The Finest European Christmas Markets
Christmas is approaching as fast as ever, which is good news for you, because you can't wait to get into the spirit of things and start enjoying the celebratory atmosphere. If this sounds like you then why not indulge yourself with a trip to a Christmas market. There are a well packed stocking full of them throughout Europe each providing a fairy tale Christmas experience, along with their own little quirks. A break absorbing these seasonal treats isn't just a great way to relax in the run up to the holidays; it's also superb preparation for them, allowing for some high quality last minute festive shopping. Here's a selection of some of the best.
Budapest
In the Christmas Markets of Budapest you'll be kept warm by the flow of gluhwein (mulled wine) while enjoying a traditional experience. There's a magnificent advent calendar that is displayed in the windows of Gerbeaud house that instills the magic of Christmas in those that visit. The stores sell handmade items all of which are endorsed by the Association of Hungarian Folk Artists. Intermingled amongst the festive trade you'll bear witness to puppet theatres, particularly in Vorosmarty square, along with plenty of energetic music and dancing of the traditional folk variety.
Tallinn
Tallinn in Estonia might not be everyone's first choice for a pre-Christmas jaunt, but it does more than enough to be included in this list. Hosted in the medieval town square there are few better settings for a Christmas market, and it is also claimed to be the location of where the first Christmas tree stood. It was all part a celebration that saw travelling merchants (single presumably) dancing with local girls. At the height of the celebration, the tree was burnt - all sounds very pagan. Besides the markets there is plenty of boutique shopping opportunities, as well as some snug restaurants ideal for the romantically inclined Christmas revellers.
Berlin
Germany is regarded as the home of the Christmas market, yet the Berlin versions are like the city as a whole, modern. Hosted outside the partly restored Gedachtniskirche (memorial church) the foremost market in the city stocks, beside traditional items, a cacophony of art by emerging and avant-garde artists that includes paintings, textiles, sculpture and jewellery. The Berlin Christmas markets are definitely for those with more contemporary tastes.
Nuremberg
At the other end of the spectrum in Germany is the Nuremberg Christkidlmarkt, about as traditional as you can get, and for that very reason one of the most popular markets in Europe. The old square is decorated without reservation and makes the perfect setting for a 200 stall strong, 400 year-old fair that has everything you need in the way of both Christmas and market. There is special attention heaped on the kids too with the Children's Christmas, or Kinderweihnacht, where they'll be able to enjoy a steam train, carousels and stalls that are geared towards entertaining their patrons.
Prague
In the beautiful Wenceslas and Old Town Square's markets while shopping you'll be able to take on board the warming local tradition of vanoni rybi polevka, or in English, festive fish soup. The setting is one of the most spectacular and romantic of all the European fairs and with carol concerts spilling forth from the many churches throughout the city the soundtrack is pretty good too.
If you want to take in traditional Christmas shopping and fancy a hop to mainland Europe the above cities will offer you everything you require, and probably a whole lot more too.
Samuel J. Green researches and writes about weird, quirky and novelty Christmas gifts for the online retailer Find Me A Gift.
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