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We’ve made our lists and are checking our bags.
November is right around the corner and the race to the holiday season is moving faster than Santa’s sleigh. We’re counting the days until the Super Bowl of shopping season, if you will. That’s right, Christmas market season.
With roots dating back to 1296 Vienna, Christmas markets, or CHRISTkindlmarkts, eventually spread to German-speaking parts of Italy, Switzerland and France. Now, you can find them in cities big and small across the globe. Though Hallmark worthy spots like Strasbourg and Dresden are the stuff of sugarplum fairytales, we’re taking a more urban approach this holiday season.
From a Royal pop-up to chic Italian markets and a Southern spin on Christkindl, these festive stops bring twinkle lights, cozy sips and peak holiday people-watching.
Here’s where to go to stay and sleigh the holiday markets this season:
Buckingham Palace, London, UK
Sleigh: Although not technically a Christmas market, Britain’s Royal family is getting in the spirit this year with the first ever Royal Mews Christmas pop-up shop (Nov. 14–Jan. 5). Nestled in a cozy corner of the 200-year-old Royal Mews, visitors will be able to snap up everything from The Guard Mouse to Christmas puddings and even a luxury china collection similar to original pieces belonging to the Royal Collection. And you can rest assured that every single item will (quite literally) be fit for a queen. If you can’t make it in time, you can still play online Santa here.
Stay: Perfectly positioned near London’s most iconic landmarks including Buckingham Palace, Piccadilly, and Green Park, The Stafford sparkles with glittering Christmas trees and over 100 years of tradition during the holidays with a festive afternoon tea and a traditional Christmas feast at the newly opened MICHAEL CAINES at The Stafford.
Book here, rates from $750.
Oh Bej! Oh Bej!, Milan, Italy
Sleigh: By Castello Sforzesco, Milan’s classic market pairs panettone, chestnuts and vin brulé with couture-window strolling. Brera and Porta Venezia go full fairy-light mode with neighborhood events.
Stay: Hotel Calimala Milano, in buzzy Porta Venezia, has 88 stylish rooms, a rooftop pool and an espresso bar for pre-market fuel.
Book here, rates from $227.
Montmartre Christmas Market, Paris, France
Sleigh: While France is no stranger to Christmas Markets, with Strasbourg and Colmar capturing the fairytale vibe, we’re heading to Paris for our holiday fix. From Nov. 22 to Jan. 7, Montmartre becomes a boho winter village of wooden chalets, mulled wine and artisan finds near Sacré-Cœur. Skate Tuileries, then climb for those city views.
Stay: Maison Souquet Hotel & Spa is a Belle Époque hideaway with plush salons, a hidden spa and serious romance, minutes from the chalets.
Book here, rates from $439.
Bryant Park Winter Village, New York, NY
Sleigh: Maybe one of the longest running Christmas markets (October 24, 2025 – January 4, 2026), the Bryant Park Winter Village is European inspired but distinctly New York. Situated across Bryant Park, there’s an ice skating rink, local crafts, The Lodge bar and food hall and custom-designed “jewel box” shops with gifts from around the world.
Stay: It doesn’t get much better than New York City at Christmas and there is a veritable buffet of festive and fun places to stay. Nowhere does Christmas quite like Lotte New York Palace. There’s the glowing 30-foot tree that stands in the hotel’s courtyard and The Palace is an official partner of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular starring the Radio City Rockettes.
Book here, rates from $550.
Palais Freiluft, Vienna, Austria
Sleigh: Vienna’s 17 or so markets all deliver, but this luxury moment ups the drama inside a Baroque palace and garden. Shop candles and art, sip hot cocktails, crush käsekrainer, then try a quick curl match.
Stay: Sans Souci Vienna is a bright boutique spot by the MuseumsQuartier, perfect for gliding between galleries and glühwein.
Book here, rates from $399.
Edinburgh Traditional Christmas Markets, Edinburgh, Scotland
Sleigh: From Nov. 15 to Jan. 4, East Princes Street Gardens goes full storybook with chalets, the LNER Big Wheel and the 80m Starflyer for skyline views that hit different.
Stay: The Balmoral blends grand history with modern polish, plus standout dining and Olga Polizzi interiors.
Book here, rates from $562.
Christkindlmarkt Charleston, Charleston, SC
Sleigh: Just a hop, skip and festive school bus ride away from Charleston, South Carolina’s only authentic German market brings handcrafted Erzgebirge goods, local makers and day-to-night programming Dec. 5–14.
Stay: Charleston Place stages “Let It Snow” multiple times nightly, plus Nutcracker Tea and a gingerbread-house market for peak holiday magic.
Book here, rates from $475.