beautiful and picturesque old squares with their traditional Christmas markets.
Hundreds of tiny stalls jostle for attention at the foot of German, Austrian,
French, and Czech gothic cathedrals.
Cobbled streets and squares look gorgeous when lit up with ornate lights and
dressed in seasonal decoration and you may bump into santa or go visit him at his grotto.
A myriad of gifts are available to buy and follow your nose to those selling
traditional food and hot steaming drinks while enjoying the harminious sounds
of Christmas carols.
Tempted? Here is a list of 10 Christmas markets you cannot miss this...
Tempted? Here is a list of 10 Christmas markets you cannot miss this...
[...]
1. BRUSSELS, Belgium
Gastronomes will love Brussels' Christmas market.
From the end of November, wooden chalets from all over Europe crowd the Grand Place.
More than two hundred stands sell fresh steaming hot mussels, caramelized apples,
gingerbread biscuits, warm Belgian waffles with cream, and of course all different types
of legendary Belgium chocolates.
A huge Ferris wheel dominates the square, while children have fun on the
ice-skating ring below it...
[...]
2. DRESDEN, Germany
Dresden Striezelmarkt was named after the famous "Striezel" or "Stollen",
a local and typical fruitcake. It is considered the oldest and most traditional
Christmas market in Germany. Hundreds of stalls sell food, local arts,
and crafts such as blown glass products from Lauscha or the typical Dresden
blue and white ceramics. The highlight occurs on the second Sunday
of December when people march across the city with a huge three-ton
Stollen fruitcake...
[...]
3. COLOGNE, Germany
The last Monday before Advent, the Christmas market in Cologne's central
square opens its gates. Hundreds of little huts (or "Buden")
sell Christmas goods such as mulled wine, toys, candy canes, and gingerbread men.
The combination of the scent of local bakery and the sight of the spectacular
twin pillars of Cologne's beautiful gothic cathedral make the atmosphere magical.
A big twinkling fairground area with a traditional puppet-theatre and Santa Claus's
grotto is definitely children's highlight...
[...]
4. VIENNA, Austria
Vienna's Christkindlmarkt is already in full swing with a host of spectacular
Christmas events.
The Austrian capital's Christmas market is one of the most famous and visited in Europe.
The air is full with the scent of roasted chestnuts, spiced punch (Weihnachtspunsch),
and cured meat.Children can make presents and bake cookies at the local workshops
held at Town Hall.
The opening ceremony consists of a brass orchestra concert.
From Mondays to Thursdays children, grandparents and all the other visitors
will have the opportunity to listen to Christmas stories read by celebrities...
[...]
5. NUREMBERG, Germany
The Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt dates back to 1628. The tradition wants that
(once every two years) a "Christ Child" marches across the streets of the city with
a golden crown and, spreading Christmas joy around, officially opens the Market
appearing one last time from the balcony of the Church of Our Lady.
The air is filled with the smell of mulled wine, rum punch, Nuremberg bratwursts,
and gingerbread. More than 180 market stalls decorate the city and sell traditional
wood carved toys, crafts, food and arts...
[...]
6. SALZBURG, Austria
The Christkindlmarkt of Salzburg is one of the oldest Christmas markets in Europe,
dating back to 15th century.
The market is held in front of the beautiful cathedral and the Hohensalzburg fortress.
More than 90 exhibitors sell their traditional products into six color-coded sections:
crafts and toys, food and drink, textile and natural products, Christmas decorations,
sweets and coffee, jewelry....
[...]
7. BUDAPEST, Hungary
Budapest beautiful Hungarian Christmas market is held in the
Vorosmarty Square. This market hosts several cultural events such
as concerts and folk dancing. You can buy traditional products such
as hand-blown glassware and crafted wooden figurines. Santa Claus
will visit on December 6th from 3 to 6 pm.
[...]
8. COPENHAGEN, Denmark
Copenhagen Christmas Market is held in one of Europe's
oldest amusement parks: the Tivoli Gardens.
At this time of the year the air is already filled with the scent
of mulled wine, hot caramelized apples, mugs of steaming glogg
(the traditional Danish Christmas drink).
More than 50 stalls sell their products in traditional Danish and
Scandinavian architecture stands. From December 16th to the 31th
visitors can attend the Firework Festival
(dinner reservation needed on 31st of December)...
[...]
9. TALLINN, Estonia
Tallinn's traditional Christmas market is held annually
in the Town Hall Square and offers a range of typical products
from Estonia such as hand-knitted socks, jumpers, warm hats,
and gloves. Children can play with Santa Claus and his live reindeers.
A huge Christmas tree is surrounded by traditional wooden stalls
and a mini zoo for children. Every weekend the markets holds a list
if music events: concerts, dancing shows, and choirs from all over Europe...
[...]
10. PRAGUE, Czech Republic
Prague's biggest Christmas markets (Vanocni trh) are held
in the Old Town Hall and Wenceslas Square (five minute walk from each other).
A huge Christmas tree from Krkonose mountains is erected at the centre
of Old Town Square. Traditionally decorated wooden huts sell glassware,
wooden toys, jewelry, scented candles,
Christmas trees decorations, scarves, gloves and dolls dressed
in traditional costumes. You can assist and watch chefs as they make
traditional food. Roasted ham, barbequed sausages and Trdelnìk
( a local hot sugar coated pastry) are a must try...
[...]
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