European Christmas Markets are one of the best ways to enjoy the festive season, so for today’s 12 Days of an Adventures with Sarah Christmas we’re taking a tour around some of the best.
The origins of Christmas markets start in central Europe, where ‘December markets’ were held to supply local people with meat and other items not easily available in winter. In the 14th century it became common for toys, baskets and sweet treats to also be sold at these markets and from there the association with Christmas was solidified.
The biggest and most popular markets were held in Germany, but it was common to find the festive stalls in France, Austria and Hungary as well. Cities like Vienna, Strasbourg, Berlin, Cologne and Salzburg continue this tradition today, hosting huge markets through December. Christmas markets have also become very popular attractions in the UK, Italy and in the USA, but for us, nothing beats the original home of these markets.
At the markets in Germany, Austria and Hungary you can expect to find better food and drink options, fun festive entertainment as well as truly unique gifts and souvenirs. As well as the ever popular Glühwein (hot, spiced wine) and Bratwurst sausages, you have to try the soft gingerbread cookies known as Lebkuchen, sweet Stollen bread with candied fruit, chimney cakes (in Budapest) and Kartoffelpuffers (potato pancakes). Each country and city has regional specialities as well so make sure you start with an empty stomach to try as much as possible!
While the delicious food and drink is a big part of any Christmas market, don’t miss out on the other stalls. The best markets regulate their stallholders to make sure the goods being sold are locally produced and of the highest quality, so you know you’re getting something truly original.
This also goes for the entertainment, which varies according to the location. Budapest’s market has an ice skating rink and folk dance performances, Nuremberg has a children’s market with a carousel and steam train rides and Vienna has a Ferris wheel, so if you’re trying to decide which market to visit, consider these fun extras on offer.
Want to visit some of the best Christmas markets anywhere? Join us next year for a very special festive tour of Budapest and Vienna where we will be spending plenty of time in some of the most historic markets in Europe – find out more here.
If you’ve missed any of the other posts, catch up on all the previous days of our 12 Days of an Adventures with Sarah Christmas here.
