Magical Christmas markets

By Malin Norman

To discover traditional crafts, seasonal delicacies and plenty of festive atmosphere, look no further than these Christmas markets. From historic town squares to charming open-air museums, these markets will no doubt give you an extra dash of magic to the season’s festivities.

World-unique Christmas experiences in Sweden

Few Christmas markets are as atmospheric as Stortorgets Julmarknad, set in the heart of Stockholm’s Old Town (Gamla Stan). This is Sweden’s oldest Christmas market, first held in 1837. Around 40 stalls on the cobbled square entice with mulled wine, seasonal delicacies, and handcrafted goods. Open daily from 22 November to 23 December.

Another popular Christmas market in Stockholm takes place at Skansen, the world’s oldest open-air museum on Royal Djurgården, a festive favourite since 1903. It features traditional food, crafts, and handmade gifts, many produced on-site by local artisans. Visitors can also dance around the Christmas tree to the tunes of the Christmas orchestra Julorkestern, listen to Lucia concerts, enjoy the bonfires, and participate in hands-on activities. Open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 28 November to 21 December.

Medieval Christmas in Visby. Photo: Henrik Jensen, Medeltidsveckan.

For festive experiences a bit further north, visit Jamtli Christmas market in Östersund, Jämtland. This charming market is set in an open-air museum, where traditions come to life in candlelight and snow. The market offers horse-drown sleigh rides, dog sledding, and Christmas traditions from times gone by. With nearly 200 exhibitors selling crafts and delicacies, the market draws thousands of visitors every year. Jamtli Christmas market is open 5-7 December.

In Visby, on the island of Gotland, Medieval Christmas brings history to life with a torchlight procession through the cobbled streets, concerts and performances, storytelling and fire shows – set against the backdrop of ancient ruins in the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Medieval Christmas takes place 5-7 December.

Trondheim. Photo: Fredrik Ahlsen, Visit Norway

The world’s biggest gingerbread city in Norway

The Christmas market in Trondheim’s city centre promises a fantastic experience, with a traditional market, live music and plays for children. In the lavvo, visitors can enjoy food and beverages by the fire, whilst listening to troubadours and folk tales. With decorated stalls and thousands of small lights, this is like stepping into a fairy tale. Open every day 3-21 December.

A not-to-be-missed Christmas market is the one in Bergen, where Festplassen turns into a magical square with a Ferris wheel, carousel, indoor and outdoor stalls. When in Bergen, also check out the iconic Bryggen, which is home to cosy restaurants, galleries and boutiques – including a Christmas shop. In Bergen, you can also visit the world’s biggest gingerbread city, for a real sweet treat. The Christmas market in Bergen is open from 21 November to 22 December.

The Christmas market in Trondheim is open every day 3-21 December. Photo: Fredrik Ahlsen, Visit Norway

From 29 November to 22 December, the Christmas market on Kristiansand’s main square offers an enchanting festive experience filled with local crafts and seasonal delicacies. Charming wooden stalls line the square, brimming with handmade textiles, ornaments and gifts, while the scent of grilled sausages, creamy hot chocolate and traditional shortbread fills the air. Just beside the market, visitors can lace up their skates and glide across the ice rink, adding to the city’s magical winter atmosphere.

For an enchanting winter paradise, Lillehammer is the place to go. The picturesque city features a Christmas market in the city centre 6-7 December and 13-14 December. You can also check out the Christmas market at Fabrikken, an arts and crafts hub. Not far from Lillehammer, which was host to the 1994 Winter Olympics, are ski resorts Hafjell and Kvitfjell, for those who appreciate world-class skiing.

Christmas in Tivoli has been featured on CNN’s list of the world’s best Christmas markets. Photo: Nicolas Tobias Følsgaard

Sparkling Tivoli gardens and Denmark’s oldest town

One of Copenhagen’s main attractions is Tivoli Gardens, the second-oldest amusement park in the world. Christmas in Tivoli promises strolls among thousands of twinkling lights and the scent of pine trees, thrilling rides, joyful music, fireworks, and temptations from the many stalls. This market has been featured on CNN’s list of the world’s best Christmas markets, so make sure to plan a visit if you happen to be in Copenhagen. Christmas in Tivoli is open from 14 November to 4 January.

Odense’s Christmas market is also a must. During three weekends, the historic square Sortebrødre Torv in the old town features spruce-covered stalls filled with local specialities such as Christmas beer and homemade sausages, as well as Danish design, and much more. For the past 17 years, it has attracted around 50,000 visitors. Open 29-30 November, 6-7 December and 13-14 December.

Denmark’s oldest town, Ribe, also offers plenty of authentic Christmas atmosphere. Every weekend leading up to Christmas, the town has a range of activities for the whole family. The Christmas market on Torvet features food and crafts in charming wooden cabins, the perfect place to buy Christmas gifts or decorations. Visitors can also indulge in delicious treats at the food stalls and in the Glühwein bar. Open 5-7 December, 12-14 December and 19-23 December.

An adventurous and unforgettable Christmas awaits at Skulpturparken Blokhus. In north-western Jutland, the 20,000 square metre sculpture park is transformed into a twinkling heaven with 2.5 million lights, Europe’s longest light tunnel, Denmark’s tallest Christmas tree, and of course a Christmas market with plenty of temptations. Magical Christmas can be experienced every day from 1 November to 28 December (closed 24-25 December).

Every year, Skulpturparken is transformed into a twinkling heaven with 2.5 million lights. Photo: Skulpturparken

Lucia traditions and winter wonderland in Finland

Helsinki’s oldest and most popular outdoor Christmas market is located in the Senate Square, with the majestic Cathedral overlooking the scene. Last year, the market attracted more than 600,000 visitors in just over three weeks. On 13 December, the newly crowned Lucia descends the cathedral’s stairs for the procession, a tradition not to be missed. The market has more than one hundred stalls with beautifully crafted gifts and locally produced food, as well as a carousel for young and old. Open daily from 28 November to 22 December.

The small medieval city of Porvoo has a charming market. Here, you will feel as if you have stepped back in time, with preserved wooden houses and riverside huts dressed up for the occasion. When it snows, Porvoo becomes a true winter wonderland. The Christmas Path in Porvoo invites you to step into a magical atmosphere, from the city centre to the alleys of the Old Town. The glimmering lights, Christmas music, market stalls and carousels create a memorable experience for the whole family. Open 6-12 December.

In Tampere, Finland’s second largest city, the Christmas market in the Central Square has an artistic vibe, but it offers much more than just arts, crafts and specialty foods. Held throughout December, visitors will have plenty of entertainment to enjoy, including concerts, theatre performances, glass blowing and forging demonstrations, and of course, daily visits from Santa Claus. Open from 29 November to 22 December.

Rauma’s old town, known as Old Rauma, is one of the best-preserved wooden towns in the Nordics and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its winding alleys and timber houses reflect centuries of coastal trading history and traditional craftsmanship. The Christmas market here takes place on Kauppatori (Market Square), surrounded by narrow alleyways and centuries old wooden houses. The rows of stalls brim with local handicrafts and delicacies. Open from 29 November to 24 December.

The Christmas Path in Porvoo invites you to step into a magical atmosphere. Photo: Visit Porvoo

The curious Christmas cat and Oslo tree in Iceland

If you happen to be in Iceland this December, a varied programme awaits. Reykjavík’s Christmas cat will be in place at Lækjartorg as always, and from 3 December the Oslo Christmas tree illuminates Austurvöllur – marking the beginning of the Christmas season and the friendship between Reykjavík and Oslo. A range of Christmas markets take place, in Reykjavík and further afield. For instance, the Christmas Village in Hafnarfjörður is sure to keep your Christmas sprits up, with live entertainment, Icelandic design, crafts, snacks and drinks, and visits from the Icelandic Yule Lads.