Prague's Christmas Market (Thinkstock)
The tradition of the Christmas market, or Christkindlmarkt, began in Germany, Austria, and Alsace. Over time the idea spread, and though you'll still need to book a flight to Europe to visit the best ones, you can experience the festivity of a cozy Christmas market here in the United States as well.
From the original (and some might say best) Christmas markets in Germany to the latest incarnations, Christmas markets keep people coming out in the cold to celebrate the season. The smell of cinnamon and freshly baked sweets fills the air, lights sparkle on the trees and in shop windows, and visitors stay warm sipping hot mulled wine, called gluhwein. Get into the holiday spirit at one of these great Christmas markets around the world.
Chicago, Illinois
Chicago's Chriskindlmarket is the largest traditional German market outside of Germany, a must-do to kick off Christmas season in Chicago. On November 26, it sprang to life in the Loop's Daly Plaza with the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony. Nosh on Bavarian pretzels and grilled bratwurst, or pick up some hot wine in a souvenir cup, and browse the small village of shops beneath the lights of city skyscrapers.
Munich, Germany
Like many large cities in Germany, Munich offers several Christmas markets, but the largest and oldest is in Marienplatz, in the old center. More than 140 stalls in the shadow of a giant Christmas tree sell decorations, art, jewelry, and traditional German fare. The market opens on the first Friday in December, and every evening at 5:30 Alpine choirs perform in the Town Hall's balcony.
Prague, Czech Republic
Prague's Christmas market is held in the beautiful Old Town Square, where lights from the cafés that line the square give the market a cozy glow no matter how low the temperatures drop. In addition to the wooden huts that sell Christmas trinkets and Czech food (and, of course, beer), you'll find folk displays, music, dancing, and other cultural events.
Strasbourg, France
The Alsace region of France, close to the German border, has more than 35 Christmas markets to choose from, but the best is undeniably located in Strasbourg. Here you'll find France's oldest Christmas market (more than 430 years old) set in front of the beautiful Strasbourg Cathedral. The market--a must for anyone visiting France for Christmas--runs from the end of November to Christmas Eve, and features La Petite France, a cozy warren of wooden buildings with Christmas shops and a gingerbread bakery where visitors can wander with a steaming cup of vin chaud (hot, spiced wine).
Bolzano, Italy
Like its European neighbors, Italy has its share of Christmas markets as well, though they are predominantly located in the northeast, especially the Trentino-Alto Adige region. The market in Bolzano was one of the first Christmas markets in Italy, known for the South Tyrol cuisine served and the massive advent calendar, made from the windows on the facade of a nearby building. The Italian spin on the German Christmas market can be seen in other areas of Italy, but this one stays true to its roots.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia's four-week Christmas Village is just about the closest you can get to a traditional German Christkindlmarkt without getting a new stamp in your passport. Inspired by Germany's most popular market in Nuremberg, the Philly version takes place downtown in Love Park and offers live music, a recreation of Santa's house, more than 50 market stalls and timber houses beautifully lit at night, and all the German fare you would expect including gingerbread, bratwurst, and mulled wine.
Vienna, Austria
One of the most popular and famous Christmas markets in Europe, the Vienna market takes place in the square in front of the city's Town Hall. This Christkindlmarkt, which opens in mid-November, is also one of the oldest in Europe at more than 700 years old. Shop for traditional and handmade gifts, or nibble on favorite treats like Christmas cookies, glazed fruits, sausages, and glühwein.
Basel, Switzerland
Basel's Christmas Market opens at the end of November and closes on December 23, and is located right in the Old Town city's heart. With 130 stalls selling crafts, decor, food, and drink, plus daily concerts ranging from modern rock to traditional Christmas tunes, it's the perfect spot to warm up on a cold winter's evening.
Nuremberg, Germany
The most famous, and some would argue best, Christmas market in Germany is in Nuremberg, where the market dates back to 1628 and runs every year from the end of November to Christmas Eve. Like the others, there is music, food, drink, and plenty of shops selling holiday gifts and local crafts, but the market also has a unique tradition. Every two years, a young woman or man is crowned the "Christmas child" and tasked with opening the market and then taking to the streets to spread the Christmas cheer and kick off the holiday season.
Ljubljana, Slovenia
Ljubljana's Old Town shines during the holiday season, as the castle, stone buildings, and Christmas trees around the historic center are awash in twinkling lights. The entire center is lit up, but to find the best market stalls selling local crafts, gifts, and treats like mulled wine and ginger biscuits, head to Prešernovtrg square. The Christmas market here is not only beautiful, it's also one of the latest-running in Europe. It starts the first week of December and goes until January 2.
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USA markets? Just not the same as Europe. I've been to 9 Euro markets. Most have been going on for hundreds of years.
Posted by: Charlie | December 19, 2011 at 09:12 AM
I've just came back from Budapest Christmas Market and it was awesome. I picked up some small things to give as gifts and to hang from my tree...but you could find absolutely anytime. I loved the hand made...well, everything :) And the mulled wine was ...divine :)
Posted by: Cristina | December 19, 2011 at 06:57 AM
Oh, so that's the top ten Christmas markets around the world. I should pursue my plans to go to Vienna, Austria. It's my dream place. Anyway thanks for blogging.
Posted by: Jacinthe Milton | December 19, 2011 at 01:20 AM