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The lack of Christmas markets in 2020 is a crushing disappointment for many, but for a brief moment let’s focus on some of their not-so-nice aspects. Frozen extremities, endless lines for food and drink and “where in heck did I park my car?” are just some of the gripes that come to mind. This year, let’s experience the markets as we’re taking in most of the outside world these days: virtually. Slip into your reindeer pajamas, light up a spruce-scented candle and watch these videos of some of Europe’s best loved Christmas markets from the comfort of your own home. Follow these suggestions for your accompanying food and drink, and you’ve got the coziest, most intimate Christmas market experience on your hands–no frozen toes or parking tickets, either! Since all markets have been cancelled this year, you can also take comfort in the fact you’re not missing a thing.
Salzburg, Austria
Salzburg at Christmas: A stunning, UNESCO-listed Old City backdrop and roots dating back to the 15th century make the Salzburg Christkindlmarkt one not to miss. This vast market sprawling across the cathedral square and nearby Residenzplatz accommodates 100 market stands selling Christmas decor, souvenirs, mouth-watering Austrian specialties, mulled wine and other treats. By day, the snow-dusted peaks of the Alps make for postcard moments, and once darkness falls, cheery yellow bulbs evoke the image of a starry winter’s night. An ever-changing program of events includes Krampus parades, visits by the “Christ Child,” brass instrument performances high above the square and a sing-along in which visitors can raise their voices in harmony with a choir.
Watch: Tourismus Salzburg’s 40 Jahre Salzburger Christkindlmarkt (scroll down to the video at the bottom of the page).
Eat: A “Käsekrainer” cheese-filled sausage, followed by a “Bratapfel” (baked apple) for dessert.
Drink: A shot of Mozart chocolate cream liqueur, or a steaming cup of Bratapfel flavored tea.
Discover: To see what those hairy, scary Krampus are up to at the Salzburg Christkindlmarkt, watch this footage of a previous appearance.
Nuremberg, Germany
Nuremberg at Christmas: One of Germany's oldest Christmas fairs, the Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt, was first mentioned in writing back in 1628. After waning in importance towards the end of the 19th century, the market was revived in the 1930s. The National Socialists used the market to burnish the city’s image as the “Treasure Chest of the German Reich” and romanticized it to the hilt with idealistic images of holiday traditions. Nowadays, it’s one of Germany’s most popular markets, attracting some two million visitors annually. Distinctive red and white striped awnings above rustic wooden stalls give this market its particular appearance.
An important part of Nuremberg’s market has long been the appearance of the Christkind, an angelic, golden-winged young woman tasked with spreading Christmas joy. From 1948 through 1968, the role was played by professional actresses; since then, a young woman from Nuremberg between the ages of 16 and 19 has been selected to play the role over a period of two seasons.
Watch: Franken Tourismus’ video of the Nuremberg Christmas Market is sure to get you in the mood.
Eat: Have a Drei im Weggla, a bun stuffed with three grilled Nürnberger Rostbratwurst sausages. Follow that with a plum-cinnamon Elise gingerbread cookie, gingerbread maker Schmidt’s flavor of the year for 2020.
Drink: Nuremberg’s Christmas market lays claim to having the world’s largest Feuerzangenbowle, a type of alcoholic punch infused with melted sugar. The kettle used at the market holds 2,377 gallons of this potent stuff. Make yourself a batch at home – outdoors, of course, for authenticity.
Make: One of the most typical souvenirs you can buy is the Zwetschgenmännle, cute little figures made of prunes that are said to bring money and happiness to the household. BR Franken offers a step-by-step guide for home crafters.
Bolsano, Italy
Bolsano at Christmas: The capital city of the South Tyrol province in Italy, which also goes by the name of Bozen, hosts a Christmas market known far and wide for its authenticity. The gateway city to the Dolomites mountain range is home to a market that’s decidedly rustic, from its living Nativity scene complete with cow and donkey, to the wooden stalls in which locally produced items are sold. In a covered area on the Piazza Walther, you can watch the craftsmen carving wood, dipping candles or working leather into fashionable items. Kids can enjoy a whirl on the carousel or miniature train, whereas a ride on a horse-drawn carriage is a treat for all ages. Keep an eye out for Christmas decorations bearing the image of Mother Holle, a winter deity from pagan times who makes its snow whenever she fluffs her pillow and duvet.
Watch: Tourist region Weinstrasse’s video of the Christmas market of Bolzano
Eat: Polenta paired with beef goulash, wild mushroom sauce or gorgonzola for your main, finished off with a fresh-from-the-oven apple strudel.
Drink: Spiced hot apple cider
Strasbourg, France
Strasbourg at Christmas: France’s oldest Marché de Noël is right at home in Alsace’s cozy, cosmopolitan capital. The city’s Christmas market tradition harks back to the late 12th century, when a Klausenmärik (Saint Nicolas market) was held on the saint’s feast day, Dec. 6. When Alsace switched to Protestantism, the Nicolas market was supplanted by a Christkindelsmärik. A market held at the Place de la Cathédrale during the three days prior to Christmas Eve gave locals the chance to stock up on candles, clothes, herbs, clothing and Christmas trees. By the second half of the 19th century, markets remained open for much longer periods, and as the city itself grew in size, so too did the markets. Nowadays, Strasbourg is known as the “Capital of Christmas,” and cheery stalls selling treats of the season are found throughout the city. Repeat visitors to the market get to experience something new each year, as a new land is chosen to serve as its guest country. This year, Lebanon’s traditions were scheduled to be in the spotlight. Strasbourg’s “Off Market” area highlights the foods and crafts of regional artisans, with concepts such as fair trade and sustainability being front and center.
Watch: These 360° videos from the Strasbourg tourist office put you in the midst of all the market action.
Eat: The flat and tasty, cream-smathered tarte flambée or Flammkuchen, known locally as a Flammekueche. For dessert, reach for a bag of the delicious biscuits known as Bredele, flavored with anise, cinnamon or gingerbread spices.
Drink: Try a vin chaud blanc, a white mulled wine, made with Alsatian wine, of course.
Make: A 3D Christmas tree out of Bredele biscuits as proposed by French Entree – if you can stop yourself from devouring all the building materials.
Brussels, Belgium
Brussels at Christmas: Brussels’ Christmastime festivities, Winter Wonders, present Belgium’s capital completely transformed. The Christmas market itself is made up of 250 wooden chalets offering an assortment of products from cheery souvenirs to sweet and savory food and drink. Daily stage shows appeal to a variety of ages and tastes. In the area adjacent to the Black Tower, exotic wares from foreign lands tempt shoppers. In addition to the market stalls, the attractions here include a giant Ferris wheel, ice skating rink and a vibrant light and sound show projected against the facades of the buildings lining the majestic Grand-Place square.
Watch: This short video comes courtesy of the Brussels Tourism website.
Eat: A hearty portion of tartiflette, a savory dish starring potatoes garnished with cheese, bacon and onions. Although technically a French dish, it has managed to find a huge fan base at the Brussels Christmas market.
Drink: Make up the richest, most decadent cup of hot chocolate you possibly can, topped generously with whipped cream.
Experience: For a peek at the famed sound and light show, see this video from Visit Brussels.
