Top 10 Trending Christmas Markets Around the World

Image: Julefest: A Nordic Christmas Celebration in Seattle, Washington (Photo Credit: Visit Seattle)
Image: Julefest: A Nordic Christmas Celebration in Seattle, Washington (Photo Credit: Visit Seattle)
Patrick Clarke
by Patrick Clarke
Last updated: 11:05 AM ET, Tue December 19, 2023

The most festive time of year is now and with just under two weeks left before the end of 2023, time is running out to explore some of the world's very best Christmas markets.

The travel insurance specialists at InsureandGo recently revealed the Christmas markets around the world seeing the biggest spikes in interest compared to previous years. The research looked at Google search data, to find which markets have seen the biggest increase in searches versus the same period last year.

Here's a look at how the top 10 breaks down for 2023.

Seattle, Washington

Seattle's Christmas market is booming in terms of popularity this holiday season, with a 650 percent increase in searches since 2022.

The authentic European Christmas Village can be found in Seattle Center through December 24.

Belgrade, Serbia

Belgrade's bustling Knez Mihailova Street is as festive as it gets at the moment, boasting plentiful Christmas decorations and vendors of all sorts.

The Serbian Christmas market has seen a whopping 387 percent increase in searches since last year.

Tallinn, Estonia

Unsurprisingly, European Christmas markets feature heavily in the top 10. Held in the Town Hall Square, the top attraction of the Tallinn Christmas Market in Estonia is the Christmas tree, which has been set up here since 1441, making it the first Christmas tree ever to be put on display in Europe.

Gdańsk, Poland

The Christmas markets in Gdańsk have been recognized with second place in the Best Christmas Markets competition this year so it comes as no surprise that they've seen a 175 percent increase in searches.

The beautiful port city comes to life for the holiday season with spectacular lights, decorations and a pair of life-size nutcrackers in Mr. and Mrs. Orzechowski.

Ljubljana, Slovenia

Recognized as the Greenest City in the World, Ljubljana puts on quite a show in December. Visitors to this stellar Christmas market can shop for handmade gifts, snack on traditional foods and drinks and take part in cultural events, open-air concerts and other performances.

The city also boasts an impressive light display designed by artist Zmago Modic.

Arlington, Texas

The Texas Christkindl Market has been an Arlington tradition since 2011. The market has been inspired by its sister city in Königshofen, Germany. The free, family-friendly attraction takes place at Globe Life Field daily from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. through December 23.

Antwerp, Belgium

Visitors to Antwerp, Belgium will discover Christmas markets throughout the city. Highlights include a Ferris wheel and an ice-skating rink, among other attractions. What's more, holiday revelers can shop and take part in European tradition with a glass of glühwein and tasty Belgian Speculoos cookies.

Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo boasts a slew of exciting Christmas markets but the largest in Hibiya is supported by the German Embassy and features a 46-foot-tall Christmas tree shipped over from Germany. It's no wonder Tokyo's Christmas markets have seen a 122 percent increase in searches since last year. 

Málaga, Spain

For those spending the holidays in Spain, Malaga is not to be missed. Here, market-goers can treat themselves to delicious shortbread known as mantecados, wine-flavored fried pastries and much more all while enjoying stunning Christmas lights and a festive atmosphere.

Athens, Greece

Rounding out the top 10 is Athens, Greece. The city offers visitors no shortage of bazaars and markets this time of year in addition to eye-popping Christmas trees, dazzling light displays and events incorporating Greek Orthodox customs into the holiday celebration.


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Patrick Clarke

Patrick Clarke

Senior Editor

A Maryland native and wanderer who has lived across the U.S. from North Carolina to SoCal, Patrick Clarke graduated from Towson University with a B.S. in journalism. He previously worked for Bleacher

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