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Shopping for presents can wear you out, but with the shimmering lights, the many unique items to choose from, and the spirit of festivity hanging in the air, you’ll find yourself drawn to these Christmas markets with your bells on.
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Shopping for presents can wear you out, but with the shimmering lights, the many unique items to choose from, and the spirit of festivity hanging in the air, you’ll find yourself drawn to these Christmas markets with your bells on.
Merano, Italy
Runs from 24 November to 6 January, 2018
The streets of Merano, a charming town in Northern Italy, comes alive in the spirit of Christmas. Its patron saint, Saint Nicholas, dons his traditional bishop’s hat instead of Santa Claus’ signature red cap and parades down the streets giving gifts to children who have been “nice” throughout the year. But there’s also something for those who have been “naughty:” the Krampus.
The Krampus is a masked demon who run after Saint Nicholas to “punish” the children on the naughty list. Live music plays every night in Merano’s central square. The 13th-century arcades at the Via dei Portici and its other streets are filled with artisans and stalls offering uniquely Italian produce and goods.
Budapest, Hungary
Runs from 10 November to 31 December, 2017
You will find one of the oldest Christmas markets in the world in Budapest’s Vorosmarty Square. Food stalls offer different versions of Hungarian delicacies, such as Langos bread and rooster testicle stew. The quality of handicrafts that you can buy from the shops here are guaranteed to be the best as all of them have passed the high standards of the Association of Hungarian Folk Arts.
Free concerts are also staged to entertain shoppers, and the aromatic scent of mulled wine hangs in the air. Every year, the local government commissions a specially designer mug, so keep yours as a souvenir!
London Leicester Square Market
London, England
Runs from 10 November to 6 January, 2018
Central London is transformed into a wonderland with Christmas in Leicester Square. Choose from more than 25 drinks, food, and Christmas gift stalls to satisfy your Yule cravings. You can bring the little ones to Santa’s Grotto, or watch a Christmas show at the Spiegeltent, a huge circus-like tent that serves as the stage for entertainment company Underbelly.
A riverside celebration is also happening at the Southbank Centre Wintertime Market, a part of Wintertime at Southbank Centre festival. Wooden chalets and gingerbread houses delight visitors, as well as energetic Christmas shows.
Valkenburg, Netherlands
Runs from 17 November to 7 January, 2018
The town of Valkenburg, Netherlands becomes a Christmas City thanks to the annual combination of seven unique and enjoyable Christmas activities. Who can say no to underground markets in caves, Christmas parades, and a miniature city?
The Christmas Market Municipal Cave is the oldest and largest underground Christmas market in Europe. Located under the hill of Cauberg, gift stalls litter its hallways, and a musical will surely put you in the Christmas spirit if you haven’t already. The latest addition is the Christmas Market Velvet Cave with over 50 shops and a fascinating tour around the Velvet Cave where you will see beautiful paintings, sculptures, an 18th-century chapel, and a catering facility.
Budapest (credit Christmas Market)
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