Festive Wishes and Christmas Gift Ideas with ChristmasPrezzy.com - Xmas Presents for friends and family

Christmas Markets - Europe Intro :

The Christmas markets of northern Europe have a long hisotry, many reaching back to medieval times. Each would specialise in the selling the crafts particular to that region, for example fine wood carvings. Today the markets last for most of Advent, which is an important celebration; St Nicholas' Day falls in Advent, on December 6. This is the day in which many German and Austrian children will receive a present of fruit, nuts and sweets.

Today the Christmas markets of the continent are almost magical as the many stalls line old cobbled streets or crowd into ancient squares. Many of the Town Halls are transformed into enormous Advent calendars and, as each day passes, another window is illuminated. All the stalls will be strung with lanterns; delicious smells of roasting meats, sausages, chestnuts and gingerbread (LLebkuchen) will fill the air as you wander amongst the stalls offering the crafts of the region. As a seasonal bonus a few gentle snowflakes might drift to the ground!

Vienna's Christmas Market can be found in front of the impressive City Hall, the Rathaus. Over 100 stalls are packed with a tremendous assortment of food, decorations, nativity figures and gifts. Expect to find lots of diversions and entertainments to enjoy as you browse amongst the stalls.

Germany might have the monopoly on Christmas Markets but there are many others to be found dotted around northern Europe, including some in Belgium and France. Historic Bruges hosts a market that runs throughout December and into January, until the 5th. It's situated on the Market Square and you'll also find an open-air ice rink in the centre of the market, the stalls being arranged around it. You'll also find charming Christmas Markets at Rouen, Ghent and Arras.