Unusual Christmas Market Destinations
When we picture a Christmas market, we imagine the grand squares of Munich, Prague or Vienna, where artisans in cosy cabins sell handmade wares, and snugly-dressed revellers warm up with steaming mugs of glühwein. Centuries old, these traditional markets have earned fame for good reason – but the festive spirit is also found far beyond them.
For those willing to venture away from the most famous Christmas markets, there’s a host of lesser-considered destinations where the Christmas spirit shines just as bright. From serene fairytale villages to coastal cities that bring their own twist to tradition, here’s a look at some of the most unusual Christmas market destinations around the world.
Sapporo, Japan
While Christmas markets are a distinctly Western tradition, it’s possible to find them in other cultures too. Sapporo, the capital of the snowy, mountainous region of Hokkaido, is a sister city to Munich in Germany, where the Christmas market originates. In 2002, to mark 30 years of their kinship, Sapporo began putting on their own market, complete with snow-capped cabins selling crafts and gifts, and indispersed with Germanic food and drink – expect glühwein galore, pretzels and stollen on the menu.
The fun takes place at Odori Park, and merges with the start of the Sapporo White Illumination festival. This tradition sees artists create beautiful sculptures illuminate the park as soon as dusk falls. As a way to light up the dark winter nights, both metaphorically and literally, Sapporo is a top choice.
The market takes place from November 21 to 25 December 2025.
Melbourne, Australia
To escape from chilling temps and long winter evenings, Melbourne offers a sunnier twist on the traditional Christmas market. As December is the height of Melbourne’s summer, the festive cheer unfolds beneath bright blue skies, so locals can swap cosy coats for t-shirts and shorts, and mulled wine for ice-laden drinks.
In the centre of the city, the historic Queen Victoria Market transforms into a wonderland of Christmassy artisan stalls and live entertainment with a distinctly Aussie flair. Expect handmade gifts from local designers, roaming performers, and Santa making a festive appearance.
Beyond the market, Melbourne turns into a novel seasonal display, with twinkling decorations lighting up the sky in the warm summer evenings. Federation Square transforms into ‘Christmas Square’, with live shows, performances and films taking place around its iconic 17.5-metre tree. It’s proof that Christmas magic doesn’t always need snow – sometimes all it takes is craft, creativity and a city that knows how to celebrate.
Quebec City, Canada
Canada certainly isn’t top of mind when seeking a European-style Christmas market. But years ago, as Europeans settled across the pond, they took many of their traditions with them – including December’s Christmas markets. Enter Le Marché de Noël Allemand, which mimics the German style of Christmas market in a French-Canadian setting.
Located across five locations in Old Quebec and centred around Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, entertainment comes in the form of live music (rock’n’roll Christmas anyone?), board games nights, choirs and even an Alphorn trio. But the piece de résistance is a giant puppet parade in which huge effigies of Saint Nicholas and Krampus stroll down the Quebec streets accompanied by musicians, spreading Christmas cheer across the city.
Added to all of Quebec’s other draws as the capital of French Canada, it makes for a memorable Christmas jaunt.
The fair is open from Thursdays to Sundays, from November 20 to December 23 2025.
Cesky Krumlov, Czechia
There’s a reason that Prague is a global draw for winter festivities. Few better places accentuate the magic of Christmas than a fairytale city filled with olde worlde architecture, twinkling lights and turrted buildings. Yet for a tempting alternative, head two and a half hours by train to Český Krumlov in South Bohemia. You’ll find all the splendour of gothic and baroque architecture and cobbled streets, just with fewer crowds – so it’s a cheaper holiday too.
When its Christmas market is on, it truly shines. The action takes place in the main square, with all the expected delights of stalls, culinary treats, local crafts and a festive feel.
If you’re there on Christmas Eve you can take part in its unique tradition: Bear’s Christmas, when the bears who live in the Krumlov castle moat receive presents like pastries, biscuits and vegetables from the townsfolk. It’s grown from a humble offering to a full-on festival atmosphere. The finale is when the bears are let out of their rooms and feast on the food gifted to them – what a spectacle that is.
The Český Krumlov Christmas market takes place November 22 to January 4 2026.
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