There’s Nothing Like a Christmas Market Over the Holidays

‘Tis the season for Christmas market festivities. Whether you love to shop or you simply enjoy the entertainment, magical lights, decorations and amazing food, some of the best Christmas markets around the world are found in Europe and the United States.
It’s not too late to hop on a plane and enjoy a seasonal holiday in one of these Christmas market locations. Stay for New Year’s and enjoy daily excursions to round out your vacation. Read our blog on the best New Year’s Eve destinations here.
Contact one of our TierOne Travel specialists today to book a holiday trip and take in a Christmas market and New Year’s party.

Where Can I Find the Perfect Christmas Market in Europe?

Cologne Christmas Market, Germany

Germany is famous for its incredible Christmas markets, the best of which can be found in Cologne. Millions of visitors every year flood through the market gates in the city centre to revel in holiday delights. German huts called Budens are filled with Christmas music, arts and crafts, toys, decorations and delicious baked goods. You’ll even get to see pewter pourers, wreath binders and glassblowers demonstrate their artistic talents.

Tuomaan Markkinat, Helsinki

The oldest and most beautiful Christmas market in Helsinki is the Tuomaan Markkinat located on Senate Square. You will find unique gifts sold by the craftsmen and women themselves. While there, you will want to try their wintertime classics such as Christmas porridge, blini and mulled wine. And don’t leave before riding the old-time carousel.

Edinburgh’s Christmas Market, Scotland

The Christmas Market in Edinburgh is truly one of a kind. Held in the East Princes Street Gardens, the market boasts a giant Ferris wheel and all the usual attractions. While visiting the capital of Scotland, you should check out the Johnnie Walker Bothy Bar as well. As part of the city’s Christmas festivities, the bar will serve a variety of special whisky cocktails and hot toddies to warm you from the inside out.

Magic of Christmas in Colmar, France

The Old Town of Colmar is illuminated and decorated like a fairy tale during the Christmas season. It’s like walking in a magical dream. There are five Christmas markets to choose from in Coma – all with special exhibitions, artisan artists (glassblowers, potters, hatters, wood carvers and jewellers), and local French food and beverages. The city is laced with canals on which boats filled with children sing Christmas carols.

Viennese Dream Christmas Market, Austria

A team of reindeer, an old-fashioned merry-go-round and a ferris wheel are just some of the wonders you will experience at the Viennese Christmas Dream Market. Walk through a path of handmade nativity scenes – an Austrian tradition for centuries – in Christmas World. And take photos by the famous Herzerlbaum, a giant mapleleaved plane tree adorned with 200 glowing hearts. There is so much to see and do, you’ll need more than one day to experience it all.

Where are the Best Christmas Markets in the U.S.?

Christkindlmarkt in Leavenworth, Washington

This Bavarian-style Christmas market includes live entertainment, authentic Bavarian foods and handmade arts & crafts. It is held in Front Street Park and in the Leavenworth Festhalle on American Thanksgiving weekend. We’ve missed it for this year, but we can always start planning for 2020. The Lantern Parade is a must-see as children and adults follow Mr. and Mrs. Santa Clause through the streets to a decorated gazebo in the city square.

Christkindlmarket in Chicago, Illinois

Chicagoland’s favourite holiday tradition since 1996, you will love this authentic German-style Christkindlmarket. Vendors from all around the world provide a unique shopping experience. There is plenty of folkloric German alpine bras music to enjoy, and regular visits from the fairy-like Christkind. Much like North America’s Santa Clause, Christkind brings gifts to children at Christmas. And like in Leavenworth, there is a Lantern Parade for everyone to participate in.

Koziar’s Christmas Market Village in Bernville, Pennsylvania

The Koziar Family farm in Pennsylvania turns into the Koziar Christmas Village opens in November and stays open to the public through to New Year’s Day. Since 1947, the Koziar Family has opened their home in the spirit of the holidays. For many, a visit to the Koziar Christmas Village with its gazillion lights has become a tradition. The lineups can be long so give yourself lots of time to arrive and enjoy all the village has to offer.

Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park, New York

You’ll love this Christmas market, often called Manhattan’s winter wonderland. There is so much to do and see in Bryant Park, including outdoor skating on a 17,000-square-foot rink. You can rent skates and enjoy special events and activities right up until March 1, 2020. There is even an observation deck on the second floor of the Skating Pavillion where you can warm up and watch the skating below. The Winter Village holiday market features food and artisanal boutiques from New York City and all over the world.

Great Dickens Christmas market in San Francisco Bay, CA

Enter the world of Victorian England at the Great Dickens Christmas Fair in Daly City, located in San Francisco Bay. With hundreds of players dressed in period costumes, you’ll feel like you’re inside a version of A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. There are 120,000 square feet of theatrically-lit music halls, pubs, dance floors and Christmas shops. Enjoy roasted chestnuts while street vendors hawk their wares.

Get Peace of Mind with Travel Insurance

Before, be sure you have enough coverage. Travel insurance will provide you with peace of mind on your vacation. TierOne Travel can help you with all the details. Find out more here about travel insurance.
If you feel like it’s time to explore something new such as an exciting vacation to celebrate the holidays and ring in the New Year, contact one of our TierOne travel specialists! They have extensive experience in life-changing travel and will be able to craft something that is suited to your unique needs. One call; endless experiences!
“Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer” – Anonymous