Christmas markets originated in the Middle Ages and have since become a popular tradition all over the world. Nowadays, many big cities host lavish fairs to get you in the festive mood, here are the top 10.
Big 7 Travel a website that provides current, curated trustworthy recommendations, has created a ranking of the world’s best Christmas Markets in 2022. The top is based on several factors, including vendor variety, local traditions, the range of entertainment and the popularity on social media.
Brussels’ 20th edition of Winter Wonders known as Plaisir d’Hiver in French or Winterpret in Dutch, tops the list. Located in the hearth of the city, the market hosts nearly 250 chalets with enchanting offers, a spectacular Christmas tree, a large ice rink and cultural activities of all kinds.
“For a serious dose of festive schmaltz, Winter Wonders is our standout Christmas market for 2022. Over 200 chalets crowd around the gorgeous Grand Place, illuminated by colourful twinkling lights. From here, the festival spreads across the centre with an ice rink, a big wheel, a traditional life-size Nativity scene and an 18-metre Christmas tree,” reads the website.
“This year, the market celebrates its 20th anniversary, so you can expect a bumper festive edition with 360° audio-visual performances, films and concerts too.”
Big 7 Travel
The Mayor of Brussels and city councillor for Culture and Major Events Delphine Houba expressed their delight in a press release stating: “This is a real recognition for Winter Wonders. We would not be here without Brussels Major Events and all their teams who are extraordinarily creative and constantly do a great job. Thank you to them for their excellent work which is once again rewarded and recognised worldwide.”
Christmas Market on Gendarmenmarkt, one of the 70 Christmas markets spread across Berlin and its suburbs, went second. “The whole square is a blaze of twinkling lights and the thick scent of roasted almonds, chestnuts and mulled wine fills the air. The festive entertainment is top-notch too, with performances from juggles, fire eaters and local musicians.”
Third place went far away, to Chicago’s annual Christkindlmarket, a german inspired market, one of the oldest in the US. Among the other cities in the top 10, Big 7 Travel mentions Birmingham (the United Kingdom), Vienna (Austria) and another. German city, Dresden on sixth place. Rounding out the top 10 are Krakow (Poland), Galway (Ireland), Zagreb (Croatia), followed by Sibiu (Romania).
Source: traveltomorrow.com
