You’re not the only one thinking Christmas is arriving earlier with each passing year. It can seem like Halloween decorations are being replaced by Christmas decorations in a flash, and department stores start piping Christmas songs across every floor as soon as November rolls around.
Christmas lethargy can set in for many people long before the clock strikes midnight on December 1. However, Christmas can be a time when the saying “earlier is better” doesn’t apply.
How to choose the best Christmas market
Let’s face it, certain elements of the Christmas season will continue to delight, no matter when they appear. One of these elements is the traditional Christmas market!
Many of us regret the loss of childhood Christmases. One way to regain that spirit is to visit a Christmas market. There are many beautiful Christmas markets around the globe this year.
It is important to plan ahead when choosing a winter destination that has a Christmas market. This includes focusing on size, attractions, and location.
Let’s now take a look at some of the most beautiful ones found in many cities, including New York, Paris, London, and Paris.
Christmas and Epiphany Market, Piazza Navona in Rome
Are you planning to visit Rome in the winter? Make sure you visit the Christmas Market and the Epiphany market at Piazza Navona.
It is one of the most picturesque Christmas markets in Italy. Visitors can wander through the stalls to soak up the festive atmosphere. The Fountain of Neptune and the Fountain of the Four Rivers, as well as the Fountain of Moro, provide a stunning backdrop.
It doesn’t matter if you travel to Rome during the weeks leading to Christmas or if your trip coincides with the start of the New Year, a relaxing stroll around Piazza Navona is a must.
Piazza Santa Croce, Florence
The largest Christmas market in Florence is open between 10 am to 10 pm, from 23 November to HTML22.
pays homage to the German traditional market. It features archetypal wooden chalets and is filled with classic German confectionery. This doesn’t mean that there aren’t any international exhibitors or Italians at the market. Make sure you check them out!
Piazza Santacroce’s market is a winter wonderland that will delight anyone looking for a traditional Christmas moment in Florence.
Mercatino di Natale in Piazza Duomo, Milan
Milan is transformed into a Christmas wonderland each year by the Christmas market, which is held in the vicinity of the Duomo in Milan.
Visitors to the Mercatino Di Natale in Piazza duomo have almost a month to shop for Christmas decorations and stockings.
The opening ceremony starts with lighting the Christmas tree. With more than 60 eclectic shops to browse, buy and admire, this market in Milan should be on your top list if you are planning a trip to the Lombardy capital this winter.
Campo San Polo,Venice
We have the perfect spot for you if you are planning to visit Venice in winter and want to feel the season’s spirit!
The Campo San Polo, the largest piazza in Venice, is home to a winter ice skating rink. It is also surrounded by a small Christmas marketplace. You can’t get a better setting than this; it’s cozy, charming, and completely wholesome.
Why not start your holiday browsing by ice skating before you warm up with a cup of mulled wine?
Continue reading: 10 Best Christmas Markets in Italy
Walks of Italy is an expert on Italy, but also has a wealth of knowledge about other cities. You can take a walking tour through Barcelona or visit Paris in one day.
Notre Dame de Paris Christmas Market, Paris
Paris is home to many large Christmas markets. You’ll be spoilt for choice when you visit the City of Lights during this festive season.
The Notre Dame de Paris Christmas Market is a popular attraction that is sure to charm again and again.
This charming market will take place between December 13th and 29th in this year’s French Gastronomy Scene. It is a must-see for anyone who values handcrafted crafts over mass-produced items.
What about the children? We think that Santa Claus will be a frequent attendee at this particular market, adding to their excitement!
Winter Wonderland, London
Hyde Park, London is the best place to be if your goal is to experience Christmas at its finest.
Except for the opening day, when the festivities begin at 4 pm. The Winter Wonderland is open daily between 10 am-10 pm. With a variety of attractions and hundreds of stalls, it’s ideal for families who want to really get into the holiday spirit.
The market attracts thousands of people, so be ready for a bustling atmosphere!
Fira de Santa Llucia, Barcelona
Are you planning a winter trip to Barcelona? Have you heard of Fira de Santa Llucia? We are certain you will, once you visit the Spanish city.
The fair runs from November 29th to December 23rd. It is located at Avinguda de la Catedral, the city’s gothic district. has almost 300 stalls and a nativity display, as well as a variety of activities for children.
This market has everything you need, from handcrafted crafts to musical instruments . It is ideal if your goal is to cross off Christmas gift lists!
Mercado de Navidad de Plaza Mayor, Madrid
The Plaza Mayor is centrally located in Madrid. Most visitors will visit the site at least once while they are there, but many others will return to it often during their stay in Madrid.
It is also home to one of the city’s most popular squares, the Plaza Mayor.
The Mercado De Navidad de Plaza mayor runs from November 23 through December 31. It is open seven days a semaine.
Winter Village at Bryant Park in New York
Some of the most memorable shots of New York, immortalized forever in cinematic history, were taken in winter.
It’s no surprise that Christmas is a popular season in New York City.
The city is home to many fantastic Christmas markets. It’s hard to find a better one than the Winter Village in Bryant Park.
The Winter Village is now open and will be open until January 5th. The Winter Village features everything you need to celebrate Christmas, including ice skating rinks, Santa’s Corner, and a market that sells everything from art to food. It is well worth a visit to take in the sights and sounds of the City That Never Sleeps.
You can also relive the magic of childhood by booking our Broadway tour.
Celebration in the Oaks New Orleans
Although it is not a Christmas market, the holiday spirit shines brighter at New Orleans’ Celebration of the Oaks.
Celebration in the Oaks, currently in its 33rd season, runs from N 29th of this year to the 1st of January and is a must-see for anyone visiting The Big Easy. More than 100,000 people attend Celebration in the Oaks every year!
Light installations, and Ferris wheels, are big and bright because Celebration in the Oaks is the most magical place on earth.
Please note: Open times are subject to change.
