EuropeanChristmasShopping

EUROPEAN CHRISTMAS MARKETS
Christmas markets are held in most central and northern European cities and they are more popular than ever. They are so traditional and highly decorated providing a veritable feast for your eyes if you can get to one then make the most of it. Decorated with huge Christmas trees, colourful lanterns and other picturesque paraphernalia at this time the year their presence dramatically alters the drab and dreary old market squares into truly magical settings. Market stalls offer deliciously scented Stollen cakes and glasses of hot Gluhwein and many wonderful gifts-handcrafted by local craftsmen which a evoke the warmth and spirit of a traditional Yule tide.
Prague:-At this time of the year Prague with its medieval Gothic city centre and stylish opera houses is a very popular destination for Christmas shopping-especially if you want a break as well as do some shopping for unusual gifts. From Dec 1st to Jan 1st this town will be holding two great markets. The Wenceslas Square and the Old Town Square which is also the venue for Christmas Carol concerts. The Czech Christmas markets also traditionally sell hot wine,waffles,marionettes,straw decorations, cut glass toys and wooden decorations.
Salzburg:-This is a truly beautiful city. Its Baroque architectural style, historical castles set against a backdrop of spectacular mountains is breath-taking. It was the home of Mozart in the last century and it is hardly surprisingly that many of the city’s markets always have a musical theme. From 22nd of November through to 24th of December there is choice of joining in the singing at the Cathedral steps, or participating in the ‘Turmlasen’ wind instrument band in Residenz Square and nativity exhibits in the courtyards.
Vienna:-The Viennese Christmas Market is considered to be one of the oldest in Europe thought to date as far back as 1294.It is usually held from 24th November to 26th December.
The ‘Christkindlmark’ at Rathausplatz with its elaborately decorated trees is the best out of all the markets. Schonbrunt Palace hold all the festival concerts and is considered to be the most musical. The Spittleburg quarter is where you can shop for gifts and buy some really unusual traditional handicrafts.
Lille:-Now that St. Pancras in London is finally open Lille is only 1 hour and 20 minutes by Eurostar. Lille has a historic centre,great restaurants,very lively bars,cafes and excellent shopping facilities. Come to think of it,it’s a great destination to visit any time of the year.The Christmas Markets come into full swing on 24th November until 24th December.Lille is the largest of the markets in Northern Europe and the market is usually held at Place Rihour.The market’s main attraction is the giant illuminated ferris wheel,funfair,concerts,exhibitions and around 50 stalls selling unique and original crafted items.
Bruges:-Known as the ‘Venice of the North’,Bruges is one of the loveliest and best preserved medieval towns. The Christmas Market is usually held here from the 23rd November to 21st December in places like Simon Stevinplein Square, and Market Square which has an ice-rink as well.
Brussels:- Other than being the head office of the EC,Brussels is a cheerful and convenient destination to shop and have a brief break. Only 1 hour and 50 minutes by EuroStar, the Christmas Markets here are always bursting with tantilising aromas, festive lights and a huge number of stalls selling traditional and seasonal products that you would not find anywhere else.
Helsinki:-Home of St Thomas’s Market, the Christmas Market is held at the Esplanaadi Park and is the largest of all the markets. But it has shorter run compared to some of the others. It starts on the 10th of December and finishes on the 23rd.Traditional Christmas Fayre is in abundance especially ‘Salt Row Salmon’ and other home-made foods, gifts and decorations.
Berlin:-This market runs from 26th November to 27th December and is held at the famous Unter den Linden by the Opern Palais.It has 140 stalls that sell all types of seasonal delicacies like Stollen,GingerBread,regional crafts and much more.
Dresden:-As far as Germany is concerned the Dresden Striezel Market is the oldest Christmas Market in the country. It starts on the 28th of November and finishes on the 21st of December. The market is good for the region’s traditional handicrafts like wood carvings, pottery and also the world’s biggest wooden Christmas pyramid. During this festive time a 3,500 kg of fruit bread is baked for all to enjoy.
Stockholm:- From the 1st of December until 22nd December Christmas markets mushroom here all over the place. The main market which is held in GamlaStans-an ancient medieval town. Since 1903 there has been a weekend market at Skansen which is the world’s oldest open air museum on Djurgarden Island.
Copenhagen:-Tivoli Gardens is the place to be for the Christmas market here. But do be aware that there is 7.00 pound entrance fee. At Nyhavn thousands of electric lights brighten the dark dreary winter sky. There are also ice-rinks,stalls,restaurants all offering traditional fayres and gifts.
Tallinn:-This Estonian capital is a truly fascinating city. It is full of history and crammed full of cafes,bars,eating places. The market is open from mid-November to 24th December. Tallinn holds a daily Christmas Market in the medieval town square in freezing temperatures for all to enjoy.
Budapest:-The twin cities of Buda and Pest are good to visit any time of the year. Christmas Markets start on the 24th of November and finish on the 29th December. The festivities shoot of here in a grand way with Hungarian dancing,singing,folk music and carol singing.
Krakow:-This town is crammed full of museums,galleries,concert halls,restaurants,jazz clubs and much more. The Christmas Market is based in of the largest medieval town squares in Europe. Running from the 1st of December to 31st of December it has many interesting food items like honey-cake, local handi-crafts like sculptures and embroidery.