Our Favorite Christmas Markets

Shopping during the Holidays can be hectic and anything but enjoyable.  But, there are several Christmas markets around the World that combine shopping, food & drink, plus a festive atmosphere that will help you get into the spirit of the season.  A few of the best are listed below.

Europe

Prague:  The capital of the Czech Republic looks like a Holiday card at any time of the year.  During Christmas several squares are decorated and look even more like a scene from a fairy-tale.  The largest is in Old Town Square.  Sample Czech cuisine and beer, wood carved toys, glassware and Christmas decorations.  All are sold from decorated wood huts.  If you don’t find anything you like here, the second largest market is held in Wenceslas Square just a couple of minutes away.

Strasbourg:  A French city with a German flair makes for a very special holiday setting.  Officially a German style Christkindlmarket, the market is also infused with the spirit of Noel.  The fact that it’s located in a square surrounded by the cathedral and timber framed buildings adds to the magic.  This is one of the largest and oldest markets in Europe (founded in 1570).  About 300 chalets sell all types of holiday gifts and food/drink.

Copenhagen:  The market itself isn’t all that impressive with only about 60 stalls.  But, it does offer decorations, knitwear and leather goods with a Nordic flair (but unfortunately high prices).  The real draw is that the market is located in the famous Tivoli Gardens.  The gardens are specially decorated for the holidays and the lights are spectacular at night.  You also get to enjoy the classic rides of this quant amusement park.  (Admission fee to park required).

Canada

Montreal:  Canadians know how to have fun in the cold.  Their largest market is Le Grand Marche de Noel.  It combines traditions from around the world and features gourmet food & drink with locally made gifts.  But, don’t just visit one fair.  Montreal offers another half dozen fairs specializing in everything from thrift finds, to art/designer crafts, to furniture.

United States

Chicago:  The United States also offers several Christmas markets.  The largest, attracting over a million visitors, is held in downtown Chicago’s Daley Plaza.  This is another Christkindlmarket, founded by the German American Chamber of Commerce.  The plaza contains the city’s Christmas tree, as well as stalls selling food, drinks, and crafts from local vendors and from vendors visiting from Germany, Austria, and the Ukraine. The giant Picasso sculpture, which usually dominates the plaza, is lost in the stalls and decorations.