Best Cities for Christmas Shopping: Insider Local Tips for Unique Gifts Worldwide
The holiday season often sparks panic buying amid crowded high streets and chaotic markets. Skip the stress and regrettable last-minute purchases with expert advice from Lonely Planet Locals. Discover quirky gifts, authentic local products, and festive refueling spots for seamless Christmas shopping in 10 global cities.
Porto, Portugal
Winter transforms Porto into a enchanting destination with spindly trees framing weathered buildings for a magical, Harry Potter-like ambiance. Luminous ice-skating rinks appear in Praça de Dom João I and Rotunda da Boavista, while the iconic giant Christmas tree in Avenida dos Aliados illuminates on December 1.
For unique gifts, visit the Artesanatus market in Largo Amor de Perdição, a transparent dome filled with artisan stalls. For something truly special, select a traditional filigree pendant or earrings from a local jeweler.
Treat yourself: After shopping, savor street-roasted chestnuts (follow the smoke trail), then enjoy a warming tawny port at cozy ARCA or a hearty Argentinian steak at Belos Aires downtown.
Brussels, Belgium
The Brussels Stock Exchange glows like a Christmas tree amid sparkling streets. Experience Winter Wonders from the Ferris wheel, but for crowd-free options, explore Rue de Flandre. Bel’Arte offers Belgian designer jewelry, chic light fixtures, and original art. Urban Therapy’s concept store features affordable personalized terrariums and vodka-infused teas.
Treat yourself: Refuel with a comforting hot chocolate from master chocolurier Frederic Blondeel.
Analia Glogowski is a Brussels-based travel writer. Follow her on Instagram @the_brusselsprouts.
Lima, Peru
Peru excels in artisanal crafts, with year-round markets like those on Avenue Petit Thouars. In Barranco, Artesanías Las Pallas—a colorful colonial home-turned-shop—offers handknit dolls, exquisite textiles, and lotions with native flora. Owner Mari Solari and her Peruvian hairless dog create a welcoming holiday vibe.
Treat yourself: Unwind with a pisco sour at Gran Hotel Bolivar, overlooking Plaza San Martin’s festive lights.
Vienna, Austria
Vienna embraces the holidays with warm punsch (mulled wine), lebkuchen gingerbread, twinkling lights, and choirs on snowy streets. Skip touristy markets at Schonbrunn Palace and Rathaus; instead, visit the curated art advent at Karlskirche for hand-carved woodwork, modern prints, knits, and organic foods—all jury-approved for quality.
Treat yourself: Enjoy gluhwein or coffee at a historic coffeehouse like Cafe Sperl, where a pianist plays festive tunes alongside sacher torte.
Carly Hulls is a Vienna-based writer. Follow her tweets @carlyhulls.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Escape Dubai’s malls for Alserkal Avenue’s galleries and indie shops: hand-painted kimono-abayas at CHI-KA, single-origin chocolate at Mirzam, eclectic vinyl at The Flip Side, and limited-edition sneakers at The Good Life. Saturdays bring Ripe Night Market at Al Barsha Pond Park with fairy lights, crafts, and food gifts.
Treat yourself: Relax with mulled wine and fondue at Après, a ski lodge bar overlooking Ski Dubai’s snowy fun.
Lara Brunt is a journalist based in Dubai. Follow her tweets @larabrunt.
Singapore
Ditch Orchard Road for Chip Bee Gardens near Holland Village. Customize notebooks at Bynd Artisan, browse womenswear at Ong Shunmugam, and explore minimalistic fashion and Monocle magazine at its store.
Treat yourself: Indulge in Sunday Folks’ sea salt gula melaka soft-serve waffles or cocktails at Green Door in Dempsey Hill.
Ria de Jong is a travel writer based in Singapore. Follow her tweets @ria_in_transit.
Vancouver, Canada
Beyond downtown chains, Main Street’s independents shine. Regional Assembly of Text offers journals and quirky stocking stuffers; Smoking Lily features insect and periodic table prints; Neptoon Records has vintage vinyl and retro badges.
Treat yourself: Recharge at Brassneck Brewery with Inertia Imperial Stout and cured elk sausage.
John Lee is a Vancouver-based travel writer. Follow his tweets @johnleewriter.
Moscow, Russia
Moscow celebrates early with Orthodox Christmas on January 7. Start at Red Square for crafts, mulled wine, and teas. Revolution Square, Bolshoy Theatre, Tverskaya Square, and Old Arbat offer decorations, woolens, gingerbread, and cranberry vodka spreads.
Treat yourself: Unwind in anti-cafes like Kotiki I Luydi or bars in Vinzavod, Flakon, Artplay; splurge on Kremlin views from Ritz-Carlton’s rooftop.
Travel and media geek Kira Tverskaya is the Lonely Planet Local in Moscow. Follow her on Instagram @thelovingstranger.
San Francisco, USA
Oakland’s Temescal Alley, once Victorian stables, now hosts artisans: Marisa Mason’s bohemian jewelry and Crimson Horticultural Rarities’ exotic terrarium plants.
Treat yourself: Warm up at Driftwood with drinks by the fire, or visit Vesuvio Cafe and Specs Twelve Alder Museum Cafe on Columbus Avenue.
Jade Bremner is a travel writer based in the USA. Follow her tweets @jadebremner.
