Top Christmas Markets of 2022

Nothing captures the holiday spirit quite like a festive market.

Though these holiday markets have roots in Vienna, where the first December market dates back to 1298, the tradition has spread worldwide over the centuries.

From Germany to Switzerland to New York, it's hard to find a popular destination that doesn't host a spectacular Christmas market every year.

Some of these markets have become so famous, they now attract tourists from all over the globe.

In recent years, many popular holiday markets had to scale back or cancel completely due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Fortunately, most are making a comeback in 2022.

Here’s our guide to some of the best Christmas markets around the globe this year.

Wiener Christkindlmarkt, Austria

With reindeer sleigh rides, a towering Ferris wheel, and a traditional nativity scene to admire, Vienna’s enchanting display truly captures the essence of the holiday season.

Vienna boasts around 20 Christmas markets, but the Wiener Christkindlmarkt, set in front of City Hall (Rathausplatz), stands out as one of the oldest and most iconic.

This year, the event—also known as the Viennese Dream Christmas Market—will focus more on families, with expanded areas for children, including a 150-square-meter ice rink. Sustainability will also be a key theme.

The renowned Tree of Hearts, a giant maple adorned with hundreds of sparkling heart-shaped decorations, is a popular attraction and offers a perfect photo spot.

More than 150 stalls line the market, serving delicious local specialties like Austrian sausages and gingerbread cookies, along with festive homemade Christmas punch.

The Wiener Christkindlmarkt will be open from November 19 to December 26, 2022.

Basel Christmas Market, Switzerland

Switzerland is one of the ultimate destinations for celebrating Christmas in style.

During the holiday season, most Swiss towns come alive with festive markets, creating an unforgettable atmosphere. The Basel Christmas Market is the largest and arguably the most impressive of them all.

Divided into two main areas at Barfusserplatz and Munsterplatz, the market features nearly 200 beautifully decorated stalls selling Christmas spices, ornaments, and candles.

For families, Munsterplatz offers a Christmas fairytale forest with activities like gingerbread and candle decorating, a star workshop, and a merry festive train ride.

The Basel Christmas Market opens its doors on November 24 and runs through December 23.

Strasbourg Christmas Market, France

One of Europe’s oldest Christmas markets, Strasbourg's event began in 1570 and has since grown into a major attraction.

Spread across more than 10 locations, including the UNESCO World Heritage site of Grande Île, this popular market fills the city with thousands of shimmering lights and festive decorations.

Before the pandemic, around two million people visited the market each year, where they could browse hundreds of wooden chalet stalls offering everything from holiday decorations to local Alsatian wine.

Place Klebe is arguably the most popular location, thanks to the impressive Great Christmas Tree on display.

However, visitors will encounter many enchanting sights as they wander through the city's charming alleyways and picturesque squares.

The Strasbourg Christmas Market runs from November 25 to December 24.

Brussels Winter Wonders, Belgium

Brussels truly comes alive during Christmas thanks to Winter Wonders, which feels more like a festival than a traditional market.

This annual spectacle spans across several locations, including the Bourse, Place de la Monnaie, Grand Place, Place Sainte Catherine, and Marche aux Poissons, making it one of Belgium's largest and most beloved events.

With a light and sound show, ice skating, and funfair rides, there's plenty to enjoy. Visitors can also explore around 200 chalets offering glühwein, Belgian beers, waffles, and marvel at the massive Christmas tree in Grand Place.

Brussels Winter Wonders will take place from November 25 to January 1, 2023.

Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square Christmas Markets, Prague, Czech Republic

To say that Prague embraces Christmas is truly an understatement.

The capital of the Czech Republic is the very essence of a winter wonderland during the festive season.

While there are plenty of markets scattered across the city, the most notable ones are in Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square.

Fortunately, these two locations are just a short walk from each other, making it easy for visitors to explore both in one day.

Old Town Square offers a variety of entertainment, including live shows, dance performances, and creative workshops, while Wenceslas Square is perfect for finding unique handmade gifts and enjoying local treats like klobasa (Czech sausage) and mulled wine.

The markets will be open from November 26 to January 6, 2023.

Fira de Santa Llucia, Barcelona

Founded in 1786, Fira de Santa Llucia has evolved from a one-day celebration of Santa Llucia's feast day on December 13 into a three-week long fair.

Located just outside Barcelona Cathedral, the lively market is divided into four main sections.

The first section is dedicated to nativity scenes and figurines, where visitors can find various decorations and statues for their Christmas displays. The Greenery and Plants section is filled with both real and artificial trees, along with a variety of plants.

The crafts section showcases handmade items and jewelry, while the simbombes area is dedicated to musical instruments.

There are plenty of festive activities to enjoy, including storytelling, a Christmas parade, and the caga tio, a massive pinata-like Christmas log that releases candy and gifts when struck with a stick.

Fira de Santa Llucia will run from November 25 to December 23 in 2022.

I Mercati Natale, Piazza Santa Croce, Florence

There’s much to discover at this charming market, but nothing beats the stunning backdrop of Santa Croce’s Franciscan Basilica.

Although this traditional fair is relocated each year from Heidelberg, Germany, to Florence, it feels distinctly Italian with its beautiful surroundings and a variety of local treats, such as panforte.

Of course, you’ll also find plenty of gingerbread, strudel, and classic Heidelberg Lebkuchen cookies to enjoy.

A short walk to the nearby Piazza del Duomo rewards visitors with a spectacular nativity scene and a stunning Christmas tree, illuminated on December 8 for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception.

I Mercati Natale kicks off on November 19 and runs until December 18.

Advent in Zagreb, Croatia

It's no surprise that Zagreb was voted the 'best Christmas market destination' in the European Best Destinations' online poll for three consecutive years.

Zagreb truly embraces the holiday spirit during Advent, with live nativity scenes, ice sculpture displays, outdoor concerts, pop-up bars, and even a Christmas tram filled with Santa and his elves.

Advent in Zagreb features a special area dedicated to 'fooling around' (or 'fuliranje'), where visitors can enjoy dancing in the streets, munching on street food, and grooving to live music.

Advent in Zagreb 2022 will run from November 26 to January 7, 2023.

Christmas in Tivoli, Copenhagen, Denmark

Often thought to have inspired Disneyland, this Danish amusement park and pleasure garden is a breathtaking destination to visit year-round.

However, there’s no place more magical than Tivoli Gardens during the Christmas season.

With over 1,000 sparkling Christmas trees decorating the stunning grounds, and attractions ranging from fairground rides to a traditional Pixie Band, it offers a winter experience unlike any other.

This year, the event will showcase a red Christmas heart with projected images of festive stories, along with a towering Christmas tree set to grace the Tivoli Lake.

A major highlight of the season is the annual Lucia procession on December 13, where over 100 girls walk through the gardens, carrying candles and singing to honor St. Lucia’s Day. This is followed by spectacular fireworks displays on December 25-26 and New Year’s Eve.

Christmas in Tivoli runs from November 19 to December 31. (Note: the park will be closed on December 24).

Tallinn Christmas Market, Estonia

Tallinn’s annual Christmas market is one of the more contemporary celebrations across Europe.

Nestled in Tallinn’s Town Hall Square, the market is brimming with stalls offering traditional Estonian dishes, homemade bread, and local crafts.

For entertainment, visitors can enjoy carousels, a magical winter grotto, and Santa arriving on a sleigh pulled by reindeer.

This year, a festive double-decker bus will shuttle visitors to the old town, where over 250 Christmas trees and various light displays will brighten the streets.

In addition, guests can enjoy live performances by local dance groups and choirs throughout the event.

As is often the case with these festive markets, the Christmas tree is the highlight. Tallinn has been showcasing its iconic tree here since 1441.

Tallinn Christmas Market 2022 is scheduled to run from November 25 through January 8, 2023.

Skansen's Christmas Market, Stockholm, is a time-honored tradition in Sweden.

While Stockholm boasts several Christmas markets, none are as deeply rooted in tradition as Skansen's.

Located on Djurgarden Island within the world’s oldest open-air museum, Skansen offers a charming display of Swedish heritage with a festive twist.

The historic houses in the museum are adorned with vibrant decorations, and every table is set for a traditional Christmas feast.

Guests can create their own holiday decorations at craft workshops, watch live craft demonstrations, or join in the lively dance games around the tree at Skansen’s central Bollnäs Square.

Skansen’s Christmas Market runs every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from November 26 to December 19.

Tuomaan Markkinat, Helsinki

Nestled in Helsinki’s Senate Square, right by the statue of Emperor Alexander II, this quintessential Scandinavian Christmas market is a must-visit.

At the heart of Tuomaan Markkinat is a charming vintage carousel, surrounded by numerous stalls offering Finnish holiday treats, including glogi (a non-alcoholic mulled wine), festive sweets, and beautifully crafted handicrafts.

Children can meet Santa Claus at his quaint wooden cabin and join in holiday fun like decorating Christmas cookies.

The market’s food court is a highlight, featuring a wide range of top-notch eateries to satisfy any craving.

Tuomaan Markkinat will be held from December 1 through December 22.

Vörösmarty Square and St. Stephen’s Basilica Christmas Market, Budapest, Hungary

Budapest hosts two major Christmas markets: one at St. Stephen’s Basilica and the other at Vörösmarty Square, both offering a dazzling array of holiday attractions.

The St. Stephen’s Basilica market, set in front of the iconic basilica, features stunning 3D light shows projected onto its grand facade, drawing large crowds.

Over 150 charming stalls fill the market, offering a delightful mix of sweet treats, wine, and beautifully crafted arts and crafts.

Located in the city center, the Vörösmarty Square market attracts more than 800,000 visitors each year, making it one of Budapest’s largest and most popular Christmas events.

A major highlight at Vörösmarty Square is its giant advent calendar, with a new window display revealed every day from December 1 to 23. The market also features delicious Hungarian specialties like langos and chimney cake.

While the city typically organizes the market, this year it will be managed by the same company that runs the St. Stephen’s Basilica event, potentially bringing exciting changes to the festivities.

The Vörösmarty Square market will be open from November 18 and will close at 5 a.m. on January 1, 2023.

St. Stephen’s Basilica Christmas market kicks off on November 18 and will run until 6 p.m. on January 1, 2023.

Christkindlesmarkt and Gendarmenmarkt are two of the most famous Christmas markets in Germany, both offering a magical festive experience.

Germany is famous for its open-air winter markets, with some of the oldest and most popular festive markets in all of Europe.

Berlin, the capital, boasts around 80 Christmas markets, with the iconic Gendarmenmarkt being one of the most famous.

Nestled between the French Cathedral and the German Cathedral, Gendarmenmarkt is a charming labyrinth of wooden stalls selling Bratwurst, mulled wine, gingerbread, and unique holiday gifts.

As night falls, the market transforms into a festive wonderland with regular performances of music and dance for visitors to enjoy.

In Nuremberg, Bavaria’s second-largest city, the historic Christkindlesmarkt has been a beloved tradition since the 1500s.

Throughout the Christmas season, Nuremberg's central market square is filled with approximately 180 stalls, creating a lively atmosphere.

Drawing in close to two million visitors annually, the Nuremberg Christmas market is one of the city's most anticipated events of the year.

The 2022 Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt will open its doors on November 25 and run until December 24.

Gendarmenmarkt will begin on November 21 and continue through to December 31, offering festive delights for all.

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland in London is one of the city's most magical Christmas attractions.

One of London's most eagerly awaited winter events, Hyde Park Winter Wonderland attracts crowds from all over.

Since its debut in 2005, the event has grown into a major highlight, featuring over 200 attractions, including a towering 70-meter Ferris wheel, mulled wine stalls, and the UK's largest outdoor ice rink.

In addition to thrilling rides, visitors can try their hand at ice sculpting, enjoy a circus performance, unwind with live music at the Fire Pit bar, or indulge in delicious offerings at the Street Food Village.

This year, the event features the 'Wham! Last Christmas experience,' an immersive journey where guests can step into the iconic music video of George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley’s hit song, along with a thrilling 45-meter ice slide.

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland will be open from November 18 until January 2, 2023, offering festive fun throughout the holiday season.

The Distillery Winter Village, Toronto

Once known as the Toronto Christmas Market, the Distillery Winter Village presents a cozy, European-style holiday experience with a unique charm.

Nestled in the historic Distillery District, this market boasts outdoor shops, festive food stalls, carol sing-alongs, a gingerbread hunt, and a towering 50-foot Christmas tree.

The market features an array of stalls offering everything from artisanal foods and handcrafted gifts to festive beverages.

The Distillery Winter Village 2022 will be open daily from November 18 to December 31, except for December 25.

Winter Village at Bryant Park, New York

Every year, Bryant Park in Manhattan is magically transformed into a stunning winter wonderland for the Winter Village.

The famous open-air market is a sight to behold, featuring over 150 custom-designed kiosks and a massive 17,000-square-foot outdoor ice rink that’s free to use if you bring your own skates.

The rinkside bar and food hall, The Lodge, offers a variety of dining options, along with an outdoor beer garden and a cocktail bar.

Outside the Winter Village, the Josephine Shaw Lowell Fountain is especially stunning in winter when it often freezes into a beautiful sight.

The Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park opened on October 28 and will run until March 5, 2023.

Details were accurate at the time of publication.