Christmas Markets in Europe have been about for over 600 years and just keep on getting more popular. What is the origin of these markets? And why to people like them so much?
The first December market was in Vienna, which started in 1294. Eventually this went on to become a proper Christkindlmarkt (‘Christ Child Market’). The first proper German Christmas Market however was probably the Bautzen one, dating back to 1384. This tradition spread across the German speaking world with many towns deciding to hold their own Weihnachtsmarkt in Austria, Germany and Alsace.
So what is it that makes these markets so popular? Why do so many people want to spend their money at the December Market Berlin or the Weihnachtsmarkt Munchen? Well, there’s the smell of seasonal food being roasted wafting through the air, the sounds of Christmas songs and a thick taste of Christmas on everyone’s lips. Then there’s locally specific handmade gifts from porcelain, wood and iron, along with Santa and many of his elves, who are nearly always present. Especially in our times of mass production, it is also often a good way for people to get a unique gift at Christmas time, as many of the market stalls are run by small and independent traders.
But the the popularity of the German Christmas Markets didn’t stop at Germany’s borders, rather it spread out across the whole of Europe, with Markets (often referred to as German Christmas Markets – showing their origin) appearing in France (here called Marche de Noel) and the UK to the west and Hungary and Romania to the east. Though many of these retain the core features of a German Markets – such as being held in the old town square, selling handicrafts and having plenty of warm food and drink – they also have lots of unique characteristics. For instance at Brussels, there’s the chance to eat great waffles and chocolate, whilst at Lincoln – the UK’s most famous and oldest market – it’s the 2000 year old cathedral and atmospheric setting that draws people in. Meanwhile at the Marche de Noel in Lille one can see Santa falling from the cathedral belfry, while at Salzburg Market you can stare up at a fortress when sipping your mulled wine.
Christmas Market tourism has become big business. Destinations competing with one another to draw in the Christmas Market tourist. The old Christmas Markets compete with the new ones. The good news for us – those who love a trip to a Weihnachtsmarkt or a Marche de Noel – is that they are getting better year on year. Additional good news, is that each December there seems to be a handful more markets from which to choose. But how to choose the best? How to decide whether to choose a one in France, UK or Austria? After a lot of searching around I found a good website called Joobili (joobili.com), that sorted through some of the most famous as well as the more unique Christmas Markets on offer this season.
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