When you think of Christmas splendor, London is usually the first place that comes to mind. Of course, that's what makes this city so wonderful. The city's romantic winter aura is effectively created in our minds by memories of iconic scenes from the movies Love Actually and Bridget Jones's Diary. In fact, the British capital transforms into a big Christmas movie set in December. There are many Christmas markets there and each one outshines the others with its splendor.
Atmosphere of London. Where are the most beautiful Christmas markets?
Covent Garden is an example of a village that will enchant you with its splendor. It rarely actually snows in London, but here you can enjoy white powder every day. Some of the decorations are spectacular and eye-catching, including giant ornaments, rotating mirror balls, and dozens of bells with bows.
Incredibly spectacular attractions await fans of winter fun at Hyde Park's Winter Wonderland. Over 100 different types of play equipment, live shows, and dining options. There is never a dull moment in this land.
You can also do some Christmas shopping just by taking a walk along the River Thames. There are many booths selling Christmas decorations, gifts, food, and more. The situation is similar in Leicester Square, where the stands reflect the atmosphere of a German trade fair.
german classics
Britain's climate may be associated with Christmas markets, but it was in Germany that the Christmas market tradition began. The first fair of this type was held in Dresden about 600 years ago. The Strieselmarkt we are talking about is considered not only the oldest in Germany, but also the most beautiful. “Striezel” means strudel in German, and many celebrations revolve around strudel.
A festival is held every year, with a parade of the city's sweet shops and bakeries. It ends with the ritual cutting of a large strudel. What interesting things can you buy at the Dresden Fair? You can enjoy not only Christmas strudel and other traditional delicacies, but also wooden crafts from the Saxon Ore Mountains.
In addition to Dresden's Striezelmarkt, eight other Christmas markets are also worth visiting. It's not difficult because the distance is short, but you can just walk around the city.
The Cologne Fair – Heinzel Wintermärchen takes its name from the Cologne Fairy (Heinzelmännchen), which is called around Christmas, and is very popular among German and international tourists.
The city is beautifully decorated, with two medieval towers that look majestic as a backdrop to hundreds of wooden stalls. But Cologne's biggest attraction is the so-called ice slide. Eisstockschessen, an ice rink game similar to curling.
The wonders of Berlin
Those hungry for a Christmas experience can find a great place in Berlin. The German capital encourages tourists to visit dozens of different fairgrounds during Advent. Here you will find the Gendarmenmarkt, where you can buy high-quality handicrafts, the most popular Weihnachtsmarkt on Alexanderplatz in the city center, and the fair at Charlottenburg Palace, with its wonderful decorations and original souvenirs. You can find classic spots such as: .
But if you're going to Berlin, you're probably looking for something unusual. It's no coincidence that Berlin is associated with incredible creativity and the best techno parties. This time too, it does not disappoint in that respect.
Dark Matter is a Christmas installation with flashing lights set to the rhythm of electronic music. Glowing Christmas trees are suspended from the ceiling, creating a wonderful artistic sight. It is a unique space adjacent to the Museum of Modern Art, and musical events are also planned.
European Christmas markets. vienna
Like Germany, the roots of fairs in Austria go back hundreds of years, and Vienna is also a city that knows no moderation when it comes to hosting Christmas markets. Combined with the beauty of Austrian architecture, the fair creates a truly magical village.
As every year, the Christkindlmarkt on Town Hall Square deserves special attention. When you pass through the beautifully lit gate, you will feel like you are in a fairy tale world. Vienna's largest trade fair features around 150 stalls selling Christmas souvenirs, handicrafts and curiosities. There's also a merry-go-round, an ice rink, and a beautiful nativity scene that's hard to take your eyes off of.
The fair at Maria Theresienplatz is a traditional village. The first market was established on this square in 1772. The stands are filled with colorful baubles, delicious food, and, like any classic fair, unique handicrafts. Served in a cup resembling an elf stocking, the Austrian punch is worth drinking.
In fact, in Vienna, you can reach the most beautiful Christmas villages just by taking a long walk around the city. You can't miss these places in the heart of the city. The rest of your vacation destinations are easily accessible by metro.
The magic of a hygge holiday
If you want to find the magic of Christmas in frigid Scandinavia, then Copenhagen is the place to go. One of the most beautiful villages in all of Europe is home to the Tivoli Gardens Christmas Market. The park itself is very impressive, and its fairytale-like nature is attested to by guests who have visited this place in the past. Hans Christian Andersen himself and Walt Disney were there too.
As the Advent season begins, Tivoli transforms into a magical winter garden. The paths sparkle with colorful lights, and you can sip mulled wine or hot chocolate and eat Copenhagen hot dogs in the beautifully decorated houses. The cabin where you can buy Christmas presents looks like something straight out of a movie about Santa Claus and his friendly elves. Everything is made in Scandinavian style.
Your youngest child will be thrilled as this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet Santa Claus in person. A magical Venetian merry-go-round and elf train are also waiting for them. Cold or not in Copenhagen, the ice rinks are open and you can skate.
When looking for the most interesting Christmas villages in Europe, do not forget that this year the places in Poland are considered the most beautiful. Gdańsk's Christmas Market was highly rated by the readers of the website “Europe's Best Destinations”.
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