Christmas markets - The 7 most beautiful and extraordinary in the world

Strolling through the beautifully lit streets in the evening with a hot punch, perhaps a quick stop at the roasted almonds - who hasn't been there?

The days are slowly getting shorter, the nights longer and the Christmas markets more frequent. The festive custom originated in 15th century Germany, when craftsmen and bakers were able to offer their products on the marketplace in the run-up to Christmas. The tradition has grown over the years and has spread all over the world. We show you some of the most beautiful and unusual Christmas markets in the world.

The most famous Christmas market: Nuremberg, Germany

Starting in the country of origin, Germany, there are of course numerous wonderful Christmas markets. Probably the best known is the Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt, which has existed since the 17th century. Colorful decorations and numerous stalls with food, punch and handmade souvenirs invite you to stroll around the market square.

 Every year, you have the opportunity to take part in a particularly Christmassy tradition here. A Christkind is chosen to open the Christmas market high above the Frauenkirche on the Friday of the first Advent. When all the lights go out and the Christ Child solemnly reads the prologue, the wonderful Christmas atmosphere is sure to warm your heart.

Santa's village: Rovaniemi, Finnish Lapland

You can spend a very special Christmas in the Christmas village of Rovaniemi. Santa Claus is also at home in this snow-covered town with its native reindeer and colorful northern lights. Rovaniemi is located directly on the Arctic Circle and is also known as the gateway to the Arctic. Legend has it that Santa Claus moved there so that his true origins could remain a secret.

In December in particular, the city resembles a huge Christmas spectacle. You can receive mail from the City of Santa Claus or meet him in person. From local art to sleigh rides with reindeer or huskies, here you can experience your childhood dream of a white Christmas. Discover our winter round trip through Lapland!

The Christmas market with the most important Christmas tree: Tallinn, Estonia

Estonia's most important Christmas tree has stood at the magical Christmas market in Tallinn since the 15th century. The decoration is a special tradition of the locals, as the tree in Tallinn was one of the first Christmas trees in the whole of Europe. The small, winding Old Town invites you to wander among the brightly decorated wooden huts and brick buildings. Soak up the festive aura of snowy Estonia while the hot Gögli warms your hands. Even a Christmas grouch won't be able to resist this charm. 

The Christmas market with the most beautiful frost: Nuuk, Greenland

Red noses, powdery snow and an ice-cold Christmas feeling promise Greenland capital Nuuk. From handmade souvenirs, hikes in the snow, national delicacies at the market stalls or ice skating on the ice rinks, in Nuuk there is a lot to see. The local culture invites you to enjoy traditional dancing and music around the Christmas tree. Christmas spirit, good cheer and age-old traditions are waiting to be discovered by you in December. 

The Christmas market with the most extraordinary tradition: Belgrade, Serbia

In addition to the numerous sights, the cultural center of Serbia also scores with the inviting Christmas market of the Orthodox city. The market is officially called the "Market of Open Hearts" and offers many specialties, ice skating and handmade art. The Santa Claus Race offers a refreshing change of pace. 

While you sip your mulled wine and eat Serbian pastries, around 3,000 people in Santa Claus costumes compete in this race. Accompanied by national music, you can enjoy a different kind of Christmas spectacle to the full. 

The warmest Christmas: Nairobi, Kenya

Christmas without snow? Quite normal for people in Kenya. Instead of Christmas trees, cypress trees are put up and decorated with lights, balloons and often artificial snow. Santa Claus comes riding on a camel or by bicycle or Land Rover and small gifts are exchanged.

Kenya is a predominantly Christian country and many families spend Christmas Eve at mass followed by a typical Christmas BBQ. There is singing, dancing and traditional plays are performed. The focus at this time is on community, as the whole family comes together from different towns to spend this time together. 

Although there are no traditional Christmas markets, you can still feel the Christmas flair and enjoy an extraordinary and unique Christmas experience. Warm Christmas in Kenya. Let Triplegend take you on a legendary journey together with Journey to faraway Kenya in!

The most surprising Christmas market: Bangkok, Thailand

Where else in the world can you go Christmas shopping in flip-flops if not in Bangkok? Although Christmas is not a public holiday in Thailand and the predominantly Buddhist religion, you can still soak up the warm and festive atmosphere in the beautifully decorated malls, markets and cafés. 

In addition to the typical Christmas treats, you will also national courts find in abundance. So escaping winter and still getting into the Christmas spirit are not mutually exclusive. Experience a surprising Christmas and much more on the next Triplegend trip to Thailand!

Christmas is a truly magical time to get to know the Christmas markets and traditions of different countries. Experience an individual and unforgettable Christmas with Triplegend and support the national Christmas elves of each country in a sustainable way. Don't miss the chance to become a part of the magic of Christmas!

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