Its All About Christmas

There are several cities in Europe that really do turn on the lights and the festive spirit at Christmas. Every year these cities have Christmas markets, a magical experience that really does put some cheer into that hectic time just before Christmas. Here is a list of the cities that offer great Christmas markets:

Munich

The Christmas market in Munich is between November 24 and December 24. The market at Munich dates back 600 years and offers traditional handicrafts and festive food and drink. Also there are free activities for children. You can also ride around the city centre on the Christkindl Tram. Munich is a beautiful city with plenty of Christmas cheer and most attractions are accessible on foot.

Prague

The Prague Christmas market is between November 29 and January 1 and the main festival is held in the Old Town and in Wenceslas Square. Available to buy are Czech glass, wooden toys, candles, Jewellery, ceramics, christmas tree ornaments and much more. There are also carol singers, choirs and musicians there to enetertain you in the main square. The city of Prague is a magical place at Christmas whether you want to buy Christmas gifts or just enjoy the traditional festive atmosphere.

Vienna

The Vienna market is between November 15 and December 24 and the main event is held ouside Vienna City Hall where there are 140 stalls. Also the famous Schonbrunn Castle is illuminated and hold daily festive concerts. Vienna has held a Christmas market since 1928 and there are in fact a choice of over 20 markets in total.

Budapest

The Budapest Christmas market is between November 24 and December 29 and it is held around the shopping streets of Vaci Utca and Heroes Square. The markets feature traditional Hungarian dancing, folk music, handicrafts, Christmas cake, sausages and plenty of other traditional Hungarian food. Whilst you are in Budapest you can also soak your weary muscles in the many thermal pools in the city.

Cologne

The Cologne Christmas market is between November 28 and December 23 and there are six markets in total which attract two million visitors each year. The Cathedral Market features 170 stalls and there is a Fairytale Market for children and a Medieval Market near the chocolate museum. Also, don’t miss the floating market onboard MS Wappen Von Mainz which is

moored on the River Rhine.

Brussels

The Brussels Christmas Market is held between November 28 and December 28 and there is about 240 stalls around the city’s stock exchange and fish market. Brussels market includes fairground rides, an ice rink and Christmas market stalls selling crafts, hot waffles and gluwein as well as lots of other Belgium foods and chocolate.

Tallinn

The Tallin Christmas Market is held between November 30 and January 7 and is held in Tallinn’s Town Hall Square which is in the Medieval Old Town. The area is transformed by a gigantic Christmas tree and Santa’s house. Stalls sell food, drinks and crafts. The city of Tallinn itself is full of character and is also perfect for a romantic winter break.

Krakow

The Krakow Christmas market is held between November 30 and December 30 in The Rynek, a large square in Krakow Old Town. The Christmas market in Krakow is famous for its wooden toys and amber jewellery. Hot vodka is also served and the Christmas atmospehere is

excellent. Of course, you can also buy traditional Polish gifts and food.

Advent and Christmas is undoubtedly one of the finest seasons in the city of Salzburg. When the snowflakes swirl through the air, when the children build snowmen in the Mirabell Gardens and the sweet scent of mulled wine flows through the narrow streets, even the most serious people become hopeless romantics.

Romantic Moments:

It is the season for romantic walks across the city’s hilltops, enjoying the breathtaking view of the city’s snow-covered roofs, domes and towers. The ringing of countless church bells reminds us that Christmas is near. When getting back down into the city, the merry activity at the Salzburg Christmas Markets fills us with a cozy, warm feeling and wakes fond childhood memories. The fragrance of punch and toasted almonds, hot roasted chestnuts and freshly baked apples tickles our noses; the vendors’ gingerbread hearts, nativity figures, Christmas tree ornaments, toys and warm sweaters are irresistable.

Culture and Reflection:

A variety of traditional events in Salzburg make the wait for Christmas Eve a little easier. Advent Serenades, celebrations and classical concerts offer a quiet and contemplative atmosphere.

This is also the time to take a trip to the beautiful country village Filzmoos with a sleigh ride through the mountains. Rosy cheeks and happy expressions are proof that this was a successful day – one that you will remember long afterwards.

Also learn about the history of the famous Christmas carol “Silent Night”. Joseph Mohr, writer of the song was born in the city of Salzburg and the song was the first time performed in Oberndorf, a small village near Salzburg. Make a trip to the famous “Silent Night – Holy Night” chapel there and see for yourself.

Christmas magic and Christmas markets:

The romantic Salzburg Christmas markets are well known: the historical Christmas market in Cathedral Square and Residence Square is in existence since the end of the 15th century. It is one of the most famous Christmas markets in addition to the markets in Vienna, Paris, Amsterdam, and Nuremberg. In 2007, a European Christmas market study evaluated the Salzburg Christmas market as one of the finest markets in the German-speaking area.

If you are in Salzburg during the Advent season, a visit to the Hellbrunn “Advent Magic” and the smaller markets, such as at Mirabellplatz, in Stern Garden, in St. Peter’s Monastery in Maxglan or at the fortress Hohensalzburg are a must. Christmas Eve and Christmas Day: Traditionally in Austria, on the 24th of December (Christmas Eve) – after Christmas Eve dinner is served, the “Christkindl” (Christ child) is the one that brings the children their presents. The Christkindl also decorates the tree. The door to the room where the tree is decorated is locked and the window to this room is wide open so that the Christkindl can fly in and decorate the tree and leave the presents under the tree. Austrian children do not see the decorated tree until the Christkindl will ring a small bell on top of the tree and then departs through the open window again. Each year’s tree seems to be the most magical ever. For every child this is such a wonderful surprise and the excitement is almost unbearable!

To read a wonderful Christmas in Salzburg Itinerary, please visit: www.AustriaTravel.ws

Visit the world heritage city, the birth place of musical genius Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Salzburg during Advent and Christmas and become a child again!

As Christmas is literally around the corner, many European cities are preparing for the festivities by opening their Christmas markets. Historically part of the advent in Germany and Austria, it has now become part of the Christmas celebration in several cities around the world. While there are several Christmas markets around the world, the most exciting ones can be found in Vienna, Budapest, Berlin and Prague.

For the uninitiated, a Christmas market consists of several booths and stalls in the town square or other pedestrian zones selling food, drink and gifts. The food on sale includes sweets like ‘Gebrannte Mandeln’ (candied, toasted almonds), gingerbread cookies and ‘Christstollen’ or ‘Stollen’ (a bread-like cake with pieces of candied fruit inside), while mulled wine (with or without a shot of brandy) and ‘Eierpunsch’ (egg nog) are consumed to keep warm in the cold winter air.

In Vienna, the biggest Christmas market, Rathausplatz, is held in the square infront of the City Hall. Surrounded by the elaborately decorated trees in the park, it truly gives patrons the feel of a winter wonderland and offers several locations suitable for a souvenir photo. For most Viennese, Christmas Markets are not so much for shopping as for drinking, so it is a perfect opportunity to mix with the locals while sampling some of the local delicacies and mulled wine.

In Budapest the biggest Christmas market is held in Vorosmarty Square, where great emphasis is put on the quality of the handmade gifts on sale, being inspected by the Association of Hungarian Folk Artists. In addition, the quality of the entertainment has made it a truly exceptional Christmas market. This year it will be host to over 150 stage shows, including puppet theatre, folk dancing and folk music. Visitors can also make their own seasonal decorations in the heated marquee.

Berlin is host to over 50 Christmas markets, with the Gendarmenmarkt, held near the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church, being the most popular. Held in one of the most beautiful squares in Europe it is visited by over 4 million people every year. Berlin has a reputation for being home to young German artists, which means that in addition to traditional gifts and Christmas decorations, the fair offers unique jewellery, decorations, and artwork made by some of the most innovative artists around. The square is also surrounded by some of Berlin’s most famous department stores, making it an excellent place to do some Christmas shopping.

In Prague the two main Christmas Markets are held at the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square. Here, visitors can sample local delicacies like corn on the cob and sausages, while local and international choirs and musical ensembles entertain them as they browse the market stalls. The goods on sale include Czech glass, scented candles, wooden toys, ceramic mugs and Christmas tree ornaments. The square also includes a Christmas tree shipped from the Sumava mountains in the South of the Czech Republic to make for a truly spectacular view against the gothic skyline.

So if you’re looking to do some shopping while sampling some scrumptious festive food, a European city break to a Christmas market is the perfect way to enjoy the seasonal atmosphere of a continental Christmas.

More and more people are choosing to have their Christmas holiday away from home these days. Certainly if you are looking to be able to relax this Christmas then it is worth taking a late vacation with your family. Today there are plenty of places where one can spend the Christmas period and below we list the top 10 destinations that are worth considering spending this time of year at.

Destination 1 – The USA is a great place to spend your Christmas holiday this year. As you will soon discover there is plenty for all your family to do and see whilst visiting this country. You have the choice of either spending it in New York where the Christmas lights shine brightly or if you want something a little less cold then head towards Miami, Hawaii or the Bahamas. If you have children then a wonderful place to spend Christmas would be in Disney World Florida.

Destination 2 – Although it is a long way away another place that people are going to for Christmas these days is Australia. Remember when it ‘s winter where you live in Australia it’s summer and for something a little more unusual why not spend Christmas day on the beach. In fact many Australians have a Christmas barbecue rather than the usual Christmas dinner on the beach.

Destination 3 – If you are trying to get away from the cold North winds, another place to head to for Christmas is the Caribbean Islands. Not only will the weather be much kinder but you may find that you and your family may well have much of the beach to yourself at this time of year.

Destination 4 – Another place that offers great weather in the winter and where you could spend Christmas this year is Goa, India. Based in the Indian Ocean, Goa has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, but you will find that the modern facilities will provide you with a very relaxing break.

Destination 5 – Another place that you may find wonderful to spend Christmas this year at is Paris. Why not spend time relaxing in one of the many sidewalk cafes enjoying a glass of wine or a coffee and watch the city lights come on as evening descends. Also throughout Christmas fireworks are set off and the city acts as a wonderful backdrop to these. To add to the enchantment why not take a trip to the top of the Eiffel Tower to see the city in all its shining glory at night.

Destination 6 – Another place to visit for Christmas and really feel the fervour surrounding this Christmas is Rome. Here you will discover that more traditional celebrations take place and why not take time out to visit the many churches in the city which have been beautifully and tastefully decorated.

Destination 7 – It may be a strange place to visit at Christmas – but have you considered spending time in Japan? What many people do not realise that its carnival time throughout the month of December and the skies are often filled with dazzling fireworks. If you intend to spend Christmas and New Year in Japan then you should spend your time in Tokyo where things really do get a little crazy. But also take time to visit some of the many temples and hear the ringing of the bells.

Destination 8 – A place that really knows how to celebrate Christmas is Germany and in the weeks leading up to the festive season all the major towns and cities will have Christmas Markets in place. Here you can wonder around the stalls looking at many local arts and crafts along with having the chance to drink some warm Gluwein and try some of the local delicacies.

Destination 9 – If you are looking for somewhere magical to spend this Christmas then consider going to Austria. Throughout the month of December, towns and cities become winter wonderlands and at their Christmas markets you have the opportunity to try some of their special Christmas cookies.

Destination 10 – If you have young children then it is worth heading off to Finland for Christmas as this where Santa Clause resides. Along with having the opportunity to enjoy a truly white Christmas your child will actually be presented with a gift from Santa himself. During your stay why not go for a sledge ride or have a go at skiing or skating. In some places it becomes so cold you can take a walk across a frozen lake before you go and enjoy a traditional Finnish Christmas dinner.

Above we have shown you the top 10 Christmas destinations that many people choose to go to at this time of year. However, it is crucial that you arrange your accommodation well in advance to get what you want and also to get a great deal on it.

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