As Christmas draws near, the exuberance of the season’s festivities is already in the air. Christmas trees are up, and lights emanate from homes. Shopping malls are lavishly decorated, while public streets and buildings join in the festivities with their own foray of trimmings. Around the world, Christmas is a perfect time to present gifts that bring good tidings and great joy to loved ones, while the entire household savours an array of sumptuous yuletide delicacies on offer.
If travel is in your plans this Christmas, you may find yourself wandering the streets in a foreign land looking for the best treats and wares on display. While the usual jolly atmosphere can be found in many places, Christmas markets bring together the best of the season’s offerings all in one place. Rows and rows of beautifully decorated lanes, booths, ornaments, figurines, delicious food, wine, and even games abound to keep children of all ages amused.
Here are some of the best Christmas markets around the world, including one just across the border from us.
1. CHRISTMAS WONDERLAND, SINGAPORE
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Singapore’s biggest yuletide event, held at Gardens by The Bay, begins on December 1st this year. The ‘wonderland’ features a supersized fairground illuminated with a sensational array of lights, carnival games, and even snow!
The popular feature of this fair is the Walk of Lights, boasting a 65-metre-long tunnel made up of 75,000 LED lights, making it the longest one in the festival’s 10-year history. There is also a 20-metre-tall Italian light display called The Spalliera lit up by 103,000 bulbs with snow sessions of Blizzard Time taking place during selected hours.
Where food is concerned, Gingerbread Grove is a sugar-themed space featuring a vibrantly lit Gingerbread House surrounded by a field of delicious dessert stalls offering a sweet experience for visitors. Popular meals from Burger & Lobster and Praffles will also be served, while a Christmas-cracker-themed bar offers festive tipples by Hendrick’s Gin. The Brewekz craft bar will be serving a unique Gingerbread Amber Lager throughout the park as live performances at ElFresco keep diners entertained throughout their meals.
When: 1 December 2023 – 1 January 2024 | 6.30pm to 11pm daily
Price: S$8 for adults | S$6 for kids
To purchase tickets, click here.
2. HYDE PARK WINTER WONDERLAND, LONDON
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One of the most highly anticipated winter events in the UK is when the famous and iconic Hyde Park transforms into a magical destination of light and laughter as it rings in the Christmas season this year. From thrilling rides to winter parties, the wonderland is filled with anything and everything Christmassy, and then some.
Spectacular shows like “Cirque Berserk: Tornado,” which is a high-energy, adrenaline-fueled display of circus stunts; Zippos Christmas Circus, promising a family fun acrobatic and comical routine; and TV Megastar Justin Fletcher’s ‘Children’s Singalong’ will surely provide unending festive entertainment for the whole family.
Meanwhile, the Street Food Village presents UK’s most popular street eats, incredible craft beers plus a Candy Lane to fulfil every sweet tooth’s desires. There’ll be a lot more activities, food, and fun to discover at Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland this year.
When: 17 November 2023 – 1 January 2024 | Mon – Sun 10am to 10pm
Price: £5 and up
3. PRAGUE CHRISTMAS MARKETS, CZECH REPUBLIC
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Set amidst medieval architecture such as domes, castles, towers, and cobblestone streets, the best Christmas markets in Prague are in Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square. Only two minutes apart, revellers will be able to stop by both markets in a day.
Hosting beautiful melodious choirs, massive Christmas trees, festive ornaments, clothes, gifts, and food, visitors will be whisked away on a magical journey filled with nativity scenes and open-air concerts for entertainment. A popular Christmas delicacy here is barbequed pork pastries rolled in a mixture of cinnamon sugar and honey wine and grog which is a concoction of rum, water, lemon, and sugar.
When: 2 December 2023 – 6 January 2024 | 10am to 10pm daily
4. BASEL CHRISTMAS MARKET, SWITZERLAND
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Voted the Best Christmas Market in Europe in 2021, the Basel Christmas Market continues to be a very charming destination during the festive season. The quaintly beautiful market is situated in the middle of the city, nestled in the historic Old Town where traders and artisans offer their goods for sale in small rustic wooden chalets. A magnificent Christmas tree stands on Münsterplatz, with ornaments by well-known decorator Johann Wanner.
Waffles, mulled wine, delicious Swiss raclette, and genuine Basel Läckerli (gingerbread) are only some of the popular culinary delights to be savoured here. During Advent, the stairwell of St Martin’s Tower is illuminated and offers an incredible view of the festive lights in the Old Town.
When: 23 November 2023 – 23 December 2023 | 11am to 8.30pm
5. STRASBOURG CHRISTMAS MARKET, FRANCE
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One of the oldest Christmas markets in Europe which dates back to 1570, the Strasbourg Christmas Market is now sprawled over more than 10 locations including a section of Grand Île— a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Drawing over two million people a year, the popular market comes alive with thousands of twinkly lights and decorations.
A Great Christmas Tree is on display at Place Klebe, which is a popular central spot to stop and take photographs. Visitors will be enchanted as they continue to wander through beautiful alleyways and squares. The market also features over 300 wooden stalls selling everything from local Alsatian wine to decorations, gifts, and a variety of festive food.
When: 24 November 2023 – 24 December 2023 | 11.30am to 9pm daily (closes 6pm Dec 24th)
6. NUREMBERG CHRISTKINDLESMARKT, GERMANY
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Christkindlesmarkt is held annually in streets and squares within Nuremberg’s old town. When exploring the market, many self-guided tours are available to enable visitors to take in the unique character and amazing variety of goods that it has to offer. From traditional products to regional crafts, Nuremberg also specialises in Franconian cuisine, spanning a variety of sausages that include the Gelbwurst, Stadtwurst, Bauernpressack, and the Bratwurst. Other booths sell wares, with proceeds donated to dedicated charities.
The opening ceremony of the market is always on the Friday before the first Advent, which is an impressive event that must not be missed by both locals and tourists from all over the world. This year the prestigious opening will take place on December 1st at 5.30pm.
When: 1 December 2023 – 24 December 2023 | 10am-9pm daily (closes 2pm Dec 24th)
7. WINTER VILLAGE AT BRYANT PARK, NEW YORK
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Manhattan’s Bryant Park is transformed every year into a winter wonderland renowned for its open-air market with over 150 custom-designed kiosks. The centrepiece is a 17,000 sq ft outdoor skating rink with free admission, free skating shows, and other events. The Lodge Bar and Food Hall is located ringside where the refreshing open-air atmosphere boasts festive bars and multiple food options to savour.
European-inspired holiday shops are housed in specially designed ‘jewel box’ kiosks that feature artisans from all around the world. Visitors can enjoy local crafts and exquisite gifts as they walk through the alleys, plazas, and terraces here. New York is always a fast-paced and exciting place to be and yet the Christmas season manages to elevate the city experience and takes it to a whole new level.
When: 27 October 2023 – 3 March 2024 | Oct, Jan to Mar: 7am to 10pm daily | Nov to Dec: Mon – Wed 7am to 10pm, Thurs – Sun 7am to midnight
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