In the mood for a bit of holiday cheer?

Celebrate the holiday season no matter where your travels take you... if you're looking for a way to feel festive when abroad, visiting unique holiday markets and events is a great way to immerse yourself in the local culture. You may also find some truly unique gifts for your friends, your family, and even yourself!

Here you'll discover some unique holiday festivities across the globe, from Europe to the USA.

Milan, Italy

Europe has some of the best traditional Christmas markets in the whole world. Italian Christmas markets are usually hosted in piazzas, where you can find unique antiques, interesting baked goods, mulled wine, and other excellent Italian delicacies. Bring cash for gifts, but come with extra cash and an empty stomach, too!

The most traditional market is the Mercatino di Natale at Piazza Duomo, or the market at Piazza Castello, where you can Christmas shop with the stunning scenery around you. Be entertained while you shop and find some of the best sweet treats in all of Italy at Il Villaggio delle Meraviglie at the Indro Montanelli Gardens.

For eco chic accommodation and local Italian slow food, check out Star Hotels' E.c.ho Milan and their fabulous bar and restaurant Orto by Eataly.

Berlin, Germany

At the Christmas Market at Sophienstraße you'll find all kinds of sustainable gifts and eco treats. Organic, fair trade, locally sourced and handcrafted... bratwurst, waffles, mulled wine and vegan dishes are served.

Or you can head for the rooftops, reindeer style, at the Christmas Market at Klunkerkranich. Known for their handmade local gifts, music and treats, and obviously for the view, this is a Berlin favorite.

San Francisco Bay Area, CA

The San Francisco Bay Area loves to get into the holiday spirit! San Francisco has an outdoor skating rink and a giant gingerbread house at the Fairmont Hotel to light up the eyes of little ones. If you want to give yourself a little holiday treat, sign up for the North Beach Holiday Wine Walk, where boutique wine vendors open their doors for guests to sample wine and shop… this year honoring immigrants in Little Italy.

If you're in the mood for a Victorian Christmas, don't miss the Great Dickens Christmas Fair in Daly City.

Where to stay? The San Francisco Zen Center offers lovely, affordable rooms right in the heart of SF.

Saas-Fee, Switzerland

This gorgeous ski village in the Alps completes the picture of a winter wonderland with a magical Christmas market. The Saas-Fee holiday market has something for all ages. There are holiday performances, a Peace mass, and a church choir performance. For kids’ activities, try candle-dipping, gingerbread decorating, and lantern making. 

You'll be in even better spirits with an overnight booking at WellnessHostel4000 where you can add a blissful spa experience and a hot toddy fireside!

(For new visitors to our blog: Kynder is a travel platform featuring kind + eco hospitality establishments and tour companies around the globe. Feel free to explore our site to find new favorite places to stay, eat, treat and retreat!)