There’s something deeply magical about wandering through a Christmas market—warm lights glowing against winter skies, mugs of mulled wine warming your hands, and the soft scent of cinnamon drifting through the air. If you’re craving a holiday season that feels like it was lifted straight out of a storybook, this guide will whisk you through 15 trending destinations offering some of the most enchanting festive experiences on the planet.
Before we dive into twinkling lights and mulled wine, a tiny disclosure: this post contains affiliate links. If you click something and end up treating yourself, I may earn a small commission—at absolutely no extra cost to you. Consider it your way of supporting my work, my creativity, and the endless cups of gingerbread-spiced tea that fuel posts like this. As always, I only recommend things I genuinely love, use, or would confidently gift to the version of myself who actually sleeps eight hours a night.
Bangkok Christmas Markets & Holiday Festivals
Bangkok may not host traditional European Christmas markets, but it more than makes up for it with next-level holiday displays, illuminated installations, and lively seasonal pop-ups. The entire city becomes a glowing playground of modern holiday cheer.
Where to Go:
ICONSIAM Winter Celebration
CentralWorld Christmas Village
Siam Paragon Festive Market
London, England Christmas Markets
London, England transforms into a glittering Christmas dream each December.
Must-visit markets:
Winter Wonderland (Hyde Park)
Southbank Centre Winter Market
Covent Garden Christmas Village
Leadenhall Market
A perfect blend of tradition, sparkle, and unforgettable seasonal treats.
Tokyo Christmas Markets
Tokyo blends European holiday tradition with modern Japanese aesthetics—think German markets, gourmet food, dazzling illuminations, and perfect photo opportunities at every turn.
Where to Go:
Roppongi Hills Christmas Market
Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse Christmas Market
Marunouchi Illumination Market
Paris Christmas Markets
Paris turns into a romantic winter fairytale every December, with festive stalls lining historic streets and warm vin chaud waiting around every corner.
Where to Go:
La Défense Christmas Market
Tuileries Garden Christmas Market
Montmartre Christmas Market
Notre-Dame Artisan Market
Chiang Mai Holiday Festivals
While not traditionally Christmas-focused, Chiang Mai’s winter season is filled with artisan night markets, glowing decorations, and a charming sense of celebration unique to Northern Thailand.
Where to Go:
One Nimman Christmas Market
Chiang Mai Winter Festival
Sunday Walking Street Market
Rome Christmas Markets
Rome infuses the holiday season with ancient beauty, festive traditions, and bustling piazzas that come to life with Christmas charm. Expect roasted chestnuts, local crafts, and stunning holiday lights.
Where to Go:
Piazza Navona Christmas Market
Auditorium Parco della Musica Christmas Village
Piazza di Spagna Holiday Market
Osaka Christmas Events
Osaka loves a good celebration, and its Christmas season delivers big with immersive illuminations, entertainment, and exciting seasonal attractions.
Where to Go:
Osaka Christmas Market (Umeda Sky area)
Universal Studios Japan Christmas Celebration
Namba Parks Winter Illuminations
Kyoto Christmas Markets & Illuminations
Kyoto offers a softer, more tranquil take on Christmas with beautifully lit pathways, cultural elegance, and small yet charming festive markets.
Where to Go:
Kyoto Concert Hall Christmas Market
Arashiyama Hanatouro Winter Illuminations
Kyoto Botanical Garden Winter Lights
Vienna Christmas Markets
Vienna is one of the most iconic Christmas destinations on earth. Its markets feel timeless—filled with classical music, handcrafted gifts, and that unmistakable European holiday atmosphere.
Where to Go:
Rathausplatz Christkindlmarkt
Schönbrunn Palace Christmas Market
Belvedere Palace Christmas Market
Spittelberg Christmas Market
Hanoi Christmas Markets
Hanoi embraces Christmas with cheerful markets, glowing street corners, and a lively holiday atmosphere rooted in community and creativity.
Where to Go:
Hoan Kiem Lake Christmas Market
St. Joseph’s Cathedral Christmas Market
West Lake Christmas Fair
Budapest Christmas Markets
Budapest delivers some of Europe’s coziest Christmas experiences, complete with steaming chimney cakes, mulled wine, handcrafted ornaments, and stunning architecture as the backdrop.
Where to Go:
Vörösmarty Square Christmas Market
St. Stephen’s Basilica Christmas Market
Óbuda Christmas Market
New York Christmas Markets
New York City knows how to do the holidays—big, bold, and beautifully festive. Its markets are full of sparkle, creativity, and endless shopping opportunities.
Where to Go:
Bryant Park Winter Village
Union Square Holiday Market
Columbus Circle Holiday Market
Grand Central Holiday Fair
Madrid Christmas Markets
Madrid is warm, welcoming, and full of holiday energy. Its markets blend European tradition with Spanish flair for a one-of-a-kind Christmas experience.
Where to Go:
Plaza Mayor Christmas Market
Paseo de Recoletos Artisan Market
Christmas Sweets Fair (Feria Dulces de Navidad)
Lisbon Christmas Markets
Lisbon brings coastal charm to the holiday season with brightly lit plazas, artisan stalls, and delicious Portuguese treats that feel instantly festive.
Where to Go:
Wonderland Lisboa
Campo Pequeno Christmas Market
Rossio Square Holiday Market
Barcelona Christmas Markets
Barcelona’s Christmas markets are some of the oldest and most meaningful in Europe, blending Catalan tradition with vibrant holiday spirit.
Where to Go:
Fira de Santa Llúcia
Fira de la Sagrada Família
Poble Espanyol Christmas Market
Shop the Look
Winter travel essentials, cozy layers, carry-on luggage, warm boots, travel skincare, photography gear, and festive outfits that strike the perfect balance between comfort and holiday magic.