Christmas markets in Europe

Christmas is one of my favourite times of the year. With the Christmas markets set up one month in advance in Europe, there sure seems to be magic all around!We all may not have visited the markets all over Europe, but we sure can take a virtual trip right now!What say? Here’s a roundup of some of the best Christmas markets in Europe and the festivities that go on.Thanks to all those who contributed:)

1.Cologne/Bonn–

The first time you leave your country and attempt to integrate in a foreign culture is memorable. And I remember how excited I was when I visited a Christmas market for the first time in Bonn, the city where I was studying in Germany. Bonn was the former capital of West Germany and is located barely 20 minutes or so away from Cologne. Cologne has some of the best Christmas markets in Germany though, in total, 7 of them spread across the city. But, you can find one as soon as you get off at the central railway station; just outside the Cathedral.I remember trying out the Gluehwein, dumplings, waffles, and also buying souvenirs and gifts for my family in India.It’s been four years, but I still of course have the ‘Bonn’ Gluehwein mug and also a glass with my name etched on it, which I had also got from the Christmas market there:) I absolutely love the decorations, candles, angels,handicrafts and lights at the Christmas markets.

I also recently wrote a post about the best Christmas markets in Germany, in case you’d like to check it out.

The ice-skating rink in Cologne. Picture: Visit Koeln|Thilo Schmuelgen.

2.Basel–

Basel is a Swiss  city located near the German,Swiss and French borders, and is also where I am currently located in. The Christmas market at Barfüsserplatz and Münsterplatz is said to be one of the largest and oldest in Switzerland.It is quite a treat to see the market in the Old Town, with lots of lights, Gluehwein, food, the large Christmas tree and the decorations by Johann Waner, very well-known for hand made decorations. You can indulge in some warm Swiss food in the market, like Raclette or perhaps,Fondue or just sausages. The Laeckerli, a type of ginger bread, is typical to Basel and is available with different coatings too. There are also a few Christmas special tours held in the city during this time. One of my favourite things though, is visiting the city centre on the first Saturday of December, to watch numerous Santa Claus’ riding Harley Davidson bikes!Isn’t that incredible? I will be going again this year, on December 5th. Will share some pictures later for sure!

Basel Christmas Market on Barfusserplatz with over 100 market stalls. Picture:Basel Tourismus

The Mittlere Brucke with Christmas illuminations. Picture:Basel Tourismus

3. London – 

London is one of those places I have been wanting to explore for the past few years. I did get a chance to visit the city, but only once, and a couple days are definitely not enough to see all that it has to offer.Lately, I’ve started pinning all my ideas and desires for exploring London on my ‘London moments’ board and also randomly keep looking out for events,offers (and updates on the Harry Potter play) related to London. By the way, if you happen to visit the city during this festive winter season, you can check out these short term lets in London, for instance,to take advantage of the deals floating around!

Now, over to Shannon from soleseeking.com for an insight into Christmas in London!

The Christmas market at London’s South Bank Centre brings the feel of a small festive village to the busy city. To get there, you walk over Waterloo Bridge with the river Thames below stretching out into the distance, a wet canvas of colours as lights from the surrounding buildings blur into one glittering whirlpool. Joyful music from the merry-go-round and an array of irresistible smells will tempt you down the steps to Queen’s Walk which the market runs along.  Warm your hands with a mug of zesty mulled wine and let the sweet smell of roasting chestnuts guide you past wooden stalls selling various hand-made crafts, mouth-watering biscuits and fudges, and cosy woollen knits.

The highlight of this Christmas market is its location. The river dazzles with reflections from not only the Christmas lights of the market, but also from the London Eye and the Houses of Parliament. You are near one of the most famous landmarks and one of the most powerful political institutions in the world. However at this market, nobody is thinking about politics; they are too busy getting into the festive spirit of fun and friendship.

Find Shannon on Facebook and Twitter.

Christmas in London.Source:Flickr|pug_girl

4. Brussels-

– Simone & Dan,  The Aussie Flashpacker . Find them on Twitter and Facebook.

Belgium waffles are the best! Picture: aussieflashpacker.com

5. Budapest-

One of my favourite Christmas Markets in Europe are the ones in Vörösmarty Square, in Budapest’s 5th District. Yes, like at every Christmas market there’s delicious food (don’t miss out on the lángos (deep fried flat bread) or the kürtős kalács (chimney cake)) and plenty of mulled wine and more potent hot drinks. However,  what makes these markets my favourite are the splendid gifts available at the stalls. While many Christmas markets sell similar, mass-produced items, here the stalls have to be selected and approved by a special jury of fold art experts, meaning only unique, locally handcrafted items are available. Some of the stand-outs available for purchase include beautiful ceramic and glass ornaments, excellent hand-crafted notebooks, and pieces of delicate leatherwork. None of which can be found elsewhere!

Karacsonyi Piac @Vorosmarty Ter in Budapest. Picture:Flickr|Fumie Suzuki

6.Vienna-

I have been to many Christmas Markets during my life, but none attracted my attention as those in Vienna. The main ones are in front of Rathaus (city hall), however smaller ones are scattered all over the city. I love them so much because they are so diverse and so unique;  they are thematic, yet always shine with christmas atmosphere. What is more, most of the people who go to visit are happy to connect which makes it AMAZING for solo travellers. And it is not even necessary to speak German or English – these markets have such a variety of visitors, that most of European languages and bigger world languages are covered 😛

-Nikoleta, The Bonfire dream. Find her on Facebook and Twitter!

Wien, Christkindlmarkt, Rathausplatz, Copyright www.peterrigaud.com

Wien, Christkindlmarkt, Rathausplatz, Copyright www.peterrigaud.com

7.Birmingham- 

Every year in the countdown to Christmas, the main street that runs through the city centre of Birmingham, England, is transformed into a beautiful German market. Mid-November, the stall owners and their wares travel all the way from Frankfurt and stay here until the 23rd of December, offering the people of the UK the chance to experience Christmas markets the way they do them in Germany. It’s easily Birmingham’s biggest event of the year and is visited by millions of people during the run-up to Christmas. On top of this, it’s the biggest outdoor market in the UK with over 180 stalls offering Christmas decorations, speciality chocolates, cakes and lots of other German goodies. One stall even has a giant Advent calendar built into it! Undisputedly, the best way to enjoy the market is to wrap up warm, go in the evening, have a bratwurst sausage (half-metre if you’re hungry enough) with a tankard of German beer or a mug of gluhwein, enjoy the live music on every Friday and Saturday night, and remember that it’s nearly Christmas!

-Hannah, Hannah International . Find her on Twitter and Instagram.

Christmas Market in Birmingham. Picture:Hannah, hannahinternational.co.uk

8.Malta- 

Malta in Winter – Image: aworldtotravel.com

 

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