Discover the Magic of Europe’s Christmas Markets
If truth be told, Christmas shopping has become a bit of a bore! Hunting for useless gadgets, gifts and knick-knacks in ultra-modern shopping centres (while battling headache-inducing crowds), all for the sake of filling a few stockings has morphed this once most charming tradition into one of the most stressful times of the calendar year. But it need not be so! Do something really special this year and visit one of Europe’s most authentic Christmas markets; spoil yourself and your loved ones with unique, hand-made gifts and have a memorable holiday while you’re at it!
The first ever Christmas markets were held in Germany and Austria in the 13th century, and the romantic authenticity one can experience there is something you won’t find anywhere else. Germans and Austrians take their market selling traditions very seriously and it is here that you’ll have the chance to step back in time and experience Christmas shopping the way it was always meant to be: slow, delightful, deliciously heart-warming and utterly invigorating.
The most beautiful and atmospheric markets are those in Munich, Dresden and Vienna; their historic city centres are transformed into treasure troves of celebrations, craft-selling and crowd mingling. Seeing these most wonderful cities under a blanket of snow, and colourful fairy lights, is a once in a lifetime experience and a truly unforgettable shopping extravaganza.
Typical Christmas market in all its glory! (Courtesy of ReneS
What can you expect from a traditional Christmas market? The best of everything! From hand-made arts and crafts, to traditional food and mulled wine (non-alcoholic versions served), the Christkindlmarkt (literally ‘Christ child markets’) gift the tourist an unprecedented chance to see the best the country has to offer…all under one tented roof. Enjoy real carol singing while feasting on traditional sweet breads and you’ll be in for a Christmas shopping experience you’ll never forget!
Munich, Germany (30th Nov-24th Dec 2012)
Munich’s city hall is the perfect backdrop to the city’s Christmas markets
Munich claims to attract more tourists during December than any other city in Europe. Visit the Christmas Markets held throughout town, and you may soon understand this claim to fame. The entire city simply drowns in the aroma of roasted chestnuts, sugared almonds and the wafting smells of home-made gingerbread.
The main markets are held in Marienplatz, the city’s main square right opposite the architectural gem of the Town Hall, yet there are almost 20 displays held in different parts of the city as well. Head to Marienplatz for traditional hand-made wooden and ceramic crafts and ornaments, and check out the stalls on Odeonsplatz if you’d like to step back into medieval times. The sellers are dressed to suit, and you can buy leather bows and arrows, ornaments and anything else you fancy. The hippy markets in Schwabing offer a great opportunity to delve into the city’s ethnic side, and you’ll see locally made and imported accessories and artefacts. In Schwabing you can also savour gastronomic delights from every corner of the globe.
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Dresden, Germany (30th Nov-24th Dec 2012)
Dresden markets
Dresden Striezelmarkt, Germany. (Courtesy of LH DD/Dittrich)
One of the oldest Christmas markets in the world, and the oldest in Germany, is the one held in the picturesque northern town of Dresden. More than 250 stalls set up shop in the month prior to Christmas, selling everything from locally hand-made tree decorations, intricately carved wooden artefacts, ceramic candleholders and a myriad of unique ornaments and souvenirs. A local institution which has now become internationally known, the Striezelmarkt (as it is known) was named after the Striezel (or Stollen), a traditional fruitcake typically prepared in this area. The most enchanting part occurs on the second Sunday in December, when a 3 tonne Striezel cake is paraded around town, as remembrance of ancient tradition which dates back to the 16th century. Back then, local bakers used to present their cake creations to their prince, who would in turn cut them in small pieces and feed them to the poor of Dresden.
While some markets have been overrun by cheap, China-made plastic wears, the Dresden market stalls are still strictly authentic, and a visit is sure to leave you felling revitalised and quite sentimental.
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Traditional gingerbread treat (Courtesy of Clouha)
Vienna, Austria (17th Nov-24 Dec)
Vienna is one of Europe’s most beautiful cities and, luckily for you, also home to a fantastic market tradition. Dating back over 700 years, Vienna’s Christkindlmarkt is one of the most visited and loved, not just for the fact that it is the first to appear every year. Ideal for anyone who wants a ‘taste’ of European Christmas, minus the sometimes hectic crowds, booking your Vienna vacation in mid-November is certainly a wonderful opportunity to take in the wonders of this Austrian gem and indulge in a spot of shopping.
Vienna’s Christkindlmarkt
Vienna Christmas Market (Christkindlmarkt) (Courtesy of Marek Ślusarczyk
Held in front of the awe-inspiring Town hall, the Christkindlmarkt attracts some of the world’s best choirs, and this is where you’ll have the chance to listen to typical Christmas carols sung in one of the world’s most prestigious opera houses. Kid’s playgroups are organized in the Town hall, and you can let your children make Christmas cookies or homemade decorations.
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