I love the twinkling lights reflecting off fresh snow as the sun sets over an old town square packed with wooden stalls. There’s something about a Christmas market that feels almost outside of time.
My first real Christmas market experience was in Germany, navigating cobblestone streets with vendors selling everything from hand-carved nutcrackers to steaming mugs of mulled wine. I remember thinking how different this was from the mall Santas of my American childhood. The market wasn’t just about shopping; it was about being present with each other in a space designed for community joy.
What made this experience even better was taking a craft beer tour and then having a Berliner tell me stories about local Christmas traditions. As I warmed my hands on cups of glühwein in Berlin and watched my children’s eyes widen at towering Christmas trees, I realized how valuable Tinggly’s experiences are: they help to connect with different cultures in a perfect setting.
What I’ve learned is that the best Christmas markets aren’t just about the stalls or decorations; they’re about the feeling they create. Paired with the right experiences, they create a bubble of festive warmth that somehow makes even strangers feel like neighbors. So if you’re planning your own holiday adventure, here’s my guide to the most famous Christmas markets that have most captured my heart.
Top US Christmas Markets
When I tell people I’m obsessed with Christmas markets, they often assume I’m exclusively talking about those charming European Christmas markets with their long-standing traditions. But I’ve discovered that American cities are doing a wonderful job creating their own spectacular market scenes. They’re usually inspired by European counterparts but with unique American twists that make them worth experiencing in their own right.
1. Christkindlmarket Chicago, Illinois
The first time I visited Illinois, the destination of my trip was Chicago’s Christkindlmarket. Honestly, I was a bit skeptical. Could an American city really capture the essence of a German Christmas market? The answer, I discovered as I walked through Daley Plaza, was a surprising and delightful yes.
Chicago’s market isn’t just mimicking European traditions; it’s created something wonderful that honors them while adding its own character. The market sprawls across the plaza with wooden stalls arranged in neat rows, the air heavy with the scent of roasted chestnuts and hot chocolate. German Christmas markets have a particular aesthetic that Chicago has somehow managed to transport across the ocean, from the booth style to the ornaments hanging from the rafters.
What I love most about this market is the heart-warming boot-shaped mugs they serve their mulled wine in. My collection has grown embarrassingly large over the years, each one a souvenir of a different visit. My kids roll their eyes every time I carefully wrap another one to bring home, but these little mementos help me hold onto the feeling of standing in the glow of the market lights, snowflakes catching in my hair as I sip something warm and spicy.
The giant Christmas tree that towers over the market creates the perfect backdrop for family photos. However, getting my teenagers to pose without complaint requires bribing them with promises of the market’s signature pretzels (which, I must admit, are worth a little begging).
Tinggly Experiences to Pair with Christkindlmarket
Immerse yourself in Chicago’s culture with these ideas:
- A Chicago Architecture River Cruise, where you can see the city’s famous skyline illuminated with holiday lights before warming up at the market
- An intimate Chicago comedy experience or any other live event that feels especially magical during the festive season, when paired with mulled wine and market treats
- A Food Tour of the Magnificent Mile, ending perfectly with dessert at the Christmas market stalls
2. Union Square Holiday Market, New York City, New York
New York at Christmas time feels like stepping into a movie, and the Union Square Holiday Market is part of what makes the city so magical during the festive season. Unlike some of the European-inspired markets, this one feels distinctly New York: a little edgier, a little more eclectic, with artists and craftspeople from all over the region displaying their wares.
What makes this market special to me is how it feels like a microcosm of New York itself: diverse, energetic, and somehow both sophisticated and charmingly scrappy. The market stalls here don’t just sell Christmas ornaments; they also offer artisanal foods, handmade jewelry, and vintage posters.
The Union Square market is where I go when I want to find gifts that tell a story, like the hand-printed scarf I found for my mother that she still wears years later, or the wooden toy cars my kids played with until they literally fell apart. You can explore this market together with Flatiron and the NoMad neighborhoods along the way with Tinggly’s New York food, history, and architecture tour.
Tinggly Experiences to Pair with Union Square Market
If you want to feel the full spirit of New York during the Christmas season, here are some ideas:
- A Broadway tour that makes for the perfect New York Christmas festivities after exploring the market
- A Brooklyn Christmas Lights Tour, where you can see the famous neighborhood displays before heading to Union Square
- A Holiday Helicopter Flight over Manhattan, giving you a breathtaking bird’s-eye view of the city in its festive December glory, before landing to shop the market stalls and have some fun ice skating
3. Christkindlmarkt Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
There’s something wonderfully fitting about a Christmas market in a town called Bethlehem, and Pennsylvania’s version lives up to its namesake. This market feels more intimate than some of the larger Christmas markets in December, spread across the SteelStacks campus, with the old Bethlehem Steel furnaces creating a striking industrial backdrop to the traditional holiday vibe.
What I find special about this market is the blend of old and new. The market itself follows the traditional pattern with wooden huts selling crafts, food, and drink, but the post-industrial setting gives it a uniquely American context. It’s a physical reminder of how traditions evolve and adapt as they travel.
Later, as the sun set and the market lights came on, we sat on a bench sharing a funnel cake dusted with powdered sugar that inevitably ended up all over our coats. My daughter looked up at the old steel furnaces now illuminated with festive lights and said, “This is kind of weird but also kind of perfect.” I couldn’t have described it better myself.
Tinggly Experiences to Pair with Bethlehem’s Market
Bethlehem is a magical place. You can get to know this town with these adventures:
- A Haunted Pub Crawl where you can experience a spooky historical adventure, inspired by the local ghosts and spirits
- A magical Holiday Lights Tour that complements the wandering you’ll enjoy at the market
4. Denver Christkindlmarket, Colorado
The Denver Christkindlmarket feels like it belongs in the Alps rather than the Rockies, but that’s part of its December charm. Set in downtown Denver at Civic Center Park, this market has one of the most dramatic natural backdrops of any Christmas market I’ve visited, with the mountains visible in the distance on clear days.
What makes this market special is how it embraces both its German inspiration and its Colorado location. Yes, there are the traditional wooden stalls selling glühwein and bratwurst, but there are also local craftspeople offering items with distinctly Western themes and local microbreweries providing Colorado beer alongside more traditional holiday drinks.
It’s one of the few markets where I’ve seen adults and kids equally enthralled, perhaps because the setting itself feels somewhat magical – holiday traditions transported to distinctly American streets.
Tinggly Experiences to Pair with Denver’s Market
Colorado is beautiful during the winter. You can experience it fully with these fun activities:
- A Rocky Mountain Winter Snowshoeing Adventure that offers the perfect cold-weather complement to the warm market atmosphere
- A Denver Brewery Tour showcasing local craft beers before you sample the seasonal brews at the market
- A Winter Wildlife Spotting Experience in nearby parklands, creating a full day of winter wonder alongside your market visit
5. Christmas Village, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia’s Christmas Village in LOVE Park transforms the city center into a traditional German Christmas market, complete with timber booths decorated with thousands of lights and a towering Christmas tree that serves as the market’s centerpiece. What I find special about this market is how it manages to feel both cozy and expansive at the same time.
The market spreads out around the famous LOVE sculpture (temporarily relocated during the market to a spot where it’s framed by lights and decorations), creating a uniquely Philadelphia photo opportunity. On my visit, I watched dozens of couples and families posing for photos with this iconic piece of public art, now surrounded by the warm glow of Christmas lights.
What makes this market unique is its layout that invites wandering, especially in December. Unlike some markets that are arranged in neat rows, Philadelphia’s Christmas Village has pathways that curve and wind, creating little pockets of discovery. One moment you’re examining handcrafted ornaments, and the next you’ve stumbled upon a group of carolers performing beside a miniature train display.
Tinggly Experiences to Pair with Philadelphia’s Market
You can’t leave Philadelphia without exploring its vibrant restaurants and holiday activities:
- A Historical Holiday Walking Tour that connects Philadelphia’s revolutionary past with its Christmas traditions
- A Gourmet Food Tour that complements the market treats with visits to the Reading Terminal Market and other local food spots
- A Longwood Gardens from Philadelphia Holiday Lights Tour is the perfect activity after exploring the market stalls
Top European Christmas Markets
My love for festive markets began in Europe, where the tradition has been refined over centuries into something approaching an art form. The best Christmas markets aren’t just events; they’re cultural phenomena that transform cities and towns each winter, drawing on history and tradition while creating new memories for each generation of visitors.
6. Strasbourg Christmas Market, France
Some say that German markets are the best, but Strasbourg bills itself as the “Capital of Christmas” for a reason. The first time I visited, I stepped off the train and followed the crowd flowing toward the old town, turning a corner to find myself facing a scene that looked like it had been plucked from a storybook.
What makes Strasbourg special is its scale and setting. The market isn’t confined to a single square but spreads throughout the old town, with different themed areas connected by streets draped with Christmas decorations. The half-timbered buildings of Petite France provide a perfect backdrop, their medieval charm enhanced by garlands and twinkling lights.
The market’s crowning glory is the great Christmas tree in Place Kléber, which stands over 30 meters tall. I watched as the lights came on at dusk, transforming the square into a wonderland that drew gasps from the crowd. Nearby, a group of local schoolchildren were singing carols, their young voices rising clear in the cold air, creating one of those perfect Christmas moments that stay with you long after the season has passed.
Tinggly Experiences to Pair with Strasbourg’s Market
France is a beautiful country, giving plenty of experiences, from live festive performances to:
- Petite France Private Tour, where you can see the illuminated old buildings inspired by fairy tales, with a truly magical perspective
- Alsatian Wine and Cheese Tasting Experience that perfectly complements the regional specialties you’ll find at the market
- Traditional Alsatian Cooking Class, where you can learn to make the region’s famous holiday cookies and treats
7. Vienna Christmas Market at Rathausplatz, Austria
Vienna’s Christmas market in front of the Rathaus (City Hall) feels like stepping into a classical Christmas card. The neo-Gothic spires of the Rathaus provide a dramatic backdrop to a market that manages to be both grand and intimate at the same time.
What sets Vienna’s market apart is its attention to aesthetic detail. The decorations aren’t just festive; they’re beautiful in a way that feels distinctly Viennese, with an elegance that echoes the city’s imperial past. Crystal ornaments catch the light, handcrafted paper stars hang from stall roofs, and the aroma of vanilla and cinnamon wafts from bakery stands selling traditional Austrian cookies.
What I remember most vividly about Vienna’s market is the children’s activities scattered throughout. In one corner, kids were decorating gingerbread hearts while nearby others were making candles by dipping wicks repeatedly into colored wax. My daughter joined in, proudly producing a somewhat lopsided candle in rainbow hues that still has a place of honor in our holiday decorations years later.
Tinggly Experiences to Pair with Vienna’s Market
During the same trip to one of the best Christmas markets, you experience everything this Christmas city has to offer:
- A Classical Christmas Concert in one of Vienna’s historic palaces or concert halls, creating the perfect musical accompaniment to your market visit
- A Viennese Coffee House Tour, where you can warm up with the city’s famous coffee and pastries between market explorations
- A Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride through Vienna’s old town, offering a romantic way to see the city’s festive decorations
8. Prague Old Town Square, Czechia
Prague’s Christmas market in the Old Town Square feels magical in a way that’s hard to describe without sounding hyperbolic. The medieval square with its famous astronomical clock creates a setting that seems designed for fairy tales, and when it’s filled with wooden stalls and illuminated by thousands of lights, the effect is breathtaking.
What makes Prague’s market special is how it embraces Czech traditions. The food stalls don’t just sell the mulled wine and sausages you find at most markets (though those are certainly available); they offer local specialties like trdelník (a sweet pastry cooked over an open flame) and hot mead flavored with herbs and spices.
I visited Prague’s market on a snowy evening, and what I remember most is the silence that fell over the square as the snow came down, muffling the sounds of the crowd and creating a moment of unexpected tranquility in the midst of the bustling market. My husband and I stood under the great Christmas tree, watching snowflakes swirl in the lights, neither of us wanting to break the spell by speaking.
Tinggly Experiences to Pair with Prague’s Market
Nativity scenes aside, Prague is not only beautiful in December – it’s also filled with fun activities:
- An Evening Crystal Dinner Cruise, capturing the best view of the lit-up Prague Castle and Charles Bridge
- A Traditional Czech Beer Tasting Experience, providing the perfect contrast to the hot mead you’ll enjoy at the market
- A Private Prague Castle Tour, combining cultural history with the market’s festive atmosphere for a complete Prague experience
9. Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt, Germany
Nuremberg’s Christkindlesmarkt is one of the best Christmas markets in Germany, and after visiting, I understand why. There’s a purity to this market, a sense that it’s maintaining traditions rather than adapting them for tourist consumption.
What makes Nuremberg special is its authenticity. The market has strict rules about what can be sold — no mass-produced items are allowed, only handcrafted goods and traditional foods. This means that walking through the market is a journey through German craft traditions, from the famous Nuremberg lebkuchen (gingerbread) to hand-carved wooden ornaments.
I visited on the opening day when the market began with the appearance of the Christkind — a young woman dressed as an angel who recites a prologue from the balcony of the Church of Our Lady. The crowd below fell completely silent as she appeared, her gold crown catching the light, her words echoing across the square. Children on their parents’ shoulders stared up in wonder, and I found myself unexpectedly moved by this tradition that has marked the beginning of the Christmas season in Nuremberg since the 17th century.
Tinggly Experiences to Pair with Nuremberg’s Market
While in Germany, don’t miss out on immersing in the country’s unique culture:
- A Traditional German Gingerbread Making Workshop, where you can learn to create your own lebkuchen
- A Nuremberg Christmas market tour with a local who connects the Christmas traditions to the city’s rich history
- A German Toy Museum Visit, offering insight into the craftsmanship behind the wooden toys sold at the market
10. Cologne Christmas Markets, Germany
Cologne doesn’t have just one Christmas market — it has seven, each with its own distinct character. This makes the city a perfect destination for market enthusiasts like me who want to experience different atmospheres without traveling to another town.
What makes Cologne special is the diversity of markets all within walking distance of each other. The market in front of the cathedral (which is itself an awe-inspiring backdrop, its Gothic spires reaching toward the sky) has a more traditional feel, while the “Heinzels Wintermärchen” is themed around the legend of the Heinzelmännchen (house elves) who supposedly once did all the work in Cologne while the citizens slept.
I spent a full day wandering from market to market, each one offering a slightly different take on the Christmas market concept. At the Harbor Christmas Market, stalls were set up in shipping containers decorated to look like ships, while at the Angel’s Market on Neumarkt, staff wore costumes with feathery wings attached to their backs.
Tinggly Experiences to Pair with Cologne’s Markets
Cologne is known not only for market stalls with handmade items, but also for stunning cultural experiences:
- A Private Walking Tour of Cologne’s old Town, offering breathtaking views of all the Christmas markets spread throughout the city
- A Rhine River Christmas Cruise that provides a unique perspective of the city’s festive lights from the water
- A Traditional Cologne Chocolate Museum Tour and Tasting, adding sweet indulgence to your market exploration
11. Dresden Striezelmarkt, Germany
Dresden’s Striezelmarkt claims to be the oldest Christmas market in Germany, dating back to 1434. There’s something profound about participating in a tradition that has continued uninterrupted for so many centuries (with the exception of war years).
What makes Dresden special is this sense of history, combined with Saxon Christmas traditions that differ slightly from those in other parts of Germany. The market takes its name from Striezel, the local name for the Christmas cake better known as stollen — a rich, fruit-studded bread that’s a central part of Dresden’s Christmas celebrations.
During my visit, I was lucky enough to witness the Stollenfest, when bakers parade an enormous stollen through the old town to the market. The giant cake, weighing over three tons, was carried on a platform by dozens of bakers in traditional guild costume. Once it reached the market, the Grand Stollen was ceremonially cut with a special five-foot knife and distributed to the crowd.
Tinggly Experiences to Pair with Dresden’s Market
After you explore the wide variety of handmade ornaments, check out these exciting activities:
- A Meissen Porcelain Workshop Visit, where you can see the famous Dresden porcelain being made and create your own ornament
- An Elbe Valley Christmas Wine Tour exploring the region’s vineyards decorated for the season
- A Dresden Historical Christmas Walking Tour that connects the market’s traditions to the city’s fascinating past
Practical Travel Tips for Christmas Market Visits
After years of dragging my somewhat-willing family to Christmas markets across two continents, I’ve learned a few things about how to make these experiences as magical as possible (with minimal complaining from teenagers who would rather be anywhere else).
First, timing is everything. Most European markets open in late November and run until just before Christmas, though some continue through New Year’s. American markets tend to have shorter runs, often weekends-only, until mid-December, when they might open daily. If you can, visit on weekdays when the crowds are thinner, and you can actually see the stalls without having to peer over someone’s shoulder.
I’ve also learned (the hard way) that weather preparation is crucial. There’s nothing that will ruin the magic faster than frozen toes or soaking wet gloves. Thermal underwear isn’t glamorous, but it’s made the difference between a miserable hour of teeth-chattering and a wonderful evening of market exploration for me more times than I can count.
Food is central to the Christmas market experience, but not all market food is created equal. I’ve developed a personal rule of looking for stalls with lines of locals rather than tourists — they know which vendor makes the best goulash or which stand has the freshest pretzels. And I always leave room for something sweet; the smell of caramelized nuts or fresh waffles is as much a part of the market atmosphere as the twinkling lights.
For families with children, I recommend researching which markets have special activities. Many have dedicated children’s areas with rides or craft workshops that provide a welcome break from shopping. The year my son was seven, he spent over an hour at a candle-making workshop in Vienna’s market, completely absorbed in creating colorful tapered candles while my husband and I sipped hot chocolate and rested our feet.
Wrapping Up Your Magical Christmas Market Journey
The holiday season is about more than decorations and gifts. It’s about moments that stay with you long after the lights go out. The best Christmas markets offer the perfect setting for these memories, with festive stalls, giant Christmas trees, and a warm atmosphere that brings people together.
Adding Tinggly experiences to your visit makes it even more special. Whether it’s a craft workshop, a river cruise, or a food tour, these adventures deepen your connection to each Christmas city and turn a simple market visit into a rich, unforgettable journey.
So as you plan your festive travels, think beyond the stalls. With Tinggly, your Christmas market trip becomes a story you’ll cherish for years.
FAQ
Which city has the best Christmas markets?
Strasbourg, known as the “Capital of Christmas,” is often considered the perfect place for the best Christmas markets, with many markets spread across its old town, beautiful Christmas decorations, a large Christmas tree in Place Kléber, and a festive atmosphere that delights visitors alike.
What is considered the best Christmas market?
Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt in Germany is considered the best Christmas market due to its authenticity, strict rules for stall holders, traditional crafts, the famous Christmas pyramid, and the large Christmas tree in the main square, offering visitors a genuine festive experience.
What is the most beautiful Christmas market in the world?
Vienna’s Christmas Market at Rathausplatz is often called the most beautiful, with elegant Christmas decorations, a large Christmas tree, and a perfect backdrop of the neo-Gothic City Hall. Its festive atmosphere and unique handmade gifts make it a magical night destination.
Which US city has the best Christmas market?
Chicago’s Christkindlmarket is the best US Christmas market, featuring traditional German market stalls, festive decorations, a giant Christmas tree, and unique gifts. It’s a perfect place for visitors alike to enjoy mulled wine and festive activities early in the season.