Glam but first coffeeWhen the festive season starts, I cannot imagine the Christmas season without visiting Christmas markets. I do not care how big or small it is but I love the environment and festive feeling in these markets.
I do not even remember the last time I bought something, but I do love to take a cup of Mulled wine and sometimes some sweets. As I have travelled a lot and lived abroad, I thought I was going to make the Christmas market TOP (from my experience and what other people have said). It is true, I have OCD- Obsessive Christmas Disorder!
RIGA
Riga is my city so we will start with this city. Last year, I even read in one article that Christmas markets in Riga are the most affordable ones in Europe (together with living, airline tickets, food and so on). I thought it was great that Riga did not increase prices so much only because it was Christmas.
Another fact is that Latvians say that the first Christmas tree was in Riga and comes from Riga. Estonia says that the first Christmas tree comes from Tallinn. So who knows?
Riga has many Christmas markets at the same time. There are two favourites- in Doma square (in the old town and is very big), as well as Esplanade where you can see bunnies as well. Latvians, in general, have very big crafting culture (knitting, wooden products and amber jewellery).
PRAGUE
Prague is one of the most beautiful cities I have ever seen. If you have an opportunity to visit the city (no matter what time of the year), I would definitely suggest to visit it.
I will be honest, I have never been to the Christmas market in Prague, but I have been to Prague twice and the city is so beautiful that the market has to be magic. Many people have said and I have heard on the Internet and other market TOPS, that it has one of the best Christmas markets. Has anyone been there?
STRASBOURG
I used to live a few hours from Strasbourg. I have been to Strasbourg three times. It is a fascinating city, with a beautiful city centre (I did a post about the most beautiful places in Strasbourg- read that article HERE).
Strasbourg has the German feel to eat and even some restaurants remind me of a mix between Germany and France. Very beautiful city and one or two days are enough to get the vibe and see the most important sightseeing. I have never been in Strasbourg around Christmas time but I know some friends that have and said it was the most magical Christmas market ever. All the beautiful houses are decorated and lit up with fairy lights.
Strasbourg itself looks like an Elf fairytale city, so with Christmas lights and market- even more.
MUNECH
My parents years ago went to Munech around Christmas time and enjoyed a lot the environment in there. People do not only sell Mulled wine in the market, but you can buy pretty ceramics mug (Santa boot shaped or casual) and keep it for yourself. My parents that way got around five mugs for the whole family!
Beautiful city and beautiful markets, and good food and tasty beer. What else do we need for good Christmas market?
What Christmas markets have you visited that I needed to include in this list?
