Super Christmas Markets


There are markets running year after year across Europe at Christmas time and they are becoming an ever popular destination for tourists and Christmas shoppers alike. The idea behind it is simple; wonder around in a stress-free environment that is festive, new and has unexpected gifts waiting to be bought. Add in the odd glass of mulled wine and markets can be an exciting option where Christmas decorations and stocking fillers become an afternoon's delight. Here are a few Christmas markets worth checking out. Cologne is an extremely popular destination and has up to four markets in and around the city. The most popular market place is called 'Am Dom' which is located right in the city centre square in front of the cathedral. The structure is gothic in architecture and sets an awesome backdrop to the market. In the market you will find everything from Christmas decorations, home-made arts and crafts, street traders and musicians all contributing to a festive celebration. Vienna's main Christmas market is again centrally located in front of the Town Hall and is one of the most visited in Europe.

Historically it is one of the oldest markets, over seven hundred years and starts as early as mid-November, which is good news for Christmas shoppers wanting to avoid the crowds. The contents of the market include hand-made decorations, arts and crafts and scented candles made from real beeswax. Nuremburg Christmas market is well known amongst its counterparts. Rich in surroundings, there are hundreds of market stalls tightly squeezed into the cobbled square. The market is best known for its food; which includes spicy sausages (bratwurst). Another local delicacy is the gingerbread, coated in sweet sticky honey. Towards the evening you can experience music tastes ranging from brass bands to live jazz. Brussels Christmas market offers another exciting instalment for food lovers. Of course there are Belgian chocolates galore, alongside mulled wine, jars of preserved fruit, hard gingerbread and freshly steamed moules or snails.

The stalls consist of little wooden huts, each representing a different European country. Prague Christmas market is traditional in all senses; they host cultural displays, events and music concerts. There are smaller lower-key markets dotted around the town and the big main market can be found in the Old Town Square. These are family friendly and the surroundings of cobbled streets paint an idyllic picture. The stalls are set up in rows of colourful wooden huts and local wooden carved pieces are a popular choice of stocking fillers, along with jewellery and toys.