CHRISTMAS MARKET SPECIAL….. CHRISTMAS MARKET SPECIAL….. CHRISTMAS MARKET SPECIAL…
IT’S CHRISTMAS market time again… Time to take a trip to some of the hundreds of European Christmas markets which make the festive season such an enjoyable and spectacular time of the year.
I’ve just returned from Vienna, in many peoples’ book the city with the some of the world’s best and most atmospheric Christmas markets, but unfortunately the 20 or so major markets in the city centre alone were just about to open for the season when I had to catch my flight home. So I missed the whole experience.
Now however, European Christmas markets are in full flow not just in Austria but elsewhere throughout the Continent, and with many of the markets open right through until the New Year, there’s plenty of time to book that city break for two or three nights of Christmas shopping, Christmas atmosphere and of course the inevitable gluvin, punch, glogg, mulled wine or whatever the local winter warmer is called.
There something about the combination of frost, snow and Christmas markets that is truly magical, that’s why the best and most atmospheric markets are to be found in Northern Europe and Scandinavia.
Quite often, though not always, there an inch or two of the white stuff underfoot and that just adds to the excitement and enjoyment of the whole Christmas market experience.
As I said, I didn’t manage to catch the markets in Vienna this time round, which are supposed to be truly memorable, but contenders for the best markets from my experience would definitely be the ones in many German cities, the likes of Bruges in Belgium and in my favourite Christmas market country, Sweden.
But there’s also a perennial favourite of mine, in a wee place called Tallinn, the stunningly beautiful capital of Estonia. Although not accessible by direct flights from Dublin in wintertime, it’s still worth the trouble of taking a couple of flights to get there, because Tallinn is simply Christmas magic, with a capital ‘M’.
The capital’s medieval Old Town takes on an incredible atmosphere this time of year, especially when a fresh dusting of snow covers the gabled rooftops, and outdoor candles fill its cobblestone lanes and alleyways with a flickering glow, lighting up the winter gloom. Though the daylight hours may be short and the nights dark and long, winter and the runup to Christmas is the time you’ll find Tallinn at its most entrancing.
From shopping at the charming, old fashioned ChristmasMarket, which is fast becoming one of Europe’s favourites, to skating on the Old Town’s outdoor ice rink to enjoying a cup of hot, spiced wine in a cosy cafe, every day brings a new experience. And the city is further brightened up by a full schedule of classical concerts, jazz events, film screenings and other engaging activities.
Tallinn’s Christmas Markets have already started and run from mid-November right through until January 7 to cover the date of the ‘Russian Christmas’ in the Gregorian calendar, a legacy of Estonia’s Soviet past.
My all time favourite country for Christmas markets however is Sweden, and there’s nowhere better to spend a pre-Christmas break than its capital Stockholm, sitting on 14 islands in the Baltic Sea.
Christmas Eve not Christmas Day is the highlight of the festive season in Sweden. Nearly everyone is on holiday, and having enjoyed the well stocked smorgasbord, that special knock at the door is awaited – the arrival of Santa Claus, or ‘Tomte’, and of course the presents.
Christmastime is when cities, towns, and villages are at their most magical with snow on the ground quite often and almost always matched with blue skies and crisp sunshine – a Christmas card perfect panorama.
Wrap up in scarves, hats and gloves and warm yourself with a glass of spicy mulled wine – it’s called glogg in Sweden – while browsing over the most exquisite handicrafts and Christmas decorations at the Christmas markets in the major cities such as Stockholm, Gothenburg and Malmo. Sample Swedish Christmas delicacies and look out for smoked sausage, reindeer meat and traditional Christmas sweets.
At least four major major markets take place within the city area of Stockholm, namely, on Skansen, on the park island of Djurgarden, where the Christmas markets date back to 1903, Gamla Stan, commonly known as the Old Town just south of the Royal Palace, in Rosendal Palace which is a little way from the centre of Djurdgarden and at Kungstradgarden, a large urban park near the tourist and shopping area.
The Liseberg Christmas Market which takes place in Gothenburg, Sweden’s second city on the west coast, is reputed to be the largest in the country with more than 60 stalls and an open air ice rink nearby. Outdoor stalls sell Christmas produce and a wide range of Swedish traditional handicrafts and jewellery and other gifts. Most markets run right up to Christmas Eve from the middle of November.
Germany is traditionally accepted as the home of Christmas markets in Europe, and every city and town of whatever size boasts its own cluster of seasonal shopping spectaculars.
The towns and cities along the Rhine and Moselle valleys provide an especially idyllic setting for a romantic Christmas Market break. Half-timbered buildings are festively lit and the aromas of mulled wine and cinnamon permeate the air. One of the most popular Christmas market destinations is Dusseldorf which transform the metropolis at the Rhine into a magical festive world. Meanwhile, dating back to 1393, Frankfurt Christmas Market is one of the oldest in Germany if not the world. Go along and enjoy hot Applewine and Bethmannchen almond candles under Germany’s tallest Christmas tree!
Berlin is a really popular Christmas market hotspot. The main Christmas Market is in the centre but there are many others throughout the city, and a real effort is made to maintain the quality of products sold at all the markets.
The world famous Nuremberg Christmas Market attracts visitors from all around the globe. It dates back some 400 years and visitors will find the charm of the city’s festive offering compelling and irresistible. Not to be outdone, experience the advent season in Cologne with its festive illuminations and visit one of the seven Christmas markets in the city, all with their own unique atmosphere.
Belgium is another country with especially atmospheric Christmas markets and Bruges has some of the best. This pretty medieval city takes on fairytale airs as the temperatures drop. The intoxicating scent of fresh waffles lingers in the streets, which are dressed like gingerbread houses with festive fairy lights reflected in the canal. Visitors can hop on a horse-drawn carriage for a snow-dusted tour of the cobbles, or dawdle round the stands at their leisure. This year the Bruges Christmas market runs from November 22, 2019 to January 5, 2020.
UK Christmas Markets, such as the one at Belfast City Hall, often have Continental themes by ringing over French, German, Italian, Dutch or even Eastern European traders. The traditional Glasgow Christmas Market takes place in St Enoch’s Square and will attract traders from all over the world. There has been another market at George Square in recent years.
Whether you are looking for distinctive hand-made gifts, stocking up your cupboards or simply soaking up the atmosphere, Edinburgh Christmas Markets will make your Christmas shopping sparkle. Great late night shopping, unbeatable festive atmosphere, together with a celebrate ice rink – the historic Scottish capital has Christmas all wrapped up.
Meanwhile Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is located in the heart of London, so get ready to fully immerse yourself in all things festive from November 21, 2019 to January 5, 2020. Open from 4pm on Thursday November 21, Winter Wonderland is then open every day from 10am to 10pm. Offering an array of attractions, activities and entertainment for visitors of all ages – there really is something for everyone!
Winter Wonderland is Free to enter and this year there’s loads in store with exciting new attractions including the world’s tallest transportable Observation Wheel, a new theme ‘A Christmas Carol’ at the Magical Ice Kingdom, a Season Ride Pass, Paddington™ on Ice, Mr. Men & Little Miss and a fantastic new programme of comics at the Winter Wonderland Comedy Club. Let’s not forget our returning favourites including the UK’s largest open-air ice rink, funky new après ski vibes at Bar Ice and jaw dropping acts in the Circus MegaDome!
Mornings are great for families where you can enjoy Winter Wonderland at a leisurely pace. At night, Hyde Park is transformed by thousands of sparkling lights, so enjoy a mulled wine or Bavarian beer and join in the festive atmosphere.
With over 100 spectacular rides and attractions, thrilling shows, London’s biggest Christmas Market, Santa Land, which is a whole area dedicated to little ones, restaurants, cafes and themed bars, this Christmas extravaganza will keep you topped up with festive cheer!
Take a look for yourself at https://hydeparkwinterwonderland.com/attractions/ Pre-book
Meanwhile, Christmas by the River returns to illuminate London Bridge City into the Capital’s most scenic Christmas market under the stars.
Stunning views of Tower Bridge, The Tower of London and the iconic City skyline, this year’s market will see a stunning array of boutique vendors bring Christmas glow to London Bridge City. Snuggled amongst these will be a mouth-watering assemblage of delicious pop-up food and drink stalls to make for an unforgettable Christmas experience. Throughout December this magical riverside retreat will host a series of free workshops.
You can find more information on Europe’s Christmas markets and beyond by visiting the website christmasmarkets.com
The 'Travel' Life of Brian 