Europe during Christmas is a splendorous experience and here are the Christmas Markets that you must visit when in those snowy part of the woods
@ York There’s nothing like a York Christmas. And its market is also a heaven for all things Xmassy and, of course, very Brit! An eclectic mix of shops as well as wonderful stalls dot the streets of this historical town, with the most popular St Nicholas Market being a vision of goodies, Santa hats, mistletoe and lots of local produce, traditional gifts and crafts, all accompanied by the smell of roasting chestnuts and the sound of carol singers. For unique presents from a different era head to the Medieval Market at Barley Hall. Be sure to try a pint of traditional ale or a glass of mulled wine at the Medieval bar! And you must sit and sip high tea at Betty’s this Christmas, quite like the way the Queen does, and bite into some pies and pastries, all dressed in the Christmas spirit. You can also visit the quaint chocolatiers, wine and handmade decoration stalls for your fill of all things spirited. Don’t forget that glass of mulled wine in the biting cold, though!
@ London
London’s Christmas treats are a solace for any tired soul. The one near the London Eye is replete with trinkets for the tree and for you. There are wonderful and colourful stalls of stars that you can pick for your home, glass ornaments that twinkle in varied colours, and no Christmas market is complete without the mulled wine and gastronomic stalls of meats, cheese and fresh berries. The scene is fairy tale worthy as carol singers fill the air with music, the beer stalls give you a reason to smile and of course, Santa walks up to you and gives you a token, for a ride on the merry-go-round. You can also sit and watch the sights and sounds with rare abandon.
@ Prague
Christmas markets or Vanocni trh are a key ingredient of the festive magic in the Czech Republic, and Prague’s markets are the most impressive. The main markets are at the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square. The markets consist of brightly decorated wooden huts selling traditional handicrafts: glassware, jewellery, embroidered lace, wooden toys, metalware, ceramics, scented candles, Christmas tree ornaments, hats, gloves and scarves, and puppets and dolls beautifully dressed in traditional costumes. You must try the food that is being served everywhere and the Trdelník, a hot sugar-coated pastry. The famous Czech beers —Pilsner Urquell, Staropramen and Budvar are a must too with a cup of hot mulled wine. The Old Town Square has an animals stable where children can stroke sheep, goats and a donkey.
@ Leeds
Christkindelmarkt, Leeds — a little piece of Germany in the heart of Leeds City Centre is one of the most established German Christmas Markets in the UK, with traditional wooden stalls, festive greenery, Christmas carousel rides and twinkling colourful lights – all creating a unique continental festive atmosphere in the heart of Leeds. Set at the Millennium Square, Christkindelmarkt is a vision with 40 wooden chalet stalls from authentic German traders providing a wide range of seasonal gift ideas for everyone including handcrafted toys, jewellery, Christmas cards and festive decorations, speciality foods and traditional German delicacies such as gluhwein, bratwurst sausages, goulash, soups, schnitzels, stollen, gingerbread and candied fruits. The popular Frank-furter Scheune, Kuh Stall and Alp Chalet Bavarian stalls are a favourite and so are the many small hand made goodies decorated in snow and tinsel. This is one place where the feeling of the festive spirit rings loud and clear. And there is also a bonfire if you want to warm those frosty fingers.
@ Edinburgh
There are two famed markets in this Scottish haven, dressed in white for Christmas. The Scottish Market at St Andrew Square is a winter showcase of some of the best craft, food and drink that Scotland has to offer. The treats include locally produced sausages, fresh seafood, unique chocolate, delightful cupcakes, gin, Scottish brewed craft beer, Scottish crafted jewellery and woodwork, the best Scottish accessories on offer, etc.
The European Market, too, has been bustling for the past 20 years, held in a picturesque setting below the Mound. There is mulled wine, various trinkets for your tree that will surely thrill you and enough joy rides and pretzels for you to munch on.
