Charming Christmas Markets in Europe
There is nothing in the world like the holiday season in Europe. I visited Europe in the month of December. My experience was truly amazing. The towns were practically twinkling with fairy-tale festiveness. I got to see the biggest celebration of Europe and that was Christmas. There were wooden chalets in 13th-century town, snow-capped cathedrals, seasonal cookies and cakes, hot mulled wine and many more. I also visited some of the most famous and best Christmas markets in Europe. Given below is the detailed description of the X-Mas markets that I visited in Europe.
Visiting Different Christmas markets in Europe
- Old Town and Wenceslas Square, Prague, Czech Republic was the first market that I visited. It’s just 5 minutes by foot. It is the best market in the city and also one of the top Christmas markets in Europe. I saw there were Gothic architecture and mulled wine stalls. There were barbecued pork or trdelnik, a hot, rolled pastry rolled in cinnamon and sugar and cooked over a grill. I tasted such mouth-watering dishes along with the cold chills.
- My next stop was the Cologne Christmas Market, Germany. I got to see the classic German spread out here. This market was set up exactly in-front Cologne’s landmark cathedral. It had the Gluhwein, the crafts, the twinkling lights. The most outstanding thing was its entertainment. It had more than 100 stage performance throughout the festival and it included Christmas swing music and gospel. The market had shopping areas and amazing food.
- Brussels Winter Wonders, Belgium. This was my next market to explore. The Brussels Grand-Place was completely transformed into a winter wonderland. It had more than 200 wood chalets, a covered ice-rink, a Ferris wheel and many more. I also got to see a light and sound show. It was projected onto the Grand Place.
- Tuomaan Markkinat, Helsinki, Finland. When I visited this market I got to see a mix of contemporary and traditional. I played bingo for a vegan ham and watched a holiday outfit contest for dogs. I enjoyed strolling in the market and drinking hot mulled wine. I also to relax in the wood-heated unisex sauna. It was in the middle of the market. It attracted a lot of people.
- Advent Feast at the Basilica, Budapest, Hungary. This festival usually takes place around the St. Stephen’s Basilica. It is Hungary’s largest church. It had 80 vendors, a skating rink and weekend folk dance shows. I got to taste the traditional lentil soup. It was made during New Year’s Day as a symbol of prosperity for the coming year.
- Viennese Christmas Market. This was the best decision I had made. It was completely covered by snow. The Christmas market was set up in the snow. It always takes place in front of city hall. It had all the things like reindeer rides, an ice rink for skating and curling.
- Tivoli Gardens, Copenhagen, Denmark. This market had the twinkling theme just like Disneyland. It was decked out in more than 500,000 fairy lights. It had gingerbread, small pancakes puffs, honey cake with jam and buttercream and topped chocolate glaze etc.
My overall experience was really good. Visiting all these markets I got to learn many things. Each of the markets was unique in itself.
