European Christmas Markets



My favorite Christmas movie is the original A Christmas Carol, and I am always filled with warm, fuzziness watching or reading Christmas stories where big families get together in one house for a few days, lounging cozily around the fire, drinking wine, and exchanging a simple, single, thoughtful gift with one another.  I am completely turned off by what Christmas has become in this era – everyone expecting extravagant gifts, people spending so much money that the next 4 months are just depressing and stressful.  North American Christmas has become so commercialized, and focused on big box stores and high-end electronics.  When I dream about what would be the most ideal Christmas, I imagine traditional ornaments, friends and family gathering (and that simply being enough), big dinners, and lights, so many lights.  

For people who know me well, I have in my heart a tie to the Victorian era, so it’s not surprising that something traditional such as the European ChristmasMarkets appeal to me.  The very first Christmas Market was held in Vienna, Austria in 1294.  Called the “December Market”, vendors gathered in city squares for the month to sell wares, treats, and enable people to just gather together for festivities and social chatter.  Germany has become the leader in public Christmas Markets but the tradition of nutcrackers, gingerbread cookies, and Bratwurst still remain.  Regional foods are offered, so each market can provide you with something different.  The magic of Christmas – gathering friends, warm drinks, and joyous moods – is bound to these wondrous street markets.  

My dream to live in Europe for a year to experience all the unique, local attractions and culture includes a tour of the many European Christmas Markets.  Cities such as Frankfurt, Dresden, Munich, and London all offer spectacular collections of goods and services, and more markets are available in southern France and northern Italy.  To walk in the crisp winter air, meandering between stalls full of flavor, color, and excitement epitomizes the joys of Christmas.  

For a guide on some of the best Christmas Markets, check out this link.

Source:  http://www.crazy4me.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/a_2504_1600-a.jpg


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