European Christmas Markets

Christmas transforms European cities in ways that are absent here in the United States. The destinations cease to be about just traveling to museums and monuments and more about experiencing the place. Though probably not for the hardcore shoppers or those wanting to make the historical circuit, European Christmas Markets are an excellent, family friendly vacation, offering the chance to try unique fare, purchase traditional crafts, and partake in seasonal customs that have survived for centuries. So here are three notable Christmas Markets that occur annually throughout Europe:

Denmark

Tivolis Julemarked - Inner City, Copenhagen

Open from Novemebr 11 to December 30 the Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen, Denmark host the Tivolis Julemarked in the Inner City. This year's theme is Russian and will feature a 2000 m2 city complete with a Tivoli version of St. Basil's Cathedral featuring an almost 70 foot tower with onion domes and a carillon.

Filled with 70 different stalls filled with Danish Christmas decor, food, and drinks.

Germany

Christkindlesmarkt - Hauptmarkt, Nürnberg/ Nuremberg

Germany is known for its infamous Christmas Markets. Though each city throughout the country has its own special traditions and wares, the most famous Christmas Market is in Nürnberg. Held in the Main Market Square, the market is opened at 5:30 PM on the Friday before the first Advent Sunday (this year was on November 25) when the Christmas Angel opens the market and a prologue from teh gallrey of the Church of Our Lady is spoken.

Visiting tourists get the opportunity to taste traditional gingerbreads, stollen (a cake filled with dried fruits), Christmas tree decorations, German wines and liquors, ceramics, glass, and arts and crafts.

France

Champs-Elysées Christmas Market - Paris

Christmas transforms Paris with markets, nativities, and lights. Along the Champs-Elysées the 200 trees will be covered with tree rings--luminous rings that are aided by mirrors dotted around the tree branches.

From Nov. 19, 2011-Jan.2, 2012 The Champs-Elysées Christmas Market includes some 160 authentic chalets that line the avenue between the Rond-point and Place de la Concorde and include the chance to try some regional fare and drink and, if you'd like a bird's eye view of the lights and markets take a ride on the big ferris wheel at the adjoining Place de la Concorde.

Both photos here are of the lights on the Champss-Elysées.

Filed Under: Destinations