CHRISTMAS IN EUROPE

DISCOVER THE MAGIC OF CHRISTMAS IN EUROPE

..the smell of roasting chestnuts and spiced gluhwein, there is nothing like a European Christmas

When country music star Faith Hill penned the tune ‘Where are you Christmas?’ She should have tried searching in Europe because if you can’t find the holiday spirit at Europe’s Christmas markets, then you might just be festively challenged.

Is it possible we have forgotten how magical Christmas can truly be in between Black Friday and Boxing Day sales? Capture the nostalgia, romance and merriment of a traditional European Christmas. Leave behind the holiday gift guides and commercialism and head to a place where the Christmas spirit is alive in its purest form – all it takes is a trip to Europe’s Christmas markets.

EXPERIENCE A SENSE OF COMMUNITY AND CONNECTION

Europe’s Christmas markets deliver timeless traditions against a backdrop of dramatic cathedrals and skylines. Dating back to the Middle Ages, Christmas markets gave townsfolk an opportunity to stock up on goods to see them through the holiday season and winter months. The idea spread along trading routes and survives today for locals and travellers from across the globe. In European cultures, the warmth and sense of community in the Christmas markets carries a great deal of sincerity.

What makes it so special is that the approach to Christmas is much more heartfelt. There are no over-the-top light displays set to top 40 music, commercialism is not the driving force, and there are no photo-ops on Santa’s lap to be found. The sincere nature strikes to the very heart of the holiday, and it can be found wherever you go.

C

B

“Local artists, growers, bakers, and makers fill stalls that will leave your heart swelling with Christmas spirit. ”

D

STEP INSIDE A TRADITIONAL WINTER WONDERLAND The postcard-perfect scenes of Christmas markets in Europe are truly magical. Towns are draped in baubles, wreaths, and garlands, all cloaked in glowing lights and you are enveloped by traditional carols and classical music. The Christmas markets are a place of warmth and welcome.

ONE-STOP CHRISTMAS SHOP The Christmas markets provide an epic shopping experience. Emphasising local artisanship, old-fashioned wooden toys and traditional delicacies, the stalls you can wander through are high on old-fashioned Christmas charm. Local artists, growers, bakers, and makers fill stalls that will leave your heart swelling with Christmas spirit. Stock up on everything from decorations, baubles, winter clothing, handmade soaps, hand-knitted creations, and so much more.

There’s no hard sell and the vendors are more than happy for you to take your time browsing. Once back home with all your purchases, your home will be a yearly reminder of the adventure you had in the European Christmas markets.

SAVOUR DELICIOUS DELIGHTS It is difficult to accurately describe the wonderful aromas to be found in the Christmas markets, with a variety of sausages cooking on wood-fuelled fires, Kartoffelpuffer (potatoes), mulled wine (Glühwein), waffles, gingerbread snacks and sweets galore.

So what are you doing next Christmas? Celebrate in a magic world of time-honoured festivities, filled with nostalgia and happiness. Treat yourself to a Christmas you will always remember.

LET'S GO… Experience the magic of Christmas on our Danube Christmas Markets river cruise

WATCH AUSTRALIAN TV PRESENTER LIVINIA NIXON EXPERIENCE EUROPE'S CHRISTMAS MARKETS

PART ONE PART TWO

A Christmas markets, Vienna B Glühwein C Wurst sausages, Germany D Glass Decorations, Germany