With Christmas around the corner, all over the world stalls are being prepped, wine is being mulled and chestnuts are being roasted – it’s almost time for Christmas markets to open their doors.
Germany’s Christmas markets have historically drawn in tourists from all over, and France’s Strasbourg plays host to one of the oldest and most visited Christmas markets on the planet – but which markets around the globe are tourists starting to appreciate more?
The travel insurance specialists at InsureandGo have revealed which markets are seeing the biggest spikes in interest compared to previous years, with Swansea in the UK taking the top spot as the UK’s most up and coming destination to visit a Christmas market.
The top three in the UK is completed by York and London, two festive cities that offer tons of fun activities for the end of the year.
2023’s Top UK Christmas Markets to Visit
| Rank | [location] + Christmas market | Increase in popularity versus Aug-Oct 2022 |
| 1 | Swansea | 84% |
| 2 | York | 83% |
| 3 | London | 50% |
| 4 | Bath | 49% |
| 5 | Nottingham | 49% |
| 6 | Belfast | 49% |
| 7 | Newcastle upon Tyne | 24% |
| 8 | Sheffield | 24% |
| 9 | Liverpool | 23% |
| 10 | Glasgow | 23% |
- Swansea
With a Bavarian bar offering hot chocolate and mulled wine, vendors selling Christmas crafts and a Caroler’s cabin – Swansea is the perfect city to enjoy some festive celebrations this Christmas. And it seems many are realising this too, with Swansea Christmas market having seen an 84% increase in searches since this time last year. - York
Having seen an 83% increase in searches since this time last year, York ranks in second just behind Swansea. Touted as one of the UK’s most festive cities, York’s Christmas market is one not to miss. Purchase Yorkshire produce at the Made in Yorkshire Yuletide village, and wander down Parliament street to peruse the many stalls offering festive wares. - London
The UK’s capital offers no end of festive activities, from Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland to Somerset House’s alpine lodge and ice skating rink. As popular as ever, the city has seen a 50% increase in searches for Christmas markets since last year, with people flocking to the numerous events to enjoy the festivities.
2023’s Top 20 Christmas Markets to Visit
With an increase in searches of 650%, Seattle ranks as the most up and coming Christmas market of 2023, followed by Belgrade in Serbia (387%) and Tallinn in Estonia (236%).
| Rank | [location] + Christmas market | Country | Increase in popularity versus Aug-Oct 2022 |
| 1 | Seattle | United States of America | 650% |
| 2 | Belgrade | Serbia | 387% |
| 3 | Tallinn | Estonia | 236% |
| 4 | Gdańsk | Poland | 175% |
| 5 | Ljubljana | Slovenia | 140% |
| 6 | Arlington | United States of America | 127% |
| 7 | Antwerp | Belgium | 123% |
| 8 | Tokyo | Japan | 122% |
| 9 | Málaga | Spain | 116% |
| 10 | Athens | Greece | 108% |
| 11 | Porto | Portugal | 108% |
| 12 | Sofia | Bulgaria | 90% |
| 13 | Boston | United States of America | 90% |
| 14 | Montreux | Switzerland | 89% |
| 15 | Utrecht | The Netherlands | 85% |
| 16 | Sibiu | Romania | 85% |
| 17 | Tbilisi | Georgia | 84% |
| 18 | Swansea | Wales | 84% |
| 19 | Geneva | Switzerland | 84% |
| 20 | Lisbon | Portugal | 83% |
- Seattle, United States of America
Seattle’s Christmas market is happening for the first time this year. From the same people that created the famous Vancouver Christmas market, Seattle’s promises to include an eye-catching Christmas carousel, a Lover’s Lane light installation and local musicians performing traditional holiday music.
- Belgrade, Serbia
If you find yourself in Belgrade this Christmas period, head straight to Knez Mihailova street where the city’s festive spirit comes alive. The entire street is decked out in Christmas decorations with stalls selling all manner of festive things. Don’t miss the odžak cake, a traditional Serbian pastry that is shaped like a chimney and contains chocolate and other sweets.
- Tallinn, Estonia
Tallinn’s Christmas market has increased in popularity in recent years but is a hallmark of festive tradition for Estonians living in the capital. Held in the Town Hall Square, the Christmas tree has been set up in the same place every year since 1441 and is said to have been the first Christmas tree ever to be put on display in Europe.
Chris Rolland, CEO at InsureandGo adds: “The festive period is such a fantastic time to travel, with traditional events specific to each destination offering so much to discover. We wanted to find out which markets are drawing in more visitors than they used to and were thrilled to see some unique locations in the rankings, beyond the classic places we tend to think of when we consider Christmas markets.
“While travelling during this period is incredibly exciting, it’s always important to be prepared when visiting busy places where many people will be in attendance. Keep your belongings close by and be informed about the destination you’re visiting. To make sure you’re fully covered,particularly if you’re planning on visiting multiple markets in different countries this year, remember your annual multi-trip travel insurance, so you can make the most of every moment.”
For more information on annual travel insurance, visit: https://www.insureandgo.com/travel-insurance/annual-travel-insurance/
