Top 10 Christmas markets all over the globe
Here's a list of the Top 10 Christmas Markets
1. Vienna, Austria (until December 24)
Advent, the period of preparation before Christmas, begins on the
Sunday four weeks before Christmas Eve, so Viennese celebrations and
decorations often begin in mid-November. Rathausplatz, the square in
front of the city hall, is home to Christkindlmarkt, a traditional
Christmas market with over 150 stalls selling gifts, Christmas
decorations, gluhwein (mulled wine) and hot chestnuts. Two other popular
Christmas markets are the Old Viennese Christmas Market on Freyung,
which is more traditional and sells handicrafts, and the Christmas
Market in front of Schonbrunn Palace, which offers the imperial backdrop
and hosts a New Year's market, staying open until January 1. The market
on the Rathausplatz runs from November 16 at 5pm to December 24 - other
markets around the city on average run from around November 20-December
23.
2. Salzburg, Austria (until December 26)
One of Europe's oldest markets, the Christkindlmarkt in front of
the Salzburg cathedral is a more intimate affair than some of the larger
city's markets. The town's baroque architecture and looming
Hohensalzburg Fortress give it a fairytale feeling, heightened by the
sparkling lights and holiday garlands. As the birthplace of Mozart,
Salzburg has an outstanding musical tradition, so there are wonderful
choral performances and opportunities to hear some of Europe's best
students perform. In fact, the city also has another musical claim to
fame: Joseph Mohr, the lyricist behind the famous
Christmas carol Silent
Night, also was born in Salzburg.
3. Munich, Germany (until December 24)
While many people associate the Bavarian capital with
Oktoberfest, Munich also holds a fantastic Christmas market in the
centre of the city on the Marienplatz. The market surrounds an enormous
Christmas tree, which glitters with almost 2500 lights. While sipping on
glhwein (mulled warmed wine) or beer, visitors can find many
traditional Bavarian gifts, like wood carvings and gingerbread called
lebkuchen. There are also smaller themed markets throughout the city -
one unique to Munich is the Manger Market, which sells the pieces and
important components for those who want to build an authentic manger.
4. Prague, Czech Republic (until January 1)
The two best Vanocni trhy (Christmas markets) are held in the Old
Town Square and on the long slope of Wenceslas Square. While the
markets do feature the expected wooden toys, they also sell Czech
specialties, like glasswork, blacksmith's wares, and ceramics. The food
is also slightly different from the German standard: Although blood
sausages, gingerbread, and grog are offered, there are also vendors with
corn on the cob and trdelnik (cooked dough with cinnamon and sugar). If
you are in town around December 20, you will start to see carp offered
frequently - dining on the fish is a Christmas Eve tradition in Prague.
5. Dresden, Germany (until December 24)
A new addition to this year's Christmas markets list, Dresden was
suggested by multiple VirtualTourist members as a must for market
lovers. The Striezelmarkt on Dresden's Altmarkt Square is one of
Germany's oldest fairs with a particularly unique setting - the town
erects an 14.62 metre-high wooden "Christmas Pyramid" in the centre of
the market. The market's name is derived from Stollen, the Christmas
bread, which is also known as Striezel in this area of Germany. In
addition to this delicacy, the area is also known for the
Pflaumentoffel, a good-luck charm made from dried plums, and famous for
its handicrafts that come from all over Saxony.
6. Strasbourg, France (until December 31)
For centuries, the French/German border has swayed to either side
of the Alsace region, so it makes sense Alsace's capital, Strasbourg,
would have the oldest and most famous Christmas market in France, the
Christkindelsmarik on Place Broglie. The city's Great Christmas Tree on
Place Kleber is a well-known spectacle that shouldn't be missed. In
addition to the spiced wine usually offered at Christmas markets,
markets in Strasbourg have a tradition of spicy hot orange juice. The
markets are also a great chance to try some of the region's food
products, including Alsace wines, bredle Christmas biscuits and foie
gras.
7. Budapest, Hungary (until December 31)
Located on Vrsmarty tr (Vrsmarty Sqaure) in the Pest district of
Budapest, the city's Christmas fair is a great opportunity to experience
traditional Hungarian food, folk dances and live music. A
VirtualTourist member mentioned that one aspect she enjoyed was the
variety of hot drinks, including a spicy hot apple juice and hot
chocolate punch, and the chance to try Hungarian baked goods, like lngos
(fry bread with a variety of toppings) strudels, tki pompos (oven-baked
dough). It is also a great spot to shop for handmade items, as the city
has an association that checks products for quality and authenticity
and certifies all items sold at the market.
8. Lille, France (until December 30)
Along France's northern border and the capital of French
Flanders, it makes sense that Lille would have great activities during
the holiday season. Around the Christmas market, the whole town is
covered in a huge crown of garlands. The city's primary market is
located on Place Rihour, where 80 wooden chalets teem with gift ideas,
nativity figurines, Christmas decorations and festive food. On the
nearby Grand Place, a 50 metre-high Big Wheel lights up the square and
provides visitors with an amazing view of the city. As a city with
Eurostar direct services, Lille is an easy stop whether you are en route
to Paris, Brussels or London.
9. Bruges, Belgium (until January 2)
In addition to being surrounded by the city's spectacular
medieval architecture, Bruges' Christmas Market is distinguished by the
ice rink erected in the Markt. For children, the city also hosts a Snow
& Ice Sculpture Festival, and it is only a five-minute walk from the
Christmas Market and skating rink.
10. London, England (until January 5)
In addition to London's renowned Christmas decorations, there are
great markets and activities on either side of the Thames during the
holiday season. The Southbank Center Christmas Market features 80 wooden
cabins selling gifts, mince pies, gluhwein, and bratwurst to enjoy
while you stroll along the waterfront. Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park is
probably the most well-known market in London - it has more than 200
wooden chalets carrying handmade gifts and decorations. The food and
drink selection at Winter Wonderland is the most extensive of any spot
on the list, with options including a Bavarian village, an outdoor fire
pit, and even an aprs bar modelled after an alpine ski lodge. In
addition to the food and shopping, Winter Wonderland also offers a 60
metre-high Observation Wheel, the UK's largest ice rink and carnival
rides. Another option for ice skating is the Skate at Somerset House Ice
Rink, which even has DJs spinning after dark.
