{{Short description|Street market that is associated with the celebration of Christmas}} {{Redirect|Christkindlesmarkt|the annual Christmas market in Nuremberg, Germany|Christkindlesmarkt, Nuremberg}} {{EngvarB|date=November 2018}} {{Use dmy dates|date=November 2018}} [[File:Christkindlesmarkt nuernberg.jpg|thumb|The Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremberg, Germany, one of the world's most famous Christmas markets]]
A '''Christmas market'''{{efn|name=fn1|Known in German as '''''Christkindlmarkt''''' (literally: 'Christ Child Market', though the term ''Christkind'' usually refers to an angel-like 'spirit of Christmas', rather than literally to the Christ Child), '''''Christkindlesmarkt''''', '''''Christkindlimarkt''''', and '''''Weihnachtsmarkt''''' ({{IPA|de|ˈvaɪnaxtsˌmaʁkt|pron|De-Weihnachtsmarkt.ogg|small=no}}).}} is a street market associated with the celebration of Christmas during the four weeks of Advent.<ref name="Larsen2020"/> These markets originated in Germany, but are now held in many countries.<ref name="independent">{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/europe/german-christmas-markets-seasonal-shopping-at-its-finest-8303531.html |title=German Christmas markets: Seasonal shopping at its finest |work=The Independent |date=11 November 2012 |access-date=8 December 2016}}</ref> Some in the U.S. have adapted the German name to quasi-English '''''Christkindlmarket''''', swapping German ''Markt'' and ''market''.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.christkindlmarket.com/ |title=The Christkindlmarket 2022 |access-date=31 December 2022 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://downtowngreenbay.com/do/christkindlmarket |title=Christkindlmarket |access-date=31 December 2022 }}</ref>
Christmas markets date to the Late Middle Ages in the German-speaking part of Europe and in many parts of the former Holy Roman Empire, which included many eastern regions of modern France.<ref name=independent /> They became a popular Advent custom during the Reformation era.<ref name="Larsen2020">{{cite book |last1=Larsen |first1=Timothy |title=The Oxford Handbook of Christmas |date=2020 |publisher=Oxford University Press |isbn=978-0-19-883146-4 |page=151 |language=English|quote=Similarly, Christmas markets (aka Christkindlsmarkt) are common during Advent, a Reformation era tradition that has spread from Germany to other countries.}}</ref> Dresden's Striezelmarkt was first held in 1434 and one of the first true Christmas markets;<ref name=":3">{{Cite web|url=https://www.german-way.com/history-and-culture/holidays-and-celebrations/christmas/christmas-markets-in-germany/|title=Christmas Markets in Germany and Europe|website=The German Way & More|access-date=30 October 2019}}</ref> earlier markets of the season were "December markets".<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wien.gv.at/freizeit/einkaufen/maerkte/geschichte/christkindlmarkt.html|title=Geschichte des Wiener Christkindlmarkts - Weihnachts- und Adventmarkt|website=www.wien.gv.at|language=de|access-date=30 October 2019|archive-date=16 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200216183242/https://www.wien.gv.at/freizeit/einkaufen/maerkte/geschichte/christkindlmarkt.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> Early mentions of these "December markets" can be found in Vienna (1298),<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.austria.info/uk/things-to-do/skiing-and-winter/christmas-markets/christmas-markets-in-vienna|title=Christmas markets in Vienna|publisher=Austrian National Tourist Office|access-date=2 April 2017|archive-date=10 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191010124422/https://www.austria.info/uk/things-to-do/skiing-and-winter/christmas-markets/christmas-markets-in-vienna|url-status=dead}}</ref> Munich (1310),<ref name=":3" /> Bautzen (1384),<ref name="Bautzen">{{cite web|url=http://www.weihnachtsmarkt-deutschland.de/weihnachtsmarkt-bautzen.html|title=Weihnachtsmarkt in Bautzen - Weihnachten 2016|last=Darmstadt|first=IDL Software GmbH|access-date=25 December 2016}}</ref> and Frankfurt (1393).<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.frankfurt-tourismus.de/en/Discover-Experience/Festivals-in-Frankfurt/Frankfurt-Christmas-Markets-in-Great-Britain|title=Frankfurt Christmas Markets in Great Britain {{!}} Frankfurt Tourism|date=27 December 2014|website=Frankfurt Tourismus|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141227214957/http://www.frankfurt-tourismus.de/en/Discover-Experience/Festivals-in-Frankfurt/Frankfurt-Christmas-Markets-in-Great-Britain|archive-date=27 December 2014|access-date=30 October 2019}}</ref>
In many towns of Germany, Switzerland, and Austria, Advent is usually ushered in with the opening of the Christmas market or ''Weihnachtsmarkt''. In southern Germany, Switzerland and Austria, it is called a ''Christkind(e)l(s)(i)markt'' (German language, literally meaning "Christ child market"). Traditionally held in the town square, the market offers food, drinks and seasonal items for sale from open-air stalls, accompanied by traditional singing and dancing. On opening night at the Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremberg, and in some other towns, onlookers welcome the ''Christkind'' (originally boy Jesus, but often depicted as an angel-like girl), acted by a local child.
==History== [[File:ChristmarktBerlin1796.jpg|thumb|Engraving of the Christmas market at the City Palace in Berlin, Germany, 1796]] [[File:Christmarkt.jpg|thumb|Litography of the Christmas market in Nuremberg, Germany, in the 19th century]] [[File:Emile Schweitzer-Foire de Noël sur la place Kléber en 1859.jpg|thumb|Depiction of the Christmas market on the Place Kléber in Strasbourg, France, 1859]]
===Origins and medieval times=== The first traces of Christmas markets in the German-speaking part of Europe and in many parts of the former Holy Roman Empire go back to late medieval sales fairs and—often one-day—markets, which gave citizens the opportunity to stock up on meat and winter necessities at the beginning of the cold season.<ref>{{Cite book |author=Wahle, Stephan |title=Die stillste Nacht. Das Fest der Geburt Jesu von den Anfängen bis heute |language=de |publisher=Herder |location=Freiburg i.Br. |year=2018 |isbn= |page=141}}</ref> In 1296, Duke Albert I of Austria granted the Viennese traders the privilege of holding a "December market" to supply the local population.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-11-19 |title=Teil 10: Die ältesten Weihnachtsmärkte der Welt - WELT |url=https://www.welt.de/wams_print/article2912078/Die-aeltesten-Weihnachtsmaerkte-der-Welt.html |access-date=2024-01-04 |website=DIE WELT |language=de}}</ref>
In the 14th century, the custom arose of allowing craftsmen such as toy makers, basket weavers and confectioners to set up stalls under the name "Saint Nicholas market" to sell the little things that children received as Christmas gifts. There were also stands selling roasted chestnuts, nuts and almonds.<ref>Manfred Becker-Huberti: ''Feiern, Feste, Jahreszeiten. Lebendige Bräuche im ganzen Jahr.'' (in German), Herder Verlag, Freiburg/Basel/Vienna, 2001, ISBN 3-451-27702-6, p. 147.</ref> A Saint Nicholas market in Munich was first mentioned in a document in 1310. In 1384, King Wenceslas granted the town of Bautzen the right to hold a free meat market on Saturdays from St. Michael's Day (29 September) until Christmas.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Wenzelsmarkt |url=http://www.wenzelsmarkt-bautzen.de/ |access-date=2023-12-24 |website=Wenzelsmarkt |language=de}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2016-12-10 |title=ÄLTESTER WEIHNACHTSMARKT {{!}} REKORD-INSTITUT für DEUTSCHLAND |url=https://rekord-institut.org/bautzen-aeltester-weihnachtsmarkt-deutschlands/ |access-date=2023-12-24 |website=rekord-institut.org |language=de-DE}}</ref>
Over time, the tradition spread throughout the German-speaking world. The first document reporting a Christmas market is dated 1434 during the reign of Frederick II of Saxony, mentioning a ''Striezelmarkt'', which took place in Dresden on the Monday before Christmas. Later, the Reformation continued the tradition by renaming it ''Christkindlmarkt'' ("Christ Child market") to combat the cult of saints. The Strasbourg Christmas market dates from 1570,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Thuria |first=Agence |title=Marché de Noël à Strasbourg |url=https://noel.strasbourg.eu/en/ |access-date=2023-12-24 |website=noel.strasbourg.eu |language=en-US}}</ref> that of Nuremberg from 1628.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Nuremberg Christmas Market - christkindlesmarkt.de |url=https://www.christkindlesmarkt.de/en/ |access-date=2023-12-24 |website=www.christkindlesmarkt.de |language=de}}</ref>
===Development and revival=== In the 19th century, the ''Christkindelsmärik'' (in Alsatian) of Strasbourg was held at the ''Frohnhof'' ({{langx|fr|Cour aux Corvées|link=no}}) between the Cathedral of Our Lady, the Palais Rohan and the Œuvre Notre-Dame Museum (current Place du Château) and took place eight days before Christmas and until midnight mass.<ref>P. J. Fargès-Méricourt, ''Description de la ville de Strasbourg'' (in French), Levrault, Strasbourg, 1840, p. 58</ref>
Since around the first half of the 20th century, markets have become an integral element of pre-Christmas customs. A revival took place in the mid-1990s. Many cities in Europe have established their own Christmas market with chalets and sometimes attractions (ephemeral ice rink, Ferris wheel, etc.), thus offering a more commercial market.
===Terrorism and safety=== In the 21st century, Christmas markets in Western Europe have occasionally been the targets of terror attacks, with completed or thwarted attacks occurring in Dijon, Nantes, Berlin, Ludwigshafen, Potsdam, Vienna,<ref>{{cite news |title=Austrian authorities foil IS-inspired terror attack on Christmas market |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/austrian-authorities-foil-is-inspired-terror-attack-on-christmas-market/ |access-date=4 January 2025 |agency=Agence france presse |publisher=Times of Israel |date=17 December 2019}}</ref> Strasbourg, Magdeburg and Dingolfing.<ref name="Sueddeutsche Zeitung">{{cite news |last1=Seinke |first1=Ronen |title=Warum gerade Weihnachtsmärkte Anschlagsziele sind |url=https://www.sueddeutsche.de/politik/strassburg-terrorismus-weihnachtsmaerkte-1.4250033 |access-date=4 January 2025 |publisher=Suddeutsche Zeitung |date=2018-12-12}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Samar |first1=Kamuran |title=Timeline: Deadly attacks on Christmas markets in Europe |url=https://www.euronews.com/my-europe/2024/12/21/timeline-deadly-attacks-on-christmas-markets-in-europe |access-date=4 January 2025 |publisher=Euro News |date=2024-12-21}}</ref> <ref>{{cite news |title=Germany: 5 arrested for suspected Christmas market plot |url=https://www.dw.com/en/germany-5-arrested-for-suspected-christmas-market-plot/a-75148071 |access-date=15 December 2025 |publisher=Deutsche Welle |date=12 December 2025}}</ref> Christmas markets increasingly have security procedures such as bollards, uniformed and plainclothes police officers, and surveillance to protect visitors.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Chutel |first1=Lynsey |last2=Gross |first2=Jenny |title=Germany Bulked Up Christmas Market Security. An Attack Still Happened. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/21/world/europe/germany-christmas-market-security.html |access-date=4 January 2025 |work=The New York Times |date=Dec 21, 2024}}</ref>
==Attractions and stalls== [[File:Traditional gingerbread hearts Berlin Xmas 2006.jpg|thumb|Traditional gingerbread hearts at a Christmas market in Berlin, Germany]]
Popular attractions at the markets include the Nativity Scene (a crèche or crib), ''Zwetschgenmännle'' (figures made of decorated dried plums), ''Nussknacker'' (carved Nutcrackers), ''Gebrannte Mandeln'' (candied, toasted almonds), traditional Christmas cookies such as ''Lebkuchen'' and ''Magenbrot'' (both forms of soft gingerbread), Bratwurst, and ''Glühwein'', hot mulled wine (with or without a shot of brandy), or ''Eierpunsch'' (an egg-based warm alcoholic drink) – both a highlight of the market for many visitors. Both help stave off the cold winter air which sometimes dips below freezing. More regional food specialties include ''Christstollen'' (''Stollen''), a sort of bread with candied fruit in Saxony, and hot Apfelwein and ''Frankfurter Bethmännchen'' in Hesse.
==Major Christmas markets== {{See also|List of Christmas markets}}
===Austria=== [[File:Advent- und Wihnachtsdorf am Hauptplatz Leoben.jpg|thumb|Advent and Christmas market in Leoben, Austria]]
Christmas markets are popular traditions in Austria, and are held in Vienna, Salzburg, Innsbruck, Linz, and Graz. The first "December Market" was held in Vienna in 1298.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=https://www.austria.info/uk/things-to-do/skiing-and-winter/christmas-markets/christmas-markets-in-vienna|title=Christmas Markets in Vienna|website=Austria|access-date=31 August 2018|archive-date=20 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180820175736/https://www.austria.info/uk/things-to-do/skiing-and-winter/christmas-markets/christmas-markets-in-vienna|url-status=dead}}</ref> Vienna holds 20 different Christmas markets around the city.<ref name=":0" /> Most Christmas markets open in late November and last through December, closing between Christmas Day and New Year's Day, with a few staying open for New Year's.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.krakowdiscovery.com/christmas-market-on-the-main-square-in-krakow/|title=Christmas Market on the Main Square in Krakow |access-date=4 June 2020}}</ref>
The largest Christmas market and one of the most well known is the Vienna Christmas World on Rathausplatz, near the ''Rathaus'', Vienna's historic city hall. The market draws 3 million people each year and includes 150 unique stalls that offer traditional Austrian foods, Christmas decorations and ornaments, handicrafts, and drinks.<ref name=":1">{{Cite news|url=https://www.european-traveler.com/austria/visit-top-christmas-markets-weihnachtsmarkt-in-vienna-wien-austria/|title=Visit Top Christmas Markets (Weihnachtsmarkt) in Vienna|date=12 August 2017|work=European Traveler|access-date=31 August 2018}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite web|url=https://www.wien.info/en/shopping-wining-dining/markets/christmas-markets|title=Christmas markets|website=VIENNA – Now. Forever|access-date=31 August 2018|archive-date=8 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308130713/https://www.wien.info/en/shopping-wining-dining/markets/christmas-markets|url-status=dead}}</ref> The Vienna Christmas World on Rathausplatz also features an advent theme park called the ''Adventzauber'' with workshops and cultural performances that cater to families and young children. Visitors to the Vienna Christmas World can also ice skate on a {{convert|3000|m2|adj=on}} ice rink and on frozen paths that run through the Rathausplatz Park.<ref name=":1" />
Other famous Christmas markets include the Christmas Market at Schönbrunn Palace, the Art Advent on Karlsplatz, the Christmas Village at Belvedere Palace, and the Christmas Village on Maria-Theresien-Platz.<ref name=":2" /> The Christmas Market at Schönbrunn Palace, “''Kultur-und-Weihnachtsmarkt'',” takes place in front of the imperial palace. It features Austrian handicrafts and goods as well as a cultural program with activities and workshops. The Art Advent on Karlsplatz offers artisan goods, a children's program, and a petting zoo.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.vienna-unwrapped.com/vienna-christmas-market/|title=Vienna Christmas Market Guide and Map 2018 |work=Vienna Unwrapped|access-date=31 August 2018}}</ref> Popular food specialities include ''Kinderpunsch'' (a non-alcoholic punch), ''Glühwein'', ''Baumstriezel'' (a Hungarian pastry coated in cinnamon and sugar), ''Kartoffelpuffer'' (potato pancakes), ''Lángos'' (savory deep fried dough), ''Schaumkuss'' (chocolate covered marshmallows), ''Stollen'' (bread with candied fruit), ''Maroni'' (roasted chestnuts), ''Bratkartoffel'' (roasted potato wedges), ''Lebkuchen'' (Austrian gingerbread), and baked potatoes.
===France=== Christmas markets are traditional in Alsace, France, and most of the towns there have their local Christmas market.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.christmas.alsace/christmas-markets/|title=Christmas markets - Christmas in Alsace|website=www.christmas.alsace}}</ref> Strasbourg has been holding a Christmas market, "Christkindelsmärik," around its cathedral since 1570, when the city was part of the Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation.<ref name=Strasbourg>[http://www.noel-strasbourg.com/ ''Noël à Strasbourg''] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070817012032/http://www.noel-strasbourg.com/ |date=17 August 2007 }} Retrieved 8 July 2007</ref>
===Germany=== [[File:Striezelmarkt 2009 00950.jpg|thumb|The Striezelmarkt in Dresden, Germany, oldest Christmas market in the world<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://aleteia.org/2023/12/06/europes-oldest-christmas-market-is-almost-600-years-old/|title=Europe's oldest Christmas market is almost 600 years old|website=Aleteia — Catholic Spirituality, Lifestyle, World News, and Culture}}</ref>]]
Famous Christmas markets are held in the cities of Augsburg, Dresden, Erfurt, Frankfurt, Nuremberg, and Stuttgart, making them popular tourist attractions during the Christmas holiday season.<ref name=Nuremberg>[http://www.christkindlesmarkt.de/english ''Christmas City Nuremberg''] Stadt Nürnberg. Retrieved 8 July 2007</ref><ref name=Stuttgart>[http://www.stuttgart-tourist.de/ENG/leisure/weihnachtsmarkt.htm ''Stuttgart Christmas Market''] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080422170803/http://www.stuttgart-tourist.de/ENG/leisure/weihnachtsmarkt.htm |date=22 April 2008 }} Stuttgart Marketing. Retrieved 8 July 2007</ref> The Nuremberg and Dresden markets draw about two million people each year; the Stuttgart and Frankfurt markets attract more than three million visitors.
The two most visited Christmas markets in Germany are found in Dortmund, with more than three and a half million visitors of 300 stalls around a gigantic Christmas tree that stands {{convert|45|m}} tall, and in Cologne with 4 million people.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.topnews.de/weihnachtsmaerkte-koeln-ist-publikumsmagnet-325655 |title=Weihnachtsmärkte: Köln ist Publikumsmagnet : Topnews |publisher=Topnews.de |access-date=6 May 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170612123720/http://www.topnews.de/weihnachtsmaerkte-koeln-ist-publikumsmagnet-325655 |archive-date=12 June 2017 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Additionally, Berlin claims more than 70 markets, which open in late November and close just after Christmas.<ref>{{cite web |author=Innes said... |url=http://www.onlondontime.com/2011/12/top-berlin-christmas-markets.html |title=Top Berlin Christmas Markets |publisher=On London Time |date=26 December 2011 |access-date=6 May 2013 |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120311124448/http://www.onlondontime.com/2011/12/top-berlin-christmas-markets.html |archive-date=11 March 2012 }}</ref>
===Italy=== {{see also|Christmas in Italy}} [[File:Meraner Advent- Passerpromenade- Kurhaus- Meran.jpg|thumb|Christmas market in Merano, Italy]] Christmas in Italy begins on 8 December with the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, the day on which traditionally Christmas trees are erected, and ends on 6 January of the following year with Epiphany.<ref name="italy">{{Cite web|date=November 25, 2013|title=The Best Christmas Traditions in Italy|url=https://www.walksofitaly.com/blog/things-to-do/christmas-traditions-in-italy|access-date=January 26, 2021|website=Walks of Italy|language=en-GB}}</ref>
In Italy, the oldest Christmas market is considered to be that of Bologna, held for the first time in the 18th century and linked to the feast of Saint Lucia.<ref name="Mercatini Italia">{{Cite web|url=https://corrieredibologna.corriere.it/bologna/cronaca/21_novembre_16/mercatini-natale-bologna-emilia-romagna-dove-sono-regole-visitarli-d06af226-4677-11ec-8ff0-74bdfd3715c3.shtml|title=Mercatini di Natale a Bologna e in Emilia-Romagna: dove sono e le regole per visitarli|date=16 November 2021 |access-date=1 December 2021|language=it}}</ref> The tradition of the markets has however spread in Italy predominantly especially since the 1990s, with the birth of the first modern markets: among these, the first ever was that of Bolzano, born in 1991, which was followed by others in the area of Alto Adige,<ref name="Mercatino Bolzano">{{Cite web|url=https://www.mercatinodinatalebz.it/primo-mercatino-di-natale-alto-adige.htm|title=30 anni e non sentirli|access-date=1 December 2021|language=it}}</ref> in particular in Merano, Bressanone, Vipiteno and Brunico.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://lp.suedtirol.info/mercatinidinatale|title=Mercatini originali Alto Adige - Südtirol|access-date=5 December 2021|language=it}}</ref>
The Trento Christmas market, established in 1993, is renowned in Trentino.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mercatinodinatale.tn.it/la-prima-edizione|title=Mercatini di Natale di Trento|access-date=5 December 2021|language=it}}</ref> In Naples, where the tradition of the Neapolitan nativity scene has been famous for centuries, the exhibition of the nativity scenes made in the city's artisan shops is held every year in via San Gregorio Armeno.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.campania.info/napoli/cosa-vedere-napoli/san-gregorio-armeno/|title=San Gregorio Armeno, la via dei Presepi|access-date=5 December 2021|language=it}}</ref> Noteworthy are the Christmas markets at Piazza Navona in Rome,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.romatoday.it/eventi/il-mercatino-di-natale-piazza-navona-1-dicembre-6-gennaio-2024.html|title=Il Mercatino di Natale a piazza Navona|access-date=30 January 2024|language=it}}</ref> in Verona, in Gubbio, in Alberobello, in Aosta, in Turin, in Asti, in Arezzo, in Florence, in Trieste, in Livigno, in Santa Maria Maggiore, Arco and in Cison di Valmarino.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hertz.it/p/hertz-together/i-mercatini-di-natale-piu-belli-in-italia?gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIuJDkxeOWhAMVbRmiAx2RLAu3EAAYASAAEgKUn_D_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds|title=I MERCATINI DI NATALE PIÙ BELLI IN ITALIA|access-date=6 February 2024|language=it}}</ref><ref name="italia">{{Cite web|url=https://www.italia.it/it/italia/cosa-fare/mercatini-di-natale-piu-belli-italia|title=Alla scoperta dei 10 mercatini di Natale più belli d'Italia|access-date=6 February 2024|language=it}}</ref><ref name="vanityfair">{{Cite web|url=https://www.vanityfair.it/mercatini-di-natale-piu-belli-italia|title=Mercatini di Natale 2023: la nostra wishlist|date=10 November 2022 |access-date=6 February 2024|language=it}}</ref>
===United Kingdom=== {{main|Winter wonderland}} In 1982, Lincoln, England, established an annual Christmas market in early December. This remains one of the most extensive such market by area in the United Kingdom, with a claimed total of over 300 stalls attracting more than 100,000 visitors over its four days. Starting in 1997, ''Frankfurt Christmas Markets'' were established with support from Frankfurt in Birmingham, Edinburgh, Leeds, and Manchester.<ref name="Frankfurt Christmas Markets in UK">{{cite web |url=http://www.frankfurt-tourismus.de/cms/tourismussuite/en/events_trade_fairs_messe_frankfurt/frankfurt_christmas_markets_great_britain_england_scotland.html |title=Frankfurt Christmas Markets Great Britain Scotland England |publisher=Frankfurt-tourismus.de |access-date=6 May 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130510085133/http://www.frankfurt-tourismus.de/cms/tourismussuite/en/events_trade_fairs_messe_frankfurt/frankfurt_christmas_markets_great_britain_england_scotland.html |archive-date=10 May 2013 }}</ref> Other large Christmas markets have been held in England in Bath (since 2000) and Liverpool (since 2006). The Christmas markets are such a success that they are becoming a major pull factor to increase trade and visitor numbers to towns and cities.
Birmingham's Christmas Market, primarily located on New Street between the Bullring shopping centre and the Council House, is the "largest outdoor Christmas market in the UK"<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/whats-on/whats-on-news/birmingham-german-market-2018-dates-14801504|title=These are the dates for Birmingham German Christmas Market 2018|last=Bentley|first=David|date=20 September 2018|work=birminghammail|access-date=5 November 2018}}</ref> as well as the "largest authentic German Christmas market outside of Germany or Austria".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thebfcm.co.uk/|title=Frankfurt Christmas Market Birmingham {{!}} 15 November 2018 to 23 December 2018|website=www.thebfcm.co.uk|access-date=5 November 2018}}</ref> The market also offers live entertainment on the main stage. The market is held for approximately six weeks every year and usually closes around 23 December. Manchester's Christmas Markets have also been successful, with 300 stalls over eight city locations, with each location being themed to create a different atmosphere such as French, World, and German, with European-themed stalls on the Albert Square, Manchester proving to be the most popular.<ref>{{cite web |author=Denise Evans |url=http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/news/s/1588380_manchester-christmas-markets-2012-a-guide-to-the-citys-festive-stalls |title=Manchester Christmas Markets 2012: A guide to the city's festive stalls - Manchester Evening News |publisher=Menmedia.co.uk |date=18 November 2012 |access-date=6 May 2013 |archive-date=22 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121022224330/http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/news/s/1588380_manchester-christmas-markets-2012-a-guide-to-the-citys-festive-stalls |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/news/s/1592778_mapped-manchester-set-for-biggest-and-best-ever-christmas-markets |title=Mapped: Manchester set for 'biggest and best ever' Christmas markets - Manchester Evening News |publisher=Menmedia.co.uk |date=2 November 2012 |access-date=6 May 2013 |archive-date=5 November 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121105032608/http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/news/s/1592778_mapped-manchester-set-for-biggest-and-best-ever-christmas-markets |url-status=dead }}</ref>
===United States=== German immigrants carried Christmas market celebrations to the United States. It is celebrated in such cities as Chicago, Denver, Salt Lake City, Tulsa, and Grand Rapids.<ref name=BethlehemPA>[http://www.christkindlmarkt.org/ ''CHRISTKINDLMARKT BETHLEHEM''] ArtsQuest (2006). Retrieved 8 July 2007</ref><ref name=Chicago>[http://www.christkindlmarket.com/facts.htm ''Christkindlmarket Chicago''] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070303004458/http://www.christkindlmarket.com/facts.htm |date=3 March 2007 }} German American Chamber of Commerce of the Midwest, 17 November 2006. Retrieved 8 July 2007</ref><ref name=Denver>[http://www.denverchristkindlmarket.com/ ''Denver Christkindl Market''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201204160937/http://www.denverchristkindlmarket.com/ |date=4 December 2020 }} German American Chamber of Commerce Colorado Chapter. (2006). Retrieved 8 July 2007</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mifflinburgchristkindlmarket.com/|title=Mifflinburg Christkindl Market|last=Donner|access-date=25 December 2016}}</ref><ref name=Tulsa>[http://home.att.net/~gastulsa01/Christkindlmarkt.htm ''Christkindlmarkt 2007''] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071217162711/http://home.att.net/~gastulsa01/Christkindlmarkt.htm |date=17 December 2007 }} German-American Society of Tulsa, 1 May 2007. Retrieved 8 July 2007</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.christkindlmarkt-slc.com/|title=Christkindlmarkt SLC|website=Christkindlmarkt SLC}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://christkindlmarktgr.com/|title=Grand Rapids Christkindl Markt|website=Grand Rapids Christkindl Markt}}</ref>
===Other countries=== As noted, other countries have also established such markets. The Christmas market of Barcelona starts on 13 December, Saint Lucy's Day, and is called ''Fira de Santa Llúcia''. It has been held in the square of Barcelona Cathedral since 1786.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.barcelona-life.com/barcelona/christmas|title=Christmas in Barcelona 2022 ~ Christmas Markets, Events & Traditions}}</ref><ref>[http://en.firadesantallucia.cat/historia.php History]</ref>
The GUM-Fair was opened on the Red Square in Moscow, Russia, in 2013. It has been running ever since from December to March and is the biggest and most popular Christmas market in Russia.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2013-12-02 |title=Новогодняя ГУМ-Ярмарка на Красной площади |url=https://www.buro247.ru/community/party/pervaya-gum-yarmarka-na-krasnoy-ploshcadi.html |access-date=2024-11-28 |website=BURO. |language=ru}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=ГУМ-ярмарка на Красной площади в Москве 2024-2025: дата проведения, расписание, программа, участники |url=https://www.kp.ru/afisha/msk/yarmarki/gum-yarmarka-v-moskve/ |access-date=2024-11-28 |website=www.kp.ru |language=ru-RU}}</ref>
A traditional Christmas market was held for the first time in Sibiu, Romania, in 2007.<ref name="Sibiu Christmas Market">{{cite web|url=http://www.targuldecraciun.ro|title=Târgul de Crăciun din Sibiu|access-date=25 December 2016}}</ref>
The annual Christmas market in Riga, Latvia, is held from late November to early January in the square next to the Riga Cathedral.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Riga Christmas Market |url=https://www.liveriga.com/lv/2795-rigas-ziemassvetku-tirdzins |access-date=2025-06-02 |website=www.liveriga.com |language=en}}</ref> It has consistently been recognised as one of Europe's most affordable Christmas market destinations, according to the Post Office Travel Money report.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Christmas Markets Barometer {{!}} Travel Money {{!}} Post Office |url=https://www.postoffice.co.uk/travel-money/guides/christmas-markets |access-date=2025-06-02 |website=www.postoffice.co.uk}}</ref>
==Gallery== <gallery widths="170" heights="170"> File:Christmas market (Tallinn, Estonia).jpg|''Tallinna Jõuluturg'' in Tallinn, Estonia File:ChristmasMarketJena.jpg|Christmas market in Jena, Germany File:Colmar (31633763397).jpg|Christmas market in Colmar, France File:Christmas market, Strasbourg (5226804625).jpg|{{lang|gsw|Christkindelsmärik}} in Strasbourg, France File:Frankfurt am Main - Frankfurter Weihnachtsmarkt (2025) 4.jpg|Christmas market in Frankfurt, Germany File:PIAZZA DE NAVONA, ROME.JPG|Christmas market at Piazza Navona in Rome, Italy File:Senaatintorin joulumarkkinat.jpg|''Tuomaan Markkinat'' at the Senate Square in Helsinki, Finland File:Christkindlmarkt Bozen 03.JPG|Christmas market in Bolzano, Italy File:Marché de Noël de la place Rouge et magasin Goum (1).jpg|''GUM-fair'' at the Red Square in Moscow, Russia File:Stortorget in Gamla Stan, Stockholm, Sweden, 2022 December - 8.jpg|''Julmarknad'' ("Christmas market") in Gamla stan, Stockholm, Sweden File:Weihnachtsmarkt Dom 2011 1.jpg|Christmas market in Cologne, Germany File:SibiuChristmasMarket2012Opening.jpg|Sibiu Christmas market in Sibiu, Romania File:Mercado de Navidad, Plaza del Mercado, Breslavia, Polonia, 2017-12-20, DD 41-49 HDR PAN.jpg|Christmas market in Wrocław, Poland File:Wien - Christkindlmarkt, Rathausplatz.JPG|Christmas market in Vienna, Austria File:Waddesdon Manor's Christmas Fair.jpg|alt=80 stalls at Waddesdon Manor's Christmas Market|Christmas market at Waddesdon Manor, UK File:Christmas market at Esplanāde park in Riga.jpg|Christmas market in Riga, Latvia </gallery>
== See also == {{Portal|Holidays|Christianity|Germany}} *Christmas traditions *2016 Berlin truck attack *2018 Strasbourg attack *2024 Magdeburg car attack
==Notes== {{Notelist}}
==References== {{Reflist}}
== Further reading == * Bakst, Alex: [http://www.spiegel.de/international/0,1518,451474,00.html "A Visit to Germany's Christmas Markets"], [http://www.spiegel.de/international/ ''Spiegel Online''] 7 December 2006 * Zug, J.D. (1991): ''German-American Life: Recipes and Traditions'', Iowa City: Penfield Press
== External links == * {{Commons category-inline|Christmas markets}} * {{Wikivoyage inline|Christmas markets}}
{{Christmas}} {{Retail}} {{Authority control}}
Category:1434 establishments in Europe Category:1430s establishments in the Holy Roman Empire Market, Christmas Category:Christmas markets Market, Christmas Market, Christmas Market, Christmas Category:History of Dresden Category:Articles containing video clips Category:1298 establishments in Europe Category:1290s establishments in the Holy Roman Empire