Christmas markets bring a festive sparkle of lights to freezing cold
winter cities. There are countless beautiful ones in Europe. I created a list of
Christmas Market visits in Hamburg, Berlin and Dresden and Vienna and publish
these in the coming days. Whether you are into ice rinks, festive shows,
biscuits, drinks or Christmas carols, you will find it ... People’s behaviour
on Christmas Markets makes a big difference to the experience, read on to have
the best time.
The Clothes - What to Wear on a Christmas Market
If you plan to visit Christmas Markets, you better wrap up warm. You
will spend all your time outside, it gets dark at around 4pm. Temperatures can
go down below zero degrees Celsius, even during the day, and most certainly in
the evening. Most cities have several markets, and you probably want to stroll
from one to the next to make the most of the festive experience. You don’t want
to give up and go back to your hotel room because you are too cold. Wear winter
boots, a woollen coat, a scarf, put on gloves, and seriously, you might even
consider putting on long underwear. Once I had been wearing a camel-coloured
coat, someone poured a nice cup of hot red mulled wine over it. Ever since that
episode I stick to dark blue and black coats.
The Language - Vocabulary for your Christmas Market Visit
Learn to say “Thank you” in the local language, everybody working in the
stalls will be grateful. Oh, and while we are at it, please always say “Thank
you” and consider throwing a smile over the counter too. The people serving hot
drinks to a zillion intoxicated visitors deserve it. For a mug deposit, you will
have to pay EUR 3, they know that you don’t want that, don’t tell them over and
over, just hand over the money. Thank you.
The Hot Drinks on Christmas Markets
First, hot drinks are a great way to battle the cold. There is this
age-old divide between eggnog and mulled wine fans. Some are in the first group
and would never event try the latter. If you can’t decide between the two, keep
in mind that eggnog is stronger than mulled wine. A delicious spiced hot apple
juice will keep you warm too. Don’t get all excited at the first drinks stall
and drink too many hot alcoholic drinks at once; the fun would be over too
soon. Cheers. Say no to straws, if somebody offers one to you.
The Food on Christmas Markets
Go hungry to make the most of it (better not drink mulled wine or eggnog
before you eat something). There is plenty of choices, and you are going to be
surprised about the variety of spiced biscuits, one can say that nearly every
region has got their own recipes, and there are also often differences from
town to town. Buy some to take home with you; they make very special Christmas
gifts.
The Crowds on Christmas Markets
Most Christmas markets in Europe are packed with visitors; I guess it is
just the way it is. Stay calm, be friendly and don’t get upset about the
crowds, everybody wishes to be served first or to be there alone, but to be
honest, that would be so very lonely. Enjoy the festive season. Small children
love Christmas Markets, obviously. I asked several dog owners and they all said
they wouldn’t take their beloved furry friend to the markets, but still, some
people can’t leave their tiny friends at home. The fact that children and dogs
are smaller than you doesn't give you the right to push them out of your way or
to step onto their paws. Please mind all feet, fingers and paws.
Locally Made Kitsch on Christmas Markets
There are a lot of handcrafted goods to look at and buy. Don’t make fun
of them, because in your eyes it is all very poor taste. It is some people’s
livelihood, and they most certainly invest lots of labour and love. Stir up a
conversation and ask for the history of these pieces, you might end up hearing
a great story. Buy locally made and avoid plastic and you will enjoy the piece
for years to come.
The Pickpockets on Christmas Markets
Some people become accountants, some gardeners, some astronauts, some
decide to sell houses, and some become con artists or pickpockets, it is as
easy as that. Use common sense. Hold on to your bag and purse, never put these
on the counter when you pay for goods, never leave your bag behind at your
chair or cocktail table or bench when you go somewhere (not even for a second).
Christmas Markets are busy places; there are lots of opportunities for
pickpockets.
More about Christmas Markets in Europe
Read about these on The Touristin:
Travel Austria. 2022 Guide to Christmas Markets in Vienna.
2023 Guide to Christmas Markets in Hamburg plus one off-the-beaten-path.
2023 Guide to Christmas Markets in Munich.
2023 Guide to Christmas Markets in Dresden.
Canaletto Christmas Market 2023 in Saxony’s Pirna.
Travel Germany: 2023 guide to off-the-beaten-path Christmas markets in Berlin.
Travel Germany - 2023 Guide to Christmas Markets in Berlin.
Travel Estonia – Visit the Tallinn Christmas Market in 2023.
From Berlin
with love