If you're planning a trip to one of Europe's Christmas Markets, now is the time to book. Deirdre Mullins suggests some of the best markets to visit.
Are you tired of the commercialisation of Christmas? Are you sick of battling your way through crowded shopping centres and standing in long queues? Do you sometimes think that shin-guards and elbow pads have become more appropriate clothing for Christmas shopping in Ireland's fair cities?
Well, when it comes to Christmas the act of shopping is inevitable. So why not escape the madness of home and shop in one of Europe's many traditional Christmas markets? It might just put that magic back into the season for you.
Good Christmas markets ooze atmosphere; shop to the smell of scented candles, roasted chestnuts, cinnamon and cloves. Warm your cold hands on a glass of glühwein or hot cheery beer. Gorge on juicy hunks of grilled meat, bratwursts, mince pies and marzipan sweets, while admiring the Yuletide lights and listening to carol singers. It just can't get more festive than that.
Germany is undoubtedly the home of the Christmas market. The country hosts 2,500 markets in its cities, towns and villages every year. They start on the first Sunday of Advent and run until Christmas Eve, as they have done every year since 1434. They remain hugely popular with Germans of all ages, a testament to the nation's love of Christmas and appreciation of simple pleasures.
But, the Germans no longer have the monopoly on this festive tradition. Other destinations such as Austria, Czech Republic, Denmark and Hungary are home to markets that are good enough to compete with the German ones.
Below are suggestions for European Christmas Markets to visit.
Munich, Germany
A favourite with Irish shoppers is the Christmas market in Bavaria's capital Munich. It is beautifully located right in the centre on the Marienplatz - in front of the impressive guildhall - and branches out to a number of the surrounding shopping streets. Over 120 traders sell everything from Christmas tree decorations to wooden toys, clothes and arts and crafts from their stands. The Kripperlmarkt specialises in cribs and nativity figurines and a short walk from there is the Rindermarkt. A 'fringe' type Christmas festival called Tollwood is also worth a visit. This ethnic festival is in the Oktoberfest location and has tents offering a mix of international musicians, performances and art as well as a popular Christmas market selling handcrafts and cuisine from all over the world. For more information, visit: www.germany-tourism.co.uk.
Topflight is offering three nights in Munich starting at €299pps. This includes return flights to Munich and accommodation in a three-star hotel on a bed and breakfast basis. Visit: www.topflight.ie or call: 01 240 1701.
Copenhagen, Denmark
The Tivoli Gardens are magical at Christmas time, with a market, outdoor ice rink, a Christmas village and a pixietown. It's no wonder that around a million people visit these markets each year. Opened in 1843, Tivoli Gardens is one of the world's oldest amusement parks and it exudes charm. Hundreds of Christmas trees and an impressive nine miles of lights sparkle around the park. Chalet-style stalls sell Danish crafts such as silver jewellery, knitwear, sheepskin rugs and wooden furniture. A half-an-hour over the Öresund Bridge is the Swedish City of Malmo. Its resisdents celebrate Sweden's Lucia festival on 13 December, during which there is a procession of young girls in white gowns, holding lit candles and wearing a crown of electric candles to bring light to the Swedish winter. For more information, visit: www.visitcopenhagen.com.
Gohop has a two-night trip to Copenhagen Christmas markets from €389. This includes flights and accommodation in a three-star hotel. Book online at www.gohop.ie or call 01 241 2389.
Budapest, Hungary
Budapest hosts one of the best Christmas markets in central Europe and conjures up a gorgeous seasonal atmosphere. Vörösmarty Square is its best-known market, with some 100 stalls selling handmade crafts and traditional dishes. Performances of traditional folk dances and music are also part of the charm. It's best to approach the square from the pedestrianised shopping street, Vaci. A new window of the life-size Advent calendar is opened at 5pm each evening, accompanied by a light and sound show and is a must see. The markets run from 19 November to 29 December. For more information, visit: www.gotohungary.co.uk.
The Travel Department operates a three-night escorted tour for €335. This includes accommodation in a five-star hotel on a B&B basis, return flights, transfers and a half-day sightseeing tour of Budapest. The tour departs from Dublin on 29 November and 6 December. For more information, visit: www.thetraveldepartment.ie or call: 01 637 1600.
Vienna, Austria
Vienna has had a tradition of Christmas markets since the 13th century, and today it has several spread throughout the city. On nearly every corner in Vienna there are small huts selling crafts and Glühwein. The biggest markets are at the Vienna City Hall, Spittelberg and inside the University campus. The vendors sell everything from wooden toys and puppets to woolly hats and leather gear. Spittelberg Market specialises in hand-blown glass, silverware and ceramics. Rathauspark is home to old-fashioned carousel rides and a 'Post Office in the Clouds' where you can post your Christmas cards. For more information, visit: www.wien.info.
Topflight is offering a package to Vienna Christmas Markets starting at €259. This includes flights, hotel transfers and three nights in three-star hotel with accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis. Visit: www.topflight.ie or call: 1890 240 17.
Prague, Czech Republic
Prague's Old Town Square dates back to the 12th Century, and with ancient architecture and gothic churches it provides a magical backdrop to the city's biggest Christmas Market. Prague's Christmas markets begin at the end of November with the switching on of the Christmas lights and end on New Year's Day. Browse around the huts while sipping mulled wine. Crafts for sale include Christmas decorations, decorated gingerbread, fragrant candles and scarves and hats. Local folk bands and choirs perform the Nativity each day. For more information, visit: www.czechtourism.com.
The Travel Department will operate a three-night escorted tour to Prague Christmas Markets on 28 November and 5 December. The price of €239 includes flights, transfers, three nights' accommodation in a four-star hotel on a bed and breakfast basis and a half-day guided sightseeing tour of Prague. For more information, visit: www.thetraveldepartment.ie or call: 01 637 1600.
Deirdre Mullins
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