Christmas is almost here and it’s the best time to explore holiday markets worldwide. Uncover magical festive spots across the world, from cosy wooden chalets and snowy towns to warm treats and decorations.
1. Winter Wonderland, London
When: November 14th 2025 – 1st January 2026 (excluding December 25th)
Where: Hyde Park
Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland is one of the biggest Christmas markets in England, with ice skating, circus shows, a huge Ferris wheel and Santa Land for the little ones. You can explore many wooden chalets filled with special gifts and festive treats, and it’s best to book in advance as it usually sells out fast- especially weekend and evening slots! However, if you go off-peak, you may be able to get free entry/ free entry when you spend £25 on attractions, food, and rides.
One of the oldest Christmas markets in Europe, this market features beautiful French holiday foods like warm chestnuts and gingerbread, and even handmade gifts from local craftsmen. Standing tall in the centre of the market is the famous Great Christmas tree, a real highlight, which adds to Strasbourg being the place to be for a traditional European Christmas experience.
When: Expected to start mid-November to late December (dates to be confirmed)
Where: The Cape Academy in Constantia
If you’re open to having a very different Christmas experience, why not try Cape Town? The market is set in the middle of the African summer, filled with local crafts, tasty treats, jewellery, and South African favourites. If you’re travelling with young children, why not visit the -Santa’s Grotto- with plenty of Christmas lights to make the market even more festive.
Offering gifts, drinks and food with over 150 stalls, Brighton’s Christmas market is a festive treat where you can enjoy live music, visit the apres-ski zone, and visit Santa’s Grotto. The market is free to enter, and you can enjoy the markets suitable for everyone, from kids to adults, making it perfect for families!
5. Double Bay Christmas Festival Sydney, Australia
When: November 23rd 2025 12pm-8pm
Where: Steyne Park, Double Bay
The Double Bay Christmas Festival is a major annual event in Sydney Australia, with over 100 stalls, carols singers, live entertainment and more! The festival supports local businesses and the community, as well as offering a perfect mix of entertainment for children, adults, and families.
Where: Multiple sites including East and West Princess Street Gardens, George Street, and St Andrew Square
The Edinburgh Christmas market is one of Scotland’s most beloved festive events, with over 100 stalls with traditional crafts and local produce, to festive food and drinks. There are activities and stalls for all ages, with live entertainment and funfair rides for visitors to enjoy Christmas magic in the Scottish capital.
Tivoli transforms into a fairytale winter wonderland with hundreds of lights, around 1,000 Christmas trees and about 7,000 baubles! Stroll beneath twinkling lights and explore over 60 stalls serving Danish classics, whilst the children can visit Santa’s home and enjoy the Elf train.
The Christmas Market at Schönbrunn Palace takes place in the majestic grounds of the palace, offering a regal festive experience. Filled with traditional handicrafts, crafted toys, warming winter drinks, and gourmet drinks, it provides an authentic taste of Austrian Christmas culture. Featuring an ice rink, a carousel, curling rinks, and workshops for children, this Market is an ideal destination for creating memories with the family this Christmas.
When: November 21st – December 25th 2025 for The Jingu Gaien and December 5th – December 25th for Shiba Park
Where: Two locations: Meiji Jingu Gaien and Shiba Park
These markets take their own twist on Christmas markets in recreating a traditional German Christmas experience. They are large scale events featuring European-style gifts, food and drinks, some stalls offering traditional decorations, all surrounding the prominent Christmas pyramid as a central attraction.
Old Town Square Christmas market is the most iconic market which features stage performances, numerous stalls with traditional goods, and of course, the main Christmas tree. The Wenceslas Square market has a slightly more modern-feel and is still very popular, providing traditional folk crafts, ornaments, Czech foods and drinks available, with free entry and a festive atmosphere.