There is something so charming about Christmas Markets, whether you celebrate Christmas or not. It’s hard not to get into a festive mood with hearty comforting food that warms your body and soul, the cheerful and lively atmosphere in the market squares, and the fairy tale surroundings (often majestic cathedrals or city halls serving as backdrops in a town that seems to have halted in time). For this weeks Through My Lens I will be sharing my personal favorites as well as some that are on my bucket list.
Best Christmas Markets in Europe
1. Strasbourg, France
The Christkindelsmärik was chosen as the “Best Christmas Market in Europe” two years in a row by European Best Destinations. It is currently the largest in Europe with about 300 stalls over 12 areas within the city. Enjoy the special Christmas concerts, bring children to the “Children’s Village” where you’ll find a circus and merry-go-round as well as traditional Alsatian-crafted decorations, and savor “bredele,” the traditional Alsatian Christmas biscuit. They come in different flavors but the ones with orange and cinnamon are particularly delicious.
2. Cologne, Germany
There are seven markets in the city of Cologne. The Alter Markt in front of the Old Town Hall is the most impressive and picture perfect, thanks to the majestic Cologne Cathedral in the background and the largest Christmas tree in Germany. Walk through the 160 stalls for traditional wooden decorations and then enjoy kartoffelpuffer (golden potato pancakes) served with applesauce, lebkuchen(gingerbread) andgluhwein. Children will be delighted with the merry-go-round, puppet theater and the legend of the famous Heinzelmännchen (the gnomes who created the Christmas splendor at this very place).
3. Brussels, Belgium
Brussels’ “Winter Wonders” is a hugely popular event every Christmas. The 21-meter high Christmas tree will be placed on Grand Palace — a Unesco Heritage Site — where you can enjoy a beautiful sound and light show every evening at 6 p.m. from November 27. The modern lights that move to lively music makes the old imposing buildings come alive in the dark. An ice skating rink is set up on the Place de la Monnaie and, this year has been expanded to 740 square meters, including the children’s area.
4. Coppenhagen, Denmark
The Christmas market in the world-famous Tivoli Gardens doesn’t have a long history but has a wow-factor that attracts a huge number of visitors. This year they added 30,000 new Christmas balls and created a spectacular light show with 16,000 bulbs. The traditional “Lucia Parade” consists of a hundred girls dressed as angels while the Tivoli Youth Guard Christmas Ensemble plays a variety of festive music. The little ones will be entertained with a variety of fun rides such as the Tyrolean Carousel and the Music Carousel.
5.Vienna, Austria
The Christmas markets in Vienna truly are an age-old tradition. The forerunners of the present-day events date back to the Middle Ages when in 1298 Albrecht I granted Vienna's citizens the privilege of holding a December Market or "Krippenmarkt". Since then, the character and prevalence of these markets has changed considerably. Nowadays, over 20 official Advent Markets sell a vast array of seasonal gifts and mouth-watering treats.
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