Hot mulled wine. Gingerbread. Open air markets filled with baubles, lights, and delights for every age. If you have the chance to travel for the holidays, don’t miss a visit to one of these incredible holiday markets. These are on my must-see list:

Christmas Markets in Europe

Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt

Don’t miss the famous Nuremberg Bratwurst!

Salzburger Christkindlmarkt

Celebrate Christmas in the birthplace of Mozart!

Strasbourg Marchés du Noël

The Strasbourg Christmas market has been going since 1570, making it one of the oldest and longest-running markets in the world.


Strasbourg Capitale de Noël 2015 by VilledeStrasbourg

Dresden Striezelmarkt

Germany’s oldest Christmas market, famous for their baked apples.

Christmas Markets in Canada

You can stay a little closer to home and still get a European Christmas market experience.

Toronto Christmas Market

Named one of the top 10 Christmas markets in the world, be sure to try the lobster poutine.

Vancouver Christmas Market

Cannoli, German pizza, and Churros…this new Christmas market has an international flare.

Christmas Markets in the United States

If you don’t have your passport ready in time to travel out of the country, there are a few markets here in the U.S. worth visiting:

Christkindlmarket Chicago

Modeled after the Nuremberg market, you’ll find everything from baked apples to bratwust.

Christmas Village at Philadelphia

All the magic of a traditional German Christmas market in the city of brotherly love.

Great Dickens Christmas Fair in San Francisco

Victorian London comes to life.

If you’re staying in New York City, there are a number of holiday markets to visit. Grab some hot cocoa and brave the cold to visit the big three outdoor markets—Union Square Holiday Market, Holiday Shops at Bryant Park and Columbus Circle Holiday Market—or enjoy a holiday market experience without the cold at the indoor Grand Central Holiday Fair at Grand Central Station.

Happy holidays!