Christmas time is around the corner and soon the trees will be decorated in lights and in some places the snow will start falling soon, to cover the land in fairytale scenes. During your Christmas Holidays in Europe you will discover the best Christmas markets. You will have memories for a lifetime and wishes that you can go back again…
SOME OF THE TOP DESTINATIONS IN EUROPE
1.ZAGREB, CROATIA
The town was one of the best kept secrets, but that all changed when it was voted as the best Christmas market in Europe bye European Best Destination. As one of the best Advent scenes in Europe, Zagreb has a programme packed with events, concerts and food specialities - think twinkling candlelight, colourful displays, festive food and drink, concerts, choirs and much more. A huge Christmas tree standing on Ban Josip Jelačić Square while the fountain is transformed into a light display and the rest of the huge main square sparkles brightly with music and concerts on an openair stage, food marquees and a children’s programme. On weekdays and at weekends there is live music.
2.COLMAR, FRANCE
For six entire weeks you can experienced the magic of Christmas in the city. Illuminations is linking the city’s five Christmas market, in a labyrinth of small streets lined with century old half-timbered houses. Nestling in town squares with their own special architectural features, these islands of togetherness are like the city itself: intimate and authentic. The mini-village markets is highlighting the passionate and enthusiastic craftsmen mostly from Alsace – they have been chosen for the quality and the uniqueness of their products. You can also participate in a wide range of activities such as guided tours, wine-tastings, children animations, exhibition of traditional toys, as well as many shows and concerts.
3.MANCHESTER, ENGLAND
Arriving in the city in 1999, the first Christmas market in the UK is the biggest and the best in the country. Spread across 10 individual sites, each with its own distinctive character, with some of the 300 beautifully crafted stalls offer mouth-watering international food, drinks and finely crafted Yuletide gifts in the heart of the buzzing city centre. This year the market will also introduce a designated family site for the first time with fun rides and entertainment throughout the season, including: LED light performers, magicians and street theatre and don’t miss the spectacular views of the Manchester Cathedral and National Football Museum.
4.DRESDEN, GERMANY
Being in its 584th year, the Striezelmarkt boasts a glittering lights, twinkling stars, beaming children’s faces, mulled wine, the scent of gingerbread, and Christmas carols. Specialities, such as Ore Mountain woodcrafts, Lusatian blue-printed fabrics and Moravian stars, are particularly popular. Another must is a piece of Original Dresdner Christstollen fruit loaf in the light of the step pyramid from the Erzgebirge (Ore Mountains). The official opening is on November 28th at 3pm with and Ecumenical service in the Kreukirche. Everyone who loves the typical Dresdner Stollen, the 25th Dresden Stollenfest on the 8th of December 2018 is exactly the right place to go. A unique Dresden tradition is the baking of the giant Stollen weighing several tons and the historic pageant. The Stollen is cut up and sold for a good cause. Also featuring is the “Dresdner Stollenmädchen”, the brand ambassador for Dresdner Christstollen. In addition, there are different themed days and festivities at the mark.
5.BRUSSELS, BELGUIM
Deploying through its 2-kilometers course through the historic town centre, Winter Wonders will once again be the topic of many a dream for children and adults alike. Five weeks filled with enchanting encounters, perfumes, colorful stalls, fantastic gift ideas and original tasting sessions. The festive atmosphere, unique ambiance, quality activities, delicious dishes, fairy-tale lighting and the discovery of other universes and cultures on offer during the event will nourish many a reverie… making this the key event during the festive season. The ice-skating rink was moved to the Place de la Monnaie and offers a new wider course. Then there is the magnificent fir tree, the splendid, magical and original light and sound show, the incredible ‘videomapping’ on the façade of the St Catherine church, the creative and original guest of honor, the festive Christmas Parade of RTL, … And also the traditional attractions: the Ferris wheel, the merry-go-rounds, the slalom, the Ice Monster…
To be continued...
