Wandering around an overflowing maze of stalls of Christmas Markets is truly a unique experience. December breathes magic in North America, but in Europe, they take it to the next level with their Christmas Markets.

The atmosphere is mesmerizing; whether you have children travelling with you or you are travelling among adults, the traditional Christmas Markets are for everyone.

Most Christmas markets in Europe open in mid-November, last until Christmas Eve and can be found all over the continent.

Determining the “best” Christmas Market in the world is a challenging task, as it largely depends on individual criteria such as size, available attractions, quality of food and drink, and overall ambiance.

However, Nuremberg’s Christmas Market in Germany, known as “Christkindlesmarkt”, is often cited as one of the best Christmas Markets globally.

This traditional market has a history dating back over 400 years and attracts over 2 million visitors each year. It is renowned for its artisanal products, including the famous “Lebkuchen” (gingerbread) and wooden toys.

The marketplace transforms into a picturesque Christmas Village, and the aroma of mulled wine, grilled sausages, and caramelized almonds fills the air.

The atmosphere and decorations play a crucial role in evaluating a Christmas Market. A good market creates a festive ambiance with twinkling lights, meticulous decorations, and seasonal music.

The variety of products on offer is also a key factor: the best markets offer a wide range of items, from Christmas decorations to artisanal gifts to local culinary specialities. Additional activities and attractions, such as an ice rink or Ferris wheel, can also enrich the experience.

Other important criteria include the tradition and authenticity of the market. Markets with a long history of offering traditional products are often highly valued. Location and accessibility are also factors to consider, as are the market’s security and organization. In summary, it’s the overall experience, including the friendliness of the vendors and the quality of the products, that makes one Christmas market considered better than another.

Germany is the craddle of Christmas Markets; they started in the Middle Ages and German cities still come out on top today with numerous Christmas Markets all over the country. The most well-known and favourite Christmas Market in the country seems to be in Nuremberg.

You can expect: Christmas treats, artisanal booths, unique ornaments, mulled wine, Lebkuchen (traditional German gingerbread) and much more.

Striezelmarkt Christmas Market is one of the oldest and dates back to 1434. It currently takes place in the oldest square in town in the Altmark. There are over 200 stalls, and you can smell the scent of sweets everywhere.

Cologne has many impressive Christmas Markets. The largest is located in the centre of the city beneath the spectacular Gothic cathedral. Here, you can stroll under hundreds of lights hanging over your head like stars. Of course, all the traditional Christmas decorations are can easily be found as well.

In Berlin, the Christmas Markets are more modern and the best looking one is Weichnachtszauber in Gendarmenmarkt Square, with its many arts and crafts stalls.

Munich’s most famous Christmas Market is held on Marienplatz, the city’s main square. It’s the liveliest spot, especially during this time of year.

Christkindlmarkt Marienplatz has the impressive Town Hall as a backdrop and a huge Christmas tree that creates a winter wonderland ambiance.

Also, if Munich is your point of entry to Europe, you’ll be stunned that the airport has it’s own Christmas Market!

Because of its hub status, Frankfurt’s Christmas Markets, one of the oldest in Germany, attracts millions of visitors every year. With an extensive amount of meeting spaces, it’s the perfect place to gather with friends, family or colleagues and enjoy a near endless variety of snacks and drinks.

Flights with Air Canada and Lufthansa can easily be booked with Aeroplan, Air Canada’s frequent flyer program. With our Aeroplan beginner’s guide, you’ll understand how to earn points fast.

You’ll need at least 35,000 points for a one-way ticket to Frankfurt or Munich from Montreal, according to Air Canada’s points predictor.

As for accommodation, consider the Aloft Munich or the Courtyard Munich City Center; they are both located in the vicinity of Marienzplatz in Munich, and you can redeem your annual one-night free certificate, offered by Marriott Bonvoy credit cards.

In Frankfurt, the Moxy Frankfurt City Center and Residence Inn City Center are also excellent choices.

Our ultimate guide to Marriott Bonvoy will show you how to earn points and save on your getaway.

When the month of December arrives, the city of Vienna is glowing with fairy lights. The festive atmosphere can be felt everywhere in town from the narrow streets to the big squares. Stalls are seen left and right, and traditional wooden toys and artisanal handicrafts are really popular.

The main Christmas Market, Christkindlmarkt am Rathausplatz, is located in front of the city hall.

Then comes Salzburg, Mozart’s birthplace, which is better known for its Christmas carols. The vendors offer high-quality crafts in a traditional, musical, and magical setting. This year, Salzburg’s Christmas Markets will run until early January; it’s one of the rare ones to go on after Christmas!

Austrian Airlines flies direct from Montreal, while Air Canada operates from Toronto. A minimum of 40,000 Aeroplan points is required for a one-way economy flight to Vienna.

Again, with Marriott Bonvoy, there are many options available in Vienna. For example, the Renaissance Wien is walking distance from Schloss Schönbrunn, one of the city’s main attractions, and a subway station.

While German and Austrian Christmas Markets are usually on people’s bucket list, you’ll have to visit Brussels for a gourmet Christmas experience.

Brussels offers the same kind of vibes with the mulled wine, skating rinks, endless lines of stalls, and huge Christmas tree. But what sets it apart is the toasty fresh waffles, chocolate, and beers.

The magic is spread out across Brussels’ Grand-Place, Place Sainte-Catherine, and the Marché aux Poisson.

It’s easy to plan a trip to the Brussels Christmas Markets with Air Canada. You’ll need at least 35,000 Aeroplan points for a one-way flight from Montreal.

Since Air Canada flights require you to book on the basis of dynamic pricing, the best strategy is to book as early as possible or be flexible with dates.

In addition, if you desire to go to a Christmas Market but don’t mind which one, you can do a quick search, compare the pricing and assess what is the best option for your dates. Dynamic pricing can also work in your favour!

The Dominican, Brussels, a Member of Design Hotels is an affordable Bonvoy Marriott hotel located just minutes from Brussels’ Grand-Place.

As a couple, you could each sign up for a Marriott Bonvoy co-branded card and earn a significant amount of points with the welcome bonus, and take advantage of the many travel insurances.

In Paris, a Christmas Market isn’t just meant to be for food and gift shopping. Get ready for a thrilling day at the Tuileries Garden Christmas Market in the City of Light.

You’ll find the traditional food stalls offering mulled wine, crepes, raclette as well as an Artisan Village to find meaningful gifts and crafts.

But it doesn’t stop there; it also turns into a small Christmas themed park with attractions such as a Ferris wheel. It even has an ice rink and so many other attractions that both kids and grown-ups will love.

The atmosphere in Paris at this time of year is magical! Visit some of the capital’s highlights on an open-top Christmas bus.

Located near the German border, Strasbourg is known as the French Christmas capital. Hand-painted wooden decorations make it look like a real-life nativity scene as you walk through the hundreds of traditional Christmas Market stalls

You’ll definetly gain some weight here, as it’s pretty hard to say no to all those French delicacies!

If you have time, you could book an excursion from Strasbourg to discover other Christmas Markets in Alsace.

Same as for Brussels, you’ll have to deal with Air Canada’s dynamic fares to Paris. You’ll need at least 35,000 Aeroplan points for a one-way economy flight from Montreal.

The other great thing about flying with Air Canada is that you can use eUpgrades credits and travel in comfort for fewer points.

There are no direct flights between Canada and Strasbourg, but you can use the Aeroplan stopover feature.

A nice hotel to consider is the Aloft Strasbourg Étoile, which is within walking distance of the city’s main Christmas Market.

Do your math because, depending on the exchange rate: it may be better to pay in cash and earn more points during your stay. Especially if you use a card like the Marriott Bonvoy^® American Express^®* card, which allows you to earn 5X points per dollar at their properties.

Prague is postcard-perfect regardless of the season, but it turns into a fairytale winter wonderland from late November to early January. The Old Town’s clock tower overlooks the magnificent Christmas tree and Market; for the children, you’ll find goats and sheep wandering around the Old Town Square!

The Wenceslas Square Christmas Market is barely a 10-minute walk away so there’s plenty to see and do in Prague at this time of year.

As with Strasbourg, Prague is well connected to other Star Alliance hubs in Europe, making it easy to reach. The Prague Marriott Hotel is a 10-minute walk from the Christmas Markets.

Budapest’s Christmas Market, primarily located at Vörösmarty Square, is a true celebration of the festive season. Open from mid-November to early January, this market features a variety of artisanal products, Hungarian culinary specialties such as “Kürtőskalács“ and “Lángos“, as well as light shows and activities for children.

Offering a less crowded experience compared to other European markets, while maintaining a warm and traditional atmosphere, the Budapest Christmas Market is a must-visit for anyone travelling to the Hungarian capital during the holidays.

There are no direct flights between Montreal and Budapest, according to Flight Connections. However, much like Prague and Strasbourg, Budapest is well connected to the main Star Alliance hubs.

Here’s our 5,000-point Aeroplan stop strategy for visiting multiple Christmas Markets on the same trip, like Vienna or Munich.

Alternatively, the best way to get there directly is to find the cheapest flight to Europe as your gateway. Then book a flight on a low-cost airline for the final leg.

For accommodation, the Courtyard Budapest City Centre is not too far from Vörösmarty Square. This hotel is not too expensive in terms of money or points, so you can use your free night certificate.

Don’t forget to search with the Awayz tool to quickly find the best way to optimize your booking during peak season!

The Christmas Market in Copenhagen is a winter must-visit, offering a magical experience to visitors. The famous Tivoli amusement park transforms into a twinkling Christmas Village, complete with ice rinks and gift shops.

The old port of Nyhavn also hosts a picturesque market where local crafts and traditional music create a festive atmosphere. Additionally, the Nytorv market offers a wide variety of activities and stalls for all ages. Between outdoor skating rinks and illuminated streets, Copenhagen is a top destination for celebrating the magic of Christmas.

From Montreal, you’ll need at least 35,000 Aeroplan points, in economy class, for a one-way trip.

The cost of living is high in Copenhagen, but the Moxy Copenhagen Sydhavnen remains an affordable lodging option.

The most popular Christmas Market in London is Winter Wonderland, located in Hyde Park. This market goes beyond traditional stalls; it’s a full-fledged winter amusement park. It offers a wide variety of activities, including an ice rink, rides, shows, and concerts, in addition to stalls selling artisanal products and culinary specialties.

Winter Wonderland is particularly appreciated for its festive atmosphere and numerous attractions, making it a must-visit destination during the holiday season in London.

To get to London using loyalty points, several options are availabe: you could use Aeroplan points or British Airways Avios points. Flying Blue is also an interesting option.

Establishments like Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors allow you to use points for free nights, although these options can be expensive in terms of points.

More economical options include Airbnb and independent hotels, for which you can use travel points to obtain a credit on your account.