The best Christmas markets in Europe. Christmas markets: how it's done in Europe

This winter is passing in Moscow under the sign of Christmas fairs. Well, or, if you like, under the sign of the attempts of the city authorities to introduce the townspeople to the European tradition of organizing such fairs on the eve of the winter holidays. The first such attempt was made last year, when the so-called Strasbourg Christmas Fair was launched on Manezhnaya Square. They say it didn't work out so well. Judging by the reviews on the Internet, the fair was small, the prices were exorbitant, and the range of goods was scarce. We ourselves did not reach it then, but during our New Year's trip to Eastern Europe visited Christmas markets wherever they still worked. And this year we will be able to compare the organization of Moscow fairs with how it is done in Europe. Well, or at least in Warsaw, Budapest and Prague. And they do it like this...

But first, I will give a couple of photos of the first fair that we met on our way. It was on the way to Warsaw, in Belarusian Brest. Similar New Year's flea markets can be seen here, and they look, you see, not quite European. (If you don't agree, scroll down a few pictures. :)) However, flea markets differ from fairs not only in appearance, but also in organizational approach: in the first, unlike the second, there is no entertainment - only trade. Such a format, of course, has the right to life, but in terms of attractiveness it loses much to Europe, where fairs during their work become city attractions and centers of attraction for the local residents themselves.

So what is there in Europe? Well, firstly, fairs there, of course, tend to be located in beautiful city "interiors" - primarily in central, but cozy squares. Here, for example, in Prague, probably the main in the city and perhaps the largest of the fairs we saw on this trip was located on the Old Town Square under the walls of the town hall of the same name.

And this is a fair on Rynok Square in the Old Town of Warsaw. In the evening, the houses on the square are illuminated and snowflakes float on their facades - the picture is quite fabulous. True, the second Warsaw fair that we visited was located in the modern center of the city, very close to the local "Soviet" skyscraper - the Palace of Science and Culture and not far from the railway station. But this seems to be an exception.

On the small Vörösmarty ter square in Budapest, where we celebrated the New Year, on the night of January 1, a festive fair also worked.

It seems that after New Year's Eve all the fairs in the Hungarian capital were closed. In any case, on January 2, the fair pavilions on Vörösmarty ter and on the square in front of the St. Stephen's Basilica were already dismantled by workers.

A day later in Vienna, we also could not get to the fairs. But from the pictures it is clear that they were located in very attractive places: near the Shenrunn Imperial Palace ...

... and in front of the Vienna City Hall. (Announcement on the temporary fence: "Entrance to the construction site is prohibited. Parents, watch your children!")

In the Slovak city of Kosice, the fair was located on Hlavna Street, the central pedestrian artery of the city. Unfortunately, on January 6, she was no longer working either. By the way, in Bratislava two days earlier, we did not find any traces of the fair at all, although I suspect that it should have been located at the Slovak National Theater - a rather picturesque skating rink with a Christmas tree worked in front of it.

We associate the word "fair" primarily with trade, but, as I noted above, a fair is still not just a market. For the fair to become a real point of attraction for city residents and tourists, there must be something else besides stalls with goods. The most common option is food outlets. There was an opportunity to have a bite to eat at all the European Christmas markets we visited.

Moreover, as a rule, one could taste dishes of national cuisine there. For example, when we arrived in Warsaw, we almost immediately dined at the fair at the Palace of Science and Culture. We tasted the Polish soup zhurek, bigos - a traditional local roast with cabbage and a huge sandwich with something like lard (“pate” of bacon) and pickles. All this was washed down with mulled wine from elegant ceramic cups. For them, however, it was necessary to leave a small deposit, but he, of course, returned. The rest of the dishes, of course, were served in disposable dishes. But a full-fledged dinner in the fresh air cost us less than 50 zlotys (500 rubles) for two. They say that at last year's Strasbourg fair on Manezhnaya Square, a glass of mulled wine cost 250 rubles. That is, in Moscow we could only drink mulled wine with this money, and in Warsaw we could have dinner, and with the same hot drink. :)

The fair on Vörösmarty ter in Budapest, where we spent the most important part of New Year's Eve, was generally completely culinary. There were about fifty, probably, wooden towers on the square, from which all kinds of goulash, shank, sausages and other freshly prepared dishes spread their aromas around the city.

New Year's dinner with several servings of mulled wine and dessert cost us only a thousand rubles for two.

Of course, at the fairs there are always places where you can have a bite to eat. Sometimes these are just tables with benches in the open air, sometimes (as in Warsaw or Kosice, where this picture was taken) a whole gazebo.

Separately, I will say about mulled wine and other hot and strong drinks. They were sold at absolutely all the fairs we were at.

And in Budapest, on New Year's Eve, mulled wine was poured even from such vats, set right in the middle of the street. :)

It is curious that in Europe they drink not only mulled wine (warmed wine to which sugar and spices are added), but also just hot wine. Moreover, according to my observations, both under the sign "hot wine" you can buy mulled wine, and under the brand of mulled wine you can really get just warmed wine. It seems that there is no particular difference between these concepts in Eastern Europe. And, of course, all mulled wine is different - somewhere tasty, somewhere cloying ... However, it is so inexpensive that it is quite possible to try several types at once in different places. :)
And at the fair in the Old Town of Warsaw, we also stumbled upon a point of sale of hot beer. It’s a pity that they didn’t try it then - neither in Hungary nor in the Czech Republic did I see anything like it on sale. :)

What else, besides beautiful places and delicious food, attract fairs? For example, at the fair near the Palace of Science and Culture in Warsaw, an amusement park with a Ferris wheel was deployed. As I already said, this fair was not located in the most suitable place, but due to the fact that the houses were placed around the attractions, turning the stalls towards the center of the fair, a cozy Christmas courtyard with a mini-amusement park turned out inside the perimeter.

At another Warsaw fair, on Rynok Square in the Old Town, of course, there were no attractions, but Father Frost's (St. Nicholas in the local) post office worked ...

... and under the tree sat his living embodiment with an accordion. :)

The fair on the Old Town Square in Prague, judging by the scene, was clearly one of the centers of New Year's festivities in the Czech capital. Perhaps some events were held there on other days. By the way, these pictures were taken on January 5, so the Prague Christmas market is obviously one of the longest in Europe.

In addition, on the Old Town Square one could watch the work of a blacksmith and, of course, buy the fruits of his work (see the “shop” sign at his workplace? :)).

What do they generally sell at fairs (well, not only come here for food and entertainment)? Yes, different. Basically, of course, these are smart winter things: sweaters, hats, mittens ...

... standard tourist souvenirs (I think you recognized Prague by the clock from the Old Town Hall) ...

The center of Christmas celebrations in every European city is the Christmas market, which usually appears on the square in front of the cathedral every December. If you want to visit such a Christmas market, but do not know where exactly to go, we offer you a selection of the most beautiful markets in Europe.

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The center of Christmas celebrations in every European city is the Christmas market, which usually appears on the square in front of the cathedral every December. Christmas comes to Europe and envelops city squares with the smell of marzipans and gingerbread, a slight ringing of bells is heard in the frosty air, and the taste of mulled wine remains on the lips. If you want to visit such a Christmas market, but do not know where exactly to go, we offer you a selection of the most beautiful markets in Europe.

1. Bolzano, Italy

The Bolzano Christmas Market takes place from the end of November to December 23rd in Piazza Walter.

On the eve of Christmas, the center of Bolzano is illuminated with festive illuminations. Christmas songs and melodies are heard everywhere. 80 wooden pavilions appear on Walther Square. In them, artisans and farmers present their products: glassware, wood and ceramics; traditional handmade gifts; various local gastronomic products; Christmas sweets (for example, the famous Bolzano “celten”), etc. Concerts, performances, performances are held on Walter Square and in the churches of Bolzano. It can be choral singing, and the performance of musical groups, and even the stories of storytellers.

2. Braunschweig, Germany

The Christmas market in Braunschweig takes place on the central square.

As usual, in addition to handmade items such as decorations and Christmas decorations, they sell a lot of sweets. Here they sell a traditional local dish - browncol, smoked sausages and fried potatoes. Brauncol is a type of cabbage. In order for it to acquire its unique taste, it is necessary that it froze properly. Therefore, for Christmas, it's just the right time to cook this dish.

3. Bruges, Belgium

If you want a real Christmas holiday, from November 24 to December 31, go to the center of old Bruges.

The fair in this romantic city is considered the best in Belgium. It is also called the "Venice of the North": canals, bridges and ancient architecture give it a romantic and mysterious look.

4. Erfurt, Germany

The Christmas market has been held in Erfurt every year for many years and falls on Advent (the pre-Christmas period, the days between the fourth Sunday before Christmas and December 24).

Every year, about two million people come to Erfurt, and in 2010 the fair celebrated its anniversary - it was held for the 160th time. The fair takes place in the very center of the city on the Cathedral Square (Domplatz) and captures the nearby streets, and the scenery for it is the illuminated Cathedral and the Church of St. Severus.

5. Lucerne, Switzerland

With the onset of winter, the Christmas market returns to the Lucerne main station building.

Over 50 festively decorated stands offer handicrafts, a wide selection of Christmas gifts, art and original gift ideas. The Christmas program will also feature local choirs and musical groups who will perform good old Christmas songs for visitors.

6. Colmar, France

Starting from the end of November, on every street in Colmar, a fabulous holiday atmosphere reigns.

Walking through the streets of the city, it is worth coming to Rap Square, where there is a huge skating rink and a Santa Claus mailbox, where you can drop a postcard with your Christmas wishes. Having examined the surroundings, tourists will be able to see more than 50 small, cozy houses, in which each visitor is waiting for their own surprises: gifts, souvenirs, toys, decorations for the Christmas tree and, of course, all kinds of Christmas treats. Traditional Christmas treats in Colmar are: foie gras, chocolate covered apples, gingerbread, cookies and a huge selection of fragrant and warming mulled wine.

7. Cologne, Germany

In Cologne, as many as four Christmas markets around the city open at the end of November, attracting more than two million visitors annually.

But the most spectacular and popular is the fair, which is held in the very center of the city, on Dom Square, against the backdrop of a magnificent Gothic cathedral. This fair takes place from November 22 to December 23 and has about 150 colorful stalls. At the fair, you can buy a nutcracker doll, children's toys, beautiful Christmas decorations and colorful wrapping paper.

8. Innsbruck, Austria

Innsbruck's Christmas markets are considered some of the most beautiful in the Alps, a real New Year's paradise for children and nostalgic holiday memories for adults. Walking through the Innsbruck Christmas markets, you will find many stalls selling New Year's decorations, traditional dishes and drinks, souvenirs and the fruits of Tyrolean artisans.

9. Leuven, Belgium

On the Ladeuzeplein square in the Belgian town of Leuven, there are 140 festively decorated houses.

The stalls of this Christmas market are filled with original gifts and Belgian delicacies and traditional waffles. In every stall you can find everything from books to traditional Christmas items: handmade candles and candlesticks, oil lamps, toys and sweets. There is even a spruce forest here, hiding a small village of Santa Claus. There, the Belgian Santa Claus reads fairy tales to little visitors or offers a ride on a miniature carousel.

10. Prague, Czech Republic

Christmas markets in the Czech Republic open 4 weeks before Christmas and work daily.

The main Christmas market, the largest, most beautiful and most visited, takes place on Prague's Old Town Square. Here they sell a variety of handicrafts, carved wooden figurines, beeswax candles, ceramics, straw ornaments, but still the main focus is on the gastronomic component. Once at the Christmas market in Prague, it is worth trying traditional Czech sweets, for example, the so-called trdelniki, which are cooked on coals, and to keep warm, try the fair's grog.

11. Riga, Latvia

At the beginning of December, in the center of Riga - Bastion Hill, Livu Square and Esplanade and other places, Christmas markets open. The main one is located on Domskaya Square. There are small wooden houses decorated with multi-colored garlands, a stage is set up on which Christmas songs are sung, and a large Christmas tree flaunts nearby. At the Christmas market, you can buy Latvian souvenirs - woolen socks and mittens with ornaments, eco-friendly linen tablecloths or bags with cute cats, ceramic or wooden figurines, piparkukas.

12. Sibiu, Romania

Everyone can buy New Year and Christmas paraphernalia in the city center, on Piata Mare Square, before the main Catholic holiday, which the faithful celebrate on December 26th. Special Santa Claus workshops for baking bread, gingerbread, as well as for melting candles are organized for children, and performances are also shown for younger guests.

13. Stockholm, Sweden

Christmas markets have been held in Gamla Stan on the main square since 1914: wooden trading pavilions are erected here, selling trinkets, candles and cute New Year's trifles. It is worth going to the Christmas market to enjoy the atmosphere of a winter fairy tale: the old town, snowfall, pre-holiday hustle and bustle, they immediately pour glagg and sell roasted almonds. The Stockholm Christmas Market is open daily from 11 am to 6 pm.

14. Tallinn, Estonia

Winter Tallinn resembles a real fairy tale more than any city! By the beginning of December, the streets and shop windows of the city are decorated with Christmas trees, garlands and lights. The tradition of Christmas markets is relatively new to Tallinn. Fair towns in the old part of the city appeared in 1991, but have already gained popularity among residents and visitors of the city. The Tallinn Fair takes place on two squares: Old Town and Rotermann. At both fairs, you can buy Estonian handicrafts, real felt boots, pillows stuffed with buckwheat, patchwork quilts and knitted sweaters, as well as traditional Christmas products, including black pudding, gingerbread, marzipan and honey.

15. Vienna, Austria

This is the oldest Christmas market in Europe. It is called the Christkindlmarkt and takes place on the square in front of the town hall in Vienna.

This fair is one of the most famous and visited in Europe. The fair has been open since mid-November. Near the Vienna Christmas Market there is a park where trees are decorated with lights in the form of hearts and gingerbread men. And in the town hall for little Austrians, classes are held daily, where they learn how to make gifts and bake Christmas cookies. And choirs from around the world perform in the Festival Hall throughout December

At the end of November, old Europe is transformed. Starting from the first Advent (the pre-Christmas period lasting four weeks) and ending with Christmas Eve (December 24), the streets of the cities are decorated with festive lights and decorated fir trees. It's time for fairy tales and expectation of magic. And what better to announce its arrival than the smell of the most delicious pastry, the aroma of burning mulled wine, or the sight of grilled German sausages that induces a brutal appetite? The traditions of the celebration in each country are different, but one thing remains the same: in any city you can find a crowded festive bazaar. Today we will tell you what christmas markets 2017 is worth a visit in Europe.

Already in November, Vienna's main fair, comfortably located near the city hall, lights candles on the meter-long Christmas arch. This means that the time of the First Advent will soon come, and with it the time of culinary creations, decorations and traditional Austrian winter entertainments.

Vienna's main Christmas market includes 150 kiosks, lovingly decorated by vendors from all over Austria. And the goods from merchants are just a feast for the eyes! Christmas gifts, national handicrafts, Christmas tree decorations, culinary masterpieces (be sure to try almond stars with cinnamon) and drinks warming the body and soul - this is not the whole list of what awaits the guests of the Vienna Christmas Market.

In addition to holiday shopping, visitors can also practice the art of figure skating on ice-filled alleys and a 4,000 m² skating rink. And for the little guests there is a carousel, reindeer sleigh rides and theatrical performances.

If you happen to be at the Wiener Christkindlmarkt, take a moment away from contemplating the festive performances and tasting the treats. Look at the town hall, namely - at its windows. On them you can see numbers - from 1 to 24. They symbolize the magical time before Christmas. Every day, one window with a number closes - this is a kind of traditional Advent calendar, which is one of the must-have gifts for the kids in Austria and Germany.

The Prague Christmas Market on the Old Town Square is considered one of the most visited in Europe. Every year, thousands of blue and gold lights are lit on the "main spruce of the country", which is traditionally installed right here, in the historic center of the city. The height of the tree is amazing - it rushes up to 20 meters! Green beauty is grown especially for the holiday in the Krkonoše mountains.

Church hymns, concerts, children's fairy tale performances... This colorful program immerses the visitors of the fair in the atmosphere of Christmas. And although snow in Prague in December has long been a rarity, its absence will not be an obstacle to a real holiday.

Children are invariably attracted by a small paddock in which a sheep, a goat, a donkey and a pony coexist peacefully.
And for adults there is a lot of interesting things at the Prague Fair. Firstly, these are products of traditional Czech crafts: Bohemian crystal, real wax candles, pomegranate jewelry and the finest lace. And secondly, it is a delight for the stomach. Even supporters of a healthy diet do not find the strength to refuse fried sausages, gingerbread, hot chestnuts, mulled wine and the traditional Czech sweet trdlo, made from sweet dough with the addition of almonds, cinnamon and caramel.

The Prague Christmas Market is waiting for its guests from December 2, 2017 to January 6, 2018.

On the main market square of the second largest Bavarian city, Germany's most famous Christmas market, the Nuremberg Fair, enchants visitors of all ages every year. In 2017, the festive market, which first opened in 1628, is once again expecting many visitors from all over the world, as last year the Christkindlesmarkt attracted more than two million visitors! And for locals, walking around downtown - especially on Christmas Eve evenings and mornings - is part of Christmas time.

We recommend visiting the Nürnberger Christkindlesmarkt on the first day of its opening. Only then can you see the traditional Nuremberg angel dressed in golden robes. He will invite you to "a small city of wood and cloth." This is what the people of Nuremberg call the Christmas market because of the 180 wooden houses with roofs in red and white stripes. In them, traders lovingly present their goods: gingerbread, fruit bread, gingerbread, fried sausages, Christmas tree decorations, candles and national toys.

Another of the oldest and most famous German holiday markets is the Dresden Striezelmarkt (Dresdner Striezelmarkt). The name was given to it by shtrizel, a pie stuffed with nuts and dried fruits, which was traditionally baked during Advent. Then he was replaced by a stollen. The market is known throughout Germany for its gigantic Advent calendar and stepped Christmas pyramid adorned with candles and carved wooden figures. Its height is 14.62 meters.

The Dresden Christmas Market is celebrating its 583rd birthday this year. If you happen to be in this romantic city in December, visit the market on the Saturday before the second Advent. On this day, a unique stollen festival is held. The huge cake weighs about 4 tons and is baked by some of Dresden's best culinary specialists, and then solemnly sent to the Old Market Square. There, using a knife 1.6 meters long, it is cut into portions and sold to market guests who have long lined up. The money raised goes to charity.

Approximately 230 vendors come to the Dresden Christmas Market every year. The Striezelmarkt is famous for its tradition of offering German artisans: figurines of a nutcracker, a miner and a plum man - representatives of local folklore. You can also buy ceramic dishes and decorations, holiday sweets, roasted almonds and, of course, grilled sausages at the market. And don't forget about fragrant mulled wine, because even doctors say that it perfectly restores lost energy, fights colds and normalizes metabolism.

The Christmas market at Riga's Dome Square is one of the oldest holiday markets in the Baltics. Latvian historians claim that the first shopping arcade during Advent appeared on this site in 1746. Whether this is true is unknown, but it is difficult to dispute that the Riga Bazaar is one of the most beautiful in northern Europe.

The main decoration of Ziemassvētku Tirdziņš is a luxurious fir tree, installed in the very center of the square. Under its canopy, trading tents were located. On the shelves of local merchants there is a rich offer of goods from different parts of Latvia: amber decorations, handmade Christmas decorations, home-knitted woolen clothes, and even national costumes.

The festive treats offered are also distinguished by a huge variety. Only here you can taste piparkukas - national gingerbread cookies with spices, traditional smoked sausages and scalding Christmas tea. On weekends, Domskaya Square hosts concerts of folklore groups and modern pop groups.

The main Christmas market in Riga is glad to see its guests from December 2, 2017 to January 7, 2018.

For the most part, European Christmas markets are similar to each other. However, this statement does not apply to the holiday market in the city of Valkenburg. The flat landscapes inherent in the Netherlands are replaced in the south of the country - in Limburg - by real mountains. On one of the peaks are the ancient ruins of Valkenburg Castle. It is under them that the entrance to an unusual grotto with a length of 5 km is located, 800 meters of which in December are reserved for the Christmas fair Fluweelengrotte - the warmest in Europe.

At the beginning of winter, the ancient grotto becomes the temporary residence of Santa Claus. Here you will see his bedroom, a room for gifts, as well as admire the sleigh and reindeer team ready for departure.

In addition, deep underground, guests of the unique bazaar will find many nooks and crannies. They also have small shops. It's hard to leave here without making a purchase. Of particular note are high-quality Christmas gifts, decorative ornaments and handmade clothing items that are not sold in regular stores. If you get hungry walking through the underground labyrinths, there is a small square at the top where you can enjoy delicious dishes and have a glass of hot grog.

In 2017, the Fluweelengrotte Christmas Market opens its doors for the 20th time. Everyone can visit the magical grotto from November 17 to December 23.

Already in mid-November, the popular Tivoli amusement park in Copenhagen is waiting for fans of bright lights, fun entertainment, delicious food and Christmas surprises. Tivoli was founded in 1843 and has been transformed into Denmark's largest and most famous Christmas market ever since.

Very soon, millions of lights will flash in the black night sky. The lighting for the Christmas market was designed by one of the designers of the jewelry company Tiffany & Co. More than five kilometers of luminous garlands decorate the fir trees of the park, and about two thousand shining threads are stretched over Lake Tivoli. Red hearts hang on the trees, candles illuminate the Japanese pagoda... And in the air, the heady aroma of cinnamon, roasted almonds and anise cookies.

Above the heads of admiring visitors, a two-story wooden carousel is spinning, which recently celebrated its 150th anniversary. In addition to it, Tivoli Park has many other attractions with intriguing names: "Demons", "Golden Tower", "Vertigo" and "Little Dragon". In the center of the magical park, deer graze in a corral, and their boss, Santa Claus, roams nearby.

Kiosks with delicacies and gifts are scattered here and there. Any of you will certainly be tempted by handmade caramel sweets from Bornholm Caramel Company. And the Danish frost will be nothing if you try a warming glög - a very hot drink made from red wine and caraway vodka with spices.

Pre-holiday European streets shine with thousands of lights, and the central squares of cities are decorated with majestic fir trees. Solemn hymns and joyful music sound everywhere, aromas of spices and fried meat soar in the air ... The bright holiday is already very close. Do not deny yourself the pleasure of visiting the famous Christmas markets of Europe at this time, because they will leave the kindest memories for a lifetime.

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Calendar of the best Christmas markets in Europe

Gendarmenmarkt square in Berlin during Christmas holidays

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It is believed that the "most-most" Christmas markets are held in Germany, because it was from the medieval traditions of this country that the custom of organizing New Year's Eve and Christmas markets spread throughout Europe. If you go to Germany before Catholic Christmas, you can visit the fairs in Munich, Cologne, Nuremberg, Frankfurt, Dresden and Berlin. And believe me, each of them will have their own characteristics. For example, in Nuremberg you can buy the best Christmas toys in Europe, the unique technology of their production is jealously guarded by local craftsmen. And guests of Christmas Dresden are waiting for the annual Stollen fruit pie festival, which takes place on the second Sunday of December, and the election of a gingerbread princess.

Well, the main Christmas market takes place in the capital of Germany - on Berlin's Gendarmenmarkt. There are hundreds of shops with traditional German treats and handmade toys. And if it happens that rain catches you while walking, which is not uncommon in the city in November, you can hide in the three-story Christmas decoration shop Käthe Wohlfahrt. Surrounded by thousands of Christmas balls, squirrels and Christmas bears, it's hard not to believe in the New Year's miracle. By the way, sales in German stores begin around the same time.

Hand-painted Christmas decorations on sale at the Christmas market in Vienna

Austria
Time spending:
— November 15-December 26
Salzburg - November 20 - December 26
Innsbruck - December 1 - 31th of December

Vienna's main Christmas market takes place on the square in front of the town hall. A huge spruce is set up here, and the trees are decorated with lanterns in the form of red hearts. In early December, there is a slight frost and snow in the capital of Austria, but this will definitely not spoil your festive mood. The frosty air smells of apple punch with rum and roasted chestnuts, and if you get tired of walking around the city on foot, you can use an old horse-drawn carriage, which will add color to your amazing trip.

On Maria Theresa Square there are many tents with Christmas sweets - sweets, gingerbread and crescent-shaped special local cookies - Vanillekpferl. And if you go further to a small square between the two twins of the Art and Historical Museums of Vienna, you will see craftsmen's shops where you can buy New Year's gifts: blown glassware, miniature wooden cradles, etc.

Strasbourg Christmas Market unfolds near the walls of the cathedral

France
Time spending:
Strasbourg - November 28-December 31
Paris — 15th of November - 6th January

Surprisingly, the main Christmas holiday in France takes place not at all in Paris, but in the historical capital of Alsace - Strasbourg. Due to its location - next door to Germany - Christmas is celebrated here on a German scale. In addition, there is a version among the French that it was Strasbourg that became the birthplace of the first Christmas tree (the French call it the “Christmas tree”).

About three hundred food stalls settle in the square near the cathedral, where you can buy: clay pots with duck and goose foie gras, deer stew, tarte flambé (Alsatian traditional pie stuffed with cheese, onions and brisket), roasted chestnuts, curly gingerbread and many more goodies. Wash down all this with tinctures on a cherry stone or quince.

Christmas market at the Natural History Museum in London

Great Britain
Time spending:
London— November 17 - December 24
Edinburgh - November 21 - 4 January
Glasgow - November 14 - 21 December

In the pre-Christmas period, the famous Hyde Park (Hyde Park) from a place of rest for citizens and holding high-profile rallies turns into a real magical story called "Winter Wonderland" (Winter Wonderland). An ice rink, which has no equal in the UK, is also opened here, it is generously illuminated by several thousand spotlights that create the effect of a starry sky above the heads of vacationers, and bears the proud name "Ice Age". Yes, and the whole of London is decorated with illumination, and it is best to look at this beauty from the height of a giant Ferris wheel - the London Eye. But know that if you get to London on the day of the celebration of Catholic Christmas, you will see an empty city. Shops and restaurants are closed, museums are closed, there are no cars or people on the street. The city is given over to bored tourists who were not invited to a family dinner with a turkey.

Main square during the Christmas market in Brussels

Belgium

Time spending :
Brussels - November 28 - 4 January
Bruges - November 21 - January 2

If you consider yourself a gourmet, connoisseur of haute cuisine, or just love to eat deliciously, then the Christmas markets in Brussels and its fellow Bruges are just for you. Without the famous Belgian chocolate, of course, it could not have done here. In addition: traditional waffles, fresh oysters, snails, meat baked according to old recipes and. It is offered to drink all this with juniper tincture or strong local beer, the varieties of which are several hundred. But not only gourmets can please Belgium. In stores, a real boom of discounts begins, and you can often find sales of still fresh collections of clothes and accessories.

The Christmas tree is brought directly from the Krkonoše Mountains in northern Bohemia

Czech
Time spending:
Prague- 29th of November - 1st of January
Pilsen - November 27 - December 23

Holiday Fair in Prague - the first in the category "The most-most Christmas tree". A forest beauty is set up on the famous Old Town Square, and a “dance” of shops with New Year’s souvenirs, wooden toys, hot sausages, a boar knee on a spit and a special strudel with raisins and nuts, which is prepared only for Christmas, unfolds around it. Celebrations are also held in other places in the city, not far from the Old Town Square is Wenceslas Square - here, in the light of trees decorated with lanterns, there are small kiosks with warming drinks - it's nice to pour a glass of punch, mead, hot tea or go for a walk to the Tyn Cathedral.

Before Christmas, the cities of Europe are transformed: streets, shops and just office buildings and houses are decorated with multi-colored garlands and thousands of flashing lights. Christmas markets create a special festive atmosphere, where you can not only buy colorful toys for the Christmas tree and gifts for friends and relatives, but also taste traditional Christmas sweets and warm yourself with a glass of hot mulled wine or punch. Wherever you are - in Germany, Austria or France, at Christmas you will always be treated to ginger or honey gingerbread, marzipan and drink wine with spices. Vienna, Austria From mid-November until Christmas, Vienna's most beautiful squares turn into fabulous Christmas markets. The aromas of Christmas pastries and hot punch create a pre-Christmas mood.
Winter holiday traditions in Austria are so original that the bearded Santa is replaced here by a rather unexpected character - the beautiful blond German maiden Weiner Christkindl.
The Vienna Christmas market opened its doors on November 15th on the square in front of the City Hall, crowned with tall towers. Here, in the concert hall, the Viennese Catholic choir and the city orchestra give festive performances every day.

A cozy city park is also adequately prepared for the celebration of Christmas: each tree is decorated with balls that emit soft matte light. Walking along the narrow park alleys, you find yourself on the pages of Christmas fairy tales. Nearby restaurants offer roasted Christmas carp and tea with marzipan stollen. The Cultural and Christmas Market in front of the Schönbrunn Palace offers Christmas romance against a regal backdrop, and after Christmas it transforms into a New Year's Market. In a regal atmosphere, there is also a Christmas market in front of the Belvedere Palace. Open: November 22 - December 26 Velden, Austria The main and brightest moment of the fair in Velden is the lighting of a huge wreath, decorated with 80,000 lights, which create the atmosphere of a real fairy tale that comes to Lake Vers on Christmas Eve. Official opening: December 7 Berlin, Germany
Germany is a classic Christmas destination. Only in Berlin alone November 23 to December 31 there are 60 Christmas markets. The best of them is located in the Wilhelm Gedächtniskirche - it attracts about a million visitors. Other popular Berlin bazaars are located near Charlottenburg Castle and on the Gendarmenmarkt. Cologne, Germany
November 27 to December 23 six large Christmas markets operate in Cologne - the largest of them will open on Neumarkt (Neumarkt). One small medieval fair is located in front of the Lindt chocolate museum, and the other is on a boat moored off the banks of the Rhine. Nuremberg, Germany The Nuremberg Christmas market has been held since 1682 and is considered the largest and best in Europe. Here you can taste delicious gingerbread cookies - a specialty of the region, as well as Christmas sausages. In the evenings, the market is softly lit with garland lights, while guest musicians play jazz to entertain the crowd. Fair will continue from 1 to 24 December. Munich, Germany
In Munich from November 27 to December 24 The fair takes place on the Christkindlmarkt square. By tradition, during its work, Christmas carols are heard and snowball championships are held.
Paris, France
French Christmas markets are not as old and popular as in Germany, but they are recognized as the most romantic.
It's amazing how Paris changes in December. Coquettish streets are transformed one after another, they are strewn with small log cabins twinkling with New Year's lights. An incredible Christmas market grows in the heart of the futuristic La Defense district, its area reaches 10,000 m². There are small souvenir tents around the spacious skating rink, and the guests of the bazaar actually do shopping on skates.
A more traditional and relaxed atmosphere reigns at the second Parisian Christmas market, which occupied the Champs Elysees. Here, according to tradition, people from Alsace rule the ball, descending from the Germans, famous connoisseurs of Christmas celebrations. Be sure to drink a cup of French coffee with bredele - a spicy sugar biscuit, and buy a crispy package of gingerbread - surrounded by sweet aromas, your appetite will not leave you for a second. For those who like to have a hearty dinner, tender duck meat with a potato garnish and a piece of birewacke pie filled with fruits and nuts in liquor syrup are waiting for you. Strasbourg, France The fair has been taking place at the foot of the Strasbourg Cathedral since time immemorial. The temperature here rarely drops below zero, but despite the absence of snow, the aroma of cloves, almonds and hot mulled wine reminds of the upcoming holiday - it is sold everywhere. Performances and concerts of choirs and chamber orchestras are held every day in temples and exhibition halls. A 30-meter Christmas tree is installed on the main square of the city.


Open: November 28 - December 31 Mulhouse, France Mulhouse, the second largest city in Alsace, is famous for its textiles. During the New Year period, textiles are of particular interest, both for residents and guests of this city. In Mulhouse, you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of rare museum collections. There is a unique in Europe exposition of wallpapers of the 18th - 19th centuries and, of course, a car museum, with its one-of-a-kind collection. Walking along a wide avenue with 500 exhibits, you can take a journey through more than a century of automotive history, from the Jaco steam-powered car of 1878 to the present day. Period of work: from November 24 to December 29. Brussels, Belgium In a city renowned for its cuisine, the Christmas Market is a gourmet paradise. The Brussels Christmas Market stretches through the city center and includes wooden stalls, fairground rides, slides and more. During the fair period, a light show is arranged on the Grand Place. Considered one of the largest Christmas markets in Europe, the Brussels Fair offers seasonal gifts and goodies, including Belgian chocolate. The ice skating rink with an area of ​​1050 square meters, located against the backdrop of an illuminated Ferris wheel, gives a special charm to the fair.
Belgium, Bruges Medieval Bruges from November 20 to January 3 hosts one of the prettiest fairs in Europe. Perhaps its main feature is a colossal selection of local beer. Valkenburg, The Netherlands One of the most interesting fairs takes place in the Dutch town of Valkenburg from November 20 to January 3. She is located in Fluweelengrot - the so-called "velvet cave" under the Old City. The corridors, lit with many candles, instantly create a festive mood. Barcelona, ​​Spain The annual Fira de Santa Lucia Christmas market in Barcelona is an explosion of festive mood around the Sagrada Familia, inexorably stretching jagged towers, as if melted from sand, into the distant sky. Christmas in the birthplace of bullfighting and flamenco, what could be more exotic?
Only here in the bazaar you will find fragrant olive wood dishes and soft bags made of fine leather. Typical Spanish souvenirs include skillful clay figurines, among which there are typical representatives of a kind of Catalan humor, for example, the famous canager - a figure of a shepherd defecating his natural needs - a symbol of fertility and harvest.
However, such humor does not spoil the Spanish people's love for delicious and luxurious food. While at the fair, be sure to check out Can Culleretes, a restaurant founded in 1786 that serves juicy young goose stuffed with fresh pears.
Tallinn, Estonia
Tallinn itself is a charming city, but in winter, when it dresses up in a fluffy snow coat, and hundreds of garlands and Christmas decorations glisten on the streets, it completely becomes like a fairy tale. Already by the beginning of December, the streets and shop windows of the city are beginning to be decorated with Christmas trees in every possible way. The tradition of Christmas markets is relatively new to Tallinn. Fair towns in the old part of the city appeared in 1991. But they have already gained popularity among residents and visitors of the city.

The Tallinn Fair takes place on two squares. The fair on Old Town Square is surrounded by picturesque cobbled streets, medieval buildings and Gothic spiers, while the still “young” market on Rotermann Square is nestled among old brick warehouses and modern glass offices. Both fairs sell Estonian handicrafts. Here you can buy felt boots, pillows stuffed with buckwheat, patchwork quilts and knitted sweaters, as well as traditional Christmas products, including black pudding, gingerbread, marzipan and honey.
Rovaniemi, Finland
And yet, Christmas in Europe is unthinkable without the main "instigator" - the old Santa Claus, whose homeland, as you know, is far to the north, in frosty Lapland. Right on the Arctic Circle is his workshop, around which a whole village has long grown, with an amusement park, many restaurants and cafes, and, of course, a huge Christmas market.

Are you looking for exclusive gifts for the fair sex? A unique northern-themed jewelry store-gallery is open especially for you, and Finnish chocolate boutiques are open until late in the evening. Need to choose a souvenir for a real man? Take a look at the Finnish hunting knife store and the Lapland fishing tackle shop.
Children will always find something to do here, whether it's a walk through the fabulous elf factory, riding a reindeer sleigh or playing catch-up along the line of the Arctic Circle. And a family dinner at Napatapuli Restaurant is a celebration in itself, serving hot potato casserole, crispy turkey meat and an unusual Christmas dessert of sweet rice porridge with a dash of roasted almonds.
Moscow, Russia
The Hermitage Garden hosts a traditional Christmas market inspired by the atmosphere of the best European fairs. Here you can buy gifts, choose a Christmas tree, toys, watch the performances "Christmas Nativity Scene" and "The Nutcracker", and spend time with children.