It’s time to sign off the year with festive cheer. Yes, we are talking about Christmas followed by New Year.
And, if festive cheer for you means travelling places, sampling local cuisines accompanied with right wine and street shopping then Reshma Mehta, Founder of Re.Meh has got it all covered. Think wooden chalets in 13th century, snow-capped cathedrals, intricate wooden handicrafts, seasonal cookies and hot mulled wine in scenic cities. Reshma has curated for you Europe’s most charming artsy Christmas markets which only spells cheer:
Strasbourg Christmas Market
Started in 1570, Strasbourg in France is one of the oldest Christmas markets and first-of-its-kind. The best-known markets can be found near the majestic Cathedral of Notre Dame. But the most picturesque attraction is the Sharing Village in Place Kléber nestling under the traditional Great Christmas Tree (over 30 metre) with its breath-taking decorations.
Reshma recommends: The Alsatian Christmas market serving local products including the famous Alsatian wine, made particularly this season.
Viennese Christmas Market
Comes to a close second is the one held in Vienna, Austria. The largest and most popular seasonal market is set up in front of Vienna City Hall, the first edition dating back to 1928. Warm up with delicious winter Punsch, Glühwein (mulled wine) and other hot drinks and the traditional Austrian sausages, made fresh by locals. Before that don’t forget to try your hand at skating at the huge ice rink before the kid demands for reindeer rides.
Reshma recommends: The popular Christmas Village, set against the glorious baroque backdrop of the world-famous residence Belvedere Palace
Prague Christmas Markets
Prague in Czech Republic is another city soaked in celebrations with The Old Town Square Christmas market being the prettiest one there. Experience the Czech markets with traditional Christmas cookies, tablecloths, wooden toys, crafts Frankincense or the Czech Christmas potpourri called purpura. Post the shopping grab a klobása, a juicy and sumptuous Czech sausage along with the brimming lager Pilsner Urquell - their signature drink.
Reshma recommends: For the local feels the Christmas market at Peace Square is traditionally the first one
Christmas market at Gendarmenmarkt, Berlin
Centrally located between Französischer Dom and Deutscher Dom, the Christmas market at Gendarmenmarkt, Berlin, is a sight to behold. With historic buildings illuminated in 1000 fairy lights and narrow streets winding around the ice ring encircling a fountain, the market has an old world charm to it. No wonder it’s the most famous market in Germany. Pop-up eateries offering local delights, traditional exhibitors displaying glass blower, paintings candles and jewelry, an origami master and an ivory carver, this place will thrill any art seeker.
Reshma recommends: Its famous Ferris wheel in front of the Governing Mayor’s seat offering a bird’s eye view of the lights
Budapest Christmas Fair and Winter Festival
And, last but not the least, is the internationally acclaimed Budapest Christmas Fair and Winter Festival, Hungary, held from mid-November to December end. Taking place right at the heart of the city at Vörösmarty Square, its gets festive with Yuletide bazaars abound with wintertime merchandise (think traditional trinkets and local handicrafts), chimney cake and spicy mulled wine.
Reshma recommends: Langos, a kind of sour dough ‘pizza’ topped with sour cream, cheese and bacon and the strong and intense palinka (Hungarian fruit brandy).
On that note, wish you a Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year.
