7 must-visit Christmas festivals and markets

Posted 31 October, 2025 Jeremy Rochow

For Australians, who usually experience a summer festive season, a white Christmas is a bit of a novelty.

Here are seven Northern Hemisphere festivals where you might just see some snow while enjoying the Christmas celebrations.

1. Santa Claus Village
Rovaniemi, Finland

The Finnish town of Rovaniemi in Lapland is home to Santa Claus Village. With the Article Circle running right through Santa’s village, it’s the perfect place to celebrate the festive season.

Get a glimpse of Santa’s home, enjoy festive food and drinks and be enchanted by the Christmas lights.

Don’t forget to visit the huskies and reindeer that call the region home – you might even be lucky enough to see the northern lights from Finland’s Arctic Garden. Can’t visit during the Christmas period? Santa Claus Village is open all-year round.

2. Winter Wonders and Christmas Market
Brussels, Belgium

Visit the Winter Wonders Christmas festival in the heart of Brussels and ice skate, ride the Ferris wheel and be wowed by light shows and a huge Christmas tree.

At the market, which spans Place Saint Catherine, Grand-Place and Marche aux Poissons, more than 200 traditional wooden chalets sell treasures, gifts, food and drinks.

Enjoy a Belgian waffle or snack on some gingerbread as you peruse the stalls. Running from late November until the end of December, more than four million locals and visitors attend Belgium’s winter wonderland.

3. Distillery Christmas Village
Toronto, Canada

Across the Atlantic, in Canada’s largest city, you’ll find the Distillery Christmas Village. Toronto’s original and world-famous Christmas market sees the Distillery District’s cobblestone streets transform into a festival wonderland.

The festival offers the charm of a European Christmas market with a Canadian flavour. See brass bands and folk dancers perform or take a distillery walking tour.

4. The Holidays at Rockefeller Center
New York, United States of America

New York is known for its New Year’s Eve celebrations, but why not spend Christmas in the Big Apple?

Celebrate the holiday season at the Rockefeller Center and see the world-famous Christmas tree, go ice skating at the rink or cozy up in the Après Skate Chalets.

Christmas is also the perfect time to take the skyline from the Top of the Rock for panoramic views of Manhattan and beyond.

5. Fukuoka Christmas Market
Fukuoka, Japan

Fukuoka on the northern shores of Japan’s Kyushu Island hosts Christmas markets inspired by those found in Europe.

Taking place at Ohori Park during December, the market features illuminations, live music, and stalls selling handicrafts, festive decorations and culinary delights from both Europe and Japan.

6. Craiova Christmas Market
Craiova, Romania

This hidden gem in Romania blends Christmas magic with tradition. It’s the largest Christmas market in Europe and it features amusements, illuminations, an ice rink and more.

Visitors can experience four different Christmas worlds in Craiova. Step into the enchanted land of Beauty and the Beast, visit Santa’s Village, enjoy a traditional Romanian Christmas or head into space with a special galactic Christmas.

7. Christmas in Tivoli
Copenhagen, Denmark

From mid-November through to early January, the Denmark capital’s whimsical Tivoli Gardens turns into a winter wonderland. Traditional bands play festive songs and there are extravagant light displays throughout the park.

Savour sweet treats like honey cake as you explore the market or ride the Ferris wheel. If you’re looking for a bit of a thrill, jump on one of the many rides, including The Demon rollercoaster or The Golden Tower 63m freefall.

The little ones may prefer the classic carousel, with horses, elephants and even lions on offer for children to ride.