Which European Cities Have the Most Christmas Markets?

Christmas isn’t really a numbers game, but if it were, I might measure cities based on features like Christmas markets.

Markets are easier to measure than other holiday pastimes, such as decorating public spaces, hosting Santa meet-and-greets, and selling seasonal treats.

I’d argue that markets are where all the best parts of holiday cheer collide, like spending time with loved ones while shopping at the stalls or sipping on delicious treats like hot cocoa and mulled wine. Whether small and local or massive and metropolitan, it’s hard to go wrong with a Christmas market.

But some are more charming than others… and as someone who has lived in Europe for the last five years, I’ve stumbled upon some surprisingly gorgeous markets around the continent.

My favorite Christmas market is located in the heart of Warsaw, Poland. There’s an ice skating rink, mulled wine galore, and a few small stalls for shopping. And it’s just one of nine unique Christmas markets in the city, along with a royal lights display. (Also very cool.)

Warsaw isn’t alone in going all-out for Christmas, especially when it comes to other European capital cities.

Dreaming of a holiday Euro-trip city where you’ll run into Christmas market after Christmas market?

Below, you can find a list of where to find them. Head to these capitals, which were researched and ranked by Heepsy according to factors like total number of markets, accommodation costs, temperatures, and local transportation.

You won’t be able to escape the cheer.

European cities with the most Christmas markets

Berlin, Germany: 42 Christmas markets, decorations start on November 25
Rome, Italy: 25 Christmas markets, decorations start in early December
Paris, France: 11 Christmas markets, decorations start in late November
Warsaw, Poland: 9 Christmas markets, decorations start in late November
Bucharest, Romania: 8 Christmas markets, decorations start in early December
Vienna, Austria: 6 Christmas markets, decorations start on November 16
Andorra la Vella, Andorra: 5 Christmas markets, decorations start in late November
Copenhagen, Denmark: 5 Christmas markets, decorations begin on November 8
Brussels, Belgium: 3 Christmas markets, decorations begin on November 29
Helsinki, Finland: 3 Christmas markets, decorations begin on November 29

Top Picks: Raffles Hotels & Resorts Holiday Packages

Dreaming of an elegant getaway this holiday season?

I’m prone to dreaming about elegant getaways year-round—but some of the world’s best resorts and hotels go above and beyond as New Year’s rolls around.

It’s a time to capitalize on those warm, gushy holiday feelings that come with Hannukah, Christmas, and New Year’s.

To put it simply, nobody curates a feeling quite like a luxury resort. While I’m a big fan of boutique hotels of all shapes, sizes, and persuasions, an opulent brand has the resources to put together events and displays on a totally different level.

Welcome to the magic of the five-star Raffles Hotels & Resorts. While hospitality brands across the world are launching holiday programs, I haven’t been able to take my eye off the experiences from Raffles.

Never heard of Raffles Hotels & Resorts?

I first heard of Raffles Hotels & Resorts a few years back during a casual conversation about the movie Crazy Rich Asians. The company name sounded a little goofy, to be honest—but their global suite of luxury hotels and resorts is anything but.

Raffles is a Singaporean hotel and resort brand that was launched back in 1887 by four Persian-Armenian brothers. They named it after the distinguished British diplomat who founded Singapore: Mr. Raffles himself.

Just kidding. His name was Sir Stanford Raffles.

Fast forward 130 years and Raffles remains a Blue Blood institution through and through. It has expanded its roster of hotels and resorts far beyond the tiny nation-state of Singapore, from Warsaw to Pnom Penh to Mecca to Boston.

You can also check out Raffles experiences and long-term residencies.

But if you’re going to fork over for a luxurious experience with Raffles, I’d suggest taking advantage of their holiday offers at these hotels and resorts. They’re basically seven-star locations.

Most elegant holiday offers from Raffles Hotels & Resorts

Enjoy elevated Christmas dining & NYE parties at Raffles Boston

Raffles has one American location—and it’s in Boston. (Is anyone else surprised by that?) Guests can take advantage of the Christmas and New Year’s Eve celebrations.

For Christmas, you can expect a Michelin-caliber meal from the Michelin-starred head chef, George Mendes, of on-site restaurant AMAR. Even the Christmas buffet is elevated with carving stations and a sushi bar.

On New Year’s Eve, you can celebrate in style at the on-site Blind Duck speakeasy. You’ll have a full view of the Boston skyline as you ring in the new year in style.

Step into a fairytale Nutcracker Christmas at London at the OWO

If you like Christmas you’ll love Raffles’ approach at its London OWO location. The grounds showcase the original nightgown from The Nutcracker—which is adorned with over 400 hand-placed Swarovski crystals. And that’s just the start of the Nutcracker wonders.

There’s afternoon tea with themed Nutcracker drinks and treats, along with a pre-theatre menu from head chef Mauro Colagreco—also themed to match the famous play. If you want to bundle in a theatre trip to see the live play, you can simplify your holidays by purchasing OWO’s ‘Nutcracker Nights’ package.

It’s easily one of the coolest Christmas experiences I’ve seen offered by a hotel—and I’ve only given you the bare outline of the program’s offerings.

Enjoy a royal celebration at Le Royal Monceau, Paris

Want to really indulge? There’s no better place than at Le Royal Monceau in Paris.

This year, the head chef invented a new Yule Log pastry in honor of his first season at the hotel—which is inspired by Le Royal Monceau’s history. (It’s a tribute to a noblewoman who once graced the grounds in striking red clothes.)

But the real magic is the festive dining options on Christmas and New Year’s Eve gala. The former includes curated brunch menus at all three on-site eateries. The latter includes a ‘Royal Celebration Package’ that comes with a gala dinner, breakfast, and spa treatments.

Raffles Seychelles

If you’re looking for tropical and family-friendly destinations, look no further. Raffles Seychelles has multiple Christmas and New Year’s festivities that are fun for the whole family.

From tree gathering to cocktail parties to traditional four-course meals, you can truly spend the holiday away from home without missing out on those special moments. There’s even a Santa meet-and-greet for the kiddos.

The same goes for its New Year’s program. While the Sugar Palm Kids Club offers daily activities like art and cooking classes, adults can have their fun with a separate celebration—one that includes live performances and live cooking stations.

Champagne Powder: Have A White Christmas at These US Ski Resorts

Every year, my friends head to Andorra for a ski trip.

I grew up in Missouri, which means I have a very tenuous relationship with winter sports. It’s not due to lack of cold—I think it comes down to a few other factors.

First, we have a good amount of hills but no mountains in MO. Second, Missouri has big down-home vibes—locals are more likely to buy ATVs than snowboards.

So, when it’s time for that Andorra trip, I turn into a little après-ski fairy. I bring a book, make friends with the bartender, and curl up near the fireplace.

I’m left to my own devices until my Dutch, Italian, Spanish, and English friends wander back into the warm glow of the lodge. And that’s not going to change anytime soon.

That being said, I get the appeal of a snowy escape to the slopes—especially during Christmas.

A ski resort (and its lodge) is one of those places where Christmas really comes alive. From the chugging fireplace to the scent of mulled wine to the leagues of fresh powder, skiing is closely tied to all forms of winter cheer, especially in Europe and North America.

In other words, spending Christmas at a ski lodge should be on your radar—whether or not you want to strap on those skis.

Top US ski resorts open for Christmas: at a glance

Best luxury resort: Viceroy Snowmass, Colorado
Best for a classic Christmas experience: Park City Mountain Resort, Utah
Top pick for hardcore skiers: Grand Targhee Resort, Wyoming
Best ski town: Stowe Mountain Resort, Vermont

Top 4 picks: US ski resorts open for Christmas

Viceroy Snowmass, Colorado

This ultra-luxury choice is one of the best on the continent—not just in the US. Over Christmas, you can expect a five-star treatment that includes a range of festive activities. (They also offer a Menorah lighting experience!)

From carol-singing to themed cocktails, it’s all about the details. There are even snowman-making competitions. On Christmas and New Year’s Eve, you can also enjoy special dining menus from Toro Snowmass.

The more you zoom in at Viceroy, the more Christmas cheer you find.

Book a room

Park City Mountain Resort, Utah

Park City is a well-known quantity for diehard skiers around the US—but did you know that the Park City Mountain Resort (also popular) has a well-rounded list of holiday events? Most are Christmas-themed, including its daily tree lightings, ice carvings, photos with Santa, and more.

The festivities culminate on December 20^th when you can enjoy a fireworks display over the mountain. It’s followed by a party with free churros, live music, and more Santa photo ops.

Book a room

Grand Targhee Resort, Wyoming

Known as the ‘powder king of Wyoming’, the main appeal of this high-altitude resort is its endless leagues of fresh powder. If you’re a snob about snow and want some deep powder, this might just be your mecca. And the resort places a huge emphasis on finetuning its operations with skiers and snowboarders in mind.

Most of their events calendar includes live music from local favorites like Triple Lindy and Batdorf & the Brother Wolf. I don’t know if you can tell by the names, but those are both homegrown, folk groups that are sure to please just about any music lover. On Christmas day, you can join a Christmas dinner with tons of menu options—just be sure to reserve ahead of time.

And don’t forget about the NYE Rail Jam party over New Year’s Eve. This event includes tons of action at the rail park where athletes freestyle to bring in the new year.

Book a room

Stowe, Vermont

My last recommendation isn’t an actual resort; it’s a town that has multiple ski resorts to choose from, along with plenty of Christmas activities. (Après-ski fairies, rejoice!)

In terms of local entertainment, you can enjoy a Monkeys on Eggnog show on the local brewery grounds, along with other unique activities like the Taste of Vermont Food Tour and even library flash tattoos.

In terms of Christmas cheer, you can expect a classic buffet on the big day, followed by a sled dog meet and greet, snowshoe and tubing tour, and other unique events all in the center of town.

Seriously, the calendar is chock-full of excuses to pack up and head to Stowe, Vermont. All you need to do is choose the resort that’s right for you. Shop around for budget picks or luxury stays; regardless of your choice, you won’t go wrong.

Thailand’s Full Moon Parties: Welcome to One of the World’s Craziest NYE Celebrations

I have a lot of thoughts on Thailand as a tourism destination.

Many moons ago, I studied in Chiang Mai as part of a Global Studies degree program. The gist of the experiential learning course was this: Latch onto an interesting idea and study it using real-world, first-hand sources.

In Chiang Mai, my focus was exploring the implications of sak-yant tattooing for foreigners, which I worked with a translator to complete.

I also studied sex tourism, international relations, topics related to Burmese refugees, Buddhism, animism, and more. It was a mish-mash that only grazed the surface of life in Chiang Mai.

As a travel writer many years later, I rarely get to talk about the things I learned during this period. Tourists, after all, are usually more interested in exotic beaches, colorful drinks, and affordable bazaar shopping—not studying.

Lucky for you, I didn’t spend all my time in Thailand learning about language, history, and religion.

I also dipped a toe into the traditional tourist waters while in Thailand—and yes, I’ve been to a full moon party on Koh Phangan.

Ringing any bells? Thailand’s full moon parties are some of the most iconic in the world and are a well-known quantity for global travelers, especially backpackers with their sights set on Southeast Asia.

And if you’re heading to Thailand over New Year’s Eve or throughout the year, you should probably know the basics about full moon parties.

My experience was easily one of the craziest party moments ever. (And I have partied, my friends.)

What are full moon parties?

Full moon parties are scheduled according to the lunar calendar. They’re really scheduled on the full moon—it’s that easy.

The trend took off on Koh Phangan, a small island popular amongst tourists. It’s part of a three-island chain alongside Koh Samui (where most tourists stay) and Koh Tao (a tiny island where divers usually head).

These islands are accessible from the mainland town of Surat Thani, which offers multiple ferry rides to Koh Samui a day.

You can find full moon parties across the country, from Phuket to Bangkok—but the original party (and the craziest) is held on Koh Phangan every full moon. Around 20,000 tourists head to the island from surrounding areas (usually Koh Samui) via affordable private boat rides. (On a slow night, it might only be around 9,000.)

In most cases, you don’t buy tickets—you just show up and start boozing.

What are full moon parties like?

The full moon party on Koh Phangan is held on a large beach—but it informally covers most non-residential parts of the island. You’ll see people partying everywhere.

And what does the party look like?

Let me paint a picture. Small stands line the roads and beaches, which sell drinks in child-sized beach-toy buckets. This is where the vodka Red Bull was invented—which is a popular choice.

You can buy pretty much any cocktail mixture from these stands. (If you know where to go, you can find other party favors… but these are extremely illegal, so I’d advise skipping out.)

The sun sets, the full moon comes out, and people start partying.

During my full moon experience, the beach was so full of people that many of us were standing in the tide to avoid the legions.

A massive effigy reading KOH PHANGAN FULL MOON PARTY was lit—and a handful of drunk tourists were climbing the fifteen-foot display as it burned. At one point, someone lit a rope on fire and people jump-roped.

The calmest part of the night was when we set off lanterns into the night sky… and then realized one of our co-releasers had his dick out for some reason. Yeah. Welcome to full moon parties.

Am I painting a solid picture of the debauchery? If you like shouting, vodka, and fire, it’s probably the best night of your life. Newer full moon parties also include tons of neon-lit exhibits and attractions, adding to the Instragrammable nature of the party and its no-holds-barred outlook.

But, to be blunt, it wasn’t for me—and I was 21 when I went.

I’ll leave it at that.

How is a full moon party different than a New Year’s Eve party in Thailand?

Full moon parties are held every full moon—but most locations that throw these parties also hold New Year’s Eve parties.

Whether or not the full moon aligns with the turning of the new year, you can find similar parties around the country. Again, though ‘the Full Moon Party’ comes from Koh Phangan, you’ll find them in large tourist hotspots.

If you see a New Year’s Eve party advertised as a full moon party, they’re probably just describing the nature and atmosphere of the party. It’ll be similar to what I described above, though not identical.

Best NYE celebrations in Thailand for 2024-25 NYE

I hope I haven’t scared anyone away from Thailand, Koh Phangan, or the country’s full moon parties. If you’re into that type of thing, then go for it—just be mindful of the environment, locals, and any sacred sites or temples.

Remember, my opinion is only my own, and my goal is to empower you to have a great trip no matter where you go and what I think of the destination.

If you’re going to be spending New Year’s Eve in Thailand, I’d recommend looking into all your options. Though Koh Phangan is the most famous party spot, it’s hard to get to. You need to take a ferry from Surat Thani to Koh Samui, then onto Koh Phangan.

Oh, and you need to find a private boat ride home at 5 am… or whenever you’re ready to call it quits.

Here are a few other popular New Year’s Eve celebrations around the country:

Bangkok: Central World Street and Countdown, Street Party at Khao San Road
Chiang Mai: Hot Air Lanterns, Riverside Music Madness
Phuket: Surin Beach
Pattaya: Walking Streets

Snowiest Destinations in the US: Choose Your Winter Wonderland

Can you name the US’s snowiest destinations in terms of pure powder?

If you’re imagining Alaska, think again.

The US’s snowiest locations can be found in Washington, followed by Oregon, Utah, and—sit down if you haven’t yet—California. Alaska comes in fifth place in terms of total snowfall.

The US packs a punch when it comes to leagues of fresh white powder. In fact, in terms of human civilization, the only place with more snowfall than the US’s Mount Rainier and Mount Baker is a village called Sukayu Onsen, located in the Japanese Alps.

Mount Rainier and Mount Baker (WA) get around 645 inches of snow a year compared to Sukayu Onsen’s 694 inches. That’s a pretty close race. (Again, this ranking is for inhabited locations.)

Where am I going with all this chitter-chatter about the snowiest places in the US and beyond? Straight into my recommendations on how to have a seriously snowy Christmas.

Tis the season to choose your winter wonderland. In case you’re having trouble deciding on a last-minute getaway for this year or next year’s Christmas adventure, here are the snowiest destinations in the US to keep on your radar.

Snowiest destinations in the US: coast to coast selections

Mount Rainier, Washington

645 inches of snowfall annually

Also known as Tahoma, this active stratovolcano is a well-known destination for outdoors enthusiasts in the Pacific Northwest.

Though it’s pretty deadly to climbers, there are dozens of ways to soak up the gorgeous snowfall without putting your life at risk. I suggest staying in the town of Paradise as you soak up the winter wonderland vibes.

Crater Lake Park, Oregon

551 inches of snowfall annually

Panoramic view of Crater Lake during winter (Getty)

Speaking of volcanoes, Oregon’s massive Crater Lake is the remnant of a once-powerful and active volcano in the Rockies (now inactive, thankfully). In case you didn’t know, Crater Lake is also the US’s deepest lake—who would have thought?

You can explore Crater Lake in winter via the Rim Village. But I suggest zooming out a bit and staying Ashland or Shady Cove.

Alta, Utah

456 inches of snowfall annually

Adventuring around Alta in winter (Getty)

The US’s third-snowiest destination isn’t a national park—city-slickers can rejoice. If you want a winter wonderland without foraying into the wild (highly recommend), then stick to Alta.

It’s actually part of the Salt Lake City metro area, meaning you’ll get all the wonders of civilization with a bona fide winter wonderland.

Soda Springs, California

410 inches of snowfall annually

Finally—we’re onto the most intriguing location on this list. If you dig deep into your memory, you might recall a story about a disastrous journey on the Oregon Trail from the late 1800s—one that ended in cannibals.

Donner Pass, anyone?

The same blizzards that buried the Donner Party in California are still perennial in the mountains today. Soda Springs is only thirty miles north of where the party was snowed in a century ago. Hopefully, I haven’t thrown off the vibe too much.

Soda Springs is a very small skiing community that comes alive each winter. You can find dozens of things today in and around the area.

Valdez, Alaska

314 inches of snowfall annually

I’m going to say this one more time: this list is ranked based on inhabited destinations—not the rugged wild. I imagine Alaska’s mountains receive more than 650 inches of snowfall a year, but there’s no one there to bust out the measuring tape.

Valdez is a coastal city that plays an important role in commercial fishing—one that was actually founded by Spanish colonists back in the late 1700s.

While the city isn’t the prettiest, the surrounding Chugach mountains are stunning. In winter, you can take dog sled tours and glacier cruises to soak up the gorgeous, snowy views.

Caribbean Christmas Celebrations: Top 4 Islands for Holiday Travel

I know Christmas is fast approaching when I see Santi Man content pop up on my social media feeds.

Santi Man isn’t a typo—that’s what locals in Curaçao call Santa, derived from the Dutch translation of Santa Claus (Sinterklaus) and the English version.

Santi Man has style—no gut, no reindeer, no taste for milk. He’s dressed in a mishmash of papal-Santa-Claus garb and usually has a microphone in hand, livening up the Christmas party with dance moves and a few cheeky one-liners.

Keep in mind that Santi Man isn’t always partying. And he’s far from the only unique Christmas tradition found around the Caribbean.

Like every island has its own dialect, history, and identity, every Caribbean region has unique holiday celebrations.

In Trinidad & Tobago, you might hear parang—a unique Spanish-language form of Christmas caroling. In Jamaica, you might hear about locals preparing a type of rum-soaked treat called a Christmas Cake or a Fruit Cake. In St. Lucia, locals compete to make the loudest noise possible with bamboo-bursting festivities.

The list goes on and on.

The big question for Americans heading south in December is—which are the best islands for holiday travel? My picks are based on three factors: local festivities, affordability, and tourist infrastructure. (If you’re more interested in pure culture, start here.)

Best Caribbean islands for holiday travel

St. Lucia

Stunning view of the Pitons (Petit Piton & Gros Piton) (Getty)

St. Lucia is named after St. Lucy—a Catholic saint with ties to light, including candlelit wreaths and special celebrations around Christmastime.

In other words, Caribbean Christmas culture runs deep here—and it’s paragon is Lucia Day, which includes making cannons out of large bamboo (aka ‘bamboo bursting’), setting up gorgeous lights and lantern displays, and enjoying special rum-soaked treats and desserts like black cake.

On top of its big Christmas love, St. Lucia is a well-known and highly accessible Caribbean hotspot. Just beware: it’ll be pricey over the holidays—but well worth your time and money, in my opinion.

Want to celebrate Christmas in St. Lucia style?

Jamaica

You might already know about two tenets of Christmastime in Jamaica: fruit cake (aka Christmas cake) and sorrel.

The former is a heavily spiced cake that’s soaked with rum and dark in color—yum. The latter is a drink made from the sorrel plant, which sometimes includes rum.

But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Jamaicans adore Christmas, which includes the big Grand Market day—aka Christmas Eve. Locals shop and catch up with one another before heading to church. Many hotels and resorts also include unique holiday packages for visitors so that they can sample Christmas in the local way.

Best of all, it’s the most affordable pick on this list, along with the US Virgin Islands. Haven’t explored the Caribbean yet? I say start in Jamaica.

Dreaming of Christmas in Jamaica?

Trinidad & Tobago

Just like Jamaica, locals in Trinidad & Tobago take their Christmas festivities very seriously. Parang is one of the most iconic signs of the holiday season. This musical tradition includes Spanish lyrics, calypso musical influences, and full-scale bands playing guitars, cuartos, violins, and more. Paranging, as its called, is caroling according to local musical customs.

Unlike Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago isn’t nearly as popular for American tourists. Its infrastructure is more limited, and its hotels are pricier. I suggest booking a trip to Trinidad & Tobago if you’re a little more focused on upscale beachy resorts versus Christmas-themed excursions. (But seriously—don’t miss the parang!)

Join the paranging:

US Virgin Islands

I’m drifting away from Christmas culture with this suggestion. To put it simply, the only place easier and more affordable for Americans in the Caribbean is probably the Bahamas. (Or possibly Puerto Rico.)

Thanks to its long list of hotels and resorts that regularly cater to Americans, you can find flights, rooms, and activities easily. But let’s not lose sight of Caribbean Christmas cheer—or ignore the many festivities that take place.

USVI is home to the Crucian Christmas Festival (on St. Croix), which includes live music, street parties, and more. On top of that, many hotels and resorts offer specialized Christmas packages, from themed meals to grand galas to Santa meet-and-greets.

Make this year a USVI Christmas: