Top 5 Christmas Markets I Would Love To Visit

It is THIS time of the year. You know what I am talking about – winter, snow, hot drinks, freshly baked cinnamon pastries, wine, decorated Christmas trees, shopping… yeah the holidays are finally here! My desktop is already with a Christmas themed wallpaper; my playlist is filled with songs like – Jingle Bells; Home Alone is waiting for me to see it for the hundred time; I am having the hardest time finding the perfect gifts; and I drink a lot of beer to relax (I guess some things never change!). What I really like, is to visit Christmas markets, because not only I can find something new for the Christmas tree, a present or taste something delicious, but I can feel the jolly Christmas spirit there. I will soon write a post, about my top 5 favourite Christmas markets in Europe. Till then here is a list of the ones I would love to visit one day!

Prague

I desired to visit Prague, for a long time. But, seeing pictures of its Christmas market, is really painful. I just want to pack my bags and go there…NOW! Unfortunately, I have to study and work at this particular moment and that makes me very sad. I’m sure that one day I’ll have the opportunity to visit it, and if I’m lucky enough, it will be during the Christmas holidays. Till then, I’ll be just dreaming of the crowded square, the big decorated Christmas tree, the wooden pavilions with the red roofs, freshly baked pastries and the sound of jolly songs. If you find yourself in Prague at this time of the year, make sure you visit one of its Christmas market. They are held at the Old Town Square, the Wenceslas Square, the Republic Square and Havel’s market. The last one is a permanent market, so no hurry for it. The third one is smaller than the other, so if you decide to stick for the “big show” visit the first two, plus they are just 5 minutes  away from each other.

  

Brussels

The European Parliament – that is what I am thinking about, when I hear the name of this city. But it is so much more. Without a doubt it has a lot to offer, as well as its Christmas market. May I present you – Winter Wonders and its Christmas market. Winter Wonders include not only the famous market, with its 230 chalets, but a Ferris wheel, slalom track and merry-go-rounds. Also, a light show in the Grand-Place, and an ice-skating ring. There are light and sound shows, each year, as well as a lot of events, exhibition, tall Christmas tree, and more.

Dresden

When it comes to Germany, I always think of beer and Christmas markets. Almost every city and town there hold such markets every year. And what’s not to like?  A tall Christmas tree with hundreds of lights; small wooden decorated booths, offering souvenirs, gifts, toys and more; food and hot drinks being made on site; all of this is waiting for you! Christmas markets are a big deal for people in Dresden. There is actually a “Christmas mile” on the Prager Straße. If that is not enough for you, visit this site – http://www.dresden.de/dig/en/veranstaltungen/weihnachtszeit/weihnachtsmaerkte.php for more information and see the pictures below!

London

  I would love to spend the holidays in London, and to see the New Year on the streets there, with tons of other people. The streets of London are dressed from the beginning of the month, if not earlier, and it is more beautiful than ever. As you can imagine, a big city like this one, hold a few Christmas markets. Those are the most famous ones: Christmas market at Tate Modern; Barbican Christmas market, Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, More London Christmas market, Real food Christmas market and Southbank Centre Christmas market.

Lucerne

Switzerland is my dream destination. I would love to leave there some day. Clean streets, fresh air, beautiful sites, unspoiled countryside, delicious chocolate, good beer… yes, it does sound like heaven! There might be bigger Christmas markets in bigger cities in this lovely country, but Lucerne is a little gem hidden in the country’s heart. There is a variety of markets during the holidays. The Christkindlimarkt in the railway station, the Lucerne Christmas Market on Franziskanerplatz, the Hand Craft Market, and of course the “Venite”, where you can find 20 stands, from 20 different countries, presenting typical Christmas items from their homelands.

All of the pictures used in this post are not mine! I don’t own the exclusive rights for any of these pictures!

However, the pictures are just great, and whoever made them, is/are very talented! Do you love Christmas as well? Do you have a favourite Christmas market?