The Finest European Christmas Markets

The Finest European Christmas Markets

By Samuel Jonathan Green

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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European Cities Christmas Markets

European Cities Christmas Markets

Author: Jeff Halter

You could argue all day about where to find the best European Christmas Markets. These markets are a distinctly German tradition, but they have spread across Europe.

If you're used to shopping in big malls after fighting for a parking spot, these will be a whole new shopping world for you.... They might just be worth a winter trip.



There are great Christmas markets across the continent. Some have been around since the middle ages... some have only recently become traditions. Even the newer Christmas Markets in Europe are fun to see. They've taken lessons from the older ones.



At the biggest European Christmas markets, you'll see lots of Christmas cheer.... There will be many traditional Christmas decorations to buy from the area you're visiting and lots of local food. The shopping is for handmade ornaments, decorations, and children's toys.



The bigger cities may be easier to plan for, but don't neglect the smaller towns. While the markets in the major cities may be among the best, keep in mind that bigger isn't always better... and the bigger European Christmas markets may be more crowded.



Choose a city that you would like to see anyway. Maybe visit a big city and a small town nearby to get both experiences. Remember, it's going to be cold... White Christmas anyone? You're also going to run into short days, so it will be dark early, but the Christmas lights on the stalls in the squares will make it all festive and be fun.



Visit any of the great German Christmas markets... Cologne, Nuremberg, Dresden, Munich, Berlin, Stuttgart, or any of the smaller towns.



Other countries with Germanic connections have great markets too. In Austria, Vienna has had a market since the middle ages... some say it was the forerunner of the others. Salzburg also has one of the oldest. It's smaller and more intimate than some, but what a romantic setting.



In Belgium, the Brussels Christmas market hasn't been around all that long, but the Grand Place has been, and it makes a great setting. Look for the Fish Market transformed into an ice rink and lots of good food with the traditional arts and crafts.



In Denmark, Copenhagen's Christmas Market is set up in Tivoli Gardens, Europe's oldest amusement park, so you know you can expect a good time.



The Czech Republic has a beautiful market in Prague. It's a low key family affair. Look for good deals on Bohemian crystal as well as the wood carved puppets, toys and ornaments.



Tallinn, Estonia has one of the newcomers to the Christmas Market scene, but the mediaeval market square doesn't give that fact away. It's small but romantic. Hand knit sweaters, scarves and hats are specialties to look for here.



There is lots of Christmas cheer around London, but even here you can find a German-style Christmas market in Hyde Park.



Strasbourg's borders have changed several times through the centuries from France to Germany and back, so a Germanic style Christmas market has been a tradition here for over four hundred years.



In Rome, look for a totally different Christmas market experience with more traditional Italian handicrafts and lots of nativity scenes.



Winter is usually the off season for European travel, but you'd better book ahead for the most popular Christmas Markets. For better prices on airfare, avoid peak Christmas travel dates. Markets go from late-November through Christmas. (Advent on the Christian calendar - the four weeks before Christmas.) Some extend the festivities to the new year.



Never thought about this kind of holiday? This is one of the most picturesque times of the year in some ways. It might be worth checking out European Christmas markets.







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