December 23, 2021 / 3 mins read / CRUISES / FAMILY / ROMANCE

Our Favourite Christmas Markets

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! And there’s no better place to experience the colours, flavours, and sounds of the holidays than at a...

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! And there’s no better place to experience the colours, flavours, and sounds of the holidays than at a Christmas market. Here are four of our favourites!

LA MAGIE DE NOËL, COLMAR, FRANCE

Six Christmas markets in one city? We’re there!

WHERE IT IS: In the Alsace wine region of north-western France, in the tiny city known as “Petite Venise” for its lovely canals

WHY WE LOVE IT: Less touristy than its Strasbourg counterpart, the half-timbered architecture provides a backdrop seemingly custom-made for the holidays! There are six different markets, each with their own signature charms—but out favourite is the Gourmet market.

DON’T MISS: The spicy, tart, and sweet mulled orange juice

www.noel-colmar.com

TRIERER WEIHNACHTS MARKT, TRIER, GERMANY

 It’s not hard to see why it was voted Germany’s Best Christmas Market!

WHERE IT IS: In the medieval Trier Cathedral Square, lined with colourful buildings and Germany’s oldest cathedral

WHY WE LOVE IT: This lush, dazzling display doesn’t miss a detail from puppet shows to bratwursts to mulled apple wine.

DON’T MISS: The  reigning Mulled Wine Queen

www.trierer-weihnachtsmarkt.de

THE GREAT DICKENS CHRISTMAS FAIR, SAN FRANCISCO, USA

A Christmas Carol comes to vibrant life.

WHERE IT IS: Cow Palace, which is actually in Daly City, CA, with part of the parking entering into San Fran.

WHY WE LOVE IT: Victorian London is in full swing including theatrical productions, carolers, elaborate costumes, food, and crafts. You might even see Ebenezer Scrooge wandering the streets!

DON’T MISS: Farthingale’s, purveyor of fine fabrics, books, and notions, for your handmade Victorian-era ensemble.

dickensfair.com (ONLINE ONLY THIS YEAR)

THE DISTILLERY WINTER VILLAGE, TORONTO, CANADA

Don’t overthink it—sometimes the best is closest to home.

WHERE IT IS: Toronto’s historic, 19th-century Distillery District

WHY WE LOVE IT: Dozens of unique vendors populate the charming brick streets in a neighbourhood filled with converted buildings and a monumental Christmas tree at its centre.

DON’T MISS: Sipping some rich hot chocolate from city-favourite, Soma Chocolatemaker

thedistillerywintervillage.com

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  • Years in the travel business: 16+ in writing business for publications including Sotheby’s Insight, BOLD Magazine, Aeroplan, Yohomo, and Destination Toronto Travel philosophy: Writing about the thrilling destinations around the world that excite him most. Ask him about: His first travel story, “Urban Exotic: Mexico City,” for Arrival Magazine winning Best Feature Article (GOLD) at the Magnum Opus Awards in 2011.