‘Tis the season to be jolly! December has arrived, and that can only mean that Christmas is just around the corner. Here at Lokafy, we wanted to spread the holiday spirit as well, and if you think about it… what better way to do it than by talking about Christmas markets? Depending on where you’re from, they might be one of the key parts of the season and something that everyone looks forward to. If that’s not the case, don’t worry, this blog will serve as a great introduction to a tradition that hopefully you’ll be able to experience in no time.
Christmas markets are pretty popular in Europe, but they have made their way to North America and even Asia, but if you think about its origins, that’s when everything becomes a little blurry. Are they an ancient tradition that has survived for centuries? Or are they mostly a new invention that simply poses as old? In reality, the answer is somewhere in the middle. Some of the roots of Christmas markets that we can find go all the way to Vienna in 1296, when 14-day fairs during December where permitted by Duke Albrecht I, and to Bautzen, Germany, because in 1384 the King of Bohemia, Wenceslas IV, gave the city permission to hold a free market and selling meat until Christmas. Obviously, these examples are far different from the markets that we see nowadays, because they were not religious or related to the holidays whatsoever. It wasn’t until the 17th and 18th centuries that Christmas markets started becoming popular and spread across Europe. Today, they are an essential part of Christmas, with its hot beverages, warm meals, lights and festive music. Let’s see some of the most important Christmas markets around the world.
Strasbourg, France:
No matter how many lists of the best Christmas markets in the world you see, there probably won’t be one that doesn’t mention Strasbourg. It is simply the best example of what a Christmas market looks and feels like: hundreds of artisans sell traditional holiday gifts and handmade crafts scattered across the most beautiful part of the city, while Christmas lights float above and carols are played in the background. You’ll feel at home in this charming place, and everyone’s smiles and laughter will make the experience even more magical. Strasbourg Christmas market is one of the oldest in Europe, since it was first held in 1570, but from then on, it evolved and expanded to its current form: more than 10 locations in the city, although its heart and soul is still the Christkindelsmärik, held near Strasbourg’s Cathedral. This site is actually in the UNESCO World Heritage site of Grande Île, so you’ll not only have lots of products from which to choose from, but there’ll also be pretty spectacular sights that with Christmas decorations become a total feast for the eyes.
Enjoying Strasbourg’s Christmas market is undoubtedly a quintessential Christmas experience.
Prague, Czech Republic:
Prague is a wonderful city regardless of the season: it has this timeless beauty and elegance that makes it one of the most breathtaking cities of Europe. Nonetheless, we cannot deny that once winter comes, Prague comes to life in a very unique way and it acquires a wintery charm that cannot be copied. If you want to feel it yourself, there are plenty of Christmas markets around Prague, but the two main ones are located in the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square, very close to one another (which means that if you’re feeling like it, you can visit both during the same day!). The Old Town Square Market is more popular for its entertainment, which becomes obvious once you witness its Christmas tree coming to life every day at 4:30 pm. This lighting ceremony is a spectacle with lots of singing and dancing that will leave you mesmerized. On the other hand, the Christmas market at Wenceslas Square is the perfect place for shopping, with beautiful handmade gifts and crafts overflowing the stalls. No matter where you go, local delicatessens will be available, and make sure you accompany them with the classical thick hot chocolate, mulled and honey wine, and the ever present selection of beers.
Even if Prague is beautiful the 365 days of the year, during the winter it has a particular charm that makes it even more special.
Nuremberg, Germany:
You’re probably thinking that there’s plenty of European cities on our list! And what can we tell you… the tradition of Christmas markets has been a staple of the Old Continent for quite some time. We already mentioned that Strasbourg has one of the oldest markets in Europe, but did you know that Germany has also had a lot of influence on the development of this beloved tradition? The Christkindlesmarkt of Nuremberg is world-famous, and since the 16th century, it has occupied the center square of the city’s old town. Every year, around 2 million people visit this charming scene and enjoy its festive spirit. With over 200 wooden stalls decorated in red and white cloth, it is obvious why the event has been nicknamed “Little Town from Wood and Cloth”, and if you think about it, there isn’t a sweetest place where you can spend the holiday season in Nuremberg. Another reason why this Christmas market is so famous, is because of all the handcrafted goods such as ornaments, tree angels and candles are being sold there. Although, the most popular ones are the “plum people”, handheld figurines made from prunes, nuts and tiny costumes that you won’t find anywhere else. Of course, exquisite treats such as fruit loaves, gingerbread and German Bratwurst will also accompany your adventure at the Christkindlesmarkt.
Over 2 million people go to Nuremberg each year to enjoy its wonderful and very traditional Christmas market.
Singapore:
Even if some of the best Christmas markets in the world are located in Europe, that doesn’t mean that around the world you won’t find other incredible options. That’s why we thought it would be a good idea to shake things up a little and travel all across the world until we landed in Singapore. This Asian jewel has embraced the Christmas markets spirit and for over a decade, it has curated a beautiful experience called Christmas Wonderland, in the breathtaking site of Gardens by the Bay. Throughout this nature park, there are three different areas filled with attractions and different activities for children and adults alike: Supertree Grove, Frosty’s Fairground at The Meadow and Gingerbread Grove. For around four weeks, Gardens by the Bay becomes a winter paradise, with fairground rides, a Christmas train, light and sound shows, live performances and carnival games that will keep you entertained for a very long time. And that's not it. Honoring the fact that it is a Christmas market, there are plenty of stalls ready to help your festive shopping. Head over to Mistletoe Alley and drink a bit of plum wine, buy beautiful cactuses and look out for unique and delicate handcrafted goods.
Singapore’s Christmas Wonderland may be slightly new but it has become a staple of the holiday season.
Toronto, Canada:
To end our list, we wanted to mention the Distillery Winter Village in Toronto, which has transformed the European festive markets and made them into their own intimate and cozy Canadian tradition. As anyone familiar with Toronto will know, the Distillery District is a historic part of the city that has been reinvigorated and embellished to become a vital part of Toronto. It is fun, innovative and the perfect mix of classic and new, part of the reason why now you cannot claim to have been in Toronto without first visiting the Distillery District. During the holiday season, it is turned into a magical winter village, where you’ll find Christmas carols sing-alongs, a gingerbread hunt and more shopping cabins that we can count. Oh, you’ll certainly won’t miss its 50-foot Christmas tree with all of the lights that come with it. Take the opportunity to buy some beautiful handmade gifts and eat artisanal food, including the very famous Canadian poutine.
Every Christmas the Distillery District becomes a winter village filled with magic, music and lights.
How are you feeling after reading all of this? Are you feeling the Christmas spirit going through all of your body? We certainly hope so! This was the perfect blog to declare our love for Christmas and all of the beauty that comes with it, and if you’re interested in celebrating it as well, you can head over to any of these markets and enjoy its lights, flavors, sounds and all there is to offer. Merry Christmas!
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