Very Best Christmas Markets to Visit This Year

There’s no better way to get in the holiday spirit than Christmas Markets. With the scent of mulled wine and roasted chestnuts along with the buzz of excited voices punctuated with Christmas songs, even the most die-hard scrooges will get caught up in the atmosphere. With tempting goodies at every turn, it’s a chance to treat yourself to some festive food that you wouldn’t necessarily have at home as well as peruse a large variety of unique and often handmade items to find those special gifts. With less than a month to go, why not tackle your Christmas shopping with a trip to one of these fascinating, traditional markets in exciting cities across Europe. Here’s a pick of some of the very best Christmas markets to visit this year…

Barcelona Christmas Market

Christmas and sunny Spain wouldn’t be a match made in heaven in your mind’s eye, but Barcelona Christmas Market, known as La Fira de Santa Llucia, is actually one of the best on offer. The city won’t welcome any snow but you will find over 300 stalls selling Catalan treats and unique gifts, hosted outside the Cathedral! With the city adorned in miles of Christmas lights and excellent nativity scenes, the atmosphere is excellent. Add to that some delicious Catalan specialities and the opportunity to explore this fascinating city, Barcelona is a worthwhile, if not unexpected, option. This is the 226th year and you can enjoy the Christmas Market anytime from 25th November until 23rd December 2012.

Dresden Christmas Market

Germany is perhaps the best known destination for Christmas markets, with the tradition originating here. Dresden Christmas Market, known as Striezelmarkt locally, as the oldest of Germany’s markets is a top choice for your experience. Located in the Old Town, your eyes will delight in the elaborate Christmas lights whilst your taste buds savour the flavours of gingerbread and marzipan. Take your pick from all manner of traditional hand crafted gifts, food and drink and decorations. The crafts market allows you to see traditional craftsmen from glassblowers through to carvers in action. Plan your visit between 30th November and 24th December 2012.

Lincoln Christmas Market

If you don’t fancy a trip to the continent, Lincoln is the ideal choice. It’s the best traditional style market in the UK meaning you can experience all the magic without the flight! It’s only been around for around 26 years, a drop in the ocean in comparison to the European counterparts, but Lincoln Christmas Market has continued to grow in size and there are now more than 250 stalls to peruse. Set amongst the cobbled streets of historic Lincoln, the atmosphere is magical and can be enjoyed 6th – 9th December 2012.

Prague Christmas Markets

The Christmas Market in Prague is considered to be one of the very best markets in Europe, welcoming thousands of visitors each year. Setting the city centre alight, the main markets are hosted in the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square and are open across the season, including Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. As well as the wide selection of crafts and presents, the food here is a big part for many with local dishes in abundance with spit roasted meats and tasty treats for those with a sweet tooth such as Trdelník, a Czech pastry. Authentic nativity scenes, petting animal stables and carol singers remind us of the true meaning of Christmas, whilst the giant Christmas tree lights up the surrounding gothic architecture of the Old Town spectacularly. Visit the Prague Christmas Markets between 1st December 2012 and 1st January 2013.

How do you get in the Christmas spirit? Start the conversation!

By Kerri Ware from Economy Car Hire

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