California beat out Germany in new rankings of world’s best Christmas markets

The cold weather has truly set in this week and up and down the nation Brits are searching for the most magical festive events.

There are trails of light that glitter in parks and gardens – we particularly like Kew’s offering.

Plus, of course, Christmas markets in local towns and cities.

READ MORE: Full list of UK Christmas markets going ahead in 2022 as Leeds and Glasgow cancel events

Earlier this week, we put together a list of most major markets on offer in 2022 – and those that have already cancelled the festivities.

It’s not surprising so many of us love the traditional stalls, mugs of mulled wine and special gifts to be found at a market.

Those who love a tipple will particularly like any with a bierkeller.

But, if you’re willing to get a train to the big smoke or hop on a plane to Europe you could experience one of the world’s best Christmas Markets instead of your local.

New research by Planet Cruise reveals that New York, Bryant Park Winter village is the best Christmas market in the world for 2022 – but two UK markets made the top 10.

Bryant Park Winter Village, New York, US, is open for a whopping 129 days this year from October 28 to March 5 2022.

Around 170 stalls and kiosks selling food, drink, gifts, artisan products and more will be open throughout.

Plus, the show-stopping 17,000sq ft ice skating rink with free admission will be erected alongside a large Christmas tree.

A carousel will open for kids to ride and acts like juggling, movie nights, picnic performances, the American Symphony Orchestra and bingo will keep you entertained.

Broadway singers will also come to Bryant park as well as children’s camps, bumper cars, chess tournaments, curling, fitness classes and cozy rental igloos.

The Lodge – an outdoor apres-ski themed area is perfect for grabbing a cocktail in the New York snow. nAdmission is free; bryantpark.org

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, London, came in second much to our pleasure…

Half Christmas Market, half theme park and show venue, Winter Wonderland 2022 has a whopping 200 stalls and will be open for 45 days from November 18 to January 2.

Traditional German sausage stalls will be joined by bars with fire pits, live music, a street food village and even Thor’s Tipi where you can snuggle up under blankets.

There’s also an 80s après ski bar where even the tables, chairs, and glasses are made of ice – and you get a free cocktail with every ticket.

Plus, there’s the UK’s largest open air ice rink and an incredible 45m ice slide with six lanes to race your family on.

The Magical Ice Kingdom will entice visitors with secrets passages, a life sized uniform, an Ice Palace and more – all made of 500 tonnes of snow taken from the Lakes of Europe and Canada.

Tickets cost from £7.50; hydeparkwinterwonderland.com

In third place was the Toronto Christmas Market up in snowy Canada.

It has 80 fun cabins selling seasonal items and gifts, delicious food, jewellery, artisanal accessories, home decor and one-of-a-kind art work.

Guests won’t go hungry as there’s 12 food kiosks serving everything from raclette to pizza, churros and empanadas, lobster rolls and sushi burritos.

Plus, drinkers can get stuck into the Naughty or Nice Bar, Cluny Light Tunnel Bar, El Catrin Bar, and the Madrina Bar.

Kids and adults alike will get plenty of snaps at the holiday photo walls with giant 11ft LED stars and "snow people".

You can of course meet the big guy and his elves or head on a gingerbread hunt.

Tickets start at 11CAD (£7.15) each; thedistillerywintervillage.com.

Hyde Park wasn't the only UK market to make the list. York was also hailed as a must-visit, and this year it will be glowing in festive decorations as residents celebrate the 30th anniversary of the St Nicholas Fair.

York’s Christmas Festival will run from November 17 to 23 December and have around 100 fabulous stalls.

You can buy everything from luxury stationary to Yorkshire Pudding beer at the many artisan stalls.

Plus enjoy the food of Switzerland at traditional Swiss chalet, The Winter Hütte. – Ffom gluhwein to hot chocolate, gourmet sausages to mountains of cheese and alpine dumplings and pheasant. visityork.org

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Top 10 Christmas Markets in the world:

  1. Bryant Park Winter Village, New York, US
  2. Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, London
  3. Toronto Christmas Market, Toronto, Canada
  4. Spruce Meadows Christmas Markets, California, US
  5. York Christmas Markets, York
  6. Union Square Holiday Market, New York, US
  7. Frankfurt Christmas Market, Germany
  8. Dresden Christmas Market, Germany
  9. Wroclaw Christmas Market, Poland
  10. Krakow Christmas Market, Poland

Commenting on the research, a spokesperson from Planet Cruise says: “Christmas is around the corner and what better way to enjoy the festive time than spending time with your loved ones at one of the world’s best Christmas markets.

"With travel being more accessible today it is magical that people can experience the festive season in a variety of different countries.

"Experiencing the different festive traditions, food, drink, decorations, weather, atmosphere, and everything that comes with this time of year is a must-do experience.”

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