Give Yourself A Gift: Visit One Of Europe’s Top Five Christmas Markets
If you’re passionate about shopping, then you’ll be pleased to find out about one of Europe’s best-kept secrets—Christmas markets. These charming markets pop up in the weeks before Christmas, and while the weather may be cold, the treasures you’ll find will be worth it! Keep reading to learn more about the best choices.
1. Vienna, Austria
Austria is one of Europe’s most elegant countries with a rich history in music and fine arts. After you finish shopping, be sure to attend one of the Christmas musical performances in the city, which occur daily. Vienna takes pride in setting up the Christkindlmarkt, which is set up on the Town Hall’s square. If you want to get an early start on shopping, the Christkindlmarkt begins in the middle of November. Some of the unique gifts you’ll find include:
•Scented beeswax candles
•Authentic Viennese baked goods
•Handcrafted embroidery, pottery, art and knitted goods
•Local wines and spirits
2. Berlin, Germany
This contemporary city is a great place to shop if your gift list includes people with a variety of tastes and personalities. Although there are many new and unique gifts, you can also find traditional favorites for the more conservative people on your shopping list. To find the best selection of items, visit the Christmas market near the Kaiser Wilhelm Gedächtniskirche. Although the location was bombed during World War II, there are still over 100 stalls filled with the following types of Christmas goods:
•Traditional arts and crafts
•Designer and antique jewelry
•Handmade Christmas decorations
3. Brussels, Belgium
If you and the people on your shopping list are food connoisseurs, Brussels is the place to go. The Grand-Place is the site of the best annual Christmas market in this city. The nearby fish market is converted into an ice rink, and carols are played over loudspeakers during the month of December. Strings of glittering lights adorn the small chalets in the square. Each one represents a different European country, so you’ll find a diverse collection of gifts. Some of the most common things you’ll find in this market include:
•Authentic Belgian chocolates and wine
•Baked, fried and steamed foods
•Preserves and olives
4. Prague, Czech Republic
The capital city of this country features cultural events and live concerts throughout the month of December. If you’re looking for a family-friendly Christmas market, Prague is the best destination. The biggest Christmas market is held on the Old Town Square, which is a picturesque Baroque location with cobblestones and attractive buildings. Children can entertain themselves at the petting zoo while you browse the shopping displays. Some of the items you’ll find include:
•Wooden handcrafted puppets
•Handmade jewelry, candles and toys
•Bohemian crystal merchandise
5. Copenhagen, Denmark
Tivoli Gardens, which is Europe’s oldest amusement park, is adorned with thousands of lights and decorations each year to greet Christmas shoppers to the country’s largest seasonal market. Pony rides and ice skating are fun activities you can participate in. Some of the unique merchandise you’ll find at this market includes:
•Porcelain and wooden dolls
•Handmade arts and crafts
•Delicate handmade Christmas ornaments
Whichever city you choose to visit, be sure to see the sights before you leave. Each of these cities are cold in the winter, so bring warm clothes. Keep in mind that these cities are not unfamiliar with winter visitors, so there are still plenty of fun indoor activities to enjoy. Happy shopping!
Heather Johnson writes for HoneymoonDestinations.org, the best honeymoon research and planning website. Discover some great honeymoon ideas today!
