|
|
SHOP THE CHRISTMAS
MARKETS OF EUROPE . . . But Hurry!
By Bob Enzel
If you happen to be in Europe this holiday season a visit to the Christmas
market(s) should be a must on your to do list. Here are a few of Europe's
most famous.
HELSINKI
Starting with "top of the world" Finland, the traditional St. Thomas Market
sets the holiday
 scene.
According to Finnish tradition, Christmas is brought to the homes by St.
Thomas on December 21 and removed by St. Knut on January 13.
Turku Christmas Fair at the Old Great Square takes place on each of 4
weekends preceding the holiday. This is a great place to find Christmas
decorations, ornaments, handicrafts, ginger bread and mulled wine. The
market is open daily from December 7 -20.
ZURICH
Zurich Chrisitkindil Market is home to the largest covered Christmas market
in Europe. It features over 160 festively decorated stalls with many
gift and decorative choices. On the Main Square 5,000 Swarovski crystal
ornaments will adorn the Christmas tree until December 24th. This is
not to be missed if you're any where near Zurich. In Zurich's Old Town
vendors and artisans from all over the world will display their wares in
Zurich's oldest Christmas market at the Bahnhofstrasse surrounded by lit-up
department stores another of Zurich's Christmas markets will wow any and all
visitors.
SALZBURG
Salzburg's Christkinknmakt runs from November 19 - December 26 within the
charm of the old Cathedral Square. Traditional booths, handicrafts, fine
baked goods and various "object d'art" for the holiday season will be on
display. Enjoy the performance by Salzburg choirs and children's school
groups...all make for a fun visit.
Also in Salzburg is the Christmas market on Mirabellplatz is an annual
attraction with culinary delicacies, mulled wine and numerous stalls with
lots of beautiful ornaments and gifts.
Salzburg is a special place to be over the holidays.
PRAGUE
Prague, the city of hundred spires hosts the city's traditional Christmas
markets at the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square. The Christmas markets
are a great place to celebrate the holiday. Visit the decorated wooden huts
and stages that offer a variety of folk traditions, holiday goods, festive
music and Czech delicacies. November 28 - January 1, 2010.
HEIDELBERG
From November 25 through December 22 the Old Town is ablaze with magical
lights. The famous Heidelberg Castle will seem to be burning as it once did
hundreds of years ago. When touring the town during the holiday festivities
it will be almost impossible to miss a Christmas market. The gateway to all the
Christmas Markets begins at Bismark Square where you will find handicrafts
at the Anatomy Garden.
Then on to University Square where 80 stands will provide food of varying
tastes. Plus enjoy a nostalgic carousel of colorful horses and the
traditional Heidelberg Gluhwein served nice and hot to ward off any chill.
At the Market Square you will find an immense Christmas Pyramid where
figures from Heidelberg's history turn round and round. For the kiddies
there is Father Christmas waiting in his own little house for all the tiny
guests. The smell of almond and cinnamon cookies will be in the air. Wait!
There is also the Corn Market with its Christmas creche and children's zoo
that await all the kids, young and old. Taste Bratwurst, soups and stews
with fresh bread and a warm cup of mulled mead. Lastly, the Grand Finale of
the Christmas stroll is at Karl's Square where an open ice rink sits below
the majestic backdrop of the Castle.
Lastly.
DON'T FORGET TO WRITE TO SANTA CLAUS
You and your kids may write to Santa directly. His address is:
Santa Claus Village,
FIN 96930 Arctic Circle, Finland.
He even has a web site
www.santaclausvillage.info
|
