Best Christmas Festivals Around The World

The holiday season is the most wonderful time of the year, and there is no better way to celebrate than by attending one of the many Christmas festivals around the world. From traditional markets to dazzling light displays, these festivals are sure to put you in the holiday spirit. Here are the best Christmas festivals around the world that you won’t want to miss.

🎄Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremberg, Germany

One of the oldest and most famous Christmas markets in Europe, Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremberg is a must-see for anyone visiting Germany during the holiday season. With over 180 wooden stalls selling traditional food, drinks, and gifts, this market is sure to delight visitors of all ages.

🎄Winter Wonderland in London, England

If you find yourself in London during the holiday season, be sure to check out Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park. This festival boasts a massive ice rink, a Christmas circus, and a Bavarian village complete with German beer and food. Don’t forget to ride the giant Ferris wheel for a stunning view of the city.

🎄Fête des Lumières in Lyon, France

For four nights in December, Lyon transforms into a city of lights for Fête des Lumières. This festival dates back to 1852 and features stunning light displays and installations throughout the city. Be sure to book your hotel early, as this festival draws huge crowds.

🎄Tivoli Gardens Christmas Market in Copenhagen, Denmark

For a festive holiday experience, head to Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen, which transforms into a winter wonderland during the holiday season. The park is filled with Christmas lights, decorations, and a traditional market selling Nordic gifts and food. Be sure to ride the roller coaster for an extra dose of holiday cheer.

🎄Winter Festival of Lights in Niagara Falls, Canada

The Winter Festival of Lights in Niagara Falls is a dazzling display of over three million lights that transform the falls and surrounding parks into a winter wonderland. The festival also includes fireworks displays, a laser light show, and a nightly illumination of the falls.

🎄Las Posadas in Mexico

Las Posadas is a traditional Mexican celebration that takes place during the nine days leading up to Christmas. The celebration is a reenactment of Mary and Joseph’s search for lodging before the birth of Jesus and includes processions, caroling, and piñatas for the children.

🎄Hogmanay in Edinburgh, Scotland

The Scots celebrate New Year’s Eve like no other country, with a three-day festival known as Hogmanay in Edinburgh. The festival includes a torchlight procession, a massive street party, and a stunning fireworks display over Edinburgh Castle.

🎄Sinterklaas in Amsterdam, Netherlands

Sinterklaas, the Dutch version of Santa Claus, arrives in Amsterdam in mid-November, and the city celebrates with parades, light displays, and traditional Dutch treats like speculaas cookies and pepernoten. Don’t miss the Sinterklaas boat procession on the Amstel River.

🎄Gingerbread Village in Seattle, USA

The Gingerbread Village in Seattle is a must-see for anyone with a sweet tooth. The festival features elaborate gingerbread creations made by local architects and chefs, and the proceeds go to support the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

🎄Candlelit Christmas Eve in Reykjavik, Iceland

For a truly unique holiday experience, head to Reykjavik, Iceland for Candlelit Christmas Eve. The city turns off all its lights for several hours, and locals light candles in their windows to create a stunning display of light. Don’t forget to try some traditional Icelandic foods like smoked lamb and fermented shark.

🎄Tree Lighting Ceremony in Rockefeller Center, New York City

One of the most famous Christmas events in the world, the Tree Lighting Ceremony in Rockefeller Center is a beloved tradition in New York City. The lighting of the massive Christmas tree is accompanied by live performances from top artists, and the atmosphere is electric.

🎄Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi, Finland

The Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi, Finland is a magical place for children and adults alike. Visitors can meet Santa Claus himself, take a ride on a reindeer or husky sleigh, and marvel at the Northern Lights.

🎄Buche de Noel in Paris, France

Buche de Noel, or yule log, is a traditional French dessert that is a must-try during the holiday season. Be sure to head to one of the many patisseries in Paris to sample this delicious treat.

🎄Christmas Markets in Prague, Czech Republic

Prague is home to some of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Europe, including the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square. Be sure to try some traditional Czech foods like sausages and Trdelník, a sweet pastry.

🎄Luminaria in Albuquerque, USA

The Luminaria festival in Albuquerque is a stunning display of thousands of paper lanterns that light up the city’s streets and parks. Visitors can enjoy live music, hot cocoa, and a festive atmosphere.

🎄FAQs

What are the best Christmas festivals around the world?

Some of the best Christmas festivals around the world include Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremberg, Winter Wonderland in London, and Fête des Lumières in Lyon.

What is Las Posadas?

Las Posadas is a traditional Mexican celebration that takes place during the nine days leading up to Christmas. The celebration is a reenactment of Mary and Joseph’s search for lodging before the birth of Jesus and includes processions, caroling, and piñatas for the children.

What is Sinterklaas?

Sinterklaas is the Dutch version of Santa Claus, and Amsterdam celebrates his arrival with parades, light displays, and traditional Dutch treats like speculaas cookies and pepernoten.

What is Hogmanay?

Hogmanay is a three-day festival in Edinburgh, Scotland that celebrates New Year’s Eve with a torchlight procession, a massive street party, and a stunning fireworks display over Edinburgh Castle.

What is the Gingerbread Village?

The Gingerbread Village in Seattle is a festival featuring elaborate gingerbread creations made by local architects and chefs, with proceeds going to support the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

What is Candlelit Christmas Eve?

Candlelit Christmas Eve is a tradition in Reykjavik, Iceland where the city turns off all its lights for several hours and locals light candles in their windows to create a stunning display of light.

What is the Tree Lighting Ceremony?

The Tree Lighting Ceremony in Rockefeller Center is a beloved tradition in New York City, where a massive Christmas tree is lit and live performances take place.

What is the Santa Claus Village?

The Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi, Finland is a magical place where visitors can meet Santa Claus, take a ride on a reindeer or husky sleigh, and marvel at the Northern Lights.

What is Buche de Noel?

Buche de Noel, or yule log, is a traditional French dessert that is a must-try during the holiday season.

What are the best Christmas markets in Prague?

Some of the best Christmas markets in Prague include the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square.

What is Luminaria?

Luminaria is a festival in Albuquerque featuring thousands of paper lanterns that light up the city’s streets and parks.

When is the Winter Festival of Lights?

The Winter Festival of Lights in Niagara Falls takes place from mid-November to mid-January.

What is Winter Wonderland?

Winter Wonderland in London is a festival in Hyde Park featuring a massive ice rink, a Christmas circus, and a Bavarian village.

What is Fête des Lumières?

Fête des Lumières in Lyon is a festival featuring stunning light displays and installations throughout the city.

When is Las Posadas?

Las Posadas takes place during the nine days leading up to Christmas.

Conclusion

There is no better way to get into the holiday spirit than by attending one of these Christmas festivals around the world. From traditional markets to stunning light displays, these festivals are sure to delight visitors of all ages. So why not plan a trip this holiday season and experience the magic for yourself?

And if you’re still not convinced, just remember that these festivals are a great way to support local communities and businesses, and to experience the unique