We’ve officially entered the festive period and there’s only one way out: throwing ourselves into every Christmas-related event possible with a mug of mulled wine in one hand and a leg of turkey in the other. Whilst the twinkling wooden huts in European destinations such as Prague, Vienna, Copenhagen and Berlin are synonymous with Christmas markets, we thought we’d sprinkle a little more variety on your list this year. Welcome to our list of the very best Christmas markets outside of Europe.
Dubai Christmas Markets:
Yes, you heard us right. Dubai may not have the snowfall that you might typically associate with a Christmas market, but they make up for it in spades with festive gusto. We recommend an evening outing at the sprawling Madinat Jumeirah market. With its gingerbread house decorating sessions, bungee jumping, ‘snow’ fight zone, and live music, you’ll basically feel like you’re in a souped-up Lapland. We bring you Christmas, Dubai style.
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Madinat Jumeirah Dar Al Masyaf
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Tokyo Christmas Markets:
Tokyo is aflutter with mind-boggling festive traditions around this time of year. We’re picking out romantic dates on Christmas Eve and KFC for Christmas dinner as two of the most unusual by our standards. All things considered, the Christmas markets in Tokyo are pretty close to the Continental style. Stroll around the wooden stalls strung with twinkling lights with a glühwein, weissbier, or schnitzel. The only real difference between the Roppongi Hills Christmas Market and Prague’s Wenceslas Square? Everyone is speaking Japanese.
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Florida Christmas Markets:
So it may come as a surprise that the Sunshine State is home to the ‘World’s Largest Christmas Maze and Market’. Head to St.Petersburg‘s annual ‘Enchant’ extravaganza where the maze itself centres around a gargantuan 80-foot Christmas tree decked to the nines in festive garb. Get lost amidst towering illuminated sculptures, go ice-skating along a festive trail, spend time perusing over 40 local artisanal stalls, or pose for a picture with Santa. The choice is all yours.
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Jamaica Christmas Markets:
Kingston’s lively Grand Market (often referred to locally as ‘Gran Market’), is one of the most eagerly anticipated events of the festive season. Held on Christmas Eve, the market sees the streets erupt with colourful activity. Stalls sell boiled corn, jerk chicken, and candy canes, meanwhile decorations, clothing, and toys are also up for grabs. Soundsystems pump music into the market well into the next day and you may even spot a questionable Santa Claus impersonator or two.
Stay here:
Jewel Dunn’s River Adult Beach Resort & Spa, All-Inclusive
Sandals Royal Plantation Ocho Rios
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