Twinkling lights, delicious local food and, of course, steaming mugs of mulled wine – Christmas markets are a festive favourite for travellers around the world. But which ones are truly worth visiting?
New research from Christmas Tree World has revealed the world’s best Christmas markets for 2026, ranking 28 of the most well-known destinations against eight different criteria.
The Christmas experts analysed Google search data, Instagram posts and TikTok videos, alongside December hotel prices, entry fees, market history, the number of stalls and proximity to public transport.
European destinations dominated the rankings, accounting for more than half of the top spots, while the UK also put in a strong showing.
But which market claimed the title of the world’s best for 2026?
1. Christkindlesmarkt, Germany
Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremberg, Germany, was named the best Christmas market in the world
Dating back 398 years, Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremberg, Germany, is the top spot to head to for festivities.
The market was scored 8.2 out of ten and attracts a huge amount of attention with a whopping 818,200 Google searches over the analysed 12-month period.
Visitors are treated to 180 wooden stalls all bursting with various delicacies, souvenirs and bratwurst – and it's free to enter.
December hotels work out at around £144 a night.
When does it open? November 27 to December 24, 2026.
2. Manchester Christmas Markets, UK
Proving you don't have to travel far for a good festive event, Manchester Christmas Markets ranked second
Much closer to home, Manchester's Christmas Market ranked second overall with an impressive score of 7.64 out of ten.
It sits above other popular spots like New York's Winter Village and Edinburgh Christmas Market.
The festivities are spread across the city, rather than being confined to just one location, and visitors have hundreds of stalls to choose from as well as a 50-metre Ferris wheel.
A hotel stay in December typically comes to around £107 a night, making it more affordable than most.
When does it open? November 6 to December 22, 2026.
3. Striezelmarkt, Germany
Striezelmarkt in Dresden, Germany, placed third overall
Steeped in tradition and a 592-year-old history, Striezelmarkt in Dresden, Germany, placed third with a score of 7.5 out of ten.
With 240 stalls, free entry and lots of Stollen, you can't go wrong with a festive trip to Striezelmarkt.
Hotel stays in December are priced at an average of £123 per night.
When does it open? November 25 to December 24, 2026.
4. Winter Village, US
Winter Village, in New York City, ranked fourth
Bringing America into the mix, New York City's Winter Village ranked fourth and scored 7.41 out of ten.
Bryant Park Winter Village is the city's biggest festive affair. It boasts a huge ice rink that's free to enter – the only of its kind in the area – and has more than 180 vendors offering a variety of treats from October 28 to January 3.
When does it open? October 28, 2026 to February 28, 2027, according to Time Out.
5. Edinburgh Christmas Market, UK
Another UK-based event, Edinburgh Christmas Market placed fifth
Edinburgh comes to life at Christmastime and glistens with lights, decorations and its bustling stalls down East Princess Street Gardens.
There's a big wheel, lots of food and drink options and even the chance to meet Santa Claus himself.
When does it open? November 14, 2026 to January 3, 2027.
6. Christkindlmarket, US
Christkindlmarket is split across Chicago, US, each year
Christkindlmarket is hosted across three different locations in Chicago each year – Aurora, Wrigleyville and Daley Plaza.
This year is the market's 30th anniversary and visitors can expect German food, handcrafted toys and other gifts, NBC Chicago reports.
When does it open? November 20 to December 24 (Aurora and Chicago markets) or December 31 (Wrigleyville market).
7. Christkindelsmärik, France
Christkindelsmärik in Strasbourg, France, ranked seventh
Dating back to 1570, the Christkindelsmärik in Strasbourg, France, is one of the oldest in Europe.
Expect traditional, characterful stalls spread across eight markets dotted throughout the city centre.
When does it open? Runs from November 27, as per Strasbourg.eu.
8. Birmingham's Frankfurt Christmas Market, UK
Birmingham's Frankfurt Christmas Market placed eighth
Another UK-based event, Birmingham's Frankfurt Christmas Market is the largest authentic German Christmas market outside of Germany or Austria.
There's everything from live music, decorated stalls and twinkling decorations. It's free to enter.
When does it open? November 5 to December 24, 2026.
9. Vienna Christmas World, Austria
Vienna Christmas World, in Austria, ranked ninth
Visitors can enjoy ice skating, rides and stalls all set within the backdrop of a beautiful city at Vienna Christmas World in Austria.
When does it open? November 13 to December 24, 2026
10. Union Square Holiday Market, US
Union Square Holiday Market, in New York City, rounded off the top ten
Another event based in New York, the Union Square Holiday Market is located in the heart of the city.
It features stalls packed with goodies created by local craftspeople and artists.
When does it open? November 12 to December 24, 2026, according to Ultimate Christmas Markets Europe and Beyond.