European Christmas Markets

As Christmas approaches snowlines creep lower down valleys and, surrounded by a backdrop of spectacular mountain peaks, towns and villages stir in anticipation of the festivities ahead and the old, medieval squares become filled with fabulous Christmas markets. Think of all those picture perfect Christmas Cards with snow covered paths, merry crowds and pink cheeked, laughing children wrapped in bright red scarves and woolen hats. This is Christmas as it should be!

Christmas Markets - what exactly are they?

Many Christmas Markets date back hundreds of years and follow centuries of old traditions relishing the nostalgia of the season in time-honoured celebrations . Usually held in the old cobbled stoned town centres and surrounded by historic houses and churches the locals erect rows and rows of wooden cabins as temporary shops. Local craftsmen, restaurants and ordinary townsfolk set up shop in these wooden stalls selling everything from mulled wine served from giant, steaming cauldrons to rows and rows of handcrafted wooden toys, pottery, gifts and colourful decorations. Brass bands and carol singers gather near tables that burst with sweets, candy and ginger biscuits whilst the festive punch fills the air with the aroma of sweet cinnamon. Chestnuts roast on open fires and merrymakers juggle hot potatoes in their hands next to row after row of freshly cut Christmas trees waiting to be chosen and taken home. Their location, at dusk with the twinkling lights around, makes them so evocative.

European Christmas Markets always promise something the Germanic locals call ‘gemuchlichkeit’. There is no single word that appears in English that translates this word. It really means good feeling and ambience… a kind of personal glow and warmth. Christmas markets are a heady mixture of sights, sounds, smells, tactile stimulation and they are so nostalgic.

Gluhwein (warmed or mulled wine) is always available from a variety of cabins. Each vendor has his or her own recipe. The brew will be drawn from giant steaming vats or barrels, usually by a hearty Bavarian or Tyrolean character who has already tested his own brew three or four times, and whose face is often glowing and beaming. Picture it? Now try not to smile when placing your order!
As for the warming beverage… the smell is divine, the glow is immediate and some stalls will happily top it up with brandy or cointreau giving it a wonderful, wicked kick.

Christmas mugs make excellent souvenirs. If you buy a mug full of hot, sweet Gluhwein wine you’ll also pay a deposit on the mug. Beautifully designed and decorated, there is an open expectation for you to take them home because they are the very best European Christmas souvenir you can get. Each Christmas market produces their own unique designs so with careful touring planning and a high degree of intestinal fortitude you can build a memorable collection.

Europe has everything in winter – except the tourist crowds! But beware - once bitten by the Christmas Market 'bug' your festive seasons will never, ever, be the same!

When and where are Christmas Markets held?

Generally staged from the end of November through to Christmas Eve they were originally held in the Germany however, nowadays, Christmas markets are now popular through much of Europe and take on all shapes and sizes. The trick is to define which are the most important ones to visit.

You'll find the 'great' Christmas markets in such places as Nurnberg, Berlin, Vienna, Stuttgart, Montreux and Salzburg but don't forget all the lesser towns such as such as Wurzburg, Munich, Prague, Strasbourg, Lille and Berne. You mustn’t forget or miss the smaller ‘just perfect’ Christmas markets such as in Innsbruck and Rothenburg and where the stalls are nestled in the tiny alleys by the town hall.

In Italy and Southern France the Christmas markets have a far more religious flavour. Italian Christmas markets often have displays of ‘Il Prespio’ – delightful, wooden nativity scenes, whilst in Provence, France they are famous for their hand crafted ‘Santons’ – a word derived from the Provincal name Santoun meaning Little Saint – which are hand crafted, lovingly detailed, little clay figurines.

Albatross Travel’s Christmas tours are always genuinely different. They always have 3 nights or so at the beginning in one of the more major cities and then as Christmas approaches they escape to some 800 year old coaching inn or a fairytale castle where they spend 4 or 5 nights visiting the local towns, Christmas markets and sights. Savoring Christmas as it should be!