Written by Linda Bendt
Many of us become enamored with the history, beauty and excitement associated with the coming Christmas holiday. And, if you’re a traveler, here’s yet another reason to take note of this amazing celebration – European Christmas markets.
Christmas markets originated in Germany and Austria and date as far back as the early 1300s. Hundreds of these markets can now be found in many other countries across Europe, including the United Kingdom, France, Scotland, Hungary, Italy, Poland and others. These street markets help usher in the four weeks that represent Advent and ultimately lead up to Christmas Day.
Typically held in the town square or designated pedestrian area, the markets feature open-air stalls or tented booths that sell everything from food and drink to traditional seasonal items such as toys, books, Christmas tree ornaments and decorations.
In addition to the merchants sharing their holiday treasures, many of these markets provide a wonderful opportunity to listen to Christmas carolers and other musical concerts, view traditional Nativity Scenes, relish the craftsmanship of hand-carved Nutcrackers and, of course, take in the market’s center of attention – a brightly-colored Christmas tree (many times towering over the area).
A Peek Into The Markets
Nearly 20 European countries host hundreds of Christmas markets throughout the cities in their region. (Germany alone is home to nearly 150 markets.) Here’s a brief look at some of the most renowned markets:
Vienna, Austria
This historic city is actually home to several Christmas markets, but perhaps one of the oldest markets (dating back to the year 1298) is held in front of City Hall. Visitors can walk among the 140+ merchant stalls and shop for glass ornaments, wooden toys, beeswax candles and more while filling up on pastries, candied fruit, and Weihnachtspunsch (a spiced Christmas punch of wine, brandy or schnapps sweetened with warm fruit juices). Two other popular markets are the Schonbrunn Market and the Spittelberg Market.
Highlight: A series of 35+ Advent season concerts from choirs invited in from around the world.
Prague, Czech Republic
The long slope of Wenceslas Square is home to one of the country’s most popular markets. Everything centers on a giant Christmas tree, manger scene and a small petting zoo. Bohemian crystal, handmade jewelry and classic Czech marionettes often steal the hearts of shoppers – who won’t leave hungry after smelling the gingerbread and braided pastry!
Highlight: St. Nicholas Day, December 5. St. Nick roams the town with an angel and a demon – tallying the naughty and nice.
Nuremberg, Germany
Nuremberg is arguably Germany’s most famous city for Christmas markets. The Nuremberg Main Market Square event opens its stalls for visitors like clockwork at 5:30 pm on the Friday before the first Advent Sunday. It’s then the Christmas Angel opens the market and recites her solemn prologue. Known as the “Little Town from Wood and Cloth,” visitors can experience the 180+ wooden stalls, decorated with red and white cloth.
Highlight: Little figures made from prunes called “Nuremberg Plum People” make a fun, unique souvenir.
Copenhagen, Denmark
Where better to host a Christmas market than the famed amusement park of Tivoli Gardens? This site shines bright during the holidays with more than 1,800 strands of lights strung throughout the lakeside willows. The locals favor æbleskiver (iced doughnuts with black currant jam) and gløgg, a hot mulled red wine with raisins, almonds, cinnamon sticks and cloves (add aquavit or schnapps to your liking!).
Highlight: The craft market lies along a canal in the Nyhavn district and the town crier visits there each weekday between 5-6 pm.
Experiencing the Christmas Markets
There are countless European Christmas markets to experience throughout the month of December. One of our favorite ways to take in the rich tradition and diversity of several of them is on a river cruise through Germany and Austria.
Uniworld Boutique River Cruises offers an amazing 8-day cruise on the Danube River (Europe’s second longest river after the Volga), which provides a journey from Nuremberg, Germany to Vienna, Austria. In addition to seeing each city’s Christmas market, highlights include:
- Nuremberg’s city tour featuring a stop at the Medieval Kaiserburg Castle
- A walking tour of Regensburg exploring the Cathedral of St. Peter and its famous 12th-century Stone Bridge
- Gingerbread making and floral decorating demonstrations in Passau
- A visit to Linz, showcasing the impressive Main Square, one of Austria’s most beautiful closed squares
- Passau’s walking tour through the cobblestone streets of Old Town to the New Residence and the Town Hall, including the Baroque cathedral, home to the largest pipe organ in Europe
- A classic concert, walking tour and visit to St. Stephen’s Cathedral (where Mozart was married) in Vienna
For those looking to maximize their time in Europe even more, consider extending your 8-day cruise to Prague with a three-day, four-night stay available on the front or back end of your trip.
Christmas Market Keepsakes
There are so many authentic Christmas treasures at the various markets throughout Europe. The following are some of our favorites:
- Nuremberg Plum People – Little figures made from prunes (and often figs and nuts)
- Nutcrackers – Wood carvings of a soldier, king, knight or other profession
- Marionettes – Beautifully crafted puppets that are classic in the Czech Republic
- Vosi hnizda – Nutty cookies heavy with rum (also known as wasps nests)
- Peanut brittle – When in Rome be sure to pick up some of its 101 variations
- German Pyramids – Also known as Christmas Carousels, these decorations use candle power to rotate the levels of wood-carved figurines or propeller at the top
- Babbo Natale dolls – Red and white Father Christmas dolls
- Stuffed white storks – A good luck symbol and city mascot of Strasbourg, France
- Sheepskin clothing – Handmade garments popular in the market at Stuttgart, Germany
Other customary gifts from these markets include blown glass, hand-made jewelry, wooden toys, glass ornaments, Nativity figurines, pewter crafts and many other unique gems.
For more information on river cruises or other ways to experience the Christmas Markets of Europe, contact us.
