7 Family-Friendly Holiday Markets
1 | Toronto Christmas Market | Toronto, Canada
Toronto comes alive during the holiday season, and it’s a place full of fun for families. In the city’s Distillery District, admire the beautiful Victorian-era brickwork that creates a romantic and enchanting atmosphere. Overhead, strings of globe-shaped lights and corner illuminations set the perfect Christmas ambiance for this market. Take a pause to enjoy a spiced hot apple cider or a serving of poutine, or simply explore the area’s trendy boutiques, bars, and galleries, along with cozy seasonal shops.
Hotel Recommendation：Fairmont Royal York
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VIP ：
Complimentary Breakfast for Two
$100 Hotel Credit
Toronto’s landmark hotel is your gateway to essential Toronto experiences. Located in the heart of the city, the hotel is just minutes away from its biggest events and attractions. To reach the Distillery District, you can take a short car ride or enjoy a 30-minute stroll along the waterfront (weather permitting).
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2 | German Christmas Market | Quebec City, Canada
The harsh winter elements of December don’t keep the people of Quebec indoors. Instead, the city comes to life with its Old World-style holiday market, Marché de Noël Alleman. The market is filled with charming wooden stalls, all lit up, and invites you to join in singing carols. Grab some hot chestnuts, sip on mulled wine or hot apple cider. Buy a glass-blown ornament for your tree or simply relish in moments of solitude.
Hotel Recommendation: Fairmont Le Château Frontenac
Fairmont Le Château Frontenac
iYen Travel
VIP ：
Complimentary Breakfast for Two
$100 Hotel Credit
There’s no other hotel in Quebec City quite like Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, renowned for its iconic significance. Beyond being a part of the city’s skyline, it’s also recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Established in 1893, the hotel is perfectly perched atop the cliffs overlooking Old Quebec and the St. Lawrence River, a mere 4-minute walk from the German Christmas Market (Marché de Noël Allemand).
3 | Munich Christmas Market | Munich, Germany
For a visit to one of the oldest Christmas markets in the world, the history of the Munich Christmas Market dates back to the 14th century. With Bavarian music, artisanal crafts and baking workshops for both adults and children, and a Christmas tree standing nearly 100 feet tall, the festive atmosphere is hard to miss. Not to mention, the market is located at the heart of Marienplatz, Munich’s main square since 1158, making it a tourist destination in itself.
Hotel Recommendation: The Charles Hotel, a Rocco Forte hotel
iYen Travel
VIP ：
Complimentary Breakfast for Two
$100 Hotel Credit
The Hotel Charles is located less than a 20-minute walk from Marienplatz and just a 5-minute walk from Munich Central Station, positioning it ideally for both exploring Munich and catching trains to nearby towns. Tip: The Austrian city of Salzburg is less than a two-hour train ride from Munich, home to one of the world’s oldest Advent markets – the Salzburg Christmas Market, with its history dating back to the 15th century. You could explore two markets in one trip!
4 | Great Dickens Christmas Fair | San Francisco, USA
Since 1970, the Great Dickens Christmas Fair has brought Victorian-era London to San Francisco. A perfect holiday family outing, you’ll be surrounded by characters from A Christmas Carol, storytellers, carolers, dancers, and performers. From brightly lit shops to cozy pubs and music halls, there’s never a dull moment.
Hotel Recommendation: Fairmont San Francisco Hotel
VIP ：
Complimentary Breakfast for Two
$100 Hotel Credit
Free Wi-fi
The hotel is situated in the heart of Nob Hill, offering a perfect retreat to indulge in everything San Francisco has to offer. Just a short cable car ride away, you can reach the bustling downtown, the Financial District, Union Square, and Fisherman’s Wharf.
5 | Tivoli Gardens Christmas Market | Copenhagen, Denmark
Nothing excites children more than festive lights, and the Tivoli Gardens Christmas Market doesn’t disappoint. The light show’s colors, music, flames, smoke, lasers, and water draw crowds from all over, creating a sense of celebration and wonder. For the best view, catch the light show from the bridge over Tivoli Lake. But don’t miss the magical and worth-visiting holiday market stalls.
Hotel Recommendation: Nimb Hotel
With breathtaking views of the enchanting Tivoli Gardens, just a short 1-minute walk away, you’ll be immersed in the Christmas market lights throughout your journey. Not to mention, the hotel itself is a gem. Nimb has a history dating back to 1909, blending classic Danish design with exquisite antiques from the Far East – a mix of mystery and opulence.
6 | Winter Village at Bryant Park | New York City, USA
If you’ve ever explored Manhattan during the holidays, you know that the festive season truly begins when Winter Village at Bryant Park comes to life. With over 100 pop-up shops, a 17,000-square-foot ice skating rink, a food hall, and a Christmas tree sparkling against the backdrop of the city’s skyscrapers and lights, you’ll get lost in the moment and forget you’re in the midst of the urban hustle. Coming here is an experience that leaves you feeling joyful and enchanted.
Hotel Recommendation: InterContinental New York Times Square
VIP ：
Complimentary Breakfast for Two
$100 Hotel Credit
Free Wi-fi
The newly renovated InterContinental New York Times Square is situated at the heart of New York City. Standing amidst Broadway theaters, dining, fashion, media, and business hubs, you’ll never experience a dull moment. Moreover, being less than a 10-minute walk from Bryant Park, and less than a 15-minute walk from Radio City Music Hall and Rockefeller Center, you’re just steps away from holiday magic.
7 | Christkindelsmärik | Strasbourg, France
Dubbed the “Capital de Noël,” there’s no place quite like Strasbourg to embrace the holiday spirit. Being one of the oldest in France and all of Europe, Strasbourg’s Christkindelsmärik on Place Broglie boasts over 100 brightly lit wooden chalets competing against each other. For those who consider themselves “foodies,” this is the place to savor fresh cakes, beer, mulled wine, and delicious Alsatian pastries. Not to mention, the vibrantly colored and brilliantly illuminated Christmas tree here is said to be one of the tallest decorated trees in Europe.
Hotel Recommendation: Hotel Cour Du Corbeau
Stroll through 16th-century galleries and corridors in a building that has hosted renowned travelers for centuries. The Hotel Cour Du Corbeau is a piece of history that won’t be forgotten. Less than a 15-minute walk from Place Broglie, you’ll enjoy exploring cobbled streets, cozy cafes, and charming scenery in Strasbourg’s old town.
