In Pics | Get into the Christmas spirit at these wonderful markets

FP Explainers • December 24, 2025, 09:12:15 IST

December is considered to be the holiday season. With Christmas and New Year, the month is all about food, decorations and the company of friends and family. If you are looking to celebrate Christmas in a special way, here are some markets you can visit across the world

Strasbourg’s Christkindelsmärik in France is one of Europe’s oldest markets that transforms the city into a glowing winter fairy tale. Its timbered houses, handmade Alsatian crafts, sparkling lights, and cathedral backdrop create unmatched charm. Visitors enjoy mulled wine, bredele cookies, concerts, and more than 300 stalls spread across beautifully decorated squares. Wikimedia Commons

Vienna’s Rathausplatz becomes a magical holiday village with grand decorations, artisan stalls, and a sprawling ice rink. The scent of roasted chestnuts, spiced punch, and freshly baked pastries fills the air. Classical concerts, children’s activities, and traditional handicrafts make it one of Europe’s most enchanting festive experiences. Wikimedia Commons

Cologne in Germany hosts multiple themed markets, ranging from the Cathedral market’s dramatic backdrop to the Harbour Market’s maritime vibe. With hundreds of stalls, handcrafted gifts, live music, and iconic Kolsch beer, the city glows with festive energy. Its atmospheric medieval setting adds timeless charm. AFP

Prague’s Unesco-listed Old Town Square becomes an illuminated wonderland, with Gothic towers framing the festive scene. Stalls sell Czech crystal, puppets, wooden toys, and warming trdelník pastry. You can witness choir performances, nativity scenes, and traditional crafts, making it one of the most picturesque and culturally rich Christmas markets. Reuters

Nuremberg’s famous Christkindlesmarkt in Germany blends deep-rooted tradition with warm Bavarian hospitality. The Christkind opens festivities, and visitors enjoy gingerbread, mulled wine, and handcrafted toys. Cobblestone streets, medieval architecture, and community choirs create a nostalgic holiday atmosphere, preserving customs that date back centuries. Reuters

Budapest’s Vorosmarty Square in Hungary comes alive with folk art, gourmet food, and cultural performances. Visitors savour chimney cakes, goulash, and mulled wine while browsing artisan crafts. Illuminated trams, ice skating at City Park, and live music enhance the city’s festive charm. AFP

London’s Hyde Park transforms into a massive festive carnival with a Christmas market, circus shows, ice kingdom, rides, and Bavarian-style food halls. The market offers unique gifts, while twinkling lights and seasonal music create a lively holiday experience suitable for families, couples, and thrill-seekers alike. Reuters

Tallinn’s medieval Old Town in Estonia, blanketed in snow, creates a fairytale setting for its market. The central Christmas tree, a tradition since 1441, anchors stalls selling woollens, gingerbread, and local handicrafts. Folk dances, winter treats, and charming wooden huts give it an intimate Nordic charm. Reuters

Tivoli Gardens in Denmark’s Copenhagen glows with thousands of lights, festive rides, decorated grottos, and Scandinavian stalls. Visitors enjoy ebelskiver pastries, hot glogg, and Danish crafts. The theme park’s nostalgic setting and magical ambience make it one of Europe’s most beloved holiday destinations. Wikimedia Commons

Bryant Park’s Winter Village offers a quintessential New York holiday experience with boutique stalls, festive treats, and a large free ice rink. Skyscrapers frame the sparkling market. Artisanal gifts, local designers, and cosy igloo lounges create a modern, vibrant twist on a classic Christmas market. AFP