FESTIVE FUN & FRIVOLITY
Christmas is but one week away so why not get into the festive spirit this year with a visit to one or more Christmas Markets scattered across Europe.
Article provided courtesy of Luxury Living Magazine by Clearvision Marketing
Forget the hassle of frantic seasonal shopping in overcrowded city streets. The ambiance of one of Europe’s advent markets encompasses everything a shopping centre experience does not – think decorated gingerbread men, candlelit carol singing, stocking-fillers of glass ornaments, wooden toys and porcelain dolls, and the occasional traditional treat to help you on your merry way.Here we take a look at some of the oldest and most stunning European Christmas Markets for 2017
PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC - Runs till 6th January 2018
Christmas markets are a key ingredient of the festive magic in the Czech Republic and the Prague , lighting up the city and bringing locals and tourists together to share in the spirit, in a true ‘winter wonderland’ setting.
The two best markets are situated on the slopes of Wenceslas Square and in the Old Town Square.
The markets consist of brightly decorated wooden huts selling traditional handcrafted products such as intricate glassware and jewellery, embroidered lace, wooden toys, metal-ware, ceramic plates and mugs, scented candles, beautifully dressed puppets and dolls, Christmas tree ornaments, and hats, gloves and scarves.
This picture perfect festive scene is complete with brightly decorated a wooden hut surrounding a giant glittering Christmas tree which is shipped in from the Krkonose Mountains in the North of the Czech Republic. It is erected at the Old Town Square and draped in a blaze of lights. The tree is switched on every night around 5pm. Set against Prague’s dark gothic skyline this is truly a spectacular sight.
COPENHAGEN, DENMARK - Runs 31st December 2017
There are a number of charming Christmas markets to enjoy in Denmark, but if you’re looking for the most famous of them all – offering a real Danish flavour head to Copenhagen and the Christmas Market of Tivoli Gardens.
Copenhagen is a Christmas city, not just because Greenland is the home of the ‘Julemand’ (Santa) but because this holiday is the most eagerly anticipated by all Danes who have passed down its simple pleasures and traditions from generation to generation. Each year the Tivoli Gardens are transformed into a winter wonderland thanks to more than 500,000 fairy lights. Although the Tivoli Christmas Market has only been running only since 1994, it attracts more than a million visitors, an astonishing figure given that Denmark has a population of 5.5 million.
Stroll around the 60 colourfully painted stalls offering porcelain and wooden dolls while sipping on a warming glögg, (Danish mulled wine) which is laden with liquor, raisins and spices, followed by a hot apple dumpling to ward off the cold chills. Warm yourself with a cup of mulled wine (gløgg) and take your time picking out that perfect Danish design gift or decoration to take home. The gardens also offer an ice rink, roller-coaster and theme park rides for those up for more than just a leisurely amble round the handicraft stalls. Based in the centre of the capital it attracts up to a million visitors, so expect crowds.
BRUSSELS, BELGIUM - Runs till 1st January 2018
Magical Christmases have a dazzling, sparkly meaning for those in Brussels because the Christmas Markets at the Grand Place and Place St. Catherine’s area are filled to the brim with activities for children and adults. Temporary shopping chalets and even brassieres go up at the end of November and last for the entire month of December through to New Years.
Activities include a skating rink, a Big Wheel (Ferris wheel), round-about and ice dinosaur monster. All have entrance fees, but it is an exciting time for a city during the coldest months of the year. Brass bands, free performances and ice sculptures are also on display as part of the cultural programme. One of the highlights for Christmas shoppers are the 240 wooden Christmas chalets opened during this time. They line the streets of Bourse, Marché aux Poissons and Place St. Catherines. These stalls look like gingerbread houses, twinkling with fairy lights and covered with ‘snow-top’ roofs. In a city famous for its cuisine, what better place to indulge your sweet tooth than in Brussels.
The Christmas market acts more as a gastronomic affair, offering plump French olives, sumptuous Belgian chocolates, waffles, steaming plates of moules-frites and snails, and seasonal croustillons (sugared doughnuts).
STRASBOURG, FRANCE - Runs till 31st December 2017
With over 300 market chalets, Strasbourg attracts over 1.6 million visitors during the Christmas season. There is an impressive Christmas tree on Place Kléber and a skating rink on Place du Château. Founded in 1570, Strasbourg Christmas market is without a doubt the most famous of all. Young and old stroll from chalet to chalet, enjoying the spice bread, bretzels, confectionery, pastries and mulled wine on offer.
Strasbourg Christmas markets have something for everyone, every whim is permitted and pleasant surprises are legion: a large number of events, concerts and exhibitions provide opportunities for interesting encounters. Christkindelsmärik the oldest and most famous Christmas market is surrounded by the Notre Dame Cathedral, wooden stalls are stacked with delicate ornaments and nativity figurines as well as mid-shopping snacks and local specialties such as bredele (cookies) and Flammekeuche (thin pizza with bacon, onions, and crème fraîche) other markets can be found on Place du Château, Place d’Austerlitz and Place du Cordeaux.
