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On a TRAIL of Joy The exquisite pleasure of Christmas market hopping RASHMI GOPAL RAO
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hristmas is like candy; it slowly melts in your mouth sweetening every taste bud, making you wish it could last forever ~ by Richelle E. Goodrich Often dubbed as the most wonderful time of the year, December is a time to welcome the good tidings, good cheer, warmth and, of course, the festival of Christmas. A time to shop, decorate the tree, relax and bond with family and friends, Christmas is all about happiness, gifting and enjoying the essence of the holiday season. Synonymous with plum cake, gingerbread cookies, mulled wine, parties and presents, Christmas is also intrinsically associated with Christmas markets. ORIGINS IN THE LATE MIDDLE AGES Christmas markets also known as Christkindlmark (translating into Christ Child Market) have been a tradition believed to have originated in Germany. December markets have been mentioned as early as the 13th century, but Dresden’s Striezelmarkt, which was held way back in 1434, may have been the first true Christmas market. Conventionally held in the town square, the markets have
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traditionally housed open-air stalls offering seasonal produce including wine, plums, bread and cake. With song, dance, decorations and a nativity scene, Christmas markets have always been symbols of celebration, tradition and holidays. Here is a look at some famous Christmas markets across the globe: TIVOLI GARDENS, COPENHAGEN, DENMARK Held in the famous amusement park in the city that dates back to 1843, Christmas in Tivoli Gardens is quite like none other. With a distinct Nordic vibe, the Christmas market at Tivoli Gardens is replete with twinkling lights, wooden houses decorated with pine branches and scores of Christmas trees covered with lights and baubles. Replete with a Santa Claus, his reindeer and the quintessential Santa grotto, the market has about 60 stalls retailing snacks, sweets, cakes and the like. Visitors can also shop for knitted products, leather goods and craft items. Do not forget to sample the typically Danish snack Æbleskiver while here. Dates: November 19 , 2021 – January 2, 2022.
