Christmas markets bring us all the anticipation and excitement of the season and a chance to sip mulled wine whilst wrapped up against the elements. There are some fantastic markets in Europe that are well worth a visit. The market at Innsbruck in Austria is very romantic and lined with medieval houses. This market offers a very traditional take on Christmas with stalls selling wooden toys and gingerbread. Trumpeters play carols and doughnuts are served hot with cranberry sauce. Travel up the mountains and enjoy glorious views of twinkling city lights and snow-capped peaks.
In England we love traditions when it comes to food like turkey on christmas day with pigs in blankets followed by Boxing day bubble and squeak. We love sitting by the fire eating until we can’t eat any more. It is always very cold around christmas time due to winter rolling in so we tend to wear thick jumpers and turn the heating on day and night. You may consider hiring a Boiler Service Cheltenham company from sites like blu-fish.co.uk to come out and and give your system a full check with a certificate to prove it.
In France, visit Lille’s Christmas market for a true gourmet experience. Mulled wine and toffee apples are sold alongside stalls selling all manner of Christmas goodies but you will also find chic boutiques for that classier gift. If all this talk of traditional Christmas is making you nostalgic, then why not craft some bespoke decorations for your own home this year.
Visit Hamburg in Germany for an amazing 15 different markets to cater for all tastes. For sweet treats and crafts, head to the square in front of the City Hall and children will love Toy Street, packed with toys from around the globe. Another market caters for those who love gourmet food and gifts, while a quieter market can be found by the water with fairly lights decorating the boats.
Still in Germany, the Stuttgart market dates back to 1692 and boasts 300 stalls placed along the cobbled streets. While shopping, you can enjoy free concerts which are held in the Renaissance courtyard and steps of the Town Hall.
If you prefer a taste of Italy, then head to Bologna where the market sits alongside the 12th century San Pietro Cathedral. Good food is everywhere from marzipan treats to nougat made with nuts and honey.
Trondheim in Norway is a super chilly Arctic city but in the main square there are wooden chalets and traditional tents. If it’s a real North Pole experience you seek then you will love the horse and sleigh rides, hand woven scarves and dried reindeer meat on sale. Enjoy tankards of mulled wine in front of open fires in this winter wonderland.
St Gallen in Switzerland is another snowy spectacle with a Cathedral, Medieval buildings and snow-capped mountains. To warm up, try a rum fire punch and feast on gingerbread and marzipan biscuits.
The Market Square in Bruges, Brussels is the place to be for handmade jewelry, wooden toys, leather goods and delicious Belgian chocolate. Enjoy the olde worlde feel of one of the cozy taverns and watch the world go by.
