The World's Top 10 Trending Christmas Markets
It's the most joyous time of year, and with only two weeks remaining until 2023 ends, there is little time to visit some of the most significant Christmas markets on the planet.
According to recent data from the travel insurance experts at InsureandGo, Christmas markets worldwide are experiencing the most significant increases in interest compared to prior years. The research examined Google search data to determine which markets have seen the most significant increase in searches over the same period last year.
Here is a breakdown of the top 10 for 2023.
Washington State of Seattle
This holiday season, Seattle's Christmas market is experiencing a 650 per cent increase in searches compared to 2022.
Seattle Center is home to the authentic European Christmas Village through December 24.
Serbia's Belgrade
Belgrade's busy Knez Mihailova Street is the epitome of festiveness, with an abundance of Christmas decorations and a wide variety of vendors.
Search volume for the Serbian Christmas market has increased by 387 per cent from the previous year.
Estonia's Tallinn
Not surprisingly, a significant portion of the top 10 are European Christmas markets. The main draw of the Estonian Tallinn Christmas Market, located in Town Hall Square, is the Christmas tree, erected here in 1441, making it the first tree ever displayed in Europe.
Poland's Gda?sk
It's hardly surprising that Gda?sk's Christmas markets have seen a 175 per cent increase in searches, given that they were named second in this year's competition for the Best Christmas Markets.
Mr. and Mrs. Orzechowski, two life-size nutcrackers, and dazzling lights and decorations bring the picturesque port city to life for the holidays.
Slovenia's Ljubljana
December is a big month for Ljubljana, known as the World's Greenest City. This fantastic Christmas market offers a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy, including shopping for handcrafted gifts, dining on traditional fare and beverages, and participating in cultural events like outdoor concerts.
The city is also home to a stunning light show that Zmago Modic created.
Texas's Arlington
Since 2011, the Texas Christkindl Market has been a yearly event in Arlington. The market draws inspiration from Königshofen, Germany, its sister city. Globe Life Field is the location of this free, kid-friendly attraction, open daily from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. until December 23.
Belgium's Antwerp
Christmas markets can be found all over the city of Antwerp, Belgium. A Ferris wheel and an ice skating rink are two particularly noteworthy attractions. In addition, holiday shoppers can partake in European custom while sipping glühwein and enjoying delicious Belgian Speculoos cookies.
Japan's Tokyo
Tokyo has many excellent Christmas markets, but the biggest is in Hibiya, sponsored by the German Embassy and has a 46-foot-tall German-imported Christmas tree. It makes sense that searches for Tokyo's Christmas markets have increased by 122% since the previous year.
Spain's Málaga
Malaga is a must-see destination for anyone travelling to Spain for the holidays. Visitors to this market can indulge in various delectable treats, such as wine-flavoured fried pastries and mantecados, while taking in the breathtaking Christmas lights and lively atmosphere.
Greece's Athens
Greece's Athens completes the top 10. In addition to eye-popping Christmas trees, brilliant light displays, and events incorporating Greek Orthodox customs into the holiday celebration, the city offers visitors no shortage of bazaars and markets during this time of year.
