The holiday season is the perfect excuse to put on a sparkly coat, sip mulled wine, and explore some of the world’s most enchanting Christmas markets, with a quirky twist of course. Whether you want to stroll the cobblestones of Europe, enjoy a snow-covered Canadian village, or immerse yourself in the subtropical festivities of Asia, these markets promise. Holiday magic and LGBTQ+ friendly atmosphere It makes every night feel like a party.
Paris: twinkling lights and strange nights
Every November, Paris transforms into a glittering wonderland with markets that combine festive charm and artistic flair. Strolling around tuileries gardenslide on an ice rink or hop over to Montmartre to enjoy cozy chalets and artisanal hospitality. When the sun goes down, Le Marais is home to quirky nightlife, from drag shows to late-night cocktails.
Highlights and details:
- date: Late November to early January
- market: Tuileries Gardens, Montmartre, Saint-Germain-des-Prés
- Queer nightlife: Bars and Clubs in Le Marais
- Hotel: Nolinsky, Monsieur Aristide – stylish and centered
Vienna: classic elegance and a modern queer twist
Vienna’s markets look like they came out of a snow globe. city ​​hall square Sparkling with 150 food stalls, festive music and a fairytale ice rink. Spittelberg offers boutique shopping and intimate wine tasting. Queer travelers can warm up after a day of market hopping by strolling through Naschmarkt’s cafes and cozy cocktail bars.
Highlights and details:
- market: Town Hall Square, Maria Theresienplatz, Spittelberg
- date: Mid-November to December 24th
- Stay Queer Friendly: Josefshof am Rathaus, 4-star boutique charm
London: Festive mood and great fun for great people
London is bustling with Christmas. Hyde Park Winter Wonderland offers rides, cabins and the UK’s largest ice rink, while Covent Garden and Southbank feature boutique shopping and performances. Soho and Vauxhall are lit up at night with queer cabaret and club events, making them the perfect place for a festive queer escape.
Highlights and details:
- date: Late November to early January
- market: Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, Covent Garden, Southbank
- Queer nightlife: soho, vauxhall
- Hotel: Montagu Place Hotel (The Hoxton)
Edinburgh: cobblestones, castles and queer cheer
Edinburgh’s festive charm is unparalleled. East Princess Street Gardens It features over 70 food stalls, the Big Wheel, and a Santa Train that takes you through a sparkling winter wonderland. Scottish Market in St Andrew Square It’s a haven for local crafts, food and drink. After skating at the George Street ice rink, pop into New Town’s queer-friendly bars for hot cocktails and revelry.
Highlights and details:
- market: East Princes Street Gardens, St Andrew Square, George Street, Castle Street
- date: Mid-November to early January
- Queer friendly hotels: Rutland Hotel, Le Monde Hotel
Budapest: Folk Magic and Queer Nights
Budapest is a city that combines tradition and nightlife. Velemarti Square While being enchanted by Hungarian crafts, chimney cakes and daily concerts, Advent in St. Stephen’s Cathedral Add ice skating and 3D light show. Pest’s Jewish quarter is a hub for queer nightlife, from ruin bars to drag performances.
Highlights and details:
- date: November 15th to January 5th
- market: Velemarty Square, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Óbuda
- Queer friendly hotels: Noble Boutique Hotel – Adults Only, Casati Budapest Hotel
Montreal: snowflakes and strange sparkles
of montreal Le Grand Marche de Noel Atwater Market offers log cabins, mulled wine, and artisan sweets. noel dan le parc Bring on the circus performers and the bonfire. The Gay Village’s Rue Sainte-Catherine is home to a vibrant queer nightlife, with easy access from market to bar.
Highlights and details:
- date: November 21st – January 4th
- market: Atwater Market, Noel Dans Le Parc, Quartier Latin
- Queer friendly hotels: Le Square Philips Hôtel & Suites (Le Mount Stephen)
Taipei: Subtropical light and a New Year’s toast
Taipei proved that you don’t need snow for Christmas. Christmasland in New Taipei City It features a fairy light tunnel, giant projections, and Taiwan’s tallest Christmas tree. On New Year’s Eve, gather at Taipei 101 to watch the fireworks, then enjoy the quirky nightlife at The Red House.
Highlights and details:
- date: November 28th – January 1st
- market: Christmas Land, Yoshikiyo Christmas Alley, Shin-Nakayama, Kokan Water Park
- Queer friendly hotels: W Hotel Citizen M Taipei North Gate
Salzburg: Romance of the Alps
of salzburg Christkindlmarkt Cathedral Square will enchant you with mulled wine, gingerbread and nativity scenes. Quaint horse-drawn carriages and alpine charm create a romantic atmosphere. Salzburg’s boutique hotels are small and intimate, perfect for queer travelers looking for charm and intimacy.
Highlights and details:
- date: Late November to December 24th
- Queer friendly hotels: Hotel Elephant Salzburg
Manchester: industrial charm meets quirky festivals
Manchester combines historic charm with modern flair. albert square and cathedral garden There will be an ice rink, pop-up bar and artisan food stalls. canal street It offers a lively queer nightlife to round out the day of festivities.
Highlights and details:
- date: Mid-November to December 24th
- Queer friendly hotels: King Street Townhouse
- Queer nightlife: canal street
Scandinavian markets: Oslo and Stockholm
- Oslo: Youngstorget Market and Spykersuppa Market are filled with crafts and mulled wine. Ice skating and the Grünerlokka bar make for a queer-friendly evening. stay in Thon Hotel Opera.
- Stockholm: Gamla Stan’s Stortorget, Skansen and Kungstrad Gardens offer gregs, gingerbread and horse-drawn carriages. Areas with thriving LGBTQ+ nightlife Södermalm. stay in Hotel Scheppsholmen.
Cologne: Romance along the Rhine
Cologne sparkles with its market beside its Gothic cathedral. stall Rudolf Square Harbor Market offers gingerbread, mulled wine, and artisanal gifts. Cologne’s queer scene flourishes Eigelstein and Friesenviertelguaranteeing festive fun from dusk till dawn. 25hours Hotel The Circle A chic hideaway for travelers.
From cobblestone streets to snowy piazzas to subtropical lights, these queer-friendly Christmas markets offer festive magic, LGBTQ+ vibes, and memories that last long after the holidays. Pack your warmest coat, your boldest outfit, and a craving for a festive cocktail. The world is ready to celebrate with you.
Source: Gayety – gayety.com
