Love festive delicacies? Take a tour of these bustling Christmas markets around the world!

There’s no denying that food and the holiday season go hand-in-hand. And when it comes to year-end festivities, the iconic Christmas markets around the world have charmed locals and travellers alike for centuries. What’s believed to have originated in Germany has now become a tradition lovingly followed by historic market squares and streets across the globe. Dotted with colourful stalls, decked-up trees, delightful exhibits and carolers, these bustling Christmas markets transform into brightly illuminated shopping spots that serve a lot more than just handmade gifts and souvenirs. Traditional beverages and festive delicacies are a major highlight of these holiday hotspots, pulling in thousands of revellers to indulge in good food and merrymaking. 

Ahead of Christmas 2025, let’s take a virtual tour of some of these scintillating Christmas markets, filled with the flavours and aromas of delicious festive eats…   

1. Strasbourg, France

An absolute delight for foodies, the Strasbourg Christmas market brims with a variety of festive treats - such as Bredele, fresh Pretzels, Spätzle, Knackwurst and Crepes. Dubbed the ‘capital of Christmas’, Strasbourg is well-known for its incredible display of countryside artisanal delicacies. 

2. Berlin, Germany

Eggnog, Dresdner Handbrot, Cheesy Spätzle, Quarkbällchen, Roasted Chestnuts, Ginger Cookies and Sausages are among the top favourites at Berlin’s stunning Christmas markets. These holiday hotspots also sport skating rinks, lit-up pyramids, old wooden pavilions and pony rides, while you can also sign-up for candle-making and embroidery workshops. 

3. Shanghai, China

One of the city’s longest-running markets, the Shanghai German Christmas market is popular for its Gingerbread, Sausages and Spices, alongside an assortment of sweet treats such as Chocolates, Pastries, Candies and Cookies. Meanwhile, tiny revellers can also indulge in treasure hunts, cookie-decoration and face-painting activities.

4. Toronto, Canada

Raclette and Maple Bacon Doughnuts are among the star performers at the Toronto Christmas market. A great place to rediscover the magic and romance of the holiday season, the food cabins at this shopping hub serve a scintillating experience, complete with treats like Churros, Lobster, Pierogies, Pretzels, Hot Sauces, Empanadas, Crepes and Fine Teas. There are also art installations and Jazz music to savour.

5. San Francisco, US

Quite the wonderland, the Great Dickens Christmas Fair in San Francisco gives you the opportunity to relive Dickens’ alluring stories through lamp-lit streets and tearooms. After traipsing around music halls and browsing through the priceless treasures, you can also indulge in some Cinnamon Crunch Almonds, Fine Cakes, Chocolates and Puddings as well as Artisan Candies. 

6. Copenhagen, Denmark

Caramels, Roast Pork Sandwiches, Caramelised Almonds, Æbleskiver, Glögg, Hot Chocolate and Apple Punch await you at this dreamy holiday season shopping hub. Meanwhile, twinkling lights, trinkets, glass accessories and a delectable spread of traditional snacks are among the highlights of Copenhagen’s iconic Tivoli Gardens during Christmas. A tour of this charming Alpine village is sure to fascinate the young and old. 

7. Basel, Switzerland

Yet another world-famous Christmas shopping hub, Basel is the place to be if you’re on a culinary spree. You can indulge in Waffles, Basel Läckerli, Raclette and Grilled Sausages. There’s also plenty of surprises in store for you in the form of delicious Christmas biscuits and confectioneries. Meanwhile, the little ones can decorate candles and Gingerbread, bake cookies, make torches or hop on to kiddies’ trains. Fairy-tale forests, illuminated trees, spectacular exhibitions and concerts are among the other highlights.