Top Christmas markets in Europe
Each year from late November through New Year’s Day or Epiphany (January 5), cities in Europe get all dressed up for the holidays with pretty Christmas markets. Each market offers twinkling lights, Christmas trees and Santa, while selling some of the best regional delicacies and handmade gifts for the family back home. The following are five of the best.
Christmas market in Berlin, Germany
Location: Bebelplatz, Berlin
Germany’s capital, Berlin, puts on an impressive and historic market each year. Besides the giant Christmas tree in its center, the many stalls sell tempting and beautiful delights. Here, craftsmen sell traditional blown glass ornaments and wood carvings. Meanwhile, not only can you buy beautiful gifts, you can also take a peek behind the scenes and watch the craftsman at work.
Besides the marvelous selection of crafts and decorations, people can warm up on a chilly winter’s day with a warm drink or head to the dining tents to get warmed up and enjoy German treats like hearty spätzle and refreshing Kölsch beer.
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, London
England’s capital puts on an impressive display for the holidays, including beautiful decorations and twinkling lights in the streets, ice skating rinks and Christmas markets. One of the best places to be is Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, with its sprawling market stalls selling gifts, souvenirs and snacks. Warm up with some mulled wine, or marshmallow-topped cocoa as you browse the offerings.
Also, make sure to take in a show, or ride several different roller coasters before taking the kids to meet Santa, all in one park.
La Défense Marché de Noël, Paris
The City of Light puts a fine display on for Christmas and its largest Christmas market nestles beneath the Grande Arche de la Défense in Paris. Here, visitors will find around 200 chalets selling souvenirs and handicrafts to choose from. For families, the kids can meet with Santa, or enjoy a craft session in the Elf Workshop. Moreover, musical entertainment is on offer from 6 pm until closing time. Many more entertainment is laid on for the holidays, including beautiful flower dancers and special circus parades.
Salzburg Christmas Markets, Austria
The iconic and historic Austrian city of Salzburg also offers a stunning display each year, with Advent markets in various places around the city. Some of these date back as far as the 15th century and are truly beautiful. Some top choices for Christmas markets are Advent auf der Festung Hohensalzburg, the picturesque hilltop market at the Hohensalzburg Fortress, and the Salzburg Christkindlmarkt on Cathedral Square. The latter is more traditional and offers a sing-a-long choir once each week. Meanwhile, other markets serve up hot chestnuts and mulled wine to keep you cozy as you browse the stalls.
Leave a reply