A Christmas market is a kind of market that is set up only during the Christmas period, in order to celebrate the Advent. The markets are usually held during the four weeks of the Advent, starting from November 20th until December 24th. In virtually all parts of the globe, the Christmas markets are created to sell a variety of different items related to Christmas, as well as special foods and dishes. The concept of creating a Christmas market first started off in Germany, and even today, some of the oldest Christmas markets are situated in Germany only. However, this tradition has become a lot more popular now, and countries all over the globe celebrate Christmas by setting up Christmas markets in order to celebrate the Advent. Here are some of the finest Christmas markets from all around Europe:
Ludwigsburg, Germany
The Germans, as mentioned above were the first people who initially started off with the concept of these markets, and the market in Ludwigsburg is one of the oldest of its kind. Looming over this beautiful market is the shadow of two, beautifully designed and decorated churches that really makes the place look wondrous during the winter season. The churches are lit up in celebration, which paints a beautiful picture. The Ludwigsburg market provides a mixture of new and old items. This Baroque styled market has become very famous partly thanks to its shop keepers, who dress up in the form of angels and gnomes in order to promote their sales. The cozy environment, coupled with the beautiful lighting and the winter snow makes the Ludwigsburg market a beautiful place to be at night.
Prague, Czech Republic
Located in the Old Town Square on the slopes of the Wenceslas Square, the Christmas markets in Prague, Czech Republic are some of the oldest and the finest. There are beautifully designed and decorated wooden huts which during this period are set up as shops, and the lighting effect is absolutely gorgeous. In the center of the market, a giant Christmas tree towers over the area making the whole place look even more beautiful. The people even create a small zoo that houses beautiful animals native to the Czech Republic. The Prague Christmas markets feature a lot of traditional items to choose from, such as hand crafted jewelry and glassware products, not to mention wooden toys that are also created by hand, embroidered lace as well as wooden dolls and puppets. However, a Christmas market is incomplete without food items, and when it comes to food, some of the most delicious items can be tasted in this market. From honeyed gingerbread to the local vanocvka (a local dish that involves a pastry with raisins) and the vosi hnizda (biscuits covered in rum and nuts), food in the Christmas market isn’t very much, but it is certainly tasty enough for the locals.
Antwerp, Belgium
The Christmas spirit is rife on the streets of Antwerp in Belgium as beautiful Christmas huts are created in order to celebrate the Advent. There are gorgeously lit structures in the background which provide an ample amount of lighting, and the whole market provides a beautiful feeling of happiness and joy. The market also creates the perfect romantic setting with beautifully designed bridges and the ice rink in the center that create an amazing spectacle. There are fairy lights as well as classical music plays continuously in the background, making the market of Antwerp, Belgium one of the finest in all of Europe.
Austria
Austria is one of the countries in which Christmas Markets are an old tradition. There, you can find at least one Christmas Market in any major city or town but the most famous of all is the Vienna Christmas Market where Christmas is offered in grand style. There are also plenty of other cities where the magical atmosphere of Christmas is sustained by the Christmas Markets such as: Innsbruck, Graz, Salzburg and Linz.
France
Because France is a country of romance, Christmas is a very special magical celebration where Markets are set up in many prominent cities. The Christmas Markets in France are even more special, not only because of the Holiday’s traditional food and gifts but because this celebration is combined with the spirit of France. Two such characteristics of France include the enjoyment of wine and the benefits of this romantic atmosphere. The most beautiful and special Christmas Markets in France can be found in Paris, Reims, Strasbourg, Lille, Bordeaux, Lyon, Montpellier, Nancy, Nantes, Rouen and many more.
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom is another country with numerous Christmas Markets, some lasting only a weekend while others are held for up to six weeks. The UK Christmas Markets are an old tradition banned by Oliver Cromwell. The tradition started again just thirty years ago when the first Christmas Market was revived in the Lincoln area, East of England. These beautiful Christmas Markets celebrate not only UK traditions with products for Christmas, but they also combine different continental traditions, bringing together Germans, French, Italian and many other cultures within their markets.
In the last few years, Christmas Markets have become popular in the USA as well. Thanks to the recent adaptations, you can enjoy the wonderful Holiday goods available at Christmas Markets in the USA, where you will be entertained by festive music, tasty food and a bevy of entertainment.
The magical atmosphere of Christmas flourishes within each of these very special and wonderful Christmas Markets around the world. People continue to enjoy their beautiful Christmas Carols, huge Christmas Trees, amazing decorations and lights, tasty food delicacies for Christmas, as well as unique Christmas gifts for the ones held most dear.