The beautiful Christmas markets of Europe
The ideal images of Christmas as depicted in Hollywood movies are that of beautifully decorated towns with snowy sidewalks and people wearing layers of clothing scurrying about the cobblestone streets. In the center of the town is a plaza or a town square with a giant Christmas tree and string lights neatly strewn over the public space.
And the closest thing to a Hollywood Christmas village are the Christmas markets of Europe. Like in movies, these markets have giant Christmas trees, string lights, and cobblestone streets covered in a blanket of snow.
Christmas markets are a long tradition in Europe to celebrate the holidays and they are probably the most picturesque Yuletide scenes in the world. Some start as early as November and last until January the following year.
Source: @strasbourgcity (IG)
In the City of Strasbourg in France, the annual Christmas market is held on Grande Île, an island situated in the center of the city. The market is also near Strasbourg Cathedral. The market has vendors selling food and trinkets while nearby buildings decorate their facades with holiday trimmings. A giant Christmas tree also towers at the center of the market.
Then there's also the Christmas Market in Salzburg, Austria. The market is neatly set up beside the Salzburger Glockenspiel bell tower at the city center. The stalls form a u-shape in the public space, decorated with string lights and a Christmas tree, of course.
Source: @visitsalzburg (IG)
Also in Austria, Vienna has several Christmas markets around the city that serve almost 2M residents. The Christmas markets in Vienna are considered some of the most beautiful in Europe. There's the Christmas Market at Stephansplatz square, the Christmas village at maria-theresien-platz, and another market at the city hall square.
Source: @viennatouristboard (IG)
In Prague, Czech Republic, the Old Town Square transforms into a Christmas wonderland with a beautifully decorated giant Christmas tree. In Bratislava, Slovakia, on the other hand, the Christmas market is much simpler yet still festive. The red and white-striped roofs of market stalls are reminiscent of minty candy canes.
Sources: @cityofprague and @visitbratislava (IG)
These are just some of the markets in Europe Christmas-loving travelers need to see. Holidays in Europe are truly magical.
MEANWHILE HERE IN THE PHILIPPINES, FILIPINOS CAN CHECK OUT THESE BEAUTIFUL CHRISTMAS DISPLAYS.
