Christmas In Europe?
Christmas in the Northern Hemisphere is really something else. You're lucky enough to discover what it's like to caress yourself, wrap your hands around a cup of mulled wine and listen to the sound of Christmas carols and your shoes crunching on the snow while you walk in the city. Christmas markets are a Christmas tradition in Europe with seasonal treats, ornaments and a lot of joy. If you are one of the lucky ones traveling to Europe during the Christmas season, be sure to prepare your money and wallets for seven of the best Christmas markets in Europe.The Basel Christmas Markets, Switzerland
It may be known as a popular starting point or destination
for a Rhine cruise, but the Swiss city of Basel is also an idyllic place for a
festive market. Regarded as one of the largest in Switzerland, the Basel
Christmas Market is located in the city's Old Town in the areas of Munsterplatz
and Barfusserplatz. There are more than 160 traders and artisans who set up
stalls for the market, which is generally open from late November to December.
After picking up some trinkets, try the authentic Basel Lickerli (Gingerbread
Cookie) or Swiss Raclette aka Processed Cheese, which is usually accompanied by
potatoes, pickles and dried meat.
The Prague Christmas Markets, Czech Republic
If you visit the city of Prague, in Eastern Europe, go to
the old town, where the Christmas season really gives life to the region. At
the end of November, the Christmas tree of the old town will be lit for the
first time, officially opening the Christmas market and marking the beginning
of the holiday season. From then on, the markets will work every day until the
beginning of January. You will find a variety of stalls selling traditional
Eastern European dishes, including prazska sunka (roast ham), sausages and
sweets. Maybe even try the jellyfish, a hot honey wine.
Christmas Market at Gendarmenmarkt, Germany
Head to Berlin and you'll have a choice of more than 70
indoor and outdoor Christmas markets all over the city. The largest is in the
old town of Spandau, a 20-minute drive west of the city center. However, for
something more central, visit Gendarmenmarkt. The eighteenth century square is
decorated with more than 1,000 light garlands, making it one of the most
beautiful Christmas markets in Berlin. It will be open every day at 11am from
25 November to 31 December. Children under 12 years old are free, but there is
an entrance fee of 1 euro for adults, with a portion of the proceeds donated to
a charity.
Christmas in Leicester Square, England
On the way to London? Hit the iconic Leicester Square during
the Christmas season. Christmas in Leicester Square takes place every day
(except Christmas Day) from November 8 to January 5, 20xx. Hours vary depending
on the day of the week, from 10 am to 10 pm. The event has hosted festive
markets and entertainment since 1670 and nowadays it is still a hotspot for
Christmas. It is free to walk around the stalls, but you will need to buy a
ticket to see a show inside the spiegeltent or to visit the Santa Claus cave,
where children can meet Santa and listen while he reads a festive fairy tale.
Viennese Dream Christmas Market, Austria
If you visit Vienna between November 15th and December 26th,
be sure to visit the Viennese Christmas Dream Market. Located opposite the 19th
century Town Hall, the market offers visitors a chance to immerse themselves in
the spirit of the season in a wonderful setting. The ground floor has a
dedicated children's area to indulge in a range of festive crafts, such as
making cookies and Christmas candles. Inside, you can also listen to songs sung
by international choirs. Visit a Friday, Saturday or Sunday and you will get a
free entry.
The Helsinki Christmas Market, Finland
Find yourself in Finland during the holiday season and be
sure to head to the most popular Christmas market in the country, the Helsinki
Christmas Market. From 6 December to 22 December, more than 100 stands will
occupy the Senate Square, the oldest part of central Helsinki. With the
nineteenth-century Helsinki Cathedral towering over the square, the market is
the perfect place for some festive shopping and sightseeing at the same time.
To top it off, children can use a free ride of the old fashioned way.
The Budapest Christmas Market, Hungary
Located on Vorosmarty Square, Budapest's Christmas Markets
are the largest and oldest in the city. A few minutes’ walk from the Danube,
the markets are centrally located and easily accessible for travelers visiting
the city from 9 November to 1 January. The craft stands are open until December
29th, after which the food stalls will remain to serve festive treats such as
kurtoskalacs (cinnamon pastries) and dodolle (potato dumplings). Stay away from
snacks as you walk towards the river, where you can see the iconic Szechenyi
Chain Bridge and Buda Castle; a spectacular view at night.
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