The Top Gay Christmas Markets & Festive Events

The Top Gay & Gay Friendly Christmas Markets 2023

From the fairytale Christmas Markets of Austria and Germany to the Winter wonderlands dotted across North America and Asia, here is our list of the top gay and gay-friendly Christmas Escapes to get you in the festive spirit!

Gay Market highlights include Heavnue in Cologne, Pink Christmas in Munich, Winterpride in Hamburg and Christmas Avenue in Berlin.

The top Gay Christmas Markets & Festive Events 2023
A world of Winter Wonderland awaits…

Gay Market highlights include Heavnue in Cologne, Pink Christmas in Munich, Winterpride in Hamburg and Christmas Avenue in Berlin.

Featured Event

Pink Christmas Munich

From: Nov. 27.2023 - To: Dec. 23.2023

Monday, Nov 24th, 2014

Pink Christmas Munich takes place over the full advent season, last weekend in November to 23 Dec. Right next to the historic graveyard "Alter Südfriedhof",

Provincetown Holly Folly

From: Dec. 01.2023 - To: Dec. 03.2023

Sunday, Nov 16th, 2014

Provincetown Holly Folly is a weekend long festival of fun shopping, parties, events and cultural activities to kick start your Christmas celebrations.

Venice Christmas Markets

From: Dec. 02.2023 - To: Dec. 24.2023

Sunday, Oct 21st, 2018

Highlights of December and January Christmas markets include shopping for gifts such as their world-renowned hand-blown glass, midnight Mass at St. Mark’s and fireworks on New Year’s Eve

Never miss another event again.

Top Christmas Markets, Festivals and Events

A little something for everyone, from parades to shopping sprees!

Smokey Mountain Christmas

From: Nov. 11.2022 - To: Jan. 06.2024

Wednesday, Apr 28th, 2021

Smokey Mountain Christmas once guests enter the gates, they understand why Dollywood’s is the perfect place to get into the Christmas spirit.

Christmas in New York

From: Oct. 26.2023 - To: Jan. 02.2024

Monday, Oct 24th, 2016

Every Christmas, thousands of New Yorkers (and tourists) travel to the bright and brilliant nexus of town: the Rockefeller Christmas Tree.

Birmingham German Christmas Markets

From: Nov. 03.2023 - To: Dec. 24.2023

Monday, Aug 30th, 2021

The Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market is the largest authentic German Market outside of Germany and Austria and brings a fabulous festive atmosphere to the city.

Manchester Christmas Market

From: Nov. 09.2023 - To: Dec. 22.2023

Tuesday, Nov 16th, 2021

Manchester Christmas Market Piccadilly Gardens will take a star turn this festive season, becoming the hub for Christmas in Manchester

Vienna Christmas Markets

From: Nov. 11.2023 - To: Jan. 05.2024

Friday, Nov 21st, 2014

From the middle of November, Vienna's prettiest squares transform into magical Christmas markets.

Christmas and New Year in Boston

From: Nov. 11.2023 - To: Jan. 02.2024

Sunday, Nov 21st, 2021

Christmas and New Year in Boston is a festive and magical occasions with the city transformed into a wonderland of lights and decorations

London Christmas Markets Lights & Attractions

From: Nov. 17.2023 - To: Jan. 02.2024

Tuesday, Nov 16th, 2021

London is brimming with Christmas markets of all shapes and sizes, from the traditional and intimate to fairground style of Winter Wonderland.

Copenhagen Christmas Markets

From: Nov. 17.2023 - To: Dec. 31.2023

Monday, Oct 17th, 2016

Copenhagen is a real Christmas city and oozes of atmosphere during Christmas. Tivoli Gardens' Christmas market is a must, and on top of that you will find many more Christmas markets and activities.

Montreal Christmas Market

From: Nov. 18.2023 - To: Dec. 31.2023

Tuesday, Aug 31st, 2021

Christmas Markets, local products, festive circuits, and fabulous settings, discover the unmissable events to visit during the Montreal Christmas season

Philadelphia Christmas Market and Holiday Attractions

From: Nov. 18.2023 - To: Dec. 24.2023

Tuesday, Aug 31st, 2021

Each year, Philadelphia transforms the iconic Love park into a European wonderland to create the city's Christmas Village

Belfast Christmas Markets

From: Nov. 18.2023 - To: Dec. 22.2023

Thursday, Jan 12th, 2023

Belfast is transformed into a city full of festive cheer and magical markets during the Christmas Season

Denver Christmas Markets and Festive Holiday Attractions

From: Nov. 18.2023 - To: Dec. 23.2023

Tuesday, Aug 31st, 2021

The annual Christkindlmarket brings authentic German and European holiday traditions to Denver!

Charlotte Christmas Village North Carolina

From: Nov. 20.2023 - To: Jan. 06.2024

Tuesday, Aug 31st, 2021

The Charlotte Christmas village has become a much-beloved tradition in the Queen City and takes place from late November each year in the heart of Uptown Charlotte.

Frankfurt Gay Christmas Market

From: Nov. 22.2023 - To: Dec. 22.2023

Friday, Nov 28th, 2014

Smaller and cosier than the popular Römerberg market, this pink-themed Frankfurt Gay Christmas market in Friedrich Stoltze Square is a must-see.

Madrid Christmas & New Years

From: Nov. 23.2023 - To: Jan. 07.2024

Monday, Nov 29th, 2021

As Christmas trees and decorations light up streets and squares, Madrid celebrates everyone's favourite holiday with a programme packed with cultural and leisure activities.

Colmar Christmas Market

From: Nov. 23.2023 - To: Dec. 29.2023

Sunday, Oct 23rd, 2022

Discover Colmar's French Fairytale Christmas markets on the border of Germany in the Alsace region to the east of France

Salzburg Christmas Market and Advent Celebrations

From: Nov. 23.2023 - To: Jan. 01.2024

Monday, Apr 11th, 2022

Salzburg Christmas Market is on Dom and Residenzplatz, home to one of the oldest Advent markets in the world.

Basel Christmas Markets

From: Nov. 23.2023 - To: Dec. 23.2023

Sunday, Nov 13th, 2022

Switzerland was made for Christmas, complete with snow capped mountains, chocolate and chalets; it hosts some of the most authentic markets in Europe, and Basel is the reigning queen of all things festive.

Cologne Christmas Markets

From: Nov. 23.2023 - To: Dec. 23.2023

Wednesday, Nov 5th, 2014

Cologne has some of the world's finest Christmas markets across the city, from traditional to hipster style and even a dedicated gay market.

Savannah Christmas Market & Harbour Boat Parade of Lights

Savannah Christmas Market & Harbor Boat Parade of Lights

From: Nov. 23.2023 - To: Jan. 01.2024

Tuesday, Apr 27th, 2021

Each November, Savannah celebrates the arrival of the Holiday Season with the Harbor Boat Parade of Lights and opens their beautiful Christmas market.

Paris Christmas Markets

From: Nov. 24.2023 - To: Dec. 24.2023

Thursday, Oct 27th, 2022

The City of Lights sparkles in the French Capital during Christmas as Paris celebrates the festive season in style.

Malaga Christmas Lights Markets and New Year Celebrations

From: Nov. 24.2023 - To: Jan. 06.2024

Monday, Nov 21st, 2022

Malaga celebrates Christmas with some of Europe's most spectacular light displays, charming Christmas Markets and mild December afternoons, perfect for exploring its historical attractions

Barcelona Christmas Markets

From: Nov. 24.2023 - To: Jan. 06.2024

Monday, Oct 24th, 2016

From the stunning christmas lights on the Ramblas to the crazy Santa Swim, a Barcelona Christmas is both fun and unique.

Bruges Christmas Market & Winter Glow

From: Nov. 24.2023 - To: Jan. 07.2024

Tuesday, Aug 30th, 2022

Bruges comes alive in December with the scent of fresh waffles, twinkling fairy lights, and snow-dusted cobble streets as the annual Christmas market returns to one of Europe's prettiest Medieval cities

Budapest Christmas Markets

From: Nov. 24.2023 - To: Dec. 31.2023

Monday, Oct 24th, 2016

Budapest is full of Christmas markets, which usually open around mid November and close at the end of December (December 31) each year.

Indianapolis Christmas Events & The Circle of Lights

From: Nov. 24.2023 - To: Dec. 30.2023

Tuesday, May 4th, 2021

Indianapolis turns it up a notch for the holiday season with the Circle of Lights. It’s a display featuring the world’s largest Christmas tree at the Soldier’s and Sailor’s Monument.

Atlanta Christkindl Market & Festive Attractions

From: Nov. 24.2023 - To: Dec. 24.2023

Tuesday, Aug 31st, 2021

the Atlanta Christkindl Market – the city's first and largest winter holiday festival at Centennial Olympic Park presented by the German American Cultural Foundation.

Strasbourg Christmas Markets

From: Nov. 24.2023 - To: Dec. 24.2023

Wednesday, Oct 19th, 2016

It was in Strasbourg in 1570 that the very first edition of the oldest Christmas market in Europe took place, then called the "Christkindelsmärik" (market of the Infant Jesus)

Edinburgh Christmas Markets

From: Nov. 25.2023 - To: Jan. 04.2024

Monday, Oct 24th, 2016

The European Christmas Market in Edinburgh takes place in East Princes St Gardens for a whole host of bespoke and traditional Christmas items!

Brussels Christmas Market

From: Nov. 25.2023 - To: Jan. 01.2024

Tuesday, Oct 18th, 2016

For five festive, fun-filled weeks, the cobbled streets and pretty squares of Brussels spring to life with Winter Wonders, a 2km-long stretch of snow-dusted market chalets, buzzing bars and pop-up restaurants.

Cleveland Winterfest

From: Nov. 25.2023 - To: Jan. 05.2024

Saturday, May 1st, 2021

Held the first Saturday after Thanksgiving, Downtown Cleveland's annual Winterfest is everything you want out of a holiday season

Zagreb Christmas Market Croatia

From: Nov. 26.2023 - To: Jan. 07.2024

Sunday, Oct 23rd, 2022

Zagreb Christmas Market or Advent u Zagrebu is a city-wide event, celebrated right through the New year to the Epiphany, until the 6th of January each year

Pink Christmas Munich

From: Nov. 27.2023 - To: Dec. 23.2023

Monday, Nov 24th, 2014

Pink Christmas Munich takes place over the full advent season, last weekend in November to 23 Dec. Right next to the historic graveyard "Alter Südfriedhof",

Hamburg Winter Pride

From: Nov. 27.2023 - To: Dec. 30.2023

Wednesday, Nov 5th, 2014

The Christmas Market in Hamburg is know as "Hamburg Winter Pride", a social gathering place with great drinking & dining options, close to all the gay bars

Dresden Christmas Markets

From: Nov. 29.2023 - To: Dec. 24.2023

Sunday, Apr 10th, 2022

Dresden is a city filled with Christmas Markets of all sizes. Each market offers a unique charm, specialist gifts and artisanal crafts. The "Christmas mile" extends along Prager Straße to the other side of the Elbe River. Every year more than 2 million people come to Dresden's Christmas market.

Stuttgart Christmas Market

From: Nov. 29.2023 - To: Dec. 23.2023

Friday, Aug 12th, 2022

Stuttgart Christmas Market is one of the most authentic markets in Germany, with a magical Christmas village featuring over 300 different stalls

Valencia Christmas and New Year

From: Nov. 30.2023 - To: Jan. 06.2024

Sunday, Nov 20th, 2022

Valencia is the perfect escape for those looking to celebrate a Christmas full of traditions while enjoying mild Mediterranean temperatures, superb cuisine, vibrant nightlife and a fairytale atmosphere

Nuremberg Christmas Market

From: Dec. 01.2023 - To: Dec. 24.2023

Sunday, Sep 18th, 2022

Celebrate Christmas at one of the world's oldest and most famous Christmas Markets in Nuremberg, the little city of wood and cloth

Charleston Christmas & Holiday Festival of Lights

From: Dec. 01.2023 - To: Dec. 31.2023

Friday, May 7th, 2021

Christmas in Charleston is a magical occasion and the city is the perfect place to escape for a Winter Break.

Christmas and New Year in Nice

From: Dec. 01.2023 - To: Jan. 01.2024

Wednesday, Nov 9th, 2022

Celebrate Christmas and New Year in style in one of the most stylish European cities as Nice celebrates the festive season with glitter and glamour along the Promenade des Anglais

Provincetown Holly Folly

From: Dec. 01.2023 - To: Dec. 03.2023

Sunday, Nov 16th, 2014

Provincetown Holly Folly is a weekend long festival of fun shopping, parties, events and cultural activities to kick start your Christmas celebrations.

Helsinki Christmas Markets

From: Dec. 01.2023 - To: Dec. 22.2023

Sunday, Oct 23rd, 2022

Helsinki is home to one of Europe's most stylish and sophisticated Christmas Markets, cementing the city's reputation for design and an essential part of Helsinki's pikkujoulu (pre-Christmas party) season

Palm Springs Festival of Lights

From: Dec. 02.2023 - To: Dec. 02.2023

Monday, Nov 10th, 2014

The Palm Springs Festival of lights is one of the most magical events in this gay capital! Parade entries include marching bands, drum squads & drill teams.

Gay Christmas and New Year's Eve in New Orleans

Gay Christmas & New Year's Eve in New Orleans

From: Dec. 02.2023 - To: Dec. 31.2023

Tuesday, Nov 29th, 2022

New Orleans is the perfect place to celebrate Christmas and ring in the new year, from gala dinners to all-night parties, street celebrations and more

Prague Christmas Markets

From: Dec. 02.2023 - To: Jan. 06.2024

Tuesday, Oct 18th, 2016

The Christmas markets make Prague a heaven for the Christmas enthusiastic shoppers. Christmas markets are held in many places of this city

Venice Christmas Markets

From: Dec. 02.2023 - To: Dec. 24.2023

Sunday, Oct 21st, 2018

Highlights of December and January Christmas markets include shopping for gifts such as their world-renowned hand-blown glass, midnight Mass at St. Mark’s and fireworks on New Year’s Eve

Habits de Lumiere Epernay France

From: Dec. 08.2023 - To: Dec. 10.2023

Sunday, Nov 6th, 2022

Start your Christmas celebrations early with some bubbles at the Habits de Lumiere festival in Epernay the home of Champagne

Antwerp Christmas Markets

From: Dec. 08.2023 - To: Jan. 07.2024

Sunday, Sep 4th, 2022

Antwerp's beautiful Christmas market opens each year from the beginning of December until the first week of January

Christmas by the Sea Ogunquit

From: Dec. 08.2023 - To: Dec. 10.2023

Sunday, Feb 28th, 2021

Ogunquit hosts a fantastic list of holiday events. Friday night kicks off with Carolers and a Bell Choir Concert plus a cozy bonfire for revelers

The Burning of the Clocks Brighton

From: Dec. 22.2023 - To: Dec. 22.2023

Wednesday, Mar 24th, 2021

The Burning of the Clocks is a celebration of The Winter Solstice on 21st December when Brighton city centre lights up the darkest, shortest day of the year with a unique festival.

Minneapolis & St Paul Winter Carnival

From: Jan. 27.2024 - To: Feb. 05.2024

Saturday, Apr 17th, 2021

Since 1886, the Saint Paul Winter Carnival has brought charming winter events and community pride to Saint Paul and the Twin Cities metro area.

BRUT San Francisco Christmas Party

Awaiting dates

Saturday, Nov 13th, 2021

After the sell-out events over Dore Alley and Folsom Street Weekend in San Francisco, the men of Brüt are back to close out the year holiday style!

Heavenue - The Gay Christmas Market

Awaiting dates

Tuesday, Oct 22nd, 2019

Heavenue is a produced by the same people who bring the "Sexy Cologne" parties to the city. The event is one of the highlights of Christmas in Cologne and features live shows and music every weekend

Chicago Santa Speedo Run Northalsted

Awaiting dates

Tuesday, Nov 16th, 2021

Chicago Santa Speedo Run brings the hottest guys stripped down to their speedos and supporting a great cause.

Sexy Cologne Christmas St. Nicholas Edition

Awaiting dates

Thursday, Sep 9th, 2021

Sexy Cologne host some of the hottest gay circuit parties in Europe and their St Nicholas Christmas Edition is a festive, glitter filled night to remember.

Atlanta Speedo Run

Awaiting dates

Thursday, Apr 8th, 2021

The Atlanta Speedo Run is a non-competitive dash down the Atlanta BeltLine alongside other brave Speedo-clad guys and takes place in early December each year.

Extreme Christmas Weekend San Francisco

Awaiting dates

Monday, Oct 11th, 2021

Kick start your Christmas celebrations early as Ky Martinez presents his Extreme Christmas Weekend in San Francisco

Santa Speedo Run Boston

Awaiting dates

Wednesday, Apr 14th, 2021

The Santa Speedo Run: a fun, zany annual event that supports the Play Ball Foundation and sees thousands of guys run through the streets of Boston in the tiniest speedos

Santa Skivvies San Francisco

Awaiting dates

Tuesday, Jul 27th, 2021

Santa Skivvies is an annual holiday underwear fun run/walk and fundraiser benefiting San Francisco AIDS Foundation

Stockholm Christmas Markets

Awaiting dates

Thursday, Oct 20th, 2016

Whether you enjoy a traditional or contemporary Christmas, Stockholm has something to offer you. Visit a Christmas market, have some glögg and ginger bread and go shopping under the beautiful Christmas decorations that light up the city every year

Glasgow Christmas Markets

Awaiting dates

Sunday, Jul 4th, 2021

The much-loved Glasgow Christmas Markets encompass a variety of colorful stalls, offering a selection of gifts, artisan products and global cuisine set in a festive village

Liverpool Christmas Market

Awaiting dates

Friday, Sep 16th, 2022

Each year, Liverpool's Christmas Markets take over St George's Plateau and the top of William Brown Street to create a festive wonderland full of delicious gifts, food and drink

Christmas Avenue Berlin

Awaiting dates

Sunday, Sep 12th, 2021

Berlin's Gay Christmas Market, "Christmas Avenue", takes over the square at Nollendorfplatz in Berlin's gay district of Schöneberg for a unique market featuring live shows, camp gifts and a very gay Christmas welcome

Enchant Christmas St. Petersburg, Florida

Awaiting dates

Tuesday, Aug 31st, 2021

St. Petersburg's Tropicana Field will plan host to the annual Enchant Christmas market spectacular this holiday season

Christmas & New Year in Lisbon

Awaiting dates

Thursday, Nov 25th, 2021

Come to Lisbon for some Festive fun and wish all those hot Portuguese guys a Feliz Natal (Merry Christmas) and Feliz Ano Novo (Happy New Year)! Lisbon is a city full of traditions, and those traditions come alive even more in the lead up to Christmas and New Year.

Boise Christmas Festival

Awaiting dates

Thursday, Apr 29th, 2021

Join the Idaho Botanical Gardens this holiday season as the Garden is transformed into a twinkling wonderland in Boise.

Andorra Christmas Markets

Awaiting dates

Sunday, Nov 27th, 2022

Andorra makes for a Magical Christmas escape with its valley panoramas and tiny cobbled old quarter transformed into a Winter wonderland with markets, lights, parades and gastronomic delights

Oslo Christmas Markets

Awaiting dates

Saturday, Oct 22nd, 2022

Christmas is a magical time in Oslo with plenty of snow, hot glogg and festive lights filling the city with a festive charm

Christmas and New Year in Taipei

Awaiting dates

Thursday, Nov 10th, 2022

Celebrate Christmas without the cold in the stunning city of Taipei and be one of the first to see the New Year during a spectacular firework celebration

Seville Christmas and New Year

Awaiting dates

Saturday, Nov 12th, 2022

Seville has a rich historical heritage and a unique mix of cultural influences, making its Christmas celebrations some of the most unique in Southern Europe. The streets of Seville fill with beautiful Nativity scenes, musical choirs or "Campanilleros", bustling Christmas Markets and more

Milan Christmas Markets

Awaiting dates

Friday, Oct 28th, 2022

Famous for its glorious Duomo, impeccable sense of fashion and world-class shopping, Milan hosts some of Europe's most magical Christmas markets and a diverse culinary scene

Els llums de Sant Pau Barcelona Christmas Garden

Awaiting dates

Saturday, Nov 20th, 2021

Get aboard to experience a magical journey and let yourself be enchanted by Christmassy splendor at the Els Llums de Sant Pau. Visit in the evening from 6 pm to 10.30 pm at Recinte Modernista de Sant Pau in Barcelona.

Amsterdam Christmas Markets

Awaiting dates

Tuesday, Oct 18th, 2016

The nights may be long and dark in winter, but you can always brighten up any day with a visit to a Christmas market in Amsterdam.

Christmas in Chicago Gay events Christmas Markets and New Year Fireworks

Awaiting dates

Tuesday, Nov 16th, 2021

Christmas in Chicago Gay events Christmas Markets and New Year Fireworks Lots to do over the holidays in the windy City

Medellin Christmas Festival de las Luces y Alumbrados Navidenos

Awaiting dates

Monday, Feb 14th, 2022

The Festival of Lights is one of the most important celebrations in Medellin, where countless colourful lights adorn the most iconic public squares and plazas. It has been voted one of the top 10-holiday lights destinations in the world by National Geographic.

San Francisco's Illuminate Festival of Light

Awaiting dates

Thursday, Nov 25th, 2021

The City by the Bay always dazzles, especially during the holiday season when it is aglow with the annual Illuminate

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