A definite nip in the air, snow even. Mulled wine. Roasted chestnuts. Hot steaming snacks. Fairground rides, especially carousels. Handicrafts and trinkets. Cheerful carols. Christmas is the time when enchanting and endearing Christmas markets come up across the world but especially in the Western world. The markets usually open towards the end of November or early December and go on till the end of the month or into the new year. Here are some of the best markets to visit this Christmas in Europe, UK, USA and Canada.
Zagreb (Croatia)
Consistently voted the best European Christmas Market for a few years in a row, Croatia’s capital Zagreb has a rocking time during Christmas.
The whole city turns into a winter wonderland and festivities are held non-stop for several weeks. A beautiful ice sculpture festival, brass bands, fun fairs, a massive ice skating rink – Zagreb seems to pull out the stops for the magical season.
The many squares in this ancient town play to Christmas markets and each has its own highlight. But the one at Jelacic Square with shops selling gingerbread hearts, traditional Croatian wine and liquour, souvenirs and decorations made by craftsmen, stands out from the rest.
Prague (Czech Republic)
Prague any time of the year is a fabulous place to visit. Its charms and allure go up manifold during Christmas when the whole city becomes a winter wonderland. But among all the places to see and be in is Wenceslas Square which is home to one of the most fabulous Christmas markets.
There’s an array of food and beverages sold here but the things to look out and savour include traditional Czech food such as barbecued pork, blood sausages, Czech muffins, beer, mulled wine, mead and such others.
Once you’ve had your fill of these treats, wander around the other stalls comprising wood-carved toys, glass-work ware, blacksmith’s ware, baked goods and confectionery.
Dresden (Germany)
It is usually believed that the tradition of Christmas markets began in Germany some time in the 14 th century and spread everywhere from there. It is especially charming and vibrant in the Saxony region and Dresden perhaps has the most beautiful markets of all. More than 10 markets come up all over town and visitors are spoilt for choice as each of them has a theme.
From setting and traditions popular in medieval times to winter and alpine themes, they spread a whole gamut. A plethora of choirs, concerts and gospel performances form part of the festivities each day. In addition, almost all of Dresden’s churches are decorated and the whole city glows under the magic of Christmas lights.
Copenhagen (Denmark)
In Copenhagen, Christmas is celebrated as Jul (a derivate from the word yuletide) but its most famous Christmas market, including light-bedecked Christmas trees, is inside the magical Tivoli Gardens.
The highlight of course is that nearly four miles of lights are hung in beautiful designer patterns, as well as draped on the lakeside willows.
Wander around soaking up the spirit and feast on aebleskiver (iced doughnuts filled black currant jam) and glogg, a steaming hot mulled red wine infused with the flavour of dry fruits such as raisins, nuts and spices such as cinnamon and cloves, or steeped in schnapps.
If you want a change of scene, head to the incredibly beautiful Nyhavn or new harbour with its colourful 17 th century buildings.
London (Britain)
London is so sprawling and spread out that there are a plethora of Christmas markets that come up during the season, and many of them have interesting and unique themes. And while it is quite difficult to see all of them, some are worth visiting more than the others.
The Southbank market is filled with chalets selling many kinds of hand-crafted gifts alongside fun rides and the combination is irresistible even for adults.
The German Christmas market at Leicester Square is colourful and vigorous with entertainment programmes, circus performances and dancers, as well as a Santa’s Grotto which is a hit with children.
Edinburgh (Scotland)
Set against the backdrop of the majestic and imposing Edinburgh Castle, the Christmas market here is arguably a spectacular one, liter ally. While it has all the usual trappings of mulled wine and hot treats, there’s also six weeks of light shows, fireworks, funfairs and Europe’s largest outdoor ice rink. In addition, there are traditional Scottish crafts, handmade wooden and glass items and a host of other stalls.
New York (USA)
It might be a difficult task to choose which Christmas market to go to in New York since scores of them come up all over the city but the one at Union Square is probably the best of the lot, with a predominantly New York theme.
More than 150 vendors sell artisanal foods, holiday ornaments, hand-blown glassware, bags, handmade jewellery, and children’s toys under iconic red and white tents. And then ther e’s the funky bits as well, such as articles made from recycled plastic.
If all the browsing and shopping makes you hungry, then head to one of the many delectable food stalls for typical street fare and sip on hot apple cider.
Chicago (USA)
Possibly one of the strongest Germanthemed Christmas markets in the country, the Christkindlmarkt in Chicago is a must-visit this season.
Sample a range of over 70 types sausages including weisswurst, frankfurter, and currywurst. Underscoring the German theme are cuckoo clocks from the Black Forest region, glass ornaments from Lauschaer, and wood carvings from Erzgebirge. In addition to all the staples such as mulled wine, fun activities for children and plenty of stores to browse through, don’t forget to buy the annual mug which changes every year in design, shape and colour.
Toronto (Canada)
Held in the historic Distillery District, the Toronto Christmas Market is the re-creation of a charming European Christmas market with a few Canadian twists.
It is made lively with Bavarian brass bands and folk dancers from such places as Slovenia and Ukraine.
Scores of shops sell traditional Canadian gifts such as beeswax candles, home decor, clothing and Christmas decorations. There are also beer gardens which dish up Christmas cocktails and hot rum while nibbling on potato pancakes, baked goods and even schnitzel.
Vancouver (Canada)
The Vancouver Christmas Market at Jack Poole Plaza epitomises Vancouver’s moniker as the ‘world in a city’ for its rich ethnic diversity.
Spanning influences from many parts of the globe, the market is filled with vendors selling holiday merchandise drawn from all over the world, live entertainment, activities for children, and mouth-watering food popular in Vancouver as well from around the world.