Europe's finest Christmas markets

[The Patriot]

Europe's finest Christmas markets

12-11-2012 04:48 AM

Tags:
Travel
Christmas Market
Germany
Italy
Europe
Romantic
Largest
Gifts
Austria
Estonia
Netherlands
Nuremberg
Berlin
Munich
Cologne
Brussels
Dresden
Prague
Czech Republic
Copenhagen
Denmark
Budapest
Hungary
Oldest
Vienna
Bruges
Madrid Spain
Hamburg
Innsbruck



Europe's finest Christmas markets


by: Genevieve Northup
Stripes UK
published: December 11, 2012

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The holiday season is upon us, and your choices for European Christmas markets are endless. Here are some highlights to aid in deciding where to celebrate this special time of year.

Foods to devour
Copenhagen, Denmark
The city’s historic amusement park, Tivoli Gardens, is the setting for Copenhagen’s market. An area is devoted to cuisine from around Europe. Don’t miss the Danish treat of apple doughnuts.

Nuremberg, Germany
The spicy, sweet smell of Lebkuchen (gingerbread) perfumes the air of Nuremberg’s market, where the local treat bears a seal for differentiation throughout Europe. Save room for a famous Nürnberger Bratwurst.

Brussels, Belgium
Known for wonderful food stalls, you’ll find Belgian waffles, steamed mussels, escargot, Belgian chocolates and smooth, rich hot chocolate at this market.

Dresden, Germany
Dresden’s Striezelmarkt is named after the Hefestriezel, or Christstollen, a loaf-shaped fruitcake topped with powdered sugar that is served at Christmas. Each year, a 4-ton Striezel is paraded through the market.

Merchandise of fine artistry or craftsmanship
Prague, Czech Republic
While the scenery of Prague’s market is beautiful, shopping should be at the top of your list. The wares that the country is known for – intricate lace, ceramics, marionettes and colorful Bohemian crystal – are readily available.

Angel’s Christmas Market, Cologne, Germany
Located in the heart of the city’s shopping district, the Neumarkt, Cologne’s oldest Christmas market features higher quality gift items, so get your Christmas shopping done with Glühwein (hot, spiced wine) in hand.

Hameln, Germany
In addition to a traditional market, take advantage of the Late Night Shopping event on Dec. 1 to peruse the old town’s boutiques until midnight.

Vörösmarty Square Christmas Fair, Budapest, Hungary
Budapest has several markets, but all of the items at this fair are handcrafted and have passed a rigorous review by a panel of judges.

Largest
The Frankfurt, Dresden, Leipzig and Mannheim markets each feature approximately 200 booths, and the Dortmund market has more than 300, making them among the largest in Germany. The Strasbourg market, with more than 300 booths, is touted as the largest in France. Zurich, Switzerland boasts the largest indoor market in Europe with 150 stalls atthe main train station, providing an experience unspoiled by inclement weather. The largest underground Christmas market, and arguably one of the most unique, takes place inside the Velvet Cave in Valkenburg aan de Geul, The Netherlands.

Oldest
Vienna, Austria’s Christmas market dates back more than 700 years. The Striezelmarkt in Dresden was founded in 1434, and Bautzen’s market was first documented in 1384. Since 1570, Strasbourg, France has hosted a market in front of one of the world’s tallest cathedrals.

Traditional or Old World scenery
Basel, Switzerland
Basel’s market features the longest Christmas street in Europe, lit by bright lights strung in 100 pine trees.

Angel Market and Cathedral Market, Cologne Germany
The Angel Market on the Neumarkt is Cologne’s oldest market, decorated in splendid white lights, stars and angels. The Cathedral Market is centered in front of the massive Cologne Cathedral with a canopy of Christmas lights and booths radiating from a central Christmas tree towering above the crowd.

Erfurt, Germany
St. Mary’s Cathedral, the Church of St. Severus, Ferris wheel, Christmas pyramid and giant Christmas tree are surrounded by 200 wooden booths decked in lights to make a picturesque market. Afterward, see the “Flowers for Christmas” exposition at Egapark.

Dresden, Germany
With age comes tradition, and at the Dresden market, you’ll find beautiful decorations, including a huge nutcracker and 45-foot-tall Christmas pyramid. This multi-level wooden structure features life-size figures including a nativity scene and angels.

Leipzig, Germany
This traditionally decorated market is surrounded by buildings dating to the Renaissance and offers the largest free-standing Advent wreath in the world, a model train exhibit and performances by the St. Thomas Cathedral choir.

Romance in the air
Tallinn, Estonia
On the cobblestones of Old Town Square is a charming market that is likely to be blanketed in pristine snow. The cathedral backdrop, huge Christmas tree and quaint buildings add to the cozy ambiance.

Old Town & Hungerburg, , Austria
The architecture, traditional Christmas decorations and snow-capped mountains make the Old Town market of Innsbruck a romantic Alpine experience. To reach Innsbruck’s Hungerburg market requires a steep ascent on the Hungerburgbahn funicular. At the top, a small market awaits you, featuring wonderful food and mountain views.

Hameln, Germany
Hameln’s Renaissance buildings surround this lovely market, including the Hochzeitshaus where the city’s Pied Piper legend is recounted each day on the Glockenspiel. Take a Christmas river cruise along the Weser to spend quiet time with your sweetie.

Family fun
Munich, Germany
The Heavenly Workshop at Town Hall offers many activities for children, including baking, crafts and dress-up.

Nuremberg, Germany
Hans-Sachs-Platz features a children’s market with train rides, a children’s Ferris wheel, carousel, craft booths and St. Nicholas.

Brussels, Belgium
A sledding track, Ferris wheel, 130-foot-long ice monster, two skating rinks (one for small children) and baroque carousels are top attractions that families can enjoy. At night, the Grand-Place is illuminated by a beautiful light show.

Hamburg, Germany
A parade is scheduled for every Saturday during Advent, and Fairytale Ships docked at the Jungfernstieg offer a variety of children’s activities. Santa flies above the market in his sleigh daily.

Alter Market, Cologne, Germany
Toy vendors, sweet treats, a marionette theater and Santa Claus’ grotto will entertain little ones.

Marktplatz Market, Innsbruck, Austria
This area features a family market with a petting zoo, live nativity scene, puppet show and storyteller, as well as booths with food, drinks and gifts that parents will enjoy.

Great for nightlife
Berlin, Germany
Berlin’s markets are more modern, and gifts include fabulous antique jewelry and interesting artwork. With an ice rink, huge sled run and many bars, Berlin’s markets are a great place to celebrate the season.

Liseberg Market, Gothenburg, Sweden
Take a spin on amusement park rides and visit one of several restaurants at this fun fest.

Madrid, Spain
Don’t miss Madrid’s Christmas festivities, fabulous bar scene and milder weather.

Santa Pauli Market, Hamburg, Germany
This irreverent market in Hamburg’s red light district features adult gifts, snow sledding and plenty of beverages.

Medieval
Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Still surrounded by a city wall, Rothenburg maintains its medieval splendor. Buy beautiful holiday decorations, enjoy Medieval activities and try a Schneeball, a fried pastry ball covered in chocolate or sugar.

Bruges, Belgium
Seemingly untouched since the Middle Ages, Bruges offers beautiful architecture, canals and several markets surrounding an ice rink.

Bernkastel-Kues, Germany
The half-timbered cottages, cobblestone streets and tiny plazas of this town add to the market’s ambiance. Enjoy excellent Glühwein and wine tastings in this famous wine-producing region.

Hellbrunn Castle, Salzburg, Austria
The courtyard of this 17th century hilltop fortress holds a market featuring reindeer and many crafts, while the castle’s windows are transformed into a giant Advent calendar.

Trier, Germany
Germany’s oldest city offers a delightful market with nearly 100 booths and live music played by brass bands.

For dates, websites and more information about these Christmas markets, check out our Christmas Market Calendar of Events.


Tags: Austria, Berlin, Bruges, Brussels, Budapest, Christmas Market, Cologne, Copenhagen, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dresden, Estonia, Europe, Germany, Gifts, Hamburg, Hungary, Innsbruck, Italy, Largest, Madrid Spain, Munich, Netherlands, Nuremberg, Oldest, Prague, RAF Alconbury, RAF Croughton, RAF Fairford, RAF Lakenheath, RAF Mildenhall, RAF Molesworth, Romantic, Travel, Vienna
Related Content:






Europe's finest Christmas markets


by: Genevieve Northup
Stripes UK
published:

Share This:


Tweet

Comments
Email
Print


The holiday season is upon us, and your choices for European Christmas markets are endless. Here are some highlights to aid in deciding where to celebrate this special time of year.

Foods to devour
Copenhagen, Denmark
The city’s historic amusement park, Tivoli Gardens, is the setting for Copenhagen’s market. An area is devoted to cuisine from around Europe. Don’t miss the Danish treat of apple doughnuts.

Nuremberg, Germany
The spicy, sweet smell of Lebkuchen (gingerbread) perfumes the air of Nuremberg’s market, where the local treat bears a seal for differentiation throughout Europe. Save room for a famous Nürnberger Bratwurst.

Brussels, Belgium
Known for wonderful food stalls, you’ll find Belgian waffles, steamed mussels, escargot, Belgian chocolates and smooth, rich hot chocolate at this market.

Dresden, Germany
Dresden’s Striezelmarkt is named after the Hefestriezel, or Christstollen, a loaf-shaped fruitcake topped with powdered sugar that is served at Christmas. Each year, a 4-ton Striezel is paraded through the market.

Merchandise of fine artistry or craftsmanship
Prague, Czech Republic
While the scenery of Prague’s market is beautiful, shopping should be at the top of your list. The wares that the country is known for – intricate lace, ceramics, marionettes and colorful Bohemian crystal – are readily available.

Angel’s Christmas Market, Cologne, Germany
Located in the heart of the city’s shopping district, the Neumarkt, Cologne’s oldest Christmas market features higher quality gift items, so get your Christmas shopping done with Glühwein (hot, spiced wine) in hand.

Hameln, Germany
In addition to a traditional market, take advantage of the Late Night Shopping event on Dec. 1 to peruse the old town’s boutiques until midnight.

Vörösmarty Square Christmas Fair, Budapest, Hungary
Budapest has several markets, but all of the items at this fair are handcrafted and have passed a rigorous review by a panel of judges.

Largest
The Frankfurt, Dresden, Leipzig and Mannheim markets each feature approximately 200 booths, and the Dortmund market has more than 300, making them among the largest in Germany. The Strasbourg market, with more than 300 booths, is touted as the largest in France. Zurich, Switzerland boasts the largest indoor market in Europe with 150 stalls atthe main train station, providing an experience unspoiled by inclement weather. The largest underground Christmas market, and arguably one of the most unique, takes place inside the Velvet Cave in Valkenburg aan de Geul, The Netherlands.

Oldest
Vienna, Austria’s Christmas market dates back more than 700 years. The Striezelmarkt in Dresden was founded in 1434, and Bautzen’s market was first documented in 1384. Since 1570, Strasbourg, France has hosted a market in front of one of the world’s tallest cathedrals.

Traditional or Old World scenery
Basel, Switzerland
Basel’s market features the longest Christmas street in Europe, lit by bright lights strung in 100 pine trees.

Angel Market and Cathedral Market, Cologne Germany
The Angel Market on the Neumarkt is Cologne’s oldest market, decorated in splendid white lights, stars and angels. The Cathedral Market is centered in front of the massive Cologne Cathedral with a canopy of Christmas lights and booths radiating from a central Christmas tree towering above the crowd.

Erfurt, Germany
St. Mary’s Cathedral, the Church of St. Severus, Ferris wheel, Christmas pyramid and giant Christmas tree are surrounded by 200 wooden booths decked in lights to make a picturesque market. Afterward, see the “Flowers for Christmas” exposition at Egapark.

Dresden, Germany
With age comes tradition, and at the Dresden market, you’ll find beautiful decorations, including a huge nutcracker and 45-foot-tall Christmas pyramid. This multi-level wooden structure features life-size figures including a nativity scene and angels.

Leipzig, Germany
This traditionally decorated market is surrounded by buildings dating to the Renaissance and offers the largest free-standing Advent wreath in the world, a model train exhibit and performances by the St. Thomas Cathedral choir.

Romance in the air
Tallinn, Estonia
On the cobblestones of Old Town Square is a charming market that is likely to be blanketed in pristine snow. The cathedral backdrop, huge Christmas tree and quaint buildings add to the cozy ambiance.

Old Town & Hungerburg, , Austria
The architecture, traditional Christmas decorations and snow-capped mountains make the Old Town market of Innsbruck a romantic Alpine experience. To reach Innsbruck’s Hungerburg market requires a steep ascent on the Hungerburgbahn funicular. At the top, a small market awaits you, featuring wonderful food and mountain views.

Hameln, Germany
Hameln’s Renaissance buildings surround this lovely market, including the Hochzeitshaus where the city’s Pied Piper legend is recounted each day on the Glockenspiel. Take a Christmas river cruise along the Weser to spend quiet time with your sweetie.

Family fun
Munich, Germany
The Heavenly Workshop at Town Hall offers many activities for children, including baking, crafts and dress-up.

Nuremberg, Germany
Hans-Sachs-Platz features a children’s market with train rides, a children’s Ferris wheel, carousel, craft booths and St. Nicholas.

Brussels, Belgium
A sledding track, Ferris wheel, 130-foot-long ice monster, two skating rinks (one for small children) and baroque carousels are top attractions that families can enjoy. At night, the Grand-Place is illuminated by a beautiful light show.

Hamburg, Germany
A parade is scheduled for every Saturday during Advent, and Fairytale Ships docked at the Jungfernstieg offer a variety of children’s activities. Santa flies above the market in his sleigh daily.

Alter Market, Cologne, Germany
Toy vendors, sweet treats, a marionette theater and Santa Claus’ grotto will entertain little ones.

Marktplatz Market, Innsbruck, Austria
This area features a family market with a petting zoo, live nativity scene, puppet show and storyteller, as well as booths with food, drinks and gifts that parents will enjoy.

Great for nightlife
Berlin, Germany
Berlin’s markets are more modern, and gifts include fabulous antique jewelry and interesting artwork. With an ice rink, huge sled run and many bars, Berlin’s markets are a great place to celebrate the season.

Liseberg Market, Gothenburg, Sweden
Take a spin on amusement park rides and visit one of several restaurants at this fun fest.

Madrid, Spain
Don’t miss Madrid’s Christmas festivities, fabulous bar scene and milder weather.

Santa Pauli Market, Hamburg, Germany
This irreverent market in Hamburg’s red light district features adult gifts, snow sledding and plenty of beverages.

Medieval
Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Still surrounded by a city wall, Rothenburg maintains its medieval splendor. Buy beautiful holiday decorations, enjoy Medieval activities and try a Schneeball, a fried pastry ball covered in chocolate or sugar.

Bruges, Belgium
Seemingly untouched since the Middle Ages, Bruges offers beautiful architecture, canals and several markets surrounding an ice rink.

Bernkastel-Kues, Germany
The half-timbered cottages, cobblestone streets and tiny plazas of this town add to the market’s ambiance. Enjoy excellent Glühwein and wine tastings in this famous wine-producing region.

Hellbrunn Castle, Salzburg, Austria
The courtyard of this 17th century hilltop fortress holds a market featuring reindeer and many crafts, while the castle’s windows are transformed into a giant Advent calendar.

Trier, Germany
Germany’s oldest city offers a delightful market with nearly 100 booths and live music played by brass bands.

For dates, websites and more information about these Christmas markets, check out our Christmas Market Calendar of Events.


Tags: Austria, Berlin, Bruges, Brussels, Budapest, Christmas Market, Cologne, Copenhagen, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dresden, Estonia, Europe, Germany, Gifts, Hamburg, Hungary, Innsbruck, Italy, Largest, Madrid Spain, Munich, Netherlands, Nuremberg, Oldest, Prague, RAF Alconbury, RAF Croughton, RAF Fairford, RAF Lakenheath, RAF Mildenhall, RAF Molesworth, Romantic, Travel, Vienna
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