Christmas markets should be a seasonal staple on every traveller’s list. Filled with twinkling lights, cosy gift cabins and festive food and drink, what’s not to love? So, whether you’re visiting family and friends this winter, or jetting off on holiday, take inspiration from these five fabulous Christmas markets and plan a visit of your own!

Bath Christmas Market, England

If you’re looking for a quintessentially English country Christmas experience, then Bath Christmas Market is the one for you. You’ll wander through row upon row of wooden cabins, each decked out in glowing fairy lights, brightening up the treasures and foodie treats within. Even better, this charming festive market is surrounded by Bath’s iconic honey-coloured stone, multiplying the magic.

Photo credit : Stewart Black

Winter Wonderland, London, England

Winter Wonderland is as iconic and fairytale-worthy as it sounds. This funfair-style take on a Christmas market takes place in Hyde Park, London, every year, where bright lights fill the space. Alongside the obligatory market stalls, you’ll find circus acts, the UK’s largest outdoor ice rink and over 100 rides. You can even explore Santa’s workshop!

Tie in your Winter Wonderland visit with a tour of Central London to see Great Britain’s capital city in all its festive glory.

Birmingham Christmas Market, England

Birmingham is best known as England’s second city, and while its heritage is more industrial than chocolate box charm, this is a city that knows how to host a Christmas market! It’s a large affair, with rows of stalls spilling along pedestrianised shopping streets and through squares.

There are plenty of cabins from which to purchase traditional felt Christmas decorations and all manner of gifts – even reindeer hides! But don’t miss the food and drink offerings that the Birmingham Christmas Market is beloved for. You’ll find the biggest Bratwurst sausages to try, huge freshly baked pretzels and steaming gluhwein, served up in novelty mugs, to tempt you.

Photo Credit : Bob Hall

Munich Christmas Market, Germany

Christmas markets aren’t referred to as German markets for no reason! If you’re serious about seeing the best Christmas markets this year, you need to visit Germany. We recommend the city of Munich in particular, where period architecture and buildings create a stunning setting for festivities. Take a stroll around the market stalls on Marienplatz, where you’ll never have seen so many twinkling lights. And when it’s time to warm up, a beer hall won’t be far!

Fancy making it a dual-centre trip? Get double the Christmas market fun by visiting Berlin too – check out my guide to this city’s Christmas markets here.

Photo Credit : George Nell

Copenhagen Christmas Market, Denmark

Home of all things hygge, where better to get your festive spirit flowing than at Copenhagen’s Christmas markets? While a Copenhagen Christmas market has bags of appeal in its own right, it also works brilliantly tied into a cultural city break. Just imagine spending the weekend exploring Denmark’s excellent array of museums, galleries and architecture in its wintry glory. But when you are in full festive mode, head to the Christmas market at Tivoli Gardens for a seriously special experience. Reindeer, lights, cabins, cookies, rides… this market has the lot!

Photo Credit : Susanne Nilsson

Where are your favourite Christmas markets and why?

Are you looking for a last minute Christmas gifts? Here are some ideas!

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5 COMMENTS

  1. I’ve only been to a Christmas market here in Vancouver, Canada. All of these look so festive and fun tho! Makes me wanna just book a flight over to Europe to celebrate the holidays hahaa.

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