Strolling along the abundant stalls of Christmas markets is a truly unique experience. December is magical in North America, but in Europe it’s a whole new level!

The atmosphere is enchanting; whether you’re travelling with children or adults, traditional Christmas markets are for everyone.

Most Christmas markets in Europe open in mid-November and close on Christmas Eve.

Determining the “best” Christmas market in the world is a difficult task, as it largely depends on individual criteria such as size, available attractions, quality of food and drink, and general atmosphere.

However, the Christmas market in Nuremberg, Germany, known as “Christkindlesmarkt”, is often cited as one of the best Christmas markets in the world.

This traditional market, whose history goes back over 400 years, attracts over two million visitors every year. It is renowned for its handicrafts, including the famous “Lebkuchen” (gingerbread) and wooden toys.

The market square is transformed into a picturesque Christmas village, and the scent of mulled wine, grilled sausages and caramelized almonds fills the air.

Atmosphere and decorations play a crucial role in evaluating a Christmas market. A good market creates a festive atmosphere with twinkling lights, elaborate 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 and handcrafted 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 are the tradition and authenticity of the market. Markets with a long tradition of traditional products are often very popular. Location and accessibility are also factors to consider, as are the security and organization of the market. In short, 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 birthplace of Christmas markets, which date back to the Middle Ages. To this day, German cities are distinguished by their many Christmas markets throughout the country. The best-known and most popular seems to be that of Nuremberg.

On the program: Christmas treats, arts and crafts booths, unique ornaments, mulled wine, Lebkuchen (traditional German gingerbread) and much more.

Dresden’s Striezelmarkt is one of the city’s oldest Christmas markets, dating back to 1434. It is located on the city’s oldest square, in the Altmark. You’ll find over 200 stalls. The smell of sweets is everywhere.

Cologne has many impressive Christmas markets. The largest is located in the center of the city, beneath the spectacular Gothic cathedral. Here, you can stroll under hundreds of lights suspended like stars above your head. And, of course, all the traditional Christmas decorations are readily available.

Berlin’s Christmas markets are more modern. The most beautiful is the Weichnachtszauber on 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 busiest place to be, especially at this time of year.

Christkindlmarkt Marienplatz is set against the backdrop of the impressive town hall and a huge Christmas tree, creating an atmosphere of winter wonderland.

And if Munich is your point of entry to Europe, you’ll be amazed to discover that the airport has its own Christmas market!

Thanks to its hub status, Frankfurt’s Christmas market, one of the oldest in Germany, attracts millions of visitors every year. With a large number of meeting spaces, it’s the ideal place to get together with friends, family or colleagues and enjoy an almost endless variety of snacks and drinks.

Flights on 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.

When it comes to accommodation, consider the Aloft Munich or the Courtyard Munich City Center; both are close to Marienzplatz in Munich, and you’ll be able to 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 lights up with fairy lights. The festive atmosphere can be felt everywhere in the city, from narrow streets to large squares. Stalls can be seen left and right, and traditional wooden toys and handicrafts are very popular.

The main Christmas market, Christkindlmarkt am Rathausplatz, is located in front of the town hall.

Next comes Salzburg, Mozart’s birthplace, best known for its Christmas carols. Vendors offer quality handicrafts in a traditional, musical and magical setting. This year, Salzburg’s Christmas markets will run until early January, making it one of the few to be held 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. For example, the Renaissance Wien is just a stone’s throw from Schloss Schönbrunn, one of the city’s main attractions, and a subway station.

While German and Austrian Christmas markets are usually on the to-do list, you’ll have to head to Brussels for a gourmet Christmas experience.

Brussels offers the same kind of atmosphere, with its mulled wine, skating rinks, endless lines of stalls and huge Christmas tree, but fresh waffles, chocolate and beers are the real stars.

The magic happens on Brussels’ Grand-Place, Place Sainte-Catherine and the fish market.

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.

What’s more, if you want to visit a market but don’t know which one, don’t hesitate to compare prices and assess which is the best option for your dates. Dynamic pricing can work in your favor!

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 enough points with the generous welcome bonus.

À ParisIn Paris, the Christmas market isn’t just about food and gifts. Get ready for an exciting day at the Jardin des Tuileries Christmas Market in the City of Light.

You’ll find traditional food stalls serving mulled wine, crêpes and raclette, as well as an artisans’ village where you can find interesting gifts and handicrafts.

But it doesn’t stop there; the market also offers a Christmas funfair with attractions such as a Ferris wheel. There’s even an ice rink and plenty of other attractions to please children and adults alike.

Located near the German border, Strasbourg is known as the French Christmas capital. Hand-painted wooden decorations give the impression of being in a real nativity scene as you walk through the hundreds of traditional booths at the Christmas market.

You’ll definitely put on some weight here, as it’s pretty hard to say no to all those French delicacies! Maybe spend some time skating on the rink and try to burn off a few calories!

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 advantage of flying with Air Canada is that you canuse eUpgrades credits and travel comfortably for fewer points.

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

A good hotel to consider is theAloft Strasbourg Étoile, which is within walking distance of the city’s main Christmas market.

Make your calculations 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 establishments.

Prague is postcard-perfect whatever the season, but it transforms into a winter fairytale from late November to early January. The Old Town clock tower overlooks the magnificent Christmas tree and market. For the kids, you’ll find goats and sheep wandering around the old town square!

The Wenceslas Square Christmas Market is just 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. ThePrague Marriott Hotel is a 10-minute walk from the Christmas markets.

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

Less crowded than other European markets, yet retaining a warm, traditional atmosphere, this market remains a must-see for anyone visiting the Hungarian capital during the festive season.

There are no direct flights between Montreal and Budapest, according to Flight Connections. However, 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.

Otherwise, 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 Center is not 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!

Copenhagen’ s Christmas market is a must-see during the winter season, offering visitors a magical experience. The famous Tivoli amusement park is transformed into a glittering Christmas village, complete with ice rinks and souvenir stores.

The old port of Nyhavn is also home to a picturesque market where local crafts and traditional music create a festive atmosphere. In addition, the Nytorv market offers a wide variety of activities and stalls for all ages. From outdoor skating rinks to illuminated streets, Copenhagen is a prime 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 accommodation option.

London’ s most popular Christmas market is Winter Wonderland, in Hyde Park. More than just traditional stalls, this market is a veritable winter amusement park. It offers a wide variety of activities, including an ice rink, merry-go-rounds, shows and concerts, as well as stalls selling handicrafts and culinary specialities.

Winter Wonderland is particularly popular for its festive atmosphere and numerous attractions, making it a must-see destination during your London vacation.

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

Establishments like Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors will let you 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.