From Julefest to Gingerbread Grove: Christmas Market Destinations to Sleigh For
The season when the world turns merry and sparkly is approaching, so now’s the time to book those festive escapes! With so many places hosting Christmas markets, we have shortlisted some of the great spots beyond the usual classics that pull in the crowds. The perfect activity for a long weekend getaway, travelers can experience different traditions at a Christmas market, from sampling local food and drinks, browsing the artisan crafts or purchasing bespoke gifts to surprise friends and family. With over a third (38%)* of travelers keen to have a day dedicated to shopping on their next trip, a Christmas Market getaway is the ideal solution to ring in the festivities and kick start the festive shopping season
Vilnius, Lithuania
While a hidden gem all year round, Vilnius truly sparkles during the holiday season with its magnificent Christmas tree nestled between the Cathedral Bell Tower and Gediminas' Tower. Lithuania’s capital city is known for hosting the city’s festivities, with multiple Christmas markets taking place throughout December, offering traditional food, crafts and entertainment to visitors. For those who are looking for unique presents, the markets based in a former prison courtyard and another in Design Square offer beautiful handmade gifts. Alongside shopping, travelers can also enjoy the stunning light and window displays in the Glass Quarter, showcasing elaborate installations and fairy lights while a Christmas train runs from Cathedral Square to City Hall. Soak up the sights amongst all the merriment on this Bike Tour, which offers a combination of must-see landmark attractions and newly trending spots.
Where to stay: The Luxury Panoramic Vilnius Apartment is a great base. Featuring one bedroom and a terrace offering views over the Neris River, the apartment boasts modern interiors, providing a homely feel for guests to settle into. This property is located near popular points of interest, including the Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights, Vilnius Gaon Jewish State Museum and Vilnius Church of St Michael & Constantine, and of course, the city’s popular Christmas markets.
Singapore City, Singapore
Singapore’s biggest merriment, the Christmas Wonderland at Gardens by the Bay, is a must-see experience in an unlikely festive climate. Much like Singapore itself, the celebrations include larger-than-life displays, attractions and activities, with the ambition of bringing people together. From Mistletoe Alley to the Gingerbread Grove, there is plenty to see, do and eat, with a fantastic spread of stalls offering food and gifts under twinkling Christmas lights. This is a great spot to kick off the festive feeling, but don’t forget to make the most of more super sights and attractions, from the Singapore Flyer, an observation wheel offering stunning views of the city, to Singapore Zoo, which holds a Christmas set lunch at Forest Lodge during the festive period. After a wander round the city’s Christmas happenings, head to the Marina Bay Sands complex to shop the plethora of retailers and tick off some gifts on Santa’s list!
Where to stay: A great choice if looking for some winter sun after some market strolling, Park Royal Collection Marina Bay is perfect to enjoy some R&R. Offering elegant rooms with dramatic views of the city, a wide range of dining options from a fresh seafood buffet to international delights served up at the halal-certified Peppermint Restaurant, and a luxurious mineral water pool, this hotel has it all. Situated in a great location, Gardens by the Bay, where the Christmas Market is held, is just a short walk away.
Solvang, California
Solvang is the Danish capital of America, and although an unexpected combination to be found in California, it is the place to be at Christmas. Hosting a month-long merry extravaganza, Julefest, Solvang’s Christmas celebration makes a sparkling start to the season with a Tree Lighting Ceremony, followed by a parade where visitors can watch floats, marching bands and horses travel along the village streets. Learn more about Danish traditions and Solvang history whilst singing carols during a candlelight tour. The main event, Christmas shopping, takes place in the Maker’s Market, offering unique gifts and treats under the stars of Solvang Park. If travelers stick around long enough, they can witness the Christmas Tree Burn, a fire safety demonstration marking the end of Julefest. Take time to also explore the wonders of this slice of Denmark in California, with Danish architecture and four wooden mills to explore, not forgetting authentic local bakeries to sample delicious foods. For those who fancy a break from all the Christmas activities, this Solvang Showdown Scavenger Hunt is an immersive adventure where travelers can discover an alternate reality, featuring locals’ favorite hidden gems off the beaten trails and creatively interpret fun art, history, and culture clues - for points!
Where to stay: Located in the heart of Solvang, The Landsby boutique Californian hotel offers Scandinavian-inspired rooms, with hand-crafted furnishings and is within walking distance to the town’s shops and restaurants. Guests can relax in the hotel courtyard after a long day of exploring the markets, and cozy up to the fire pit for extra warmth and comfort. Surrounded by a variety of vineyards and wineries, part of Santa Barbara’s wine country, are also within a short drive of this hotel.
Trento, Italy
Nicknamed ‘Città del Natale’ or ‘Christmas Town,' the snow-dusted peaks of the surrounding Dolomite mountains peeping out from behind Trento’s grand Romanesque Gothic Cathedral are magical at any time of the year, but especially so at Christmas. The Christmas Market itself offers a lively atmosphere, with wooden huts throughout the village adorned with colorful lights. Featuring a wide range of local produce, including handicrafts, Christmas decorations, candles and nativity scenes, it’s the ideal place to wander around and pick up festive gifts and keepsakes to take home. Visitors should sample the local specialities, such as Tortel de Patate, an iconic dish of Trento cuisine containing only three ingredients: potatoes, oil and salt. Wash delicious snacks down with some mulled wine, hot chocolate or parampampoli, a traditional Italian winter drink made with coffee, wine and honey. For the real foodies, take a small group Pasta and Tiramisu class and learn how to roll 'sfoglia' (fresh pasta) by hand and how to prepare two simple kinds of pasta (filled pasta and fresh pasta) from scratch.
Where to stay: Boasting city and mountain views Casa Trentini - Atemporary Art Apartments is a picturesque central base in Trento. This property offers guests a spacious one-bedroom apartment to tuck into, following a busy day of exploring the great sights and markets, while on its doorstep the Piazza Duomo, Buonconsiglio Castle and Torre Civica are must-visit attractions.
Cusco, Peru
In the south east of Peru is Cusco, the country’s historic capital with a wealth of museums, cathedrals, and narrow cobbled streets that attract travelers from all over the world. Its charm goes up a notch at Christmas when celebrations run for most of December and its streets are bedecked with live nativity scenes. The main square fills with locals drawn to the bustling Santurantikuy market, most commonly seen on December 24 to mark the start of the city’s festive period. The market features artisans selling the finest handicrafts and home produced food items, ranging from stunning figurines to traditional treats such as Ponche, a warm rum punch, and the locals much loved paneton and hot chocolate winter combination. Other highlights of this historic city include Plaza de Armas, the central square in the old city, where visitors can admire the carved wooden balconies and Incan wall ruins while the baroque Santo Domingo Convent, built above the Incan Temple of the Sun, also displays remains of Inca stonework. While there, don’t miss out on this 1 Day Adventure Tour to the Colorful Rainbow Mountain. Travelers can catch the distinct and rare mineral stripes that give the mountain its name, nestled amongst the snowy peaks and beautiful Peruvian landscapes.
Where to stay: Enjoy the cheerful season with a stay at the Antigua Casona San Blas. Here, guests are provided with a home away from home feel at this stylish family-owned boutique hotel. Featuring majestic rooms covered with feathered beddings, a private spa for the ultimate relaxation routine, as well as an in-house restaurant and bar, this Travel Proud property is just steps away from Cusco’s main square, meaning guests can easily discover the nearby markets with ease.
*Research commissioned by Tripeden.com and independently conducted among a sample of 32,300 respondents across 32 markets (including 2,000 from the US, 800 from Canada, 1,800 from Australia, 500 from New Zealand, 800 from Spain, 800 from Italy, 1,800 from France, 1,800 from the UK, 1,800 from Germany, 800 from the Netherlands, 500 from Denmark, 500 from Sweden, 400 from Croatia, 800 from Switzerland, 800 from Belgium, 800 from Ireland, 500 from Austria, 1,800 from Mexico, 800 from Colombia, 1,800 from Brazil, 800 from Argentina, 1,800 from India, 800 from China, 500 from Hong Kong, 800 from Thailand, 800 from Singapore, 500 from Taiwan, 800 from Vietnam, 800 from South Korea, 1,800 from Japan, 500 from UAE). In order to participate in this survey, respondents had to be 18 years of age or older, had to have traveled for leisure in the past 12 months including an overnight stay, planning to travel for leisure in 2024 and involved in travel planning. The survey was taken online and took place in January and February 2024.