When the holidays roll in, a Christmas market is simply irresistible. While this trend began in Vienna in 1298, it has now spread around the world. Read on to discover the best 2022 Christmas markets around the globe.
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Austria: The Wiener Christkindlmarkt
November 19 to December 26, 2022
In Vienna, the festive spectacle includes reindeer rides, a giant Ferris wheel, and a Nativity display. The Wiener Christkindlmarkt on Rathausplatz is one of the city’s oldest and most traditional Christmas marketplaces.
The Tree of Hearts, a large maple tree covered with glistening hearts, is a famous photo spot. More than 150 booths sell Austrian sausages, gingerbread pastries, and Christmas beverages.
Belgium: Brussels Winter Wonders
November 25, 2022 to January 1, 2023
Brussels’ Winter Wonders festival market spreads festive cheer. The Bourse, Place de la Monnaie, Grand Place, Place Sainte Catherine, and Marche aux Poissons are all included in the annual festival.
Aside from a light and sound show, ice skating, and fairground rides, visitors can browse 200 chalets providing mulled wine, Belgian beers, and waffles.
Copenhagen: Christmas in Tivoli
November 19 to December 31, 2022
Tivoli Gardens is breathtaking throughout the holiday season. This Danish amusement park and leisure garden are said to have inspired Disneyland.
It offers a one-of-a-kind winter experience with over 1,000 decorated Christmas trees and carnival rides. The event this year will include a large Christmas tree on Tivoli Lake as well as a red Christmas heart with Christmas narrative projections.
The yearly Lucia procession on December 13 is a highlight, as are the fireworks displays on December 25-26 and New Year’s Eve.
Croatia: Advent in Zagreb
Zagreb has been crowned the “greatest Christmas market destination” three years in a row. The season of Advent is when Zagreb truly shines with a live nativity scene, ice sculptures, outdoor performances, pop-up bars, and a Santa-decorated tram are all part of the festivities. There is also a “fuliranje” zone where people dance while eating street food and listening to live music
Estonia: Tallinn Christmas Market
November 25, 2022 to January 8, 2023
The Estonian capital’s annual Christmas market features traditional Estonian dishes, homemade bread, and handicrafts by a variety of vendors. Additionally, carousels, a winter grotto, and Santa with reindeer provide entertainment. A double-decker bus will transport visitors to the old town, which will be decorated with 250 Christmas trees and light installations.
Visitors are entertained by dance troupes and choirs. The Christmas tree is the main attraction at many of these festivals, with Tallinn’s tree dating from 1441.
Helsinki: Tuomaan Markkinat
December 1 to December 22, 2022
Tuomaan Markkinat is a Scandinavian Christmas market in Helsinki’s Senate Square, next to Emperor Alexander II’s statue. The focus of Tuomaan Markkinat is an ancient carousel, but vendors selling traditional Christmas foods, glogi, Finland’s non-alcoholic mulled wine, and handicrafts are also popular.
Moreover, as a family-friendly event, children can decorate Christmas cookies and see Santa in his cabin.
Stockholm: Skansen’s Christmas Market
Skansen is the classic Christmas market in Stockholm. Set in Djurgarden, the world’s oldest open-air museum, the event is a beautiful celebration of Swedish culture. The tables in the museum’s historic mansions are all prepared for Christmas supper.
Skansen’s main location, Bollnas Square, hosts dance games around the Christmas tree as well as workshops on Christmas décor.
Switzerland: The Basel Christmas Market
November 24 to December 23, 2022
Switzerland has the nicest Christmas traditions. The majority of Swiss cities are packed with bustling markets at this time of year, creating a lovely atmosphere. Basel’s Christmas Market is the largest and greatest.
Up to 200 stalls selling Christmas spices, decorations, and candles may be found on Barfusserplatz and Munsterplatz. Families can decorate gingerbread and candles, engage in a star workshop, and ride a festive train in Munsterplatz’s Christmas dream forest.
Conclusion
Indeed, there’s nothing quite like the Christmas spirit to bring communities together for fun, food, festivities, and beyond. Now that you know the key cities that hold the biggest Christmas markets around the world, you can put them on your bucket list and score yourself some much-deserved trips!
Jolly and Nice is here to make your Christmas celebrations special year after year through events, travels, decorations, and more. Contact us to learn about our services!
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