European Christmas Markets
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There's no better way to capture the holiday spirit than to enjoy the Advent and Christmas markets of Germany and Central Europe. Surround yourself in the warmth and aroma of fresh baked holiday breads, spiced wine, roasted chestnuts and incense as we stroll some of the oldest Christmas markets (Dresden, Germany) and some of the newest (Prague, Czech Republic).
Up Next: Striezelmarkt -
Striezelmarkt
Location: Dresden, Germany
When: Nov. 28 - Dec. 24; 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
What To See: Dresden, the crown jewel of Germany's Saxony region, celebrates the Christmas season with several markets. This is the 573rd year for the Striezelmarkt, which will be held at the Ferdinandsplatz this year. Dimly lit by firelight, it offers a cozy, realistic, old-world feel. The event to see is on Dec. 8, when a four-pound Stollen will be carried by a group of people to the market and shared with visitors.
Up Next: Gluhwein Stall -
Gluhwein Stall
Location: All German Christmas markets
What It Is: No German Christmas market would be complete without gluhwein (hot spiced wine). As locals catch an evening drink with their colleagues on tall wooden tables and visitors wander the market, the sweet smell of spice permeates the air and all can be seen hand-hugging their mugs to ward off the winter chill. At the end of the evening, you can either keep your mug as a souvenir or return it for a refund.
Up Next: Stollen -
Stollen
Location: German bakeries, grocery stores, and Christmas markets
What It Is; Stollen, originally known as striezel, is a traditional Dresden Christmas sweet bread. Many bakeries and stalls sell the cake already packaged, but the bakers in this stall put in a full day baking it fresh --- gathering the ingredients, carefully shaping and weighing the dough and baking the loaves in a wood-fired oven. Its sweet smell wafts through the market, drawing crowds all day long.
Up Next: Incense Burner -
Incense Burner
Location: Christmas markets and stores
What It Is: You will likely smell them before you actually see them. A cone of incense is usually placed inside the base or back of the wooden figure and lit, allowing the smoke to escape through its mouth. Smoking men, whose origin can be traced back to the early 1600s, come in many varieties and often portray some type of profession or activity (e.g., woodcutter, baker, gardener, Santa).
Up Next: Staromestske Namesti -
Staromestske Namesti Christmas Market
Location: Prague, Czech Republic
When: Dec. 1 - Jan. 1; 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. (until 8 p.m. on weekends)
What To See: At Prague's main Christmas market, food and craft stalls are organized in the shadow and majesty of the surrounding Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture of Staromestske Namesti (Old Town Square). It's easy to fill up on spiced wine and food while being overwhelmed by the ambience and nostalgia of the surroundings.
Up Next: Namesti Miru -
Namesti Miru
Location: Prague, Czech Republic
What To See: In addition to the main Christmas market on Prague's Old Town Square, there are several neighborhood Christmas markets including this one at Namesti Miru (Peace Square), where locals drop by day and night to shop, spend time with friends, and fill up on svarak (spiced wine), sausages, nuts, and sweets.
Up Next: Gingerbread Cookies -
Gingerbread Cookies
Location: Prague's Christmas markets
What It Is: Decorative gingerbread cookies adorn the stalls of Prague's Christmas markets. This gingerbread cookie is of a Christmas tree. In the Czech Republic, Christmas trees are usually decorated on Christmas Eve, though some families do get a head start.
Up Next: Getreidegasse -
Getreidegasse
Location: Salzburg, Austria
What To See:: Christmas shoppers make their lists and check them twice on Salzburg's Getreidegasse, the street where Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born. The city streets and shop windows, draped in lights and Christmas decorations, make for a spirited backdrop to a pre-Christmas afternoon stroll.
Up Next: Christkindlmarkt -
Christkindlmarkt
Location: Cathedral & Residenz Square, Salzburg, Austria
When: Nov. 22 - Dec. 24
What To See: Salzburg's Christkindlmarkt (Christmas market) brims with handmade crafts, spiced wine, and hot candied nuts. These enterprising young musicians have resisted the lure of the market and set up shop in a nearby courtyard.
Up Next: Wiener Christkindlmarkt -
Wiener Christkindlmarkt
Location: Rathaus, Vienna, Austria
When: 17 Nov. - 24 Dec., 9 a.m. - 9 p.m., except 24 Dec. (9 a.m. - 5 p.m.)
What To See: The origins of the Wiener Christkindlmarkt (Viennese Christmas Market) date back more than 700 years to 1296, when Emperor Albrecht I granted citizens the privilege of organizing a "Dezembermarkt," or December Market. Today, locals and tourists enjoy the Christmas spirit while choosing handmade ornaments for the Christmas tree.
Up Next: Andalusian Christmas -
Andalusian Christmas
Location: Malaga, Spain
What To See: In Andalusia, on Spain's Costa del Sol, the city of Malaga, rings in the yuletide with an unusually diverse Christmas market whose vendors ply wares, food, drink, spices, and handicrafts from Spain and Northern Africa.
Up Next: Tin Toy Vendor -
Tin Toy Vendor
Location: Spanish Christmas markets
What It Is: Another occasional feature of traditional Christmas markets -- the tin toy stall -- is a holiday hit in Malaga. This stall attracts throngs of visitors who easily become entranced by the colors, sounds and movement of its classic little toys.
Up Next: Cabalgata de Reyes -
Cabalgata de Reyes
Location: Throughout Spain
When: Eve of the Epiphany (Jan. 5)
What It Is: On the eve of the Epiphany (Jan. 5), Spanish cities large and small host colorful parades depicting the arrival of the three kings of the Orient. These are known as Cabalgata de Reyes (Three Kings Procession). Typically, three men dress up as the kings and ride about the town on parade floats, scattering candies to crowds of excited children (and adults).
Up Next: More Holiday Features -
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