How Christmas markets boost your well-being even if you’re not into Christmas (plus my favorites)
Here we are, just days away from my favorite holiday. I get it—this time of year isn’t everyone’s idea of holiday magic. And I can empathize to an extent: there’s the relentless commercialization (Christmas sales in early November? Really?), the soul-crushing crowds on streets and in airports, the forced cheer with family members you’d rather avoid, or the melancholy of being alone while everyone else is surrounded by their more-or-less annoying relatives. It’s a lot, I know.
But to me, Christmas isn’t something that ambushes you in late December, demanding you just deal with it. Instead, it’s like an Advent calendar: each day leading up to it is a small, sweet surprise. The magic of Christmas lies in the anticipation, the waiting, the preparation —and Christmas markets are a delightful part of that festive build-up.
They’re a fantastic mood-booster
Let’s start with the most immediate effect Christmas markets will have on you: they’ll cheer you up. (And if not naturally, then with a little help from your trusty companions—punch or mulled wine.) It’s December, and if there’s no snow to make it properly Christmassy, the cold, rain, and gloom can feel relentless. But don’t worry, neuroscience has your back: Christmas cheer is a real, bona fide emotion.
Christmas markets are brimming with joy—the kind that comes from steaming food and drinks, music filling the air, tipsy and happy crowds laughing and chatting, and the cozy sight of woolen mittens and scarves at every turn. And, of course, there are the lights. So many lights—twinkling, glowing, and casting a warm, magical glow over the stalls and streets.
If I had to crown the happiest Christmas markets, Zagreb, Bern, and Cologne would undoubtedly top my list.
Zagreb enchants with its sprawling setup, where each corner offers something new—from live performances to ice-skating rinks, and even a tunnel turned into a whimsical winter wonderland. Bern, on the other hand, exudes a more intimate charm, nestled against the backdrop of its UNESCO-listed old town, with the scent of roasted chestnuts mingling with mulled wine. And then there’s Cologne, where the markets are as grand as the cathedral that looms nearby, with themes ranging from traditional to fairy-tale, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
These markets don’t just sell ornaments and treats—they create an atmosphere, a feeling of stepping into a festive snow globe, whether it’s snowing or not. It’s almost impossible to leave without feeling lighter, happier, and filled with that unmistakable holiday spirit.
They strengthen the sense of belonging
The sociologist Émile Durkheim called it collective effervescence - that magical, shared energy that arises when people come together. It’s why, during the festive season, we’re often more altruistic, more inclined to help strangers, and more aware of our connection to a larger community. This sense of togetherness inspires us to contribute to something beyond ourselves.
At a Christmas market, whether you’re with friends or wandering solo, this feeling is almost inevitable. The sights, sounds, and smells envelop you, and suddenly, you’re part of something big, cozy, and wonderfully alive. (And yes, the warmth helps—thank you, hot drinks, snug sweaters, and bustling crowds. If it’s 25°C outside, though—sorry, Spain, sorry, Italy—that’s just not the vibe I mean. The countries that truly excel at Christmas markets are the ones that have a proper winter: Switzerland, Austria, Germany, France and Belgium.)
For this particular sense of belonging, a few Christmas markets hold a special place in my heart: Basel, Berlin, and Zurich.
Basel’s is a glowing gem, with its charming stalls and unbeatable festive atmosphere. Berlin’s markets spread across the city, offer everything from cozy neighborhood vibes to extravagant displays under the iconic Gendarmenmarkt lights. And in Zurich, you’re spoiled for choice: whether it’s the grandeur of the train station market, the elegance of Europaallee, or the magical settings near the Opera House and Münsterhof, each has its own way of pulling you into the collective holiday spirit.
They are a source of inspiration
How, you ask with a raised eyebrow, can slow-walking and loud crows possibly inspire me in any way?
Well, let me hit you with some science: festive days, with all their sentimental charm, are a treasure trove of nostalgia. Why? Because our bodies are practically swimming in a cocktail of feel-good hormones: oxytocin (the "love hormone"), dopamine, and serotonin. Together, these delightful chemical friends light up our brains with joy and pleasure, triggered by memories, smells, and yes, even the taste of that too-sweet-but-perfectly-acceptable gingerbread. And here’s the kicker: this nostalgia isn’t just a cozy feeling. It’s often a wellspring of creative inspiration. Go ahead, blame your next great idea on mulled wine and Christmas lights!
As for the most inspiring markets? Well, for me, Brussels and Strasbourg are absolute front-runners, although all Christmas markets are inspiring in their own way. There's something about those cobblestone streets, the scent of roasting chestnuts in the air, and the warm glow of festive lights that get the creative juices flowing faster than you can say vin chaud.
In Brussels, the Grand Place turns into a glittering spectacle, with a towering Christmas tree and light shows that feel like they’re plucked straight from a dream. The atmosphere? Cozy, bustling, and filled with the irresistible aroma of waffles and hot chocolate. Meanwhile, Strasbourg, often called the "Capital of Christmas," offers a market that's as charming as it is historic. Picture wooden chalets adorned with twinkling lights, selling everything from hand-crafted ornaments to spiced wine, all set against the backdrop of medieval architecture. It's the kind of place where you can't help but feel inspired by the beauty, the history, and yes, the seasonal cheer. Perfect for sparking creativity—or just getting lost in the holiday spirit.
They spark gratitude
Everyone talks about gratitude these days, and to be honest, sometimes it can be a little … grating. Don’t get me wrong—I’m all about gratitude. I keep my gratitude journals, express thanks every day, and genuinely believe it’s one of those emotions that can pull you out of the dumps. But the way gratitude is marketed now, sold like a bag of chestnuts at every turn… I’m just not buying it.
Christmas markets, on the other hand, can spark that kind of gratitude. If you can look at them as places of gathering and warmth rather than a commercial frenzy of booze and knick-knacks, you’ll find that they trigger the release of those magical hormones—dopamine, oxytocin, and serotonin. You know, the ones that kick in when you're surrounded by lights, music, and memories. And if you're lucky enough to be with someone you love, in a place that moves you, while sipping on hot chocolate... well, that’s the perfect recipe for gratitude.
This happened to me in Einsiedeln, a charming little municipality near Zurich. And this place is special in so many ways. First off, the Christmas market runs for just 10 days a year, so there’s a sense of exclusivity like you’re in on a secret (this year you’ve missed it, plan carefully next year!) Then, the highlight of the market is the magnificent abbey perched on a hill, casting its peaceful presence over the town and the surrounding mountains. And of course, the beauty of this market lies in its subtlety. Not too many people know about it, so it doesn’t feel overcrowded or commercialized.
The market stretches through the town, winding all the way up to the abbey, and when you get there, you can literally—and metaphorically—look back on the journey you’ve taken. It’s one of those moments that fill you with a deep sense of gratitude for the beauty of the world. A gentle snowfall or a cozy mug of chai latte can make you feel like the world has paused just for you. And there’s something magical about being in a place that reminds you to appreciate the small things and the big moments alike.
They are a reminder to indulge
Christmas markets are magical, all of them. But let’s not beat around the festively decorated bush—the uncontested grande dame of Christmas markets is Vienna. It’s a perfect cocktail of elegance, charm, and history, with markets set against some of the most jaw-dropping architecture in Europe. This city doesn’t just do Christmas; it stages a grand production, complete with lights, music, and enough mulled wine to warm even the most jaded of souls.
I may be a bit biased here. During my years in the glorious Danube city, my apartment was just a stone's throw from the Rathaus (City Hall), the epicenter of Vienna’s Christmas market extravaganza. Imagine being able to casually stroll to this glittering wonderland whenever you needed a dose of holiday cheer—or another cup of hot punch. It was indulgence on demand, and it was glorious.
But Vienna doesn’t just celebrate Christmas; it hosts Christmas like the star of the show, effortlessly commanding your attention with its aristocratic beauty. While other cities might offer quaint holiday markets, Vienna throws a full-blown sensory spectacle. The entire city transforms into one massive celebration as if to say, “Let’s go all out now, folks—January’s austerity will be here soon enough.”
The Rathaus market is, of course, the grand centerpiece. Picture rows of stalls brimming with handcrafted ornaments, sugary treats, and steaming drinks, all under the glow of lights that make the Gothic architecture look even more dazzling. But the magic doesn’t stop there. Vienna’s smaller markets, like those at Spittelberg or Belvedere Palace, offer a more intimate charm. At Spittelberg, you can wander cobblestone streets with a mug of mulled wine, while at Belvedere, you’ll find a market framed by one of the most stunning baroque buildings in the city.
Vienna’s Christmas markets aren’t just places to shop or snack; they’re a permission slip to indulge in the beauty, joy, and warmth of the season. And trust me, it’s an indulgence worth every sip of mulled wine and every sparkle of light.
My Christmas market recommendations:
Zagreb
Bern
Cologne
Basel
Berlin
Zurich
Brussels
Strasbourg
Einsiedeln (Zurich)
… and the star of them all, Vienna
As we count down the days to Christmas, may your holiday season be filled with the magic of twinkling lights, the warmth of steaming mugs of mulled wine, and the joy of shared moments—whether with family, friends, or even a cheerful crowd of strangers at a Christmas market. If you can, visit one of these enchanting markets in their final days—be it the grandeur of Vienna, the charm of Zurich, or the wonder of Strasbourg—and let the festive spirit wrap around you like a cozy winter scarf. There's something uniquely special about savoring those last magical moments of the season and reflecting on the year behind us—just as I plan to do next week.
Until then, wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a heart full of festive cheer!
What are your favorite Christmas markets? Leave a comment below!
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