Tis the season for twinkling lights, choirs caroling, warm mulled wine, decadent sweets and plenty of holiday cheer. And there’s no better way to experience the sights, sounds and tastes of the season than with a visit to a Christmas market. While Germany is renowned for its markets and totally tops the charts, there are some others to consider.
Here are 5 of our global favorites:
Strasbourg, France
Dating back to 1570, Strasbourg’s Christmas Markets are among the oldest in Europe and the first in France. At that time, Strasbourg was part of the German Rhineland which held long-standing Christmas traditions—more so than France. When Strasbourg became part of France, two cultures merged to create a unique market.
A collection of wooden chalets lines the square beneath the imposing Strasbourg Cathedral displaying the creations of local artisans along with baked spiced bread, hot wine and bredele cakes. The tree, wrapped in a mass of twinkling lights and adorned with golden stars, angels, biscuits, candles, apples and illuminated cherubs, takes center stage.
Prague, Czech Republic
Christmas markets can be found everywhere in the Czech Republic, but the ones in Prague are especially impressive. Often cited as one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, Prague’s mystique is multiplied with the festive beauty of the markets in Wenceslas and Old Town Squares — a 5-minute walk apart.
Traditional wooden huts stocked with handicrafts including wooden toys, scented candles, jewelry, Christmas ornaments, hats, gloves and more are on hand. School children dressed in traditional costumes travel from all over the Czech Republic to perform beloved carols. And each year the Christmas tree is transported from the forests of Central Bohemia and erected in the Old Town Square. Dressed in sparkling lights, the tree makes quite a statement against the backdrop of Prague’s Gothic skyline.
Expect plenty of hearty Czech cuisine. Don’t miss Pražská Šunka, the traditional Czech roasted ham; Langoš, Hungarian flatbread topped with garlic cheese and ketchup; and, of course, beer, there’s always beer. Na zdravi!
Valkenberg, The Netherlands
Located in the southern Netherlands near the German border, Valkenburg takes its Christmas markets to a new level—underground. The town is built over castle ruins and when the holiday season arrives, the extraordinary Municipal and Velvet Caves are transformed into spectacular Christmas markets.
The caves’ darkest corners are illuminated by thousands of twinkling lights and an abundance of holiday decorations. More than 50 huts built right into the caves display glass blown ornaments, Belgian chocolates and numerous handicrafts from local artisans. Mr. and Mrs. Claus are on site to the delight of all the children. And there’s plenty of hot chocolate and hot spiced wine to keep you warm.
Sapporo, Japan
Although Christmas isn’t a traditional holiday in Japan, that hasn’t stopped the Japanese from creating a spectacular Christmas Market. In celebration of its sister-city ties to Munich, Sapporo in Northern Japan transforms Odori Park into a German Christmas market on steroids—above and beyond what you’d expect. It’s always cold, there’s always snow and with the added illumination of more than 520,000 light bulbs reflecting off the pristine snow, a magical winter wonderland emerges.
Wooden stalls display crafts from all over Europe including Christmas ornaments and commemorative mugs which change in design each year. You’ll find a taste of Germany too with bratwurst, sauerkraut and Glühwein. But you’ll also find a taste of Japan with teriyaki, tempura and sake. And, yes, there is a Santa Claus and he even shows up for a Japanese Christmas Market.
Pretoria, South Africa
In Pretoria, South Africa you won’t find snow and you won’t need the Glühwein or hot chocolate to keep you warm. But you will find a Christmas Market of a different variety. The Nickel Christmas Market named after the Paul Jungnickel Home, a division of the Kungwini Welfare Organization, is charity at its best. The market was created as a fundraising project for the KWO which provides assistance for disabled adults.
Funded by Dr. and Mrs. Jungnickel after the death of their son, Paul, who was disabled, the Paul Jungnickel Home is a residential care facility for 140 disabled adults. The market is the organization’s largest fundraiser and annual job creation project. This year marks the market’s 17th year with more than 200 items on display from toys to exclusive home décor products indigenous to South Africa. All proceeds go directly to the charity. You may not need warmth in South Africa, but participating in this market will certainly warm your heart.
