World's 10 Best Holiday Markets

Updated 28 November 2013 at 8:24 am

Christkindlesmarkt

Where: Nuremberg, Germany

The at is arguably the most popular European Christmas market. The market opens the Friday before the first Sunday of advent, and crowds gather to watch Christkind open the festivities. More than 180 wooden stands shimmer with colorful Christmas lights featuring handcrafted Christmas ornaments, toys, games, and holiday treats. Visitors can enjoy cups of mulled wine and rum punch, or sample Nüremberg bratwurst and gingerbread. End the night with a carriage ride around Old Town, and take in the Christmas greens and decorations.

Insider Tip: Every year, Nuremberg schoolchildren take part in a lantern procession that passes through the market. Don't miss the event, which usually takes place the week before Christmas.

When: November 29 - December 24

Where to Stay: Several hotels are within walking distance of the market, including and .

Plan Your Trip: Visit

Amzphoto/Dreamstime.com

During the weeks before Christmas, holiday markets open across Europe and America. Crowds gather to watch Christmas carolers, lantern processions, and tree lightings, while they browse stands of handmade gifts, toys, and decorations. The markets are the perfect place to warm up with a glass of mulled wine, or satisfy your sweet tooth with a Christmas treat. Whether you’re taking in Strasbourg’s sparkling Christmas tree, or sampling gingerbread at the Tallinn Christmas market, you can't help but get in the holiday spirit. Here are our picks for the world’s best holiday markets.

By Emily Wasserman

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