This lesser known traditional Christmas market has been crowned the world’s best Christmas market for 2026 with up to 180 stalls
The market is one the cheapest(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
With Christmas fast approaching, a trip to a traditional Christmas market abroad tops many people’s festive wish lists, and there’s one that truly stands out from the rest.
Plenty of people choose a weekend break to soak up the seasonal atmosphere, and this particular destination has just ranked highly in new research carried out by Christmas Tree World, which assessed various markets based on key criteria.
They examined Google searches, December hotel costs, admission charges, number of stalls and access to public transport to ultimately crown the world’s finest Christmas markets for 2026.
Their findings revealed that Nottingham’s Winter Wonderland is ideal for budget-conscious travellers, Dresden’s Striezelmarkt is perfect for families, and Winter Wonders in Brussels serves up the most affordable mulled wine.
Yet, there could only be one overall champion, and that honour went to the hidden treasure that is Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremberg, Germany.
If any location could stake a convincing claim to wearing the crown as the ultimate Christmas market destination, it would be Nuremberg.
It’s nestled within a picturesque and historic city and provides the ideal traditional escape with reasonable prices, accommodation and excellent value for money.
It achieved an impressive 8.2/10 in the study, as a market that has been running for 398 years and still attracts huge crowds today.
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Thanks to its fascinating history and delightful setting, it represents the quintessential traditional German Christmas market many people fantasise about, and with its enormous range of stalls, it certainly delivers. It’s thought to feature around 180 stalls, offering glühwein, bratwurst and the market’s own distinctive Zwetschgenmännle, which are small and adorable decorative figures traditionally crafted using dried prunes.
After paying a visit, one traveller left a review, writing: “The Nuremberg Christmas Market is absolutely magical. The atmosphere is festive and authentic, with beautiful lights, traditional wooden stalls, and a wonderful holiday spirit.
“There is a great variety of local food, mulled wine, and handmade crafts. It can be busy, but it’s well organised and definitely worth the visit. A must-see Christmas market in Germany.”
Another shared their experience, saying: “Visited here after seeing multiple reviews, stating that Newberg market is one of the best in Germany and it truly lived up to the expectation.
“The number of stalls, different handicrafts, and gift items – and obviously the gluhwein was one of the experiences. There are multiple parking spots around the market and easily reachable by train and bus.”
In comparison to other markets throughout Europe and beyond, a December hotel stay costs an average of £144 per night, making it considerably more affordable than other destinations. Most significantly, admission to the market is entirely free, and mulled wine comes at a relatively modest price.
The market runs from Friday 27 November until Thursday 24 December this year, situated in the heart of Hauptmarkt, Nuremberg.