Holiday Extras' 6 favourite Christmas markets
With Christmas around the corner November is when we plan our trips to see the Christmas markets. Europe is blessed with thousands of beautiful, famous, ancient or just plain quirky Christmas markets so weve rounded up six of the best to go and visit this December.

One of the benefits of being a pan-European business is that our colleagues in the Holiday Extras Munich office live and work next to one of Europes finest Christmas markets (spoilers). So we asked them for their recommendations; we asked the 1000 people who work at our head office here in Kent; we asked our travel reviews team who go out and film all the top destinations for our YouTube guides; and we checked out some of this years roundups from other travel publications as well. Heres what we found.
Tivoli Christmas market is open from November 16th 2019 to January 5th 2020.
The nearest airport is Copenhagen, Scandinavia's main airport.
Have a better start to your trip with a pre-booked transfer from Copenhagen airport to your hotel or straight to Tivoli market.
6. Tivoli Christmas Market, Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagens world famous Tivoli Gardens is at its best in December; the fairground rides and assortment of permanent stalls provide the ideal location for a spectacular Christmas market. Alongside the traditional festive market, three different beautiful light shows are displayed throughout the gardens, alongside traditional Pixie bands performing festive songs.
St Lucias Day (December 13th) is a particular highlight, an ancient ceremony during which 100 girls pass through the gardens carrying candles and singing. If you happen to be in Copenhagen for Christmas Day itself, you can also experience Tivoli Gardens incredible fireworks display.



Photo credits: Maria Eklind; Timmy L
Our reviews team visited Copenhagen last year, and created an original video guide to the city, with everything you need to know to get there, get around and see the sights, any time of year. Take a look at our Copenhagen guide, or watch the video below.
All of Strasbourg's Christmas markets are open from 22nd November to 30th December 2019.
Strasbourg is served by one international airport, Strasbourg Airport.
Have a better start to your trip with a pre-booked transfer from the airport into the city.
Or for complete independence when you're in Strasbourg, why not hire a car from one of our trusted providers?
5. Strasbourg, France
Strasbourg is home to the oldest Christmas market in France, dating back to 1570! The towns Christkindelsmärik is renowned for its local merchants, selling unique gifts to bring back for friends and family (or for yourself, we wont judge).
Although not huge, Strasbourg now has 11 Christmas markets to choose from, meaning you'll often find a place to escape the hustle and bustle, even at its busiest.
While youre there, make sure to sample local Pain depices (the Alsatian take on gingerbread) and a couple of glasses of local Vin chaud (mulled wine infused with fruit and spices). With just a taste, youll see why Strasbourg is considered the capital of Christmas.



All of Berlin's Christmas markets are open from 25th November to 26th December, with some running all the way up to 6th January.
Berlin is served by two international airports, Berlin Schoenefeld and Berlin Tegel.
Have a better start to your trip with a pre-booked transfer from either of the Berlin airports into the city.
Or for complete independence when you're in Berlin, why not hire a car from one of our trusted providers?
4. Berlin, Germany
With roughly 80 Christmas markets to choose from, Berlin truly becomes a winter wonderland over the festive period! From Winterwelt, home of Europes biggest toboggan ride, to karaoke at the enormous Spandau Christmas market, youre never far away from yuletide delights.
Our advice? Make to to visit Berlins Eco-Christmas market at Sophienstraße. Not only can you sample delicious regional cuisine, but also pick up some handmade crafts that are unique and kind to the environment.
To learn out more, you can find a detailed guide to all of Berlin's top Christmas markets here.


Photo credits: Katie and Faye at Holiday Extras
Our reviews team has also been to Berlin and made one of the best online video guides to the city. Take a look at our Berlin guide, or watch the video below.
Book your holiday extras early
It pays to book your airport parking, airport hotel or your lounge as soon as you book your flights. Prices usually go up nearer the date you fly, and last year Holiday Extras saved our airport parking customers £59 each on average when they pre-booked their airport parking instead of paying on the day.
Book my hotel and parking todayAll of Bruges' Christmas markets are open from 22nd November 2019 to 1st January 2020.
Bruges is served by one international airports, the Ostend-Bruges Airport.
Have a better start to your trip with a pre-booked transfer from the airport into the city.
Or for complete independence when you're in Bruges, why not hire a car from one of our trusted providers?
3. Bruges, Belgium
Just a short hop across the Channel, Bruges Christmas market looks as if pulled from the pages of a fairy tale. The main square is the focal point of the market, lined with countless stalls selling a variety of Christmas inspired food, drink and crafts. If you fancy yourself the next Torville or Dean, the beautiful ice rink also enhances the cosy and vibrant Christmas atmosphere.
You simply cant leave Bruges without enjoying some genuine Belgium chocolate. But you have to be careful, there are only eight that actually sell handmade chocolate! One that we recommend is Chocolaterie Jan De Clerck, an old fashioned shop a short walk from Market Square and conveniently located next to an amazing beer shop. The evenings in Bruges are especially idyllic, theres something truly special about taking a stroll along the canals with brief interludes of mulled wine or hot chocolate; youre guaranteed to have a perfect Christmas evening.



All of Tallinn's Christmas markets are open from 15th November 2019 to 7th January 2020.
Tallinn is served by one international airport, the Lennart Meri Tallinn Airport.
Have a better start to your trip with a pre-booked transfer from the airport into the city.
Or for complete independence when you're in Tallinn, why not hire a car from one of our trusted providers?
2. Tallinn, Estonia
Voted the best Christmas market by the Daily Mail, if Tallinn isnt on your list, it should be! Nestled in one of Europes most picturesque medieval quarters, expect to find quaint wooden chalets selling all manner of felt slippers, woollen gloves, mittens, hats, jumpers and socks.
And if exploring Tallinn makes you peckish, make sure to try some local delicacies, ranging from sausage to sauerkraut and even some glögg - quite possibly the best name ever given to mulled wine.
Did you know? The Christmas tree is set up in the town square every year, and has been since 1441! This makes it the first Christmas tree ever displayed in Europe.



All of Munich's Christmas markets are open from November 27th to December 30th 2019.
Munich is served by Munich International Airport.
Have a better start to your trip with a pre-booked transfer from either of the airport into the city.
Or for complete independence when you're in Munich, why not hire a car from one of our trusted providers?
1. Munich, Germany
Our number one pick for the best Christmas market just has to be Munich. Not only is it a cavalcade of merchants, parties and live music, its also the home of the annual Krampus Run!
Taking place on the 8th December, people from around the world dress up as Krampus - Father Christmas terrifying assistant, who scares children into being good. Although a tradition that dates back to the 16th Century, Krampus lore is enjoying a boom period in pop-culture, meaning theres never been a better time to witness the Krampus Run.
But if you're worried this will Kramp your still (sorry, couldn't resist), there's plenty of traditional Bavarian delights for the whole family to enjoy.



All of Toronto's Christmas markets are open from November 14th to December 22nd 2019 (excluding Mondays).
Toronto is served by one international airport, Toronto Pearson International Airport.
Have a better start to your trip with a pre-booked transfer from the airport into the city.
Or for complete independence when you're in Toronto, why not hire a car from one of our trusted providers?
And one more for luck - Toronto, Canada
If you fancy going further afield than Europe, why not take a trip to Toronto, one of the biggest Christmas Markets in North America. Its situated within the citys Distillery Historic District, an enchanting backdrop for a dazzling 50-foot Christmas tree, Santas grotto, fairground rides, beer gardens and a mass of European influenced vendors. One to note is the Wafel Bar, providing a little taste of Belgium in the form of authentic caramelised Liege style waffles.
In the last few years, a 100ft long light tunnel has been erected, an interactive installation that can only be truly experienced in person.
Top tip: Head to the big Christmas tree for a great Instagram photo!



If you're planning on spending your Christmas break in the UK this year, then check out our guide to the top 10 best Christmas markets and make the most of your festive staycation.
Next article: No Deal? No problem!

We're here to help.
Need some help booking all your holiday extras? Want to talk to someone about other options at the airport?
We want to help you travel hassle-free!
If your question is urgent, you can reach us on 0871 360 2603 or +44 1303 816201 when you're calling from abroad. Our contact centre is open from 8am to 9pm on weekdays and 8.30am to 8pm on weekends.
If you enjoyed this post like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and Instagram or subscribe to our Youtube channel