Our Favorite (unheard of) Christmas Markets

Christmas Around the World

Christmas may be a global holiday, but how it’s celebrated can look wildly different depending on where you are. From snow-covered markets in Europe to sun-soaked barbecues in the Southern Hemisphere, each country brings its own flair, flavors, and festive traditions to the season.

Whether you’re sipping mulled wine in Kraków or cracking open a piñata in Mexico City, Christmas is a vibrant tapestry of culture, climate, and community. So pack your (imaginary) bags and let’s take a sleigh ride through six unique destinations where December 25th is anything but ordinary.

Kraków, Poland

In Kraków, Christmas is a magical, snow-dusted affair steeped in tradition. Beginning with Advent in early December, the city’s Rynek Główny (Main Square) transforms into a charming Christmas market filled with handmade ornaments, warm mulled wine (grzaniec), and the scent of pierogi and smoked cheeses. Christmas Eve (Wigilia, December 24th) is the most important day, marked by a meatless 12-dish dinner and the sharing of opłatek (Christmas wafer). Expect average temperatures of -3°C to 2°C (26–36°F) — so bundle up for horse-drawn carriage rides and carolers in the snow-covered streets.

Oslo, Norway

Oslo embraces Christmas with cozy “koselig” vibes and sparkling lights amid a wintry backdrop. From mid-November, the city hosts multiple markets like the popular one in Spikersuppa, offering Nordic treats, handmade crafts, and even reindeer rides. Norwegians celebrate Jul with family feasts and the legendary nisse (Christmas gnomes). Christmas is celebrated from December 24–26, with the main festivities on the 24th. With temperatures hovering around -7°C to -1°C (19–30°F), Oslo’s snow-covered landscapes and warm hearths make for a quintessential Nordic Christmas experience.

Mexico City, Mexico

In Mexico City, Christmas is vibrant, musical, and full of color. Celebrations begin with Las Posadas from December 16–24, reenacting Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter. Streets fill with candle-lit processions, songs, and piñatas. On Nochebuena (Christmas Eve), families gather for a festive meal featuring tamales, bacalao, and ponche. Midnight Mass is followed by fireworks and celebrations into the early hours. While you won’t find snow, December temperatures are a pleasant 10°C to 23°C (50–73°F), making it perfect for outdoor festivities under twinkling lights and bright poinsettias.

Bariloche, Argentina

In Bariloche, Christmas comes in summer, and it’s just as magical. Located in the foothills of the Andes, this Patagonian town mixes Alpine charm with Latin spirit. Christmas is celebrated on December 24th and 25th, with fireworks, festive dinners, and gift-giving at midnight. Locals decorate with lights and nativity scenes, and many enjoy Christmas lunch outdoors. Temperatures average 8°C to 24°C (46–75°F), ideal for hiking, lakefront picnics, or indulging in Bariloche’s famous artisanal chocolates while enjoying the mountain views.

Cuzco, Peru

Cuzco offers a deeply spiritual and cultural Christmas celebration. From December 15–24, the city hosts Santurantikuy, a traditional market in the Plaza de Armas, where artisans sell handcrafted nativity figurines. On Nochebuena, families gather for dinner and attend Misa de Gallo (Midnight Mass). The holiday has strong Andean and Catholic influences, often featuring live nativities and folk music. December temperatures in Cuzco are around 6°C to 19°C (43–66°F) pleasant enough for wandering cobbled streets lit with festive decorations beneath the Andean sky.

Cape Town, South Africa

Christmas in Cape Town means sunshine, beaches, and barbecues. Celebrated on December 25th, the day often begins with church services followed by outdoor feasts of roast meats, salads, and local favorites like malva pudding. The city glows with festive lights, especially in Adderley Street, where the Light Festival kicks off the season in early December. Carol services, like the famous Carols by Candlelight at Kirstenbosch Gardens, bring communities together under the stars. December temperatures range from 17°C to 30°C (63–86°F), offering a uniquely summery take on the holiday season.

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