Florence: Three reasons for visiting Florence in winter

Tuesday, December 22nd, 2009
Florence around the holidays. Photo by Simona83.

Florence around the holidays. Photo by Simona83.

By Marc Anani in Florence—

Wanna catch Florence with her pants down? Then come for a visit during the winter!

The combination of being one of the most beautiful cities in the world and being blessed with a clement climate puts Florence at the mercy of vacationer invasions from spring to fall. But the winter seems to be some kind of tourist kryptonite as the season returns the streets to the Florentines.

So, without any more prosaic stalling, here are the reasons why you should come to Florence in the winter:

1. Weather

Don’t think Tuscany is impermeable to the cold, because it isn’t. The winter can be quite damp and even showers the valley with the odd snowflake (it actually snowed last night). However, you will get some of that lemony Tuscan sun during the daytime which feels oh so good on your face. Nothing is better than a coffee outside in December. But do dress warmly as the temperatures can dip down to the mid thirties in the evenings and night.

2. Atmosphere

If the summer is when Florentines head for hills and beach, winter is when they creep back on to the streets. During the cold months you’ll hear more Italian than at any other time of the year, whether it’s browsing the outdoor markets or sitting in a cozy cafe. Finer ears will also get a good dose of Fiorentino, Florence’s own dialect.

3. Things to Do

In a city where cutting in line is a national sport, you’ll find yourself walking straight into museums and art exhibits without having to spend half your afternoons waiting to be sardined in front of paintings. Dare I say it, you could even “museum hop” while flipping through the pages of your guide book.

Should you be in need of original stocking stuffers, why not check out the Florence Christmas Market at Piazza Santa Croce. You’ll find food, wine, decorations and of course, tons of souvenirs to bring back as presents.

For an activity off the tourist menu, why not go ice skating at the Parterre of Piazza della Liberta? The outdoor rink is open from 9 AM to 8 PM and 9 PM until midnight (1 AM on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays) and is easily accessible by bus.

For music lovers, there are plenty of concerts to choose from to kick-start that Christmas spirit. For example, Chiesa San Marco on via Maggio offers daily concerts throughout the holiday season at a very affordable cost.

To ring in the new year, or “Capodanno” as they say here, meet the locals at the Fortezza da Basso, where the party begins at 10 PM on December 31 and goes all through the night until 8 AM the next day. The celebration features different styles of music and entertainment to suit every type of reveler.

Or just wander the streets admiring the sights and sounds and smells of winter in this marvelous city.

Marc Anani is a writer living in Florence. And no, it doesn’t pay the bills so he does other stuff too.

Popularity: 5% [?]

Berlin: Christmas markets and winter treats

Tuesday, December 15th, 2009
Christmas magic at Gendarmenmarkt. Photo by slaqua.

Christmas magic at Gendarmenmarkt. Photo by slaqua.

By Susan Buzzelli—

Berlin is downright chilly (and even a little bleak) in winter. But, as the Germans love to say, there’s no such thing as bad weather; it’s inappropriate clothing that makes you cold. As long as you bundle up in the thickest of coats, socks, soles, gloves, hats, and boots, the chill won’t slow you down.

Keeping warm the glühwein way

For guaranteed warmth, employ our favorite weapon against the cold: Glühwein.

Sold in festive mugs at the city’s dozens of Christmas markets, this spiced, hot wine warms you from the inside out. It costs about €5, including a deposit for the mug. Trust us, however: This giddiness-inducing beverage is worth the splurge. It’s like holiday spirit in a glass.

Our favorite Christmas markets in Berlin

Germany’s capital isn’t as famous as Dresden, Munich, and the Ore Mountains for its annual Christmas markets (roughly late November–Dec. 31; opening times vary), but it doesn’t hurt to check out one or two of the more than 20 markets that spring up in the city every year.

Because most markets are free (or inexpensive) to enter, they’re a Cheapo-friendly way to spend the evening. Snacks, which include sausage roasted over a wood grill, fresh gingerbread, potato pancakes, roasted chestnuts, and much more, won’t break the bank, either. If you’re in the market for gifts, you can often score handcrafted items—from knit scarves and mittens to handmade jewelry—for reasonable prices.

In addition to our three favorite markets, detailed below, check out the Berlin tourist office’s complete list of the city’s 22 markets.

Très Elegant Market: Gendarmenmarkt

The classiest of Berlin’s Christmas markets occupies Gendarmenmarkt (S- and U-bahn: Friedrich Strasse, Brandenburger Tor, €1), an elegant square in Mitte, between Friedrich Strasse and Unter den Linden. Lined with neat rows of pitched white tents adorned with golden lights, the market features craftsmen who produce delicate wooden combs, birdcages, precious stone jewelry, and more on the spot.

Sweets on offer at a Christmas market stall. Photo by tunnelarmr.

Sweets on offer at a Christmas market stall. Photo by tunnelarmr.

Kitschy Fun Market: Winterwelt am Potsdamer Platz

The expansive Winterwelt am Potsdamer Platz (S- and U-bahn: Potsdamer Platz) is stocked with red and white striped stands hawking the usual food and handicrafts. You can also take a twirl on a small iceskating rink (entry is free; ice skate rental is €2.50) or, if you reserve ahead, play a round of “Eisstockbahn,” a wintry version of bowling.

Illuminated with environmentally-friendly LED lights, this market is touristy but atmospheric. Don’t forget to pop into the Sony Center, which is decorated with some 41,000 icy blue lights.

Cozy Market: Lucia Weihnachtsmarkt in der Kulturbrauerei

Nestled in the expansive courtyard of a red brick beer brewery-turned-cultural complex in Prenzlauer Berg, the Lucia Weihnachtsmarkt in der Kulturbrauerei (U-bahn: Eberswalder Str.) is a quaint affair with a Finnish vibe. Look for Finnish Glühwein, honey, and textiles. If you happen to visit on a Sunday, wander over to Kollwitzplatz (Dec. 13 and 20) to check out its small, weekly market, which specializes in organic food and gifts.

Popularity: 5% [?]

Stockholm: 3 Christmas markets in Stockholm

Tuesday, December 8th, 2009
The scene at Gamla Stan's Christmas market. Photo by D@vidDovi©.

The scene at Gamla Stan's Christmas market. Photo by D@vidDovi©.

By Marcus Cederstrom in Stockholm—

Swedes seem to love Christmas. And the season starts in November. The lights and candles start emerging, trying to ward off the oncoming darkness. Christmas decorations go on sale in shops throughout the country. People start discussing their holiday plans. It is also when many Christmas markets start opening.

It’s not hard to find a Christmas market in Stockholm at the end of November or beginning of December, but there are three that really stand out.

1. Gamla Stan Christmas Market

First off is the market in Gamla Stan. Set in Stortorget, a small square in the shadow of both the Royal Castle and the church, Storkyrkan, the Gamla Stan Christmas market is beautiful. The small stands offer homemade Christmas gifts and traditional Swedish Christmas foods from sausages to delicious baked goods.

The market opens November 21, and because it is in the middle of a square in Old Town, there is no entrance fee, although I would suggest that you pay 20 SEK for glögg and pepparkakor. Glögg is a traditional spiced wine served during the Christmas season and pepparkakor can best be described as ginger cookies, but Swedish.

2. Kungsträdgården Christmas Market

Next is the market in Kungsträdgården. This market is quite a bit bigger than the one in Gamla Stan and is located in the large park in the middle of the city. This market also offers a lot of homemade gift ideas, but is a bit more open and kid friendly than the one in Gamla Stan. This has a lot to do with the ice skating rink set up around the statue of King Karl XIII.

The Christmas market at Kungsträdgården opens November 27 and entrance is also free, but again, I suggest spending a few kronor on a little snack. “Brända mandlar” are roasted, candied almonds. You’ll be able to smell them from wherever you are in the market, and they do taste as good as they smell. Speaking from experience, be careful before you pop them in your mouth. They are hot when you first buy them. Wearing gloves, you don’t realize just how hot they are. You’ve been warned.

3. Skansen Christmas Market

Finally, there is the Christmas market at Skansen. This is one of the few that will cost you to get in. Technically, you’re actually just paying to get into Skansen, which is an open-air museum and park that gives you a look at the history and culture of Sweden. It even has a zoo with Nordic animals. During the Christmas season, Skansen sets up a wonderful Christmas market in the middle of the park.

This is one of the larger markets, and of course homemade gifts and delicious Swedish foods are available here as well. The difference is that most of the people behind the counters are dressed in traditional regional folk costumes. The Christmas market at Skansen opens November 28.

Popularity: 5% [?]

Paris: 7 tips for spending the Christmas holiday in Paris

Monday, December 7th, 2009
Holiday decorations in the City of Lights. Photos by Thedora Brack.

Holiday decorations in the City of Lights. Photos by Theadora Brack.

By Theadora Brack in Paris—

I love Paris in the winter when it glitters. I love this city when it glows with countless strands of tiny white lights. It goes straight to my head! Getting in the mood for the holidays here is never difficult, but to help it happen, here are seven ways to light your Paris match. Come, Cheapos, follow me!

1. Twinkle: Bright lights, dig the city

First, take in the lights with a brisk stroll around town, and then warm up with “un vin chaud” or crack open a toasty crème brûlée out on the terrace of a lively bar or café. Forget about the elements. The glowing overhead braziers, impromptu sing-alongs, and people-watching will keep you warm. For the city’s official street-illumination map, click here.

Taking in the festive scene at a café

Taking in the festive scene at a café

2. Tower: Bon Anniversaire, Madame Eiffel!

Continuing to celebrate her 120th birthday in style, la Tour Eiffel is not just sparkling for the usual five minutes on the hour, but she’s also encoring with a 12-minute super-cool LED light show nightly at 8, 9, 10, and 11 PM. My favorite spots for tower-gazing are just below Sacré Coeur at Rue Azaïs and rue Saint-Eleuthère, and beside the Palais de Tokyo.

Breaking News! For the first time ever, advance tickets for Eiffel Tower visits are now available online! Check out their booking site.

3. Window Shopping: Here comes the Hotstepper

Promenade up and down Boulevard Haussmann, while getting an eyeful of the grand magasins’ “vitrines de Noël” (holiday windows). This year, Chanel and Dior outfitted Printemps’ Russian-inspired windows, while rabbits, dollies, and bears (oh, my) cavort next door at Galeries Lafayette in tableaux by designers Gaultier, Kenzo, and Marc Jacobs.

The one-ring Cirque d’hiver Bouglione

The one-ring Cirque d’hiver Bouglione

Also, let’s not forget the smaller shops! Often restaurants, pâtisseries, boutiques, and even pharmacies hire artists to create whimsical murals. And keep your eyes peeled for neighborhood “concours de décorations de vitrines” (window decorating contests).

4. Holiday Circus: Time flies!

Treat yourself to an old-time spectacle at the one-ring Cirque d’hiver Bouglione (Metro: Oberkampf). Just think—Degas, Seurat, and Toulouse-Lautrec sat on these same red-velvet seats! Celebrating the 150-year anniversary of the flying trapeze, invented in 1859 by dashing acrobat Jules Léotard (thank him for creating the garment too!), this year the Bouglione circus family is paying homage to its roots with a “Festif” show, jammed-packed with traditional acts.

Tip: The seats in the very last row are just €10—but it’s worth every cent to be up close.

5. Ice Skating: Watch that figure!

Prepare for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games by taking a few spins around the ice rinks in front of the Hotel de Ville or Gare Montparnasse. Let Johnny be-Weir! The admission is free. Skate rental is €5, cash only. Know your European shoe size numbers. There’s no charge for sideline watching.

The decadent displays at l'épiceries Fauchon

The decadent displays at l'épiceries Fauchon

6. Concert: The bells are ringing!

During the holidays, you’ll find no shortage of Vivaldi, Mozart, Chopin, Lizst, or Bach! Time is going to be your only issue. So pick up a copy of Pariscope, available at any newsstand or kiosk. The pocket-sized magazine covers the week’s happenings from theatre, cinema and arts, to music and restaurants. In it you’ll find a listing of free concerts and other holiday events. (Read about classical music discounts.)

Why, oh, why is l’église de la Madeleine my choice for classical concerts? Because, Cheapos, the tantalizing window displays of l’épiceries Fauchon are near!

7. Christmas Markets: What’s good for the goose

During the holidays, the winter markets, with their quaint boxes, tents, and chalets, are found in nearly every square. Follow the smell of “chaud les marrons” (chestnuts roasting on an open fire!). This is also the place to grab a quick hearty meal. Try the Alsatian “choucroute garnie” or the Belgian waffles. You’ll also find delectable regional specialties such as foie gras, honey, and champagne.

Tip: After marketing at the Saint-Germain-des-Prés Winter Village, meander over to the Bar du Marché at 75, rue de Seine, and clank a few with locals! Look for the candy-striped awning.

Happy Holidays, Cheapos! (And special thanks to Jessica Hines for the Cirque d’hiver photograph!)

Popularity: 7% [?]

Barcelona: The Christmas Market at the Barcelona Cathedral

Wednesday, December 2nd, 2009
Buying trees at Barcelona's Christmas Market. Photo by Anna Champel.

Buying trees at Barcelona's Christmas Market. Photo by Anna Champel.

By Regina Winkle-Bryan in Barcelona—

Despite its lack of snow, fir trees, and reindeer, Barcelona still tries to put on a good show come Christmas time. The city government has hung elaborate lighting displays throughout the streets and, as a local here, I am excited for the evening to come when they will illuminate the city, inaugurating the holiday season.

With the lights twinkling, the Christmas Market is the next sign that Santa or The Kings are on their way. (King’s Day is more important in Spain than Christmas for children.) The Christmas Market is not as elaborate as those in northern Europe and Germany, but nevertheless is a fun, albeit crowded experience.

Picking up a tree

Set up in front of Barcelona’s Cathedral in the center of the city, the Christmas Market offers freshly cut trees ranging between €20 and €100, depending on size. You can also pick up a fake tree here, which is perhaps more eco-friendly, but does not have that delicious pine smell.

I bought a tree one year at the Christmas Market, and thought I was doing some good, as it still had its roots and was potted in a heavy mass of dirt. It was only much later, and after carrying the tree, pot, and dirt through the city, that I realized that my tree was nothing more than a cut stump shoved into dirt to look good. Such is the case with all the trees at the market–for some reason the tree stand does not exist here.

…and the trimmings

Besides trees, you can also pick up all the trimmings. Some of the decorations are straight from China and others are handmade from Spain—you’ll know which is which by the price.

My favorite part of the market are the stands selling houses, figures, animals, and mangers for nativity scenes. I don’t put up a nativity scene at home, but most people do. Many times the nativity scene is much more important in the Barcelona household than a tree. Many of the figures for the nativity scenes are finely carved and intricate, with fabulous expressions on their tiny faces. Stalls also sell all the extras for making your nativity scene a wower, like moss, mini trees, and fake rivers made of plastic.

Souvenirs

Around the perimeter of the market and down side streets connected to the square, you will also find many stalls with artisans selling handmade gifts such as jewelry, soap, clothing, and games. This is the perfect place to buy a souvenir made in Catalonia or even wines and cheeses from local farmers. Prices vary but there are deals to be had. I have never walked away from the Christmas Market empty-handed!

When to visit

The Christmas Market, which is officially called “La Feria de Santa Lucia,” opened November 28, 2009 and closes the December 23. It’s open all day but really gets going in the evenings and on the weekends. In fact, it is so crowded on the weekends that it is almost unpleasant. It’s best to go midweek.

Feliz Navidad, or as they say in Barcelona, “Bon Nadal!”

Popularity: 5% [?]

Rome: Spending Christmas in Rome!

Friday, November 27th, 2009
The Christmas market at Piazza Navona. Photo by Elizabeth Buie.

The Christmas market at Piazza Navona. Photo by Elizabeth Buie.

By Samantha Collins in Rome—

Whether your idea of a good Christmas break is ice-skating under the watchful eye of an ancient castle, sharing midnight mass with the Pope, or simply eating and drinking too much, Rome is the perfect place to indulge and celebrate. So just how should you spend the festive season in Italy’s Eternal City?

The Christmas toy market at Piazza Navona

Along with the usual array of portrait painters, mime artists and peddlers that gather around Piazza Navona at any time of year, come winter you’ll find the Christmas market set up on the square. The famous Piazza is transformed into a child’s paradise with brightly colored wooden toys on display, a traditional carousel, and hot roast chestnut stalls. Look out for Befana the witch, who brings gifts to Italian children on January 6 (Epiphany and Befana’s Feast day).

Attend the Midnight Mass in the Vatican

Every Christmas morning at the stroke of midnight, the Pope delivers his Christmas Mass. Tickets for the mass in St. Peter’s Basilica are free, but must be booked in advance. Visit the Vatican website for information on the mass timetable, which also includes carol services. For those who don’t have tickets, the service is broadcast live on large screens in St. Peter’s Square.

Ice skating by Castel St. Angelo on the banks of the River Tiber

Situated in one of Rome’s most beautiful settings, the Christmas ice rink under the shadow of Castel St. Angelo looks toward St. Peter’s Basilica. What could be more romantic? To get there, take either the Metro to “Lepanto,” or, better yet, take one of the many buses (such as the 30 Express or the 87) to Piazza Cavour.

Nativity scene hunting

Pop your head into any church during December and you’re guaranteed to see traditional nativity scenes on display. From the animals in the stable to the figures bearing gifts to the baby Jesus, these ancient displays are rich in detail and tradition. Don’t miss the huge one in St. Peter’s Square: Each year it has a different theme. Constructed behind curtains over the course of several weeks, it is finally unveiled in mid-December and stays on view for most of January.

Panettone and Torrone

Panettone is the traditional Christmas cake that is given to friends and relatives. Traditionally filled with candied peel, you can now find many other varieties in beautifully wrapped Christmas paper tied with ribbon. For a smaller gift, look out for the torrone, oblong chocolate bars in gift wrapping usually filled with nuts or nougat.

New Year’s Eve

Two of the main gathering places for the adult revelers are Piazza Navona and Piazza del Popolo. Many people also line the banks of the river with glasses of champagne to watch the fireworks. Try to avoid partaking in the other traditional festivity of wading drunkenly into the Trevi Fountain. It is illegal and you may find you start the New Year behind bars, instead of being in front of one.

Transportation during the holidays

Mainline and local services do operate throughout Christmas, but with a very limited service on national holidays (see below). There is a free “shopping bus” that runs between Termini and Via Del Corso during December, but you are better advised to walk than use the public transport. During this period, buses and metros are filled with at least double the capacity of intended passengers, complete with bulky purchases. Visit the Roman transit site for more information.

What’s closed when

Shops are open every day (including Sunday) during the holiday period, except for December 25 and January 1. (Note that Rome’s January sales do not start on the first weekend in January.) Most museums and attractions are closed December 25 and January 1, but are open the rest of the time. (Check online first.) Restaurants generally remain open throughout the holiday period.

Also note that in addition to Christmas and New Year’s, Italians celebrate Feast of the Immaculate Conception on December 8, and St. Stephen’s Day on December 26. However, most shops, restaurants, and attractions remain open on these days.

Popularity: 8% [?]

Vienna Christmas Markets: More of our favorite things

Friday, December 12th, 2008


Christmas market at Maria Theresien Platz by 12 degrees C

Ah, Vienna - the city fills us with music. We can’t help it, but it also makes us think of The Sound of Music, even though that musical took place in another Christmas “markt” town, Salzburg. It also makes us think of the fancy Hapsburg family and some of the brightest Christmas lights in Europe.

On Wednesday we put together a photo montage of some of our favorite things about Salzburg’s Christmas markets, so today we offer “some more of our favorite things” about Vienna’s Christmas markets.

(Cue: music!)

Brown paper packages (and puppets and ornaments) tied up with string…


Photo courtesy of tttaaaooo

**Tip: Be sure to pick up a Mozart-themed tree ornament, of which there are many.

Cream colored (Ok, so he’s brown.) ponies and crisp apple streudels…


Photo of the Christmas mini-horse by PaulaFunnell

Girls in white dresses with blue satin sashes…(but we’ll settle for boys in parkas)-


Ice skating at Town Hall; photo by Premshree Pillai

Snowflakes (stenciled into fancy decorations) that stay on my nose and eyelashes…


Photo of holiday lamps courtesy of Edi Weissmann

Silver white winters that melt into spring…


Photo by mosint

Ooooh.


Photo of Vienna’s Townhall by ahisgett

 Ahhh.


Photo taken in front of Schonbrunn Palace, by tomanthony

Fancy!

These are some more of our favorite things!

(Repeat all verses.)

Popularity: 18% [?]

Salzburg Christmas Markets: A few of our favorite things

Wednesday, December 10th, 2008


A traditional Christmas market stall in Salzburg, Austria. (Photo courtesy of nojich)

Carriage rides, outdoor concerts, ice skating, and hand-painted egg ornaments are just some of the things that get the champagne flowing around here during the holiday season. Salzburg has all that and more when it comes to their Christmas fest.

Take a look at photos we hunted down of recent festive happenings at the Salzburg Christmas markets. These are truly a few of our favorite things…

Hand-painted egg ornaments


Photo courtesy of jon gos)

Hundreds of thousands of hand-painted egg tree ornaments are available at the annual Christmas markets. The fragile gems come in various patterns and designs, but traditional holiday symbols, like poinsettias and ivy, seem to be the most popular.


Photo courtesy of minwoo)

Santa Clauses on the march!


Photo courtesy of Savannah Grandfather

Ok, who doesn’t love a good Santa costume, especially when it’s a legitimate throwback to another era entirely, and worn by an enthusiastic teenage boy? (Or is that Harry Potter?) Bonus points if you can figure out what he’s handing out. Anyone want a coupon for a shave?

Carriage rides through the streets of Salzburg!


Photo courtesy of Savannah Grandfather

Horses and garland, and riding, OH MY! We love that Salzburg dresses up its carriages just in time for Santa’s sleigh ride.

Tell us, Cheapos: What are your favorite things about Salzburg Christmas markets?

See also: Our list of recommended budget hotels in Salzburg.

Popularity: 18% [?]

Munich: Marienplatz Christmas Market Webcams! Watch now…

Tuesday, December 9th, 2008

Imagine our glee when, clicking about the Munich tourism office’s website, we stumbled upon their list of Munich-based webcams! Among the list of live feeds from Munich were several devoted entirely to the Christmas market at Marienplatz.

Ready for a quick (virtual) visit? We grabbed the images below at about 5 PM Munich time today. Click them to visit the webcams and see what’s happening now!

I spy Christmas Markets in Munich!

Munich\'s Marianplatz Christmas Market

Above, Muenchen.de offers a birds-eye view of Marienplatz, site of the city’s largest Christmas market. At 4:45 PM, Munich time, we spotted a fair number of people visiting booths and an unusually large number of white sedans parked in the market zone. Look at that Christmas tree!

Global-christmas.com takes us there

The webcam at Global-Christmas.com nearly brings you down to street level, showcasing many of the buildings lining Marienplatz. This photo, grabbed minutes after the top photo (this one at 4:54 PM, local time), shows night is falling fast and the crowds are turning out.

It also looks like the festive holiday lighting might be too much for the poor webcam, as the image is slightly bleached. One nice thing about Global-Christmas, by the way, is that you can enlarge their webcam for a closer look!

Marianplatz Christmas Market

Finally, Marienplatz-Muenchen.de, offers its view of the Christmas market at Marienplatz. This cam is in line with the Christmas tree, looking out from what we’d estimate is the fourth floor. We grabbed this image at 4:58 PM, local time, and you can see that things have gotten darker yet, and perhaps more crowded. (This cam also has a creepy surveillance-camera quality to it, which lends a certain intrigue to the market.)

Check out even more webcams from Munich and our round-up of Christmas markets in Europe. Also, if you’re heading over, be sure to read our list of recommended budget hotels in Munich

Popularity: 17% [?]

European Christmas Markets: Round-up

Monday, December 8th, 2008


Christmas market in Brussels, Belgium-photo by Ipoh 7

‘Tis the season to visit the European Christmas markets, Cheapos!

The Christmas Market Tradition

Europe’s holiday market tradition began in Germany and Austria. Today, many well-known markets, like those in Nuremberg and Munich, draw record crowds. Heck, there’s even a company that specializes in European Christmas market tours around the holidays.

The most popular markets can still be found in Germany and Austria, but cities in our other countries, like Copenhagen, Denmark and Prague, Czech Republic, throw their own festive fairs. Markets typically open during the last week of November and remain open until the day after Christmas.

Here’s a very merry round-up of the most notable Christmas markets In Europe. If you happen to be nearby, we recommend a browse-through.

Salzburg

The annual “adventmarkt,” filled with stalls, good eats, and more, takes place in Julius-Raab Platz. Check out the fantastical “Christkindlmarkt” web site for more info, or simply visit the Salzburg Tourism Info site here.

Vienna

Mozart’s main stomping ground is the veritable creme de la creme for Christmas market gurus. Fairs are open in multiple locations and feature live DJ music, petting zoos, gospel choirs, and authentic handicrafts. Visit the Vienna Tourism Board for info, dates, and directions to the markets.

Munich

Another mother lode when it comes to Christmas markets in Europe, the Munich Advent “markt” is expansive, boasting concerts, traditional food, and free historical tours of the market. The tourism board has more info, including how to get there, and where to park if you’re arriving by car. (Anyone who wants to offer their own caption for the photo that appears on this page, please pass it on. “Nordic vikings attack unsuspecting child at Munich Christmas market“?)

Berlin

Whether you like your markets authentic or chock full of special effects, Berlin’s the place to be if only for the number and sheer size of some of its markets. Most notably, the market in Potsdamer Platz, titled ”WinterMagic,” features a 4,000 square-foot outdoor space with a Ferris wheel, Legoland structure for kids to play in, and more. A comprehensive list of all markets can be found here.

Bonus: Download a FREE PDF history of the markets here, or watch this YouTube video for more info on the tradition of the German Christmas market. You can also visit the ‘markt’ section of the Berlin Tourism site for more info (in German only).

Copenhagen

The largest market can be found in Tivoli Gardens and has become an infamous go-to spot for getting into the spirit. Here, elves in full costume bounce among revelers and the light displays -orchestrated by the lead designer for Tiffany & Co - hang overhead. Games, ornaments, and much more are available. Check out the “Visit Copenhagen” site for info on this and many more Copenhagen markets. 

Brussels

This year, the Christmas market kicks off in Place St. Catherine. Ice skating is available. Be sure to buy some chocolates, and don’t forget to stop to see Manneken Pis in full Santa regalia. The “Visit Belgium” site has more info.

Prague

The Czech city really does it up with major fests in Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square. Smaller fairs occur elsewhere throughout the holidays. Check out the “Prague Experience” site for info, dates, and more.

Stay tuned this week as we take you through the European Christmas market circuit in daily photo montages.

Tell us: And, if you’ve been to a holiday market in Europe, tell us about it! What was it like? What did you buy or sample?

Happy Holidays, Cheapos!

Popularity: 25% [?]