If you are starting to think about buying Christmas gifts but also considering a short winter break in Europe, a visit to the Christmas markets held in some of the main cities around Europe might provide the perfect solution.
These markets held all over Europe, celebrate Christmas in a traditional style and are a great way to get you in the mood for the festive season. Here is our pick of 5 of the best Christmas markets in Europe.
Prague
Christmas markets are a key ingredient of the festive season in the Czech Republic and none more so than in Prague. The two main markets on the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square, represent everything that is epitomised by Christmas. The market areas are lit up in a blaze of colour as the impressive light displays illuminate the rows of wooden huts that sell a variety of traditional handcrafted Czech products. The Bohemian Crystal, wooden toys, scented candles, hats, gloves and scarves, jewellery, embroidery, metal-ware, ceramic plates and mugs, beautifully dressed puppets and dolls that are on sale all make excellent stocking fillers. The markets are open every day including Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Vienna
When the romantic city of Vienna dons its Christmas attire, there is nowhere more magical. Vienna becomes a city of nostalgia, concerts, nativity plays and of course the Christmas market season which starts on Saturday, 17th November. The best markets include the traditional Viennese Christmas market on Freyung, the Christmas market in front of City Hall, and the market in front of the Church of St. Charles Borromeo. Adjacent to the market at City Hall, Rathauspark will not fail to put you in the festive mood with trees adorned with festive lights, pony-riding, trips on the Christkindl Express and displays that portray fairytale scenes. Witness the smells of Christmas as well as the sights with the roast chestnut and sweet candy stalls spilling their festive fragrances into the air.
Brussels
The Christmas market in the centre of Brussels is known as Winter Wonders and runs from 30th November 2012 through to 6th January 2013. Said to be the most original Christmas market in Europe, the stalls, chalets, attractions and activities extend for over 2km. Being so close to the UK, this is a great place to stock up on delicacies like the famed Belgian chocolates or to look for unique gifts for friends and loved ones. Taking a break in this truly international city gives you an opportunity to discover the charm and varied Christmas traditions that bring an extra dimension to the celebrations.
Berlin
A visit to the Christmas market in Berlin will take you away from mass produced commercialism and reintroduce you to the idea that a quality handcrafted gift makes a thoughtful and individual gift. Think roasted chestnuts, sausages sizzling on grills and big tankards of German beer and you are heading in the right direction. There are over 50 Christmas markets in Berlin for you to savour. One of the most popular is situated on the high street between the Kurfüstendamm and Tauenzien. This allows you to sample the market in addition to the superb high street shops. The most famous and probably the most popular market is the Berlin Christmas Market atWeihnachtsZauber on the Gendarmenmarkt. This features over 100 handicraft stalls, and refreshment stands as well as attractions and entertainment like the choirs and ensembles that perform at the Weltbrunnen fountain every weekend in advent.
Colgne
If you want a choice of six city centre Christmas markets in one place, each with its own flavour and traditions then Cologne is the place to head for. For a market that will stay in your mind forever as representing everything that Christmas is about, head for the idyllic Cologne Old Town and a market known as Home of the Gnomes. This market features handicraft stalls where the items on display are made by particularly good craftsmen and hence the connection to gnomes and elves. Another Cologne Christmas market not to be missed is the one that is held at Cologne Cathedral. Here you will find a wide variety of arts and crafts, as well as a range of food and drink to suit every palette, plus festive decorations that will fill you with Christmas spirit.
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