One of the big attractions of Christmas time in Europe is the Christmas Markets. Although they can get a bit same-same, each city and town does have its own twist on it, it’s own food. But even if you’ve become a bit jaded by them, they’re still worth wandering around, sipping on a mulled wine, some of the local food and checking out the local crafts. Some places, such as Berlin, you can also get a Pony Ride for the Children! They can be expensive too, so don’t expect to stock up you full Christmas shopping list unless you’re well and truly cashed up!
I had expected to be in Europe for Christmas this year, but it didn’t work out that way. However, I have very fond memories of the lead up to it last year. I’ve spent quite a few Christmases in the UK, but never in Europe itself.
They were just starting to set up the markets in Bratislava when I was there in December of 2018, so I didn’t have my first experience of one until I got to Budapest. The colours were just beautiful. There were dried oranges, and sweets, not to mention the food stalls, with typical Hungarian Foods. Of course, don’t forget the mulled wine. Just a tip – mulled wine is very good for warming your hands in zero and below temperatures!
I was also amused to see some very surprised looking pine-wood Reindeer! A very cute addition to the back yard, if you happen to have one in Budapest!
I saw my first snow of last year’s Christmas season in Budapest, which just added to the Christmasiness of the whole thing. Being Australian, I grew up not seeing much in the way of snow. Any winters I’ve spent in the UK, have not had their first snow until January, so it was a real treat to see those first tiny flakes fluttering down from above.
By the time I got to Poland the following week, the Christmas Markets were in full swing, So were the minus 10 degree temperatures! Krakow Markets are one of the best markets I’ve been to in Europe, especially the food. Typically polish fare such as pork hocks, and of course sausages of all shapes and sizes were delicious!
There was a Santa Claus in Krakow market. I seemed to recognise him! He looked just like a man I saw in the hostel I was staying in, who asked me if I knew how to work the stove…. Could it have been….?
Gdansk, on the Northern Coast of Poland, only had a small market, Even so, you still knew it was Christmas, with decorations and a Christmas tree in the main square. My next stop was Warsaw, which was deep in snow by the time I got there. The old city square was was small, but fully equipped with an ice skating rink!
I spent Christmas itself in Cologne last year. There was a wonderful array of Christmas markets in different parts of the city, with all of the food, mulled wine and local crafts you could imagine. The market in Heumarkt also had an ice skating rink, but no snow in Cologne, and somewhat warmer temperatures! Above zero at least!
For those of you who go to church at Christmas, there is a midnight mass at Cologne Cathedral, which I tried to go to last year. I got there a couple of hours in advance, but it was standing room only. If you’re planning midnight mass in Cologne Cathedral, make sure you get there early. Otherwise, go on Christmas morning, which is what I ended up doing.
All of you who are spending your Christmas in Europe, enjoy the snow and the markets, and everything else that goes with it.
Of course some people can’t stand the Christmas Markets, They just get a bit overpriced and repetitive. Whether you love them or not, and whether you’re spending Christmas in Europe or not, I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
