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Text and photos:Minh Trang(from the Netherlands)
Winter has only just begun, but my friends are already excitedly inviting each other to Christmas markets on Facebook. Time flies! Before I knew it, a year had passed. Even though I accepted Travellive's invitation to write about Christmas markets in Europe – where I live – I still feel as excited and thrilled as if it were my first time experiencing these special markets. There's something like anticipation, something like longing, similar to when I was a child waiting for my mom to come home from the market so I could get a candy or a cake. How heartwarming...
The origins of Christmas markets
Originating around the 13th century, Christmas markets began in Austria and German-speaking regions of Europe and, over time, spread to neighboring areas, now spanning across Europe. The markets are held from the start of the Advent calendar, four weeks before Christmas Eve, until Christmas Day (December 24th or 25th). The Advent calendar, from Latin, means "coming," reflecting the eager anticipation of Christians counting down the days until the birth of Jesus.
In its early days, the market was set up in the square surrounding the city's cathedral to attract churchgoers. Local vendors were free to display their goods in stalls resembling small wooden houses. People went to the market to buy gifts for their children and relatives. The main products of the market were handcrafted decorative items made by local artisans. Besides that, the market was also a place where street artists performed cheerful Christmas melodies.
Despite the cold winter weather, shoppers are warmed by local specialties like grilled sausages, roasted chestnuts, and a sip of rich, distinctive wine, making the Gluhwein Christmas market feel much more vibrant.
Today, Christmas markets are held throughout Europe from the end of November until Christmas Day. A city may have several markets depending on the number of squares it has. However, the official market is always the one around the city's cathedral.
Europe - everyone is going to the Christmas market.
Christmas is often associated with lights and decorative illuminations. Perhaps that's why Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen, Denmark, tops the list of the most beautiful and unique Christmas markets, as recommended by CNN and many other websites. At Tivoli Gardens, visitors can admire the proud beauty of the elaborate light art created within the grounds of this famous cultural park. And, like other Christmas markets, visitors can freely shop for exquisite local handicrafts made by skilled local artisans. And of course, there are plenty of food stalls with mouthwatering aromas and mulled mulled wine.
Unlike the vibrant displays of Danish Christmas markets, Swiss Christmas markets are often depicted against a backdrop of typical winter scenery: snow-capped mountains, frozen lakes, and winding, undulating roads. While not as historically significant as Germany or Austria, Switzerland attracts visitors with its distinctly Swiss markets, such as the "highest Christmas market" located on Mount Pilatus, over 2,000 meters above sea level. This market is unique in that it only opens for a few days at the end of November due to the harsh weather and geographical conditions. Latecomers can visit the Christmas market in Bern, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This market is particularly notable for its longer opening days compared to other markets in the country.
Of course, when talking about Christmas, one cannot fail to mention France, the land of artists and romance. And of course, one cannot fail to mention the Christmas market in Strasbourg, in the hilly Alsace region of northeastern France. The Christmas market in the square in front of the Strasbourg Cathedral is the largest and oldest in France, over 400 years old. With the same lights, food, and music as thousands of Christmas markets across Europe, the Alsace Christmas markets still confidently maintain the unique characteristics of this land of whispering pine hills.
Winter in the mountains is always a characteristic scene, but that doesn't mean winter in this Mediterranean city of Spain is any less impressive. On the contrary, Barcelona's Christmas market tops the list of outstanding Christmas markets, according to the British magazine Time Out. Established around the end of the 18th century, Barcelona's Christmas market is relatively young, yet it offers a diverse range of activities, from traditional markets to spectacular Christmas music parades and grand art exhibitions during the market period.
It would be a grave oversight to forget the Christmas markets in Berlin, Germany, which is affectionately known by visitors worldwide as the "Christmas market capital." The Keiser Wilhelm Market is considered the largest and most famous Christmas market in Europe, attracting over four million visitors annually. In addition, Berlin boasts around 50 Christmas markets scattered throughout this city of nearly four million inhabitants.
Talking about Christmas markets would probably take more than words to capture the vibrancy and unique characteristics of each market and region across Europe. People go to markets to exchange and buy goods. But going to Christmas markets is for a more special kind of exchange: the exchange of warm glances and smiles, of joy given and received. The cold winter would probably feel even colder without these markets.
Additional information:
How to get there
+ Tivoli Gardens Christmas MarketLocated right in the heart of Copenhagen, Denmark's capital. From Copenhagen International Airport, take train OR 1405 to reach the entrance of Tivoli Park in just 15 minutes.
+ Christmas market in Mt. Pilatus, Switzerland:From Lucerne city center station, it's a 20-minute train ride to Mt. Pilatus.
Bern Christmas Market:Located right in the heart of Bern, the capital of Switzerland. Switzerland is a relatively small country, and Bern is situated quite centrally, making it easily accessible by train or car from almost any city. For example, driving from Zurich to Bern takes only about an hour and a half.
+ Strasbourg Christmas Market, FranceStrasbourg is located nearly 500km from Paris, a 5-hour drive, but only 2 hours and 20 minutes by TGV high-speed train. Strasbourg Central Station is right in the city center, so it's just a short walk to the main square.
Barcelona Christmas Market, SpainLocated right in the heart of Barcelona. From Barcelona International Airport, you can reach the city center by taxi, bus, train, and metro. The metro doesn't run directly from the airport, so you'll first need to take the train (running every 30 minutes) to Barcelona Sants, Passeig de Gracia, or Clot to catch the metro to the city center.
Berlin Christmas Market, GermanyLocated right in the capital city of Berlin, Germany, Berlin has a very convenient subway network. From Berliner International Airport, take buses TXL X9, 109, or 128 to the subway stations (U-Bahn) to reach the markets. You can refer to a very detailed subway map at the airport and any U-Bahn station.
Link to a map of the Berlin subway system:
http://www.berlin-airport.de/DE/ReisendeUndBesucher/AnUndAbreise/downloads/LiniennetzBahn.pdf
