Tripbaa Funbaa!, Asia’s Free Travel Expert
The most magical month of December is just around the corner. As you walk through the streets of Europe, from the product displays and music in shops to the decorative lights in parks and alleyways, you can faintly sense the atmosphere of Christmas. Although December in Europe is very cold, there are bustling Christmas markets selling traditional foods, warming mulled wine, as well as huge and dazzling Christmas trees and carousels – an experience you must have on a winter free trip to Europe. To feel the enchanting joy of European Christmas markets, start your journey after reading this guide.
European Christmas markets originated in the German-speaking regions of Central Europe such as Germany and Austria during the Middle Ages. They were mainly set up to make it convenient for people to purchase supplies needed for the winter, so they were often located in town hall squares. Based on Christian tradition, the story of the birth of Christ is performed, and the food, drinks, and ornaments sold are all related to Christmas. With a history of over 700 years, Christmas markets have now spread across Europe due to the migration of German communities, and each country has developed its own unique version of the market.
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Northern Italy is home to five famous Christmas markets, among which the Bolzano Christmas Market is the most well-known and lively due to its convenient transportation. Every visitor on a free trip to Europe here must try a cup of vin brulè, a hot spiced wine, to warm up – the aroma of cinnamon and orange will leave a lasting impression. Moreover, the Bolzano Christmas Market often hosts special events such as concerts, South Tyrolean handicrafts, and Krampus handing out candies, giving every visitor a little surprise.
■ Operating Hours: November 22, 2018 – January 6, 2019 (Closed on Christmas Day)
■ Official Website: Bolzano Christmas Market
■ Nearby Attractions: The Sky City of Rome – Civita di Bagnoregio
01 Recommended European Christmas Market – Bolzano Christmas Market in Italy. (Photo / Bolzano Christmas Market Official Website)
Strasbourg, located on the border between Germany and France, is home to the world’s oldest European Christmas market – the Strasbourg Christmas Market. This historic European Christmas market covers a vast area with over 300 wooden chalets. In addition to food, drinks, and handicrafts, there is also an ice-skating rink in the square, and dining at riverside restaurants offers a uniquely charming experience.
Moreover, many buildings near the square of the Strasbourg Christmas Market are listed as World Heritage Sites. Visiting the Strasbourg Christmas Market allows you not only to experience the romance of the Christmas market but also to admire the beauty of ancient monuments.
■ Operating Hours: November 23, 2018 – December 30, 2018
■ Official Website: Strasbourg Christmas Market
■ Nearby Attractions: Paris – Mont-Saint-Michel
Recommended European Christmas Market – Strasbourg Christmas Market in France. (Photo / Official Website of the Strasbourg Christmas Market)
In addition to the usual food stalls, hot wine vendors, and handicraft shops, the streets of the Edinburgh Christmas Market are filled with Christmas decorations, and even feature an amusement park on-site with carousels, Ferris wheels, and roller coasters. Coupled with irregular parades, the festive spirit is even more lively and fun.
Furthermore, the Edinburgh Christmas Market hosts a street party on New Year's Eve. Remember to enter before the streets close at 7 PM to avoid the entry fee, and in the evening, enjoy a spectacular fireworks show to ring in the new year. Visiting this European Christmas market during New Year’s is truly a great value for experiencing two major celebrations at once.
■ Operating Hours: November 17, 2018 – January 5, 2019 (Closed on Christmas Day)
■ Official Website: Edinburgh Christmas Market
■ Nearby Attractions: Stonehenge, Windsor Castle
Recommended European Christmas Market – Birmingham Christmas Market in the UK. (Photo / Official Website of the Birmingham Christmas Market)
Birmingham, a sister city of Frankfurt in Germany, hosts a Christmas market in the traditional German style, selling German sausages, beer, and of course, mulled wine. Most notably, due to the Christmas market’s proximity to a shopping center, it’s perfect for shopping during the day and then strolling through the festive market in the evening, sipping on a cup of mulled wine to warm up and enjoy the lively and jubilant atmosphere of the European Christmas market.
■ Operating Hours: November 15, 2018 – December 23, 2018
■ Official Website: Birmingham Christmas Market
Recommended European Christmas Market – Dordrecht Christmas Market in the Netherlands. (Photo / Official Website of the Dordrecht Christmas Market)
The Dordrecht Christmas Market is the largest Christmas market in the Netherlands and is somewhat unique compared to others, as it is held for only three days each year. But don’t worry – it still has everything you'd expect. Spanning 2.5 kilometers in length, visitors can explore the market while admiring the decorated shops and stalls throughout the city. There is also a parade featuring people dressed as Santa Claus, and as you walk along, you can even catch a glimpse of the Dutch port. The usual sailboat scenery is already fairy-tale-like, and with Christmas decorations, it becomes even more magical.
■ Operating Hours: December 14–16, 2018
■ Official Website: Dordrecht Christmas Market
■ Nearby Attractions: Giethoorn, the Venice of the Netherlands
Recommended European Christmas Markets – Nuremberg Christmas Market, Germany. (Photo by Tristan in Ottawa, Flickr CC License)
Germany is the birthplace of Christmas markets, and the Nuremberg Christmas Market is the oldest, most traditional, and largest in Europe. Every December, crowds flock to the market, offering a true taste of the festive hustle and bustle.
The original name of the Nuremberg Christmas Market was actually the “Holy Infant Market,” held to celebrate the birth of Jesus. As such, the market square is located right in front of the Church of Our Lady. Each year, a market ambassador is elected through a vote to promote charitable activities. The combination of the historic church and the Christmas market further highlights the festive spirit.
■ Opening Hours: November 30, 2018 – December 24, 2018
■ Official Website: Nuremberg Christmas Market
Recommended European Christmas Markets – Medieval Christmas Market in Seggau, Germany. (Photo from the official website of the Seggau Medieval Christmas Market)
Also located in Germany, the Seggau Medieval Christmas Market may not be the most traditional, but its overall style is delightfully retro. To match the medieval theme, many vendors dress in robes and fur capes as artisans, while stalls are housed in white tents. Even the carousel is manually operated by staff. Visiting the Seggau Medieval Christmas Market feels like stepping back in time to the Middle Ages, with scenes straight out of a movie.
■ Opening Hours: November 24, 2018 – December 22, 2018; closed on Christmas Day
■ Official Website: Seggau Medieval Christmas Market
The Prague Christmas Market, located in the Old Town Square, is set against the backdrop of the Gothic St. Nicholas Church, giving it an elegant and majestic feel. Though the market occupies only a small section of the square, making it seem somewhat modest, the entire city of Prague is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Simply walking down the streets allows you to soak up the rich Christmas atmosphere. Plus, since Europe lacks a night market culture, the Prague Christmas Market is your chance to experience the city’s vibrant nightlife—available only during this annual event. If you’re visiting Europe during Christmas Day or New Year’s Eve, you might even get to enjoy special events like fireworks displays.
■ Opening Hours: December 1, 2018 – January 6, 2019
■ Official Website: Prague Christmas Market
Recommended European Christmas Markets – Prague Christmas Market, Czech Republic. (Photo from the official website of the Prague Christmas Market)
Mulled wine, which we’ve mentioned repeatedly in our introduction to European Christmas markets, is a must-have beverage at these events. With winter temperatures in Europe often dropping to around freezing at night, mulled wine is the perfect drink to warm you up while spreading holiday cheer. The most traditional version is made by simmering red wine with spices and tea, then adding cinnamon powder. Some vendors also mix in other spices or orange slices for extra flavor. A simple glass of wine is all it takes to get you into the holiday spirit.
Additionally, the mugs used for mulled wine usually come at an extra cost. These uniquely designed mugs make great Christmas market souvenirs, and if you choose not to keep yours, you can simply return the mug to the vendor for a refund.
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A Must-Try Treat at European Christmas Markets – Mulled Wine. (Photo by Marco Verch, Flickr CC License)
Czech Cuisine – Cinnamon Rolls: These chimney-shaped doughnuts are coated in powdered sugar and cinnamon, filling the air of the Christmas market with their sweet, spicy aroma—a true hallmark of the season.
A Must-Try Treat at European Christmas Markets – Cinnamon Rolls. (Photo by Paul Asman and Jill Lenoble, Flickr CC License)
Gingerbread is a traditional German dessert and an important part of Christmas cuisine. Many families bake gingerbread as small gifts for friends and family. While classic versions feature simple flavors like ginger and honey, modern versions are often decorated with icing and festive patterns. If you’re traveling in Europe during the holidays, don’t miss out on this traditional treat.
A Must-Try Treat at European Christmas Markets – Gingerbread. (Photo by Groman123, Flickr CC License)
As mentioned earlier, Germany is the birthplace of Christmas markets, so you should definitely try some classic German foods. Crispy bratwurst sausages paired with mustard and sauerkraut are a timeless favorite, while currywurst is also immensely popular—so much so that Berlin even has a Currywurst Museum. Some vendors also offer sausages in bread buns, giving you plenty of options to stay fueled while exploring the markets.
A Must-Try Treat at European Christmas Markets – Currywurst. (Photo by Golf Resort Achental Team, Flickr CC License)
After checking out the European Christmas markets and food recommendations above, are you starting to get excited for December? If you’ve already booked your end-of-year flights for a European trip or New Year’s celebration, it’s time to start planning your itinerary. Be sure to include a few favorite Christmas markets, and don’t forget to explore the surrounding attractions as well.
[Tripbaa]Authorized Repost | Original Article: [2018 European Christmas Markets & Food Guide: A Romantic Christmas You Can’t Miss on Your European Trip]