique gifts your loved ones are sure to appreciate.
Considering it's such a widespread holiday, it's no surprise that there are Christmas markets in all corners of the earth. So why not combine holiday shopping with a vacation?
Below, we'll show you the best Christmas markets to visit!
10. Christmas Markets US — New York City, NY
For those of you in the United States around Christmas, be sure head on over to NYC. Winter Village at Bryant Park is one of the most exciting Christmas markets US has around.
You'll enjoy over 100 pop-up shops sprinkled throughout Bryant Park. You and your loved ones can also go ice-skating at the rink. Once you're done, head back to the shops to fill up on delicious foods and drinks.
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Trip.com recommends following hotels:
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3. DoubleTree by Hilton New York Downtown: Become Trip.com members to get discounts, free breakfast included, free cancellation and Trip Coins.
9. Christmas Markets US — San Francisco, CA
Travel up California's coast to attend the Great Dickens Christmas Fair. As the name suggests, the Christmas market will transport you back to Charles Dickens's time. This means you'll get to see the halls decorated like old London.
In previous years, the Great Dickens Christmas Fair was held inside the Cow Palace Exhibition Halls. While the market was canceled in 2020, you'll get a drive-thru compromise for now.
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Trip.com recommends following hotels:
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3. San Francisco Marriott Marquis Union Square: Become Trip.com members to get discounts, free breakfast included, free cancellation and Trip Coins.
8. Christmas Markets UK — London
Are you planning to visit London for this year's Christmas break? In that case, you'll want to visit Hyde Park Winter Wonderland.
You'll see the Magical Ice Kingdom, the country's largest open-air ice rink, as well as the world's tallest observation wheel. You can also go on several fairground rides in the park.
For those who want something more laidback, you can walk through over 100 wooden chalets to buy presents, Christmas decorations, snacks, and drinks.
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Trip.com recommends following hotels:
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3. The Tower Hotel London: Become Trip.com members to get discounts, free breakfast included, free cancellation and Trip Coins.
7. Christmas Markets Canada — Quebec City
Looking for a taste of Europe in North America? The German Christmas Market is held in Old Quebec and specifically imitates the Christmas markets that Europe is known for.
Not only will you get to enjoy lots of German foods, but you'll also discover many fantastic presents to give your loved ones. In addition, you'll get to watch pop-up performances all throughout the day.
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Trip.com recommends following hotels:
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6. Christmas Markets Netherlands — Valkenburg
Valkenburg's Christmas market is quite impressive because it's actually located inside a cave called Gemeentegrot (which means "the Community Cave" in English). In fact, it's the largest underground Christmas market in all of Europe, so if you're around the area, make sure you venture out to Valkenburg to visit.
This Christmas market is part of the Christmas Village in Valkenburg, which means the town looks as if it came out of a gorgeous fairytale. It's decorated for all of December, so you'll have plenty of time to go gaze at the decor and enjoy everything there is to see, such as a nativity scene and a Christmas parade.
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Trip.com recommends following hotels:
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5. Christmas Markets Austria — Salzburg
You'll find the Salzburg Christmas Market in Cathedral Square, in front of the Salzburg Cathedral. It's been around since the 15th century.
If possible, try to visit on a Saturday, as you'll be in for a special treat. There will be people called Christkind dressed in white and gold robes, as well as wings. They'll walk throughout the Christmas market in the late afternoon.
At the time of writing, you'll need proof of vaccination or past infection to attend the Salzburg Cathedral. A negative COVID-19 alone test won't suffice.
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4. Christmas Markets Denmark — Copenhagen
Copenhagen's Christmas market is located in Tivoli Gardens. It's ideal if you're looking for a light show since its main purpose is to show off all its illuminations. There are thousands of lights throughout the gardens, which will delight your senses.
If you've got little ones, head over to Santa's grotto in the Pantomime Theatre. You can have photos taken of the entire family with Santa.
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3. Christmas Markets Belgium — Bruges
The city of Bruges is already incredibly romantic. Add in perhaps one of the most beautiful Christmas markets Europe has to offer, and it's the perfect destination.
All of the city center is part of the Christmas market, which means the entire place will be lit up with festive lights. Most of the chalets are on the Markt and Simon Stevinplein, where they'll be selling local foods, drinks (including jenever and mulled wine, known as gluhwein), and stunning gifts.
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2. Christmas Markets Switzerland — Basel
Basel has a reputation for having one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Switzerland. Not to mention, it's also the largest one around. Its location on the Rhine means you'll get breathtaking views of the water when you visit.
Throughout the city, there are around 100 decorated pine trees lining the streets. You'll find the Christmas market in both Barfüsserplatz and Münsterplatz, which are gorgeous squares to walk through. If you want to take pictures with the Christmas tree that's decorated with ornaments by renowned decorator Johann Wanner, go to Münsterplatz.
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1. Christmas Markets France — Strasbourg
The Strasbourg Christmas market has been around ever since 1570 and is the oldest one in all of France. It's been voted as one of the best Christmas markets before, so you won't be disappointed.
There are over 300 wooden chalets to browse through in search of the perfect Christmas gifts, many of which are made by local artists. You can also purchase some mulled wine, beer, pastries, and cakes to sip and munch on as you walk through the chalets.
In the middle of Place Kléber is a huge 30-meter tall Christmas tree, which is decorated with lights and ornaments. Enjoy performances and concerts all throughout the town squares.
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