Christmas time is made even more special in many parts of the world with Christmas markets. These traditional sites are designed to celebrate the season with ornaments, gifts, entertainments and local delicacies. These are among the most popular Christmas markets in the world.
1. Copenhagen, Denmark
Denmark’s Christmas markets are located in the famous amusement park known as Tivoli Gardens. There are Christmas lights everywhere as all of the trees come to life in various colors. There are literally miles of different stalls and the youngsters will be able to see how Santa and his elves spend their days leading up to Christmas.
2. Brussels, Belgium
The annual Brussels Christmas market is relatively new as it was first launched back in 2004. It’s located at the Grand-Place of Brussels and takes visitors back in time with its centuries-old atmosphere. It features well over 250 chalets, an ice-skating rink, fairground rides, and a fantastic Christmas tree making the market a true winter wonderland.
3. Vienna, Austria
The market in Vienna starts in the middle of November and is known as The Christkindlmarkt on Rathausplatz. It’s one of Europe’s largest Christmas markets with about 200 different stalls. You’ll be able to purchase hand-made arts, crafts, and gifts as well as traditional decorations. The food is also spectacular with Viennese pastries and a spiced punch known as Weihnachtspunsch.
4. Strasbourg, France
This wonderful Christmas market is held in front of the Cathedral of Our Lady of Strasbourg. It’s known as the oldest and biggest of France’s numerous Christmas markets. It’s actually been going for over 400 years now and features superb nativity figurines and Christmas decorations. It also offers some tasty traditional seasonal dishes such as mulled wine, foie gras, and spiced breads.
5. Dublin, Ireland
The city’s famous Docklands celebrate Christmas with a German theme in November and December. You can’t escape the scents of Christmas as the air is filled the wonderful smells of roasted nuts, eggnog, bratwurst, and mulled wine. You’ll also be entertained by carol singers, story tellers, musical bands and singers.
6. Prague, Czech Republic
The centerpiece of this market is the huge Christmas tree that sits in the city’s Old Town Square. You’ll find markets at this square as well as at Havelske Trziste, Wenceslas Square, and at Namesti Republiky. All of the markets offer decorated stalls which sell a wide assortment of goods including Bohemian crystal, marionettes, gingerbread, and braided pastries.
7. Dresden, Germany
Dresden’s market is named the Striezelmarkt and it’s one of the world’s oldest Christmas marketssince its roots can be traced all the way back to the 1600s. You’ll be able to find some of Germany’s best arts and crafts here as the nation’s artisans converge here with their goods. Some of the most popular items include ceramics and blown glass.
8. Quebec City, Quebec
This popular Christmas market began just four years ago, but it’s already one of the most visited in Canada. The old city itself is the perfect setting for the holiday season with its cobble-stoned streets, winter weather, and excellent Christmas food and drinks.
9. Nuremberg, Germany
This ancient Christmas market got off the ground all the way back in 1628. It’s so popular that it attracts about two million visitors to it each winter. The stalls offer plenty of gifts, arts and crafts as well as local bratwurst and beer. You’ll also be entertained by live musical performers each night. One of the most popular decorations are the Nuremberg Plum People, which are small figurines that are made out ofprunes.
10. Chicago, Illinois, USA
Chicago’s Christmas market is named the Christkindlmarket and it’s inspired by the old market in Nuremberg, Germany. If you head to Washington Street and reach Daley Plaze you’ll come across numerous Christmas-colored tents that offer seasonal delicacies and traditional handmade arts and crafts. If you built up an appetite while shopping around you’ll be able to taste some hot sausages, sauerkraut, potato pancakes, and fine German beers.
