I’ve spent a lot of time traveling on my own, and I’ve learned that some of the best experiences happen when you least expect them, which has led me to some amazing holiday markets across different cities and countries.

I’ve visited quite a few throughout my travels, and there are still plenty more on my list. Here are some of my favorite holiday markets around the world and the places I’d recommend checking out during the winter holiday season.

Bryant Park Winter Village – New York City, USA

Bryant Park Winter Village is one of my favorite holiday markets in New York City. I’ve been visiting for years, and it’s become one of those places I always look forward to checking out when the holiday season rolls around. It’s right beside the New York Public Library, just a few blocks from Times Square, and the market takes over the park with rows of holiday shops, food vendors, bars, and plenty of seasonal activities.

I’m usually there doing what I enjoy most: eating my way through the market. I’ll grab a hot apple cider or coffee, pick up something sweet, and make my rounds sampling food from as many vendors as possible. I’ve enjoyed everything from small bites and appetizers to ramen, and I’m always looking for something new to try. My personal goal is to eventually make it through every food vendor, although that’s easier said than done. There are simply too many options to tackle in one visit!

Of course, the famous ice-skating rink is another big attraction. I’ve watched plenty of people take to the ice over the years, but getting out there myself is still on my list. Between the skating, holiday shopping, Christmas tree, food, and seasonal bars, Bryant Park Winter Village has plenty going on. It’s one of those New York holiday traditions I never get tired of revisiting.

The 2026 season officially reopened on October 28, and I’m looking forward to making another visit this year. I still have vendors to try, food to discover, and that ice-skating rink to finally experience for myself.

2. Berlin Christmas Market: A Winter Wonderland in the German Capital

Berlin was one of those unexpected holiday discoveries for me. I remember booking a hotel for a weekend in the city, heading out to enjoy the nightlife, and stumbling across a Christmas market while walking back to my hotel. I honestly wasn’t expecting to find one. For some reason, I had assumed the markets weren’t happening that year, so seeing everything set up and illuminated was quite a surprise.

What immediately caught my attention was the scale of the festivities. There were performers singing outside, large crowds gathered around what almost felt like a live outdoor concert, and an entire festival atmosphere surrounding the market. I also remember seeing lines for the rides and attractions. It looked more like a full-fledged winter fair than the traditional Christmas markets I was accustomed to seeing.

I didn’t actually participate in the rides or spend much time exploring the vendors, but visually, the whole setup was impressive. The decorations, lighting, elaborate displays, and overall design really stood out. Even though this was more of a spontaneous discovery than a planned visit, it’s a Berlin holiday experience that stuck with me.

3. Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt: A Timeless Tradition in Bavaria

Nuremberg was another German city I got to experience during the holiday season, although my visit was more of a day trip. I don’t remember every detail of the market itself, but I do remember having a fantastic time. The people were incredibly friendly, everyone seemed to be out socializing, and the overall energy was great. Between the festive atmosphere, the local landmarks, and the people, it was a really fun day in Germany. I didn’t actually eat at the market, opting for a restaurant instead, but Nuremberg definitely left a good impression on me.

Union Square Holiday Market – New York City, USA

Union Square is hands down my favorite holiday market in New York City when it comes to food. I visited for the first time last holiday season and ended up spending a couple of hours there sampling dishes from multiple vendors. It was cold, but that certainly didn’t stop me. The food was fantastic, the drinks were just as good, and there was so much to choose from. It’s a really cool market with an incredible selection, and after that first visit, it quickly became my favorite New York holiday market for a good foodie experience.

Istanbul, Turkey: Eastern Charm and Grand Bazaar Hustle

Although I didn’t make it to the holiday market I had hoped to visit, I did get to experience Istanbul’s famous Grand Bazaar during the 2021 winter. It was freezing, and I remember there even being snow, but I had a fantastic time. The place was absolutely packed, enormous, and filled with shops, vendors, and things to discover. I only managed a short walk around during that visit, but I’ve actually been back more than once. You could easily spend several hours exploring the Grand Bazaar, and probably much longer if you really want to see everything. It’s an incredible place and definitely worth mentioning among my winter travel experiences.

Jena Christmas Market – Jena, Germany

I lived in Jena, Germany, for a few months, and the Christmas market in the city’s main square was one I found myself visiting regularly. This was actually one of my first real experiences with European Christmas markets, so it holds a special place in my travel memories. I remember being excited by the whole setup: the enormous Christmas tree, the rows of vendors, traditional German cakes, and all the different foods and specialty items. It was a fun introduction to something I would eventually come to enjoy in cities all over Europe. Looking back, Jena was probably one of the markets that sparked my interest in seeking them out wherever my travels took me next.

Montreal Christmas Market – Montreal, Canada

I also had the chance to check out Montreal’s Christmas market during one of my visits to the city. I remember stopping by a couple of times, although one of my visits was when the market was closed, which still gave me an opportunity to walk through and see some of its really awesome decorations and setups. Compared with some of the larger European markets I’ve experienced, it was a smaller setup, but I enjoyed exploring the surrounding neighborhood and seeing how Montreal celebrates the holidays. There were also other seasonal festivities happening nearby, including entertainment and music events. It was a nice addition to my winter travels through Canada.

North Pole & Chena Hot Springs – Fairbanks, Alaska, USA

One of my most memorable winter experiences was visiting North Pole, Alaska, while staying in Fairbanks. And yes, there’s actually a town called North Pole! I remember riding through town, stopping by Santa Claus House, seeing the reindeer, and taking in all the Christmas-themed decorations. I don’t know if Santa was home that day, but seeing his house in person was pretty amazing. It was one of those experiences that didn’t need a big festival or holiday market to make it memorable.

That evening, we had dinner at Pagoda, a Chinese restaurant in North Pole known for its award-winning food. I remember seeing pictures of Guy Fieri there, which made the stop even more interesting.

Another highlight of the trip was visiting Chena Hot Springs. With temperatures outside around -45°F, getting into naturally heated outdoor hot springs was quite an experience. The contrast between the freezing Alaskan winter and the steaming hot water was incredible. Between Fairbanks, North Pole, Santa’s house, and Chena Hot Springs, this was easily one of my favorite winter adventures.

The Holiday Season Is Always Better With a Passport

After visiting holiday markets in different parts of the world, I’ve realized that no two experiences are quite the same. Some have incredible food, others have amazing shopping, elaborate decorations, or an atmosphere that keeps you wandering around for hours. From Germany and the streets of New York City to Montreal and even a winter adventure in the North Pole, each destination has given me something different to remember.

I’m always looking for somewhere new to explore, and holiday markets have become one of those things I genuinely enjoy seeking out whenever I travel. I still have plenty more on my list, and I’m sure there are a few I’ve yet to discover. So whether I’m traveling across Europe, exploring another city in North America, or finding myself somewhere completely unexpected, there’s a good chance I’ll be looking for the nearest holiday market. And if there’s good food involved, even better. My next mission? Finding more markets, discovering more vendors, and eventually trying just about everything along the way.