When are the Christmas markets held?
Christmas markets are usually held between mid-November to the end of December. During this period, the famous Weihnachtsmarkt outdoor Christmas events take place across many cities in Austria, Switzerland and Germany.
What can you find at a Christmas market?
Christmas markets are full of centuries-old artistic and culinary traditions. Their colourful stalls includehandicrafts such as Christmas decorations – many of which are edible – jewellery, wooden toys and ceramics, along with food stalls that offer the opportunity to try local Christmas treats, often made according to old recipes.
Glühwein in Basel
According to CNN, Basel hosts one of Europe’s 10 most beautiful Christmas markets each year, from November 26 to December 23. The largest takes place at Barfüsserplatz Square with a festive atmosphere created by over 150 stalls situated in white wooden houses. There is a truly Swiss level of order among the Christmas stalls, with alleys arranged thematically, so that every visitor knows exactly where to buy Christmas decorations and where to eat Swiss chocolate.
When visiting Basel’s Christmas market, be sure to try the traditional mulled wine known as glühwein and eat raclette cheese, which is typically served over jacket potatoes, with marinated onions and pickled cucumbers. The fair is a great opportunity to explore the city, as it takes place around Basel, on both sides of the River Rhine. The Swiss market also offers a mediaeval history lesson – try your hand at forging a weapon from iron at the blacksmiths, while, at a traditional shooting range you can take your best shot with a crossbow.
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Roasted Chestnuts in Vienna
Vienna’s Christmas market is a centuries-old tradition that goes back to the mediaeval era. At the beginning of the thirteenth century, King Albrecht I granted Vienna’s inhabitants the privilege of organising a December fair – the event’s popularity has grown ever since. This is best evidenced by the fact that over twenty advent markets are visited by three million tourists from all over the world each year.
Stands with warming punch and roast chestnuts attract customers with their seasonal delicacies, while stallholders enhance the festive mood with handicrafts. The fairs take place in different areas of Vienna and the Christmas Village at Belvedere Palace is especially popular with visitors. Here, you’ll find traditional handicrafts, sophisticated Christmas decorations and special culinary delights on festively decorated stalls. Enjoy a cup of glühwein at the University of Vienna, which, like many other monuments, serves as a Christmas market during the festive season. Meanwhile, the Christkindlmarkt Christmas Ice Rink is the perfect place to admire the beautifully decorated Town Hall Park.
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Savoury Pajda Bread in Kraków
The Christmas Market in Krakow may not be Poland’s largest, but it is definitely worth visiting. One of the most popular Polish Christmas markets has been held in the capital of Małopolska for many years, and traditionally, the Market Square offers a whole range of attractions for families. Don’t forget to stroll around the Market Square and admire the festively decorated Old Town.
The Krakow Christmas Market offers regional handicrafts and Christmas decorations and is also a rich gastronomic experience. Sample highland cheeses and cold cuts, delicious preserves and jams and a classic pajda, served with cucumber and lard. There are alsospecialties from neighbouring countries, including Lithuania, Ukraine, Slovakia and Hungary. Sellers not only delicacies, but also local handicrafts, including jewellery and ceramics.
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Gingerbread in London
London’s Winter Wonderland is a real treat for anyone who wants a festive mood with a modern twist. Go skiing at the UK’s largest outdoor ice rink, which is lit by over 100,000 lights before catching a live music concert as the crowd enjoys the sensational Ice Kingdom. There is also a Ferris wheel, a circus, a Bavarian village and an ice-carving workshop.
For those craving hot food, you’ll find delicious burgers, spiced potatoes, Belgian chocolates and marzipan cookies, along with classic gingerbread men, accompanied by hot chocolate. For a stronger tipple, treat yourself to a cup of mulled wine. Compared to the more authentic German and Austrian fairs, London’s Winter Wonderland is more of a winter theme park with a festive twist.
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Sausage in a Bun in Nuremberg
Nuremberg’s Christkindlesmarkt Christmas market has a long and rich history that begins in the 17th century. The name originates in Lutheran culture and literally translates as Baby Jesus Fair. There are almost 200 stalls here, packed with everything that is beautiful and tasty during the holidays. Nuremberg is the capital of German gingerbread, as well as the home of the famous Drei im Weckel grilled sausages served in a bread bun, accompanied by potato salad.
Among the Christmas shops there are also suppliers of always great-tasting mulled wine, roasted almonds and fruit breads, as well as Christmas tree decorations made of dried figs. Zwetschgen-Männle, or figurines made of plums or dried fruit, are a classic here. The most popular German Christkindlesmarkt runs from late November until Christmas Eve, transporting you back in time to the era of mediaeval castles, feasts and elaborate costumes.
