The holiday season is the perfect time to explore some of the world’s most magical cities, where Christmas markets, festive events, and twinkling lights transform urban streets into winter wonderlands. Whether you're hunting for unique gifts, savoring seasonal treats, or simply soaking in the holiday cheer, these top cities offer unforgettable experiences during the most wonderful time of the year.
Cologne, Germany
Cologne Christmas Market, Wikimedia
During Christmas, Cologne's medieval houses and charming squares come alive with lights, decorations, and the festive buzz of the holiday season. The Cologne Cathedral, with its impressive Gothic architecture, provides a stunning backdrop for the Christmas markets, most famous of which is located in front of the cathedral. This market features more than 150 stalls offering handmade crafts, and delicious regional treats such as mulled wine and gingerbread. Other markets include Alter Markt, known for its fairytale-inspired theme and ice-skating rink, and the medieval-style market at the Chocolate Museum, which takes visitors back in time with its historic charm.
Besides the markets, Cologne hosts a variety of festive events, including concerts, Christmas-themed boat tours on the Rhine, and special performances in the city's theaters and concert halls. There's also the "Christmas Garden" at the Flora Botanical Garden, which transforms into a winter wonderland of lights and art installations.
Prague, Czech Republic
Prague Old Town Square Market, by Vlasta Juricek on Flickr
Christmas in Prague is a magical experience, with the city’s gothic and baroque architecture providing a stunning backdrop for the festive season. The main Christmas markets are held in the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square, where wooden stalls sell handcrafted ornaments, traditional Czech delicacies and mulled wine. The towering Christmas tree in Old Town Square, illuminated with lights and decorations, adds to the festive atmosphere, with carolers and performances enhancing the holiday spirit.
In addition to the markets, Prague offers visitors classical concerts in historic churches and theaters or traditional nativity scenes displayed around the city. The Czech tradition of St. Nicholas Day, celebrated on December 5th, brings festivities and costumes to the streets. Prague Castle, adorned with lights, offers a quieter and picturesque place to enjoy the season, making the city a perfect Christmas destination.
Tokyo, Japan
Christmas in Tokyo, Wikimedia
Christmas in Tokyo is a vibrant and unique experience, blending Western traditions with Japanese culture. While Christmas is not a national holiday in Japan, Tokyo comes alive with festive decorations, dazzling illuminations, and themed markets throughout the city. Key markets can be found at Roppongi Hills and Yebisu Garden Place, where visitors can browse stalls selling European-inspired holiday goods, gifts, and seasonal treats like German sausages and mulled wine.
Tokyo’s festive events also include incredible light displays, with some of the most famous illuminations at Omotesando, Shibuya, and Tokyo Midtown. Many visitors enjoy strolling through these areas to admire the sparkling lights that transform the city. Christmas concerts and themed events take place across Tokyo, adding to the joyful atmosphere.
Budapest, Hungary
Budapest Christmas Fair, by Jorge Franganillo on Flickr
Christmas in Budapest is a magical time, with the city's famous landmarks illuminated and festive markets creating a warm holiday atmosphere. The two main Christmas markets, one at Vörösmarty Square and the other in front of St. Stephen's Basilica, are must-visits. These markets offer traditional Hungarian crafts, delicious seasonal foods like chimney cakes, goulash, and mulled wine, alongside handcrafted gifts and decorations. The market at St. Stephen's Basilica also has an enchanting light show projected onto the basilica’s façade, adding to the festive experience.
Beyond the markets, Budapest hosts several other Christmas events. Ice skating at City Park’s picturesque rink, set against the backdrop of Vajdahunyad Castle, is a winter favorite. Visitors can also enjoy classical Christmas concerts at venues like the Hungarian State Opera House or take a festive boat cruise along the Danube to see the city’s landmarks beautifully lit up at night.
New York, USA
New York Christmas, by Alh1 on Flickr
Christmas in New York City is a magical time, with iconic sights and festive events that attract visitors from around the world. The city is adorned with sparkling lights and massive holiday displays, especially along Fifth Avenue and in department stores like Macy's and Saks Fifth Avenue. Rockefeller Center is a must-see, with its towering Christmas tree and famous ice-skating rink. The Bryant Park Winter Village is one of the city's most popular Christmas markets, offering seasonal gifts, crafts, and delicious food stalls. Union Square and Columbus Circle also host festive holiday markets.
The Radio City Christmas Spectacular, featuring the Rockettes, is a beloved holiday tradition, while The Nutcracker ballet performed by the New York City Ballet is another seasonal favorite. The holiday window displays in Manhattan’s department stores are an enchanting experience, and many neighborhoods, such as Dyker Heights in Brooklyn, are famous for their extravagant Christmas light displays.
Edinburgh, Scotland
Edinburgh Christmas Lights, by David Gilmour on Flickr
Christmas in Edinburgh is a magical time, with the historic streets of the Old Town decked with twinkling lights and the panoramic views from the Edinburgh Castle. The heart of the celebrations is East Princes Street Gardens, where Edinburgh’s famous Christmas Market offers a delightful range of festive stalls selling unique gifts, artisan crafts, and delicious seasonal food. The market also features rides like the Big Wheel and attractions such as the ice rink, creating a festive atmosphere for both children and adults.
In addition to the market, the city hosts a variety of events throughout the festive season. Edinburgh's Christmas Light Trail, which illuminates the city with dazzling displays, runs through the Royal Botanic Garden, and there are carol concerts at St Giles' Cathedral and festive performances at the Edinburgh Playhouse.
Krakow, Poland
Christmas in Krakow, by Ministry of Foreign Affairs Republic of Poland on Flickr
Christmas in Krakow is a truly enchanting experience, with the city's medieval charm enhanced by festive lights and decorations. The heart of the celebrations is the Christmas Market in the Main Market Square, one of the largest and most beautiful squares in Europe. The market offers wooden stalls filled with traditional Polish crafts, and delicious treats. Visitors can shop for handmade gifts, savor Polish holiday food, and enjoy live performances from local choirs and folk bands.
Festive events in Krakow also include Szopka Krakowska, a unique nativity scene competition that dates back to the 19th century. Beautifully crafted nativity scenes, often featuring Krakow’s architectural landmarks, are displayed throughout the city. Visitors can also enjoy Christmas concerts in Krakow's stunning churches, like St. Mary's Basilica, and ice skating rinks set up in the city center.
San Francisco
Great Dickens Christmas Fair, by --Mark-- on Flickr
Spending Christmas in San Francisco offers a unique blend of festive charm, lively events, and great shopping opportunities. Union Square transforms into a Christmas wonderland with its iconic, towering tree, ice-skating rink, and beautifully decorated department stores. This area becomes the epicenter of holiday shopping, offering everything from high-end boutiques to major retailers. San Francisco’s picturesque cable cars even get a festive touch, adorned with holiday decorations, making the shopping experience feel all the more magical.
The Great Dickens Christmas Fair is one of San Francisco's most beloved holiday traditions, offering a magical Victorian Christmas experience. Held at the Cow Palace, this event transforms into a bustling 19th-century London street, complete with costumed characters, shops, pubs, and performances straight from Charles Dickens' world. The annual Christmas tree lighting at Pier 39, holiday boat parades, and caroling events fill the city with Christmas cheer. Families can enjoy activities like visiting Santa at various locations around the city or taking in a performance of The Nutcracker by the San Francisco Ballet.
Strasbourg, France
Strasbourg Place Kleber, Wikimedia
Strasbourg is often referred to as the "Capital of Christmas." The city's historic center transforms into a winter wonderland, with festive decorations, twinkling lights, and over 300 wooden stalls spread across its famous Christmas markets. The largest and most iconic market takes place in Place Broglie, offering a wide array of local crafts, decorations, and Alsatian treats such as bredele (traditional Christmas cookies) and mulled wine.
The stunning Strasbourg Cathedral, with its intricate Gothic architecture, serves as a beautiful backdrop for the festivities. Visitors can enjoy concerts, nativity plays, and holiday exhibitions as well as the Great Christmas Tree at Place Kléber, a central symbol of the city’s celebrations. Strasbourg's charming half-timbered houses, illuminated streets, and cozy atmosphere make it one of the most memorable places to experience the magic of Christmas in Europe.
Basel, Switzerland
Basel Christmas Market, by Jim McDougal on Flickr
Basel is known for its Christmas charm and beautiful Christmas markets adorned with twinkling lights and festive decorations. The main markets are held at Barfüsserplatz and Münsterplatz, both are filled with wooden chalets offering handcrafted ornaments, gifts, and traditional Swiss treats such as raclette, fondue, and gingerbread. Münsterplatz, in particular, stands out with its large Christmas tree and views of the city's stunning Gothic cathedral, adding to the magical atmosphere.
Basel hosts a variety of festive events during the holiday season. The town's historic old quarter is illuminated, and the streets are filled with carol singers and performances. A highlight is the Advent calendar on Theaterplatz, where a window is opened daily, revealing a new display. Basel's many museums, like the Kunstmuseum, also offer special Christmas exhibitions.