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Christmas Markets

It’s nearly that time of year again, and in many of the great cities of Europe, the Christmas markets are taking shape.  This tradition, originating from Germany has spread throughout Europe and has become a new market for both domestic and international tourism.  Christmas markets traditionally focus on locally produced Christmas fayre, and can encompass a huge range of gifts, foods, decorations and wines that reflect the local region.  A great place to start for listings, is Christmas Markets.com (www.christmasmarkets.com).  This portal website lists the start dates and locations of Christmas markets across Europe.  Also featuring transport links and accommodation, this is a great place to start. 

Frankfurt Christmas Market
(www.frankfurt-tourismus.de)  

The most important reason to be in Frankfurt over the Christmas period, is of course the EuRA Members’ Day, but the Christmas Market, one of the largest in Europe, is also a great reason to come to Frankfurt!  Starting on November 26th and set in the picturesque surrounds of the Romerburg and Paulsplatz, the market is one of the most important in Germany.  Open from 10am to 9pm Monday to Saturday and from 11am to 9pm on Sundays, the market has excellent stalls with everything from great Stollen to traditional gifts.   

Berlin Christmas Market
(www.berlin-tourist-information.de ) 

Berlin hosts two Christmas markets.  The Weihnachts Zauber takes place in the Gendarmenmarkt from November 26th to December 31st, open from 11am to 10pm Sunday to Thursday and 11am to 11pm Friday and Saturday.  The Gedachtniskirche in Charlottenburg takes place around the giant decorated Christmas tree next to the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Chruch and is open 11am to 9pm Sunday to Thursday and from 11am to 10pm Friday and Saturday.  Full details can be found at the Berlin Tourism website.  

Prague
(www.pragueexperience.com ) 

Prague’s Christmas Markets take place from December 1st in the beautiful Old Town Square and also in Wenceslas Square.  Picturesque decorated wooden huts sell a variety of Czech handicrafts, glass, puppets and much more.  The fair in Old Town Square also boasts a petting zoo and a performance space, where choirs from around the country give live performances of traditional Christmas music.  Open daily from 9am to 7pm. 

Budapest
(www.budapestinfo.hu) 

Set in the picturesque Vorosmarty Terrace and conveniently located for a hot chocolate and a cake in the city’s famous Gerbaud Patisserie, the Budapest Christmas Market is known for the high quality of the traditional crafts on offer.  The products on sale are quality checked by a panel of experts from the Union of Folk Art Associations.  Over 150 shows will also be staged for free including puppetry, theatre, folk music and dancing.  Santa Claus will also be visiting from Lapland!  Open daily from November 29th. 

London
(www.viewlondon.co.uk) 

There are Christmas Markets taking place across London, but the largest is Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland.  Numerous wooden chalets will be situated around the bandstand on Serpentine Road.  Themed food stalls will sell everything from Bratwurst and Gluhwein to Belgian waffles and crepes.  On site is also Europe’s largest outdoor ice rink and a big wheel (not the London Eye!) as well as Santa’s Grotto.  Open daily from 11am to 8pm from December 1st. 

Paris
(www.parisinfo.com) 

Paris has two large Christmas markets, at Les Halles and at La Defense.  La Defense, the business district to the west of Paris has an outdoor ice rink as well as eclectic stalls.  Les Halles in the city centre offers wonderfully decorated streets and a great selection of festive produce.   

Brussels
(www.visitbelgium.com)  

The Brussels market is held in the Place St Catherine and also boasts two outdoor ice rinks,  one for adults and one for children.  A vast array of craft and produce stalls close to the magnificent Grand Place, with its Christmas lights show.  Open from December 1st, 11am to 8pm Monday to Friday and 11am to 10pm Saturday and Sunday. 

Copenhagen
(www.visitcopenhagen.com)  

The Tivoli Christmas Market is as famous as the gardens themselves.  Lit with 10,000 metres of white lights, the gardens come alive in a spectacular displays, surrounding more than 70 stalls, and Christmas trees.  Open from November 16th 11am to 10pm daily.  

Madrid
(www.madaboutmadrid.com) 

Fancy Christmas Market in the warmth of the Mediterranean sun?  Then check out the Madrid market in the Plaza Major.  Stalls selling handicrafts and gifts and Spanish produce surround two large nativity scenes.  In typical Spanish style, the market is also a showcase for the art of local artist Delia Piccirili, depicting “Christmas in Madrid”.  Open from December 5th. 

Rome
(www.lifeinitaly.com)  

The Piazza Navona becomes home to a spectacle of lights and extravagance.  Stalls selling everything from clothes to Italian foods and most especially, sweets for the children.  Open daily from 9am to 7pm