Why Not Travel Abroad and Explore the European Christmas Markets
With Christmas only weeks away, the pressure is on to start looking for interesting and thoughtful gifts for family and friends. Hopefully you are the type of person who already has their Christmas list done and dusted, but if you are as disorganised as me and the thought of a last minute dash down to Argos doesn’t appeal, why not get yourself into the Christmas mood by planning a weekend trip to Europe, thus combining Christmas shopping with a bit of rest and relaxation?
In the run up to December 25th, Christmas markets are commonplace in many European countries: Belgium, Germany and Austria are all popular destinations for Christmas shoppers hoping to find a bit of festive inspiration. And if you are feeling adventurous, you don’t even need to stick to one market: train travel across Europe is very easy (and also a lot cheaper than it is in the UK), so you could fly to one country and use the train to travel to other Christmas markets.
German Christmas Markets
Germany has some of the best known Christmas markets in Europe and throughout December the cobbled streets of several German cities are thronged with festive themed stalls selling a variety of Yuletide gifts, food, sweets and plenty of mulled wine to fortify you against the freezing temperatures.
Cologne has four Christmas markets during December, each with its own distinctive appeal. The largest is ‘Am Dom’, where more than a hundred traders set up stalls selling a wide range of festive wares in front of the cathedral.
Farther south is the smaller ‘Alter Markt’ in the old town. This old fashioned market is more geared towards children and features a puppet theatre, Santa’s Grotto and lots of sweets and toys.
There has been a Christmas market in Nuremberg since the 1600s and today’s modern market is the perfect place for anyone looking to purchase handmade wooden figurines (the ideal gift for children or adults who love dolls houses).
The Christmas market in Nuremberg is also the perfect place to go if you want to combine shopping with eating: there are lots of stalls selling sweet and savoury foods, and of course traditional mulled wine.
Nuremberg Christmas Market, Germany by charley1965
Belgian Christmas Markets
If food is your pleasure, you need to take a trip to the Christmas market in Brussels, which is held on the second Sunday in December. Christmas would not be complete without some delicious Belgium chocolates and there are certainly piles of them to choose from at the Christmas market in the Grand-Place. And once you have had your fill of browsing the stalls and sampling the mulled wine on offer, sit back and enjoy the street entertainers or have a go at ice skating on the temporary ice rink set up in the Fish Market.
Christmas in Brussels, Belgium by William Murphy
Austrian Christmas Markets
The Christkindlmarkt in Vienna is one of the oldest in Europe, dating back around seven hundred years. It is also one of the most popular Christmas markets in Europe and every year millions of visitors come to see the decorated trees lit up with pretty lights and to wander around the beautifully decorated stalls selling festive goodies such as cookies, gingerbread and handmade arts and crafts. Unlike many other European Christmas markets, the Vienna Christmas market starts in mid-November, so with a bit of forward planning, you can do your Christmas shopping early and beat the crowds.
Christmas Market, Wien, Austria / Photo by admin
French Christmas Markets
Take a trip to France during December and you can combine a visit to some of the traditional Christmas markets in Paris and Lille before finishing off your excursion with a side jaunt to one the many massive hypermarkets to stock up on wine and beer for the festive holiday. The largest Christmas market in northern France is held in Amiens, but the traditional market in Lille is also very popular thanks to its easy access via the Eurostar link.
Christmas Market in Colmar, France by Office de Tourisme de Colmar
Czech Republic Christmas Markets
Prague is a less obvious destination for Christmas markets, but do not overlook this beautiful city as it has lots of festive events and shopping opportunities on offer throughout December. There are always Christmas markets taking place around the city in the weeks before Christmas; the largest of which can be found in the Old Town Square. Typical festive wares include handmade candles, wooden puppets and toys, jewellery and small stocking fillers.
Christmas in Prague, Czech Republic by Boris Tylevich
If you want to visit a variety of countries to do your Christmas shopping check out the European Christmas Market rail tours offered by Great Rail – you are sure to find one that is perfect!
Category: Travel Tips
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