My Love Affair With Christmas Markets in Europe

The aroma of Gluhwein, the sip of decadent hot chocolate (with Baileys, yum!!), and a first bite of chimney cake. Ice rinks, fun rides, cotton candy, beautifully decorated stalls, festive fare, lots of smiles, and holiday cheer. These are my memories from spending three Christmas seasons in Europe.

Some of my absolute favorite things about living in Europe were the Christmas markets. I wish they’d catch on throughout the USA. While I’m not big on Christmas gifts, I make up for it on the holiday cheer front. Last year, I made it a goal to visit as many as possible and I ended up visiting Christmas markets in 8 countries between January and December 2017. In these countries there are usually multiple markets within cities. I told my friends I’d be comparing markets so it was a Christmas market battle of sorts, and yes, I have a favorite.

My 2017 Christmas Market Marathon

In 2017 alone, I visited Christmas markets in the following countries/cities

• Czech Republic – Prague – January 2017
• Germany – Munich & Frankfurt (2016 & 2017)
• France – Paris (November 2017)
• Luxembourg (November 2017)
• Scotland – Edinburgh (2015, 2016, 2017), Glasgow (2017)
• Denmark – Copenhagen (December 2017)
• Sweden – Stockholm (December 2017)
• Belgium – Brussels (December 2017)

The Christmas Market Experience

If you find yourself in Europe during this season, (Late November to Early January) please do yourself a favor and add a Christmas market to your itinerary. They make for easy weekend getaways and will do wonders for your spirit! Local Christmas markets make for an afternoon/evening activity. There are proof (to me) that some of the best things in life are the simplest of things. Take a walk through the stalls, buy gifts, get a new Christmas tree ornament (I collect these), eat, drink, take in carols, get on a ride, eat some more! I’ve done Christmas markets solo and with friends, but I think they’re best enjoyed with friends or family. I’ll always remember sharing mulled wine with my brother in Edinburgh 2016. Taking my niece on a ride and then stuffing our faces with cotton candy. Walking the many Munich Christmas markets with my girlfriends.

How You Can Celebrate Wherever You Are

Even if you don’t live in a city with Christmas markets, find a festive activity (plays, musicals, volunteering, ice skating, decorating your home, pop up bars, or you can host a party) in your city to share with the ones you love. Take the time to savour the experience… like that first sip of mulled wine, or the bite of chimney cake, or the sighting of the first stall. That’s what the holidays are about…taking time and making memories.

Based on the markets I visited, I have concluded that Germany does Christmas Markets the best. I absolutely loved the markets we visited in Munich, I got the most beautiful handmade Christmas tree ornaments there. However I was most impressed by the airport just outside the terminal at the Munich Airport. Live music, ice skating, food, wine and everything you expect at a full market right outside the terminal. I ended up being delayed on my way to Nigeria last Christmas but I certainly did so in the best possible place (considering the circumstances).

While I’m no longer in Europe, I definitely got in the holiday spirit this year by putting up my tree and decorating it with ornaments from my travels. I will be checking out a holiday pop up bar next weekend. I’d love to visit NYC during the Christmas season in 2019 and go ice skating! I’m curious about you: what part of the world are you reading from and how will you be getting into the festive spirit?

Till Next Week,

Ms. Heels