The Best Christmas Markets in Europe

[Velimira Velikova]

The enchanting atmosphere of the traditional Christmas markets scattered throughout Europe -- some of them starting this week or next -- is attracting more and more visitors every year. Under the spell of mulled wine, hot chestnuts, grilled sausages and marzipan sweets, it is hard to resist the various types of hand -made gifts. Half-timbered buildings are festively lit and the aromas of mulled wine out of the local vineyards and cinnamon permeate theair at traditional Christmas markets and the festive decoration ofthe towns and cities provide an idyllic setting for a romantic winterbreak. Snuggle up at your private home, tucked away in thelabyrinthine of old quarters, medieval market squares and striking cathedrals. Buildings steeped in history are illuminated by thousands upon thousands of fairy lights, while the aroma of gingerbread wafts through the air.

Austria

The alpine towns and villages in Austria invariably host markets, which although not that large ooze character and atmosphere and are unraveled in the festive atmosphere that all the seasonal decoration and lights create around the cities. No wonder that three million visitors flock here each year for beeswax candles, wooden toys, and glass ornaments .Get into a Christmas mood with the delicious aroma of punch, traditional gingerbread, roasted almonds and honey.

Salzburg One of Europe's oldest markets it is also smaller and more intimate with just 85 stalls ranged under the floodlit baroque stage set that is downtown Salzburg, with its fountains snuggled under avant-garde glass casings for the winter, church bells echoing off the buildings, and the medieval castle glowering down from the cliff above. Tip: One of the world's largest Advent calendars is just south of town at the Schloss Hellbrunn.

Vienna The venerable Christkindlmarkt on Rathausplatz flings open its stall shutters in mid-November, and three million visitors flock here each year for beeswax candles, wooden toys, and glass ornaments. Shoppers snack on cream-filled pastries, candied fruit, roasted chestnuts, and Weihnachtspunsch (a spiced "Christmas punch" of wine, brandy, or schnapps sweetened with warm fruit juices). From 13 November to 24 December

Graz Styrian arts and crafts, regional farm products, hot punch and mulled wine warm the heart.Close by is the Christmas market in front of the City Hall with the giant Christmas tree and the old fashioned merry-go-round for children. Watch out for the huge advent calendar on the façade of the City Hall. The market is open from 20 November to 24 December. Tip: The Office for Christmas Carols has been the number 1 address for all questions and issues regarding to both Alpine and international carols, lyrics, stories and poems of the festive season.

Innsbruck This Alpine city's main shopping street will once again dazzle visitors with lights, glass and crystal. New stalls, modern Christmas lighting designs and an exciting range of souvenirs supplement the traditional Christmas market offerings in the heart of the town. Tip: Open from 26. November to 06. January.

Belgium

Christmas Markets in Belgium are very popular for their cheerful lights, delicious aromas and a vast number of stalls promises a warm, friendly holiday atmosphere. An array of products will be available.

Brussels The Winter Wonders, hailed as Europe’s most original Christmas Market takes place in the heart of Brussels from 26. November to 2. January. The holiday atmosphere is so festive for the Grand’Place lights decoration. Tip: In addition to the Christmas Market the ice skating rink offers fun for all.

Ostend The Ostend Christmas Market with its open air ice rink boasts a truly atmospheric Belgian Christmas Market. The Christmas Market in Ostend takes place in the main square and offers a fantastic choice for Christmas shopping, many shops and boutiques. December 3 to January 9.

Czech Republic

Vánoce is a special time of year in Czech Republic and the Christmas markets are a key ingredient in the festive magic. Czech Christmas Markets are to be found on a smaller scale in other locations around the country, but they are smaller and much shorter in duration. The Christmas Markets in the Czech Republic, particularly the Prague Market, exude a fantastic atmosphere.

Prague is a fairytale city and the city markets bring visitors and locals together to share the holiday spirit in a true 'winter wonderland' setting. The rows of brightly decorated wooden huts, selling Czech puppets, Bohemian crystal, hot local specialities and hot wine (svarené vino) - to make outdoor shopping is much easier! The two best Christmas markets are on the long slope of Wenceslas Square and in the medieval movie set of the Old Town Square formed around a giant Christmas tree. Tip: Look for St. Nicholas and his cohorts.

France

Whether you’re looking for a unique Christmas shopping experience or a relaxing Christmas vacation, you can be sure that a short break or holiday in France during the festive season will be truly memorable. France is renowned for its colourful markets where fresh regional delicacies vie with beautiful arts and crafts, but in winter special Christmas festivals and markets are held.

Strasbourg The Christmas Market in Strasbourg spreads out into many streets and squares of the city centre, in particular Place Broglie and the Cathedral Square. Several hundreds of stall holders tempt the stroller with original gifts and traditional ornaments for decorating the tree and the nativity scene. Tip: Stuffed white storks-the city mascot and an Alsatian symbol of good luck-in the boutiques of "La Petite France," a picturesque, canal-threaded corner of the historic center.

Menton The Christmas festival in this charming Riviera town features lights, shows, and a Christmas market and nativity scene. Menton’s Christmas Festival runs from the middle of December through to the first week of January and along the seafront a little village of wooden huts springs up, in reality stalls selling crafts and antiques. Open 12 December to 10 January.

Arras The town renowned for its tapestries of the late Middle Ages, holds a spectacular Christmas market on the splendid Grand Place. Around 60 exhibitors offer a wide selection of arts and crafts, as well as
local delicacies. Open from 27 November to 24 December.

Nancy Open from 27 Nov to 27 Dec in the medieval town of Nancy, the celebrated market held in the historic Place Maginot offers a wide range of local specialties, from delicious fresh bread to spicy charcuterie and, for those with a sweet tooth, Bergamotte bonbons, Macarons and Mirabelle liqueur. Tip: Between December 1 and 2 Saint Nicholas arrives in the Place Stanislas. This popular tradition starts at 6pm on Saturday and finishes 3.30pm on Sunday.

Lille The market takes over the Place Rihour with over 50 stalls offering a vast range of local products and original gifts and is the largest in Northern France. Entertainments include a funfair, concerts, and exhibitions and of course Father Christmas, who is available throughout the festival so children can have their photo taken with him. From 18 November to 30 December.

Paris France's capital is renowned for its colorful markets where fresh regional delicacies vie with beautiful arts and crafts, but in winter special Christmas festivals and markets are held. La Defense - is in the city region
and perhaps one of the most impressive markets; Les Halles - this is another famous traditional market in the city centre. It attracts many people from across France who come because they enjoy doing their Christmas shopping here in particular. There is a wonderful array of gifts from chocolates to more unusual art and craft items; Place Saint-Sulpice - the market here has a merry-go-round inviting you to take a twirl on a colourful manèges de Noël of wooden horses; Noisy le Grand Christmas Market (Paris, Ile de France) - adults and children alike will enjoy this Christmas Market with horse drawn carriage rides as well as sparkling decorations, hand crafted wooden toys and traditional glassware.
 Tip: You can find unusual decorations and ornaments for your Christmas tree and, if you're looking to send something different to your friends this year.

Germany

The towns and cities along the Rhine valley provide an idyllic setting for a romantic Christmas market break. The region’s beautiful cities captivate visitors with their rich history, labyrinthine old quarters, medieval market squares and striking cathedrals.

Munich Open from 26 November to 24 December, the the tradition of the Munich Christmas Market (pictured above right) dates back to the 14th century. Buildings steeped in history are illuminated by thousands upon thousands of fairy lights, while the aroma of gingerbread wafts through the air around the Rindermarkt, only a short walk away from the Marienplatz. The more than 160 stalls offer a wonderful array of toys and handicrafts, candles and ceramics, woodwork and gingerbread. For more substantial fare, be sure to try the delicious sausages or potato pancakes (Reiberdatschi). Tip: Don't miss the daily Festive Advent Music live at Marienplatz from the
balcony of the town hall.

Nuremberg This Christmas Market is one of Germany's oldest and most famous Christmas fairs. Every year, more than 180 stalls open for visitors from all over the world, right in the heart of the city - on Nuremberg Main
Market Square. On the Friday before the first Advent Sunday (26th November this year), the Christmas Angel opens her market at 5.30 pm with a recital of the solemn prologue. Tip: Every December, Nuernberg transforms into a true Christmas City with, amongst others, a crafted lanterns procession to the Castle Hill -
Thursday, 09. December 2010, starting at Fleischbrücke at 6.15 p.m.

Berlin There are around 50 Christmas Markets in Berlin. A popular market is situated next to Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church amidst the bustle of shoppers on the high street between the Kurfüstendamm and Tauenzien.
Tempted by the seasonal aroma of mulled wine and baked cinnamon stars, visitors are drawn to more than 100 handicraft stalls, refreshment stands and amusements at the market. Open from 22 November to 31 December

Dresden Dresden's Striezelmarkt and its odd traditions date back to 1434, making it Germany's oldest continuously running Christmas market. Top artisans from across Saxony arrive bearing all sorts of regional specialties and, of course, Dresden's own famed blue-and-white ceramics. Only in Dresden you can witness a four-ton Saxon fruitcake paraded throughout he city in the company of "Fruitcake Maiden."

Cologne Visiting a any of the seven Christmas Markets in Cologne is a memorable experience for 2 million visitors each year. The half-timbered stalls of the markets create a special idyllic ambiance throughout the city
from 22. November to 23. December. The four largest Christmas markets are located at Cologne Cathedral, on the Alter Markt, on the Neumarkt and on the Rudolfplatz (Fairytale Christmas Market). Tip: There is also a floating Christmas Market on board the MS Wappen von Mainz.

Dusseldorf Festively decorated huts and an ice-skating rink, the city transforms into a winter’s tale. From 18. November to 23. December, the Christmas market is presented with individual themes at different places in the
lively city centre. During almost five weeks, more than 250 festively decorated huts transform the city into a winter tale for the whole family and especially for the little ones. Around Schadowstraße, there are stalls offering arts and crafts, snacks and Christmas drinks and another merry-go-round for the children.
Tip: A stroll along world-famous Königsallee is a must.

Italy

Christmas Markets in Italy are popular both with the locals and visitors from Europe and the UK. The markets, known in Italian as mercatini di Natale, are not as numerous or on the same grand scale as the network
of markets in Germany.

Naples and southern Italy have other Christmas traditions, including the Christmas Eve dinner of the seven fish dishes, although it doesn't really have to be seven fishes and not everyone serves it. It is one of the best cities to visit for Nativity Cribs. Bagpipe and flute players, zampognari and pifferai, are a part of the Christmas
celebrations. Tip: Naples holds a December Christmas market near Via San Gregorio Armeno and for the occasion, some vendors dress in traditional shepherd costume.

Rome There's a large Christmas market, nativity displays, and several huge Christmas trees. Romans erect elaborate presepi (Nativity scenes) across the city, from life-size tableaux on the Spanish Steps and before St. Peter's to countless crèches in church chapels, all populated by papier-mâché or terracotta figurines and most with a pizza parlor tucked between the shops of the Bethlehem backdrop. Tip: Saint Peter's Square in Vatican City hosts the popular midnight mass given by the pope inside Saint Peter's Basilica.

Turin One of the best places for Christmas lights - stretching over 20 kilometers of streets and squares are illuminated by some of the best artists in Europe. At this Mercatino di Natale during December in the Borgo Doraarea, stalls selling a variety of merchandise are open all week and on the weekends there's music and entertainment for children.

Trento holds one of the best Christmas markets in a beautiful setting. Christmas markets start at the end of November and include more than 60 traditional wooden huts selling a variety of crafts in Trento's center. The aroma that rises from mulled wine glasses, the tinkling ofChristmas ornaments, the ancient music, the laugh of friends grouping together around a small Christmas Stall. Open from 24. November until 24. December 2007

The Netherlands

Christmas is truly a season of celebration, whether or not you celebrate the day itself in its traditional, religious sense, but the Dutch holiday season starts on 14 November!

Amsterdam Museumplein is turned into a Christmas Square every year, boasting a market and craft-making displays perfect for passing an afternoon. There is also an ice rink which is open well into the evening. Christmas lights have been up since November, and an evening stroll in any direction from the brightly-illuminated tree in Dam Square can prove a pleasant one, especially through the Leidseplein and its surrounding area or towards the Jordaan, which is full of cosy cafes and unique shops. Tip: The Red Light District has Christmas lights of its own (not just red ones!) and seems to never shut down.

Switzerland

Swiss Christmas Markets are a palette of character and atmosphere. The stalls offer a vast array of locally produced goods, interesting items from across the Alpine passes and of course the festive staples of vin chaud and cinnamon crepes.

Montreux Looking for a ‘white Christmas Market experience’ - visit this one with its most beautifully decorated 150 stalls, arranged on and around the 'Quai de Noel'. You can visit Santa, who comes directly from faraway Lapland to his house at the Rochers de Naye, discover an authentic Christmas Village in Caux, or stroll
through a medieval market and attend a story festival within the walls of the legendary Château de Chillon. Open from 25. November to 24. December

Basel Probably the largest, most popular and most traditional Christmas market in Switzerland, held in the atmospheric Old Town and is well worth a visit. Open from 25. November to 23. December

Zurich Zürich’s oldest Christmas market in the middle of the Old Town guarantees a romantic ambience and shopping bags bursting with Christmas gifts. The 160 quaintly decorated market stalls transform the immense hall at Zürich’s Main Railway Station into the “Zürich Christ Child Market,” and the centrally-located Christmas market in the heart of the city also offers a diverse range of toys, tasty Christmas goodies and trendy fashion accessories. The Christmas market at Werdmühleplatz square is legendary with its “Singing Christmas
Tree.” Open from 18 November to 31 December.

United Kingdom

London November sees the launch of the sort of celebrations that will put a nostalgic grin on the face of every visitor to the UK. Head for the Island if you want to get into the Christmas spirit by enjoying a little
festive cheer with hot apple cider, minced pies and traditionally roasted chestnuts on offer.

London's Christmas shopping season opens in November, when Regent Street ceremoniously switches on its Christmas lights for a pedestrian parade. London typically spreads out its Christmas cheer, from the official Norwegian fir on Trafalgar Square to the ice skating rink at Somerset House. Tip: Don’t miss the Tower of London's Medieval Christmas and the Great Christmas Pudding Race around Covent Garden.