Every year the Christmas bazaars around the world bring magic to the holiday season. The crisp air fills with delicious smells of mulled wine and gingerbread and the atmosphere becomes happy and festive. Fir trees adorn little and big squares sparkling in billion fairy lights and decorated with beautiful ornaments.
It is exactly this atmosphere charged with carols, laughter and masses that make Christmas even more special.
Visiting a Christmas bazaar is a great way to get yourself in the spirit of the season. And while there are many big and famous Christmas bazaars around the world, there are also local ones that are less famous but definitely worth visiting.
Here is a list of some of the less known bazaars to look out for.
Nuremberg Christmas Market
Germany is famous for the local Christmas bazaars. Some of the biggest and most popular among them are those in Cologne, Frankfurt and Dusseldorf. The Nuremberg Christmas market is big but not as famous as all the rest. The best time to visit is in the evening when all the lights and decorations glitter. Don’t miss the opening ceremony which is a beautiful mixture of tradition and modern pomp. There are nearly 200 stalls selling trees, decorations, craft, toys and delicious treats. Make sure to also taste the local mulled wine and gingerbread.
Strasbourg Christmas Market
The French city of Strasbourg is a place you cannot help but fall in love with. It is the point where coziness and finesse meet and the result is simply charming. The city has called itself the capital of Christmas and there is a reason why. Although there are Christmas shops year-round, in December Strasbourg transforms into one huge, magical Christmas holiday bazaar. Don’t forget to snack on freshly baked pretzels and sausages and try the local sweet wine.
Toronto Christmas Market
Although this is quite a new Christmas craft bazaar, it is definitely worth visiting. It is happening for a little more than 10 years, but it is one of the biggest in North America. The market is located in the old part of the town and offers plenty of entertainment. And of course, there is a huge, dazzling Christmas tree which picture-perfect.
Bruges Christmas Market
The tiny but charming city of Bruges in Belgium features not one, but two beautiful Christmas markets. This makes it even more irresistible. The atmosphere is very cosy with open fire and shops windows that look like a fairytale. The Flemish houses are adorned with twinkling lights that make it all look even more delightful. Here you can taste the best hot chocolate in the world, so don’t miss on that.
Innsbruck Christmas Market
Innsbruck is probably the perfect spot for a Christmas market. It is nestled among snow-capped mountains and has an undeniable charm. In December this town transforms into a real winter fairytale with the sound of traditional carols and the aroma of freshly baked sweets in the air. The Christmas market in Innsbruck is bright, charming and joyful and can be enjoyed even more with a mug of mulled wine.
Europe is the best place to see some of the most beautiful Christmas markets in the world. When the roads get icy the best way to do this is by train. We hope the pictures of these gorgeous markets are enough to put you in the mood for holidays. But if they’re not then you can get a rail pass and enjoy the fairytale landscapes and bazaars across the continent in person!
