Christmas is just around the corner, and if you’re like many Brits out there wondering where the time has gone, then you’re not alone. If you’re struggling to get into the festive mood, experts at Christmas Tree World have come to the rescue.
The team have shared their annual research on the best festive market experiences from around the world. Researchers looked at annual Google searches, the popularity across social media, and the cost of a night’s stay in a local hotel. They also looked at the number of stalls and the closest train station to reveal the best Christmas markets in the world.
The top 10 includes one popular UK market coming in at a close second. Meanwhile, the top spot is only a two-hour flight from the UK, so if you’re looking for a last-minute trip, this may give some inspiration.
So, how did they rank?
Christkindlesmarkt, Nuremberg, Germany
Christkindlesmarkt, Nuremberg, Germany, is the best Christmas market in the world, scoring 8.47/10. Christkindlesmarkt is a popular Christmas market thanks to the showstopping event dating back to 1628. The market brings traditional German food like bratwurst to food stalls for customers to indulge in and enjoy.
Entry to the market is free and travellers can wander through 180 stalls offering everything from food and glühwein (German mulled wine) to traditional trinkets and Christmas decorations.
Dates: Friday, 28 November 2025 – Wednesday, 24 December 2025
Hotel price per night: £97
Location: Hauptmarkt Square
Manchester Christmas Market
Coming in second place was the Manchester Christmas Market, which ranked as the UK’s best, with a score of 7.64/10.
Despite being just 27 years old, the market is well established, with approximately 225 stalls.
The street festivities open in early November and close just a few days before Christmas Day. This gives shoppers almost two months to experience the magic and pick up presents like handmade jewellery and wooden lamps. It’s the ideal time to try food like gyros and dumplings.
Dates: Friday, 7 November 2025 – Saturday, 22 December 2025
Hotel price per night: £95
Location: Albert Square
Winter Village in New York City
In third place was Winter Village in New York City, scoring 7.36/10.
New York City is a blissful backdrop for the Christmas season. It is known for the snowy scenes of Central Park, as well as shopping and ice skating at Winter Village.
The Bryant Park festivities are 23 years old and are the most searched Christmas market, with over 1.5 million Google searches last year.
One of the most popular accommodation options is the St Regis New York, which is about 17 minutes on foot from Bryant Park. Last year, the hotel had an extravagant 12-foot Christmas tree, which would definitely bring Christmas to life.
Dates: Friday, 24 October 2025 – March 2026
Hotel price per night: £289
Location: Bryant Park
The 10 best Christmas markets in the world:
1. Christkindlesmarkt, Nuremberg, Germany – 8.47
2. Manchester Christmas Market, Manchester, UK – 7.64
3. Winter Village, New York City, USA – 7.36
4. Striezelmarkt, Dresden, Germany – 6.99
5. Edinburgh Christmas Market, Edinburgh, UK – 6.90
6. Christkindlmarket, Chicago, USA – 6.76
7. Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market, Birmingham, UK – 6.71
8. Union Square Holiday Market, New York City, USA – 6.67
9. Old Town Square Christmas Market, Prague, Czech Republic – 6.57
10. Christkindelsmärik, Strasbourg, France – 6.53
10. Vienna Christmas World, Vienna, Austria – 6.53
