Top 10 Christmas markets
9th November 2011
Vin-chaud? Gingerbread men? Roasted chestnuts? Whatever you want from a Christmas market you'll soon find it, in our festive round-up
1. Cologne, Germany
Throughout the festive season, Cologne offers no less than four sparkling Christmas markets to its visitors. Each has its own separate character and atmosphere, from Angels and Saint Nic’s to twinkling stars and little green elves.
The most spectacular of these, ‘Am Dom’, hosts 160 tempting stalls in front of the towering twin-spires of the city's cathedral. Stalls with the usual handmade Christmas tree decorations, sweet Gluhwein and candy to fill those all-important stockings, surround a giant Christmas tree in the centre of the square. Local musicians and bands also play to entertain the hordes of festive shoppers.
After you’ve filled up on sticky treats and several alcoholic beverages to ‘warm yourself up’, head to the heart of the Old Town to the Alter Markt. Be prepared for your inner child to make an appearance here, as traditional merry-go-rounds and puppet theatres dot the market, while Father Christmas sits in his grotto amid wooden toys and scrumptious boiled sweets.
2. Budapest, Hungary
Tthe Budapest Christmas fair is known for its continuous, loud folk music playing in the streets between the countless stalls. This winter wonderland in the centre of Budapest is a haven for food-lovers – fresh bread is baked in clay ovens, traditional pastry makers work their magic on glazed delights, and goulash is slopped down the throats of almost everyone. If you choose to indulge in a little gluhwein, each cup of the good stuff comes with a free Christmas market mug for you to take home.
In the windows of Gerbaud House – the most beautiful building in the main square – you’ll see the Budapest Advent Calender. Here, 24 artists showcase their work and everyday a new one is revealed in the count down to Christmas.
If pushing your way around the dense crowds and seemingly endless stalls isn’t your thing, head to the shopping district where a smaller market will set your Christmas spirit alight, without the claustrophobic crowds.
3. Vienna, Austria
The Austrian capital turns into a city of fairytale dreams during the Advent period; from the end of November, you’ll find little teasers of Christmas on Vienna's street corners. Little wooden huts selling hot punch and roasted chestnuts pop up around the city, tempting you to the main event of Christkindlemarkt on the main square in front of the City Hall.
Take a stroll between perfectly decorated trees in the city's main park and forgive yourself if you momentarily feel part of your favourite Christmas rom-com. Keep an eye out for Herzerlbaum – the tree with hearts – while you’re there stop-off for a romantic moment under the glowing, red hearts.
4. Venice, Italy
In the three week run-up to Christmas Eve, Campo Santo Stefano turns into a Christmas village filled with craftsmen and food sellers. The square, which is the second largest in the floating city, fills up with little wooden cabins in front of a stunning backdrop of Venetian palaces.
The Venice Christmas market is the perfect place for something a little different for your loved ones to unwrap on December 25th – from traditional carnival masks, Murano glass jewellery and marbled paper, you’ll be spoiled for choice.
One section of the market is dedicated to Italian foods. Look out for creamy-white almond studded nougat, fruit-filled panettone from Verona, and delicacies made with white truffles from Alba. The vintage balsamic vinegars and fine olive oils are sure to go down well as Christmas presents when you return home too.
5. Prague, Czech Republic
The Czechs are extremely serious about Christmas and take pride in their chocolate-box style markets that spring up all over the country. The capital hosts a number of low-key, family-friendly Vanocni trh (Christmas markets), which all have folk displays, concerts and carol singers to enhance the festive spirit.
The biggest market is held on the Old Town Square, where the idyllic Baroque setting and cobbled streets, covered in a thick layer of snow form the perfect winter postcard for any Christmas lover.
The Prague Christmas markets are not the place to find elaborate presents, but there are plenty of stocking fillers for you to choose from. Keep an eye out for hand-carved wooden puppets and Bohemian crystal.
6. Berlin, Germany
If you’re thinking of heading to Berlin this winter with someone who’s a bit of a Scrooge – we highly advise against it. The German capital is offering its visitors a whopping 60 separate Christmas markets on streets and in squares, creating a whole city full of winter magic and Christmas cheer.
Let yourself fall under the festive spell with horse-drawn carriage rides through Christmas tree clad streets, ice-skating at the Berlin Fairy Forest, or sip mulled wine while listening to harmonious carol singers. Most bars around the markets have outdoor seating with blankets and heating to offer you even more opportunity to soak up the seasonal atmosphere.
The usual stocking fillers can be found in almost all of the markets around Berlin, but watch out for the rare stall with scarfs and handbags, which make ideal gifts.
7. Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen’s magical Christmas market sits in The Tivoli Gardens amidst hundreds of Christmas trees and thousands of twinkling fairy-lights. Nestled in between the park's festive decorations are over 60 festive stalls, selling everything from local porcelain, wooden dolls, local crafts and Christmas decorations.
The Garden's main lake is transformed into an outdoor ice rink where visitors can hire skates. There are plenty of food stalls here too, but the main attraction is Danish glogg – a mulled wine mixed with liquor and spices. Hot apple dumplings also make for a warming mid-shop snack.
If you’re travelling with children, they’ll love the pony rides that take place in the market, as well as a jolly Father Christmas who does the rounds of the stalls, posing for photos with visitors and sitting in the ‘leprechaun tent’.
8. Tallinn, Estonia
It doesn’t get more fairytale than Tallinn during the Christmas season. The town square, lined with 15th century buildings; the cobbled streets covered with a crunchy layer of snow; and underground candlelit bars are perfect for cosying down with a Baileys hot chocolate.
Christmas shopping in Tallinn does come near to the quirky side – think thick knitted jumpers and scarves, Russian military fur hats and lots of vodka. Handmade chocolates can also be found, as well as amber necklaces and bracelets.
The Christmas charm of Tallinn comes not in the shopping, but in the city's medieval Old Town where Gothic churches rise high and pastel-coloured houses hide around every corner.
9. Dunster, Somerset, UK
On the first Friday and Saturday in December every year, Dunster turns off the lights, travels back in time and lights its streets with candles. There is no parking or access to the village by car during these two days, so Park & Ride is an option. However, for a real time-travel experience, hop on an old-fashioned steam train from Bishops Lydeard in Somerset to the medieval village.
During the event, there are a variety of street entertainers including carol singers, Morris Dancers and hand bell ringers. Food stalls, wafting mouth-watering smells, line the cobbled high street while jewellery stores, which only open for the Christmas season, glow, tempting shoppers into their warms shops.
Grab a bag of roasted chestnuts, a hot-choc in a paper cup and walk up to Dunster Castle, where the atmosphere and festivities play out in the town below. For more information, check the website here.
10. And a winter warmer: Morocco
For an alternative Christmas-shopping experience, head to the souks of Marrakech for some tempting winter sun. Everyone at home may be jealous of your December tan, but they’ll be delighted with the range of scarves, spices and handmade trinkets they unwrap on Christmas day.
If you’ve not experienced the wonder of Marrakech stall-workers, don’t be intimidated by their coaxing and offering you ‘cheap deals’ – adopt a ‘go away’ face and a stern but polite ‘no thank you’ if you’re really not interested.
Swap mulled wine for a spot of sweet cinnamon tea at the Djemaa el Fna and watch the greatest show on earth unveil before your eyes – snake charmers, fortune tellers and henna artists work their magic on innocent by-standers while food merchants tempt you with tantalising tastes.
Extra tip: Remember that although it may be pretty sunny and warm in the day, temperatures plummet when the sun disappears behind the Koutoubia Mosque at night.
Plus: Perfecting the art of haggling is something you’ll get used to with time during a stay in this bartering city – remember that the first price you’re offered is, on average, ten times more than what you should be paying.
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