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the marketplace was the center of village life. The start of Advent,
the period beginning four Sundays before Christmas, kicked off
what became known as the Christkindlmarkt or Weihnachtsmarkt,
typically located in the town square, or in front of the cathedral.
Vienna’s medieval December market, dating to the year 1294, is
widely considered the forerunner of the Christmas market. Eventually,
Munich, Dresden, and Frankfurt, Germany, were boasting their own
events and the tradition spread to Switzerland, France, the Czech
Republic, Italy, Hungary, and beyond.
Over time, certain customs developed, including music and
dancing, a manger scene, and the portrayal of the Christkind, a
mythical angel-like being who is the traditional gift-bringer in parts
of Europe. Merchants sold holiday-related crafts including hand-
made nativity figures, nutcrackers, and tree ornaments. Shivering
shoppers warmed up with comestibles such as
Lebkuchen
(ginger-
bread), sausages, and
Glühwein
(hot mulled wine).
For the traveler, the Christmas market remains an opportunity to
experience a sense of season and place — not to mention knocking
out the tasks of souvenir- and gift-shopping in one fun expedition.
Christmas markets offer a chance to find special mementos that will
be treasured long past the expiration date of a gift card.
Here are a few of our favorite Christmas markets in Europe and
closer to home.
SALZBURG, AUSTRIA(NOVEMBER 19 – DECEMBER 26, 2015):
Nestled amid the snowcapped Alps, Salzburg couldn’t provide a cozier
setting for its Christmas markets. The Salzburg Christkindlmarkt is the
main one, spreading before the cathedral in the Old Town.
Shop for:
Pewter, felt slippers, hats, mittens, and loden coats.
Added value:
The streets are alive with the sound of Advent con-
certs. The Turmblasen brass ensemble plays on Residence Square
every Saturday evening.
Website:
christkindlmarkt.co.at
MUNICH, GERMANY(NOVEMBER 27 – DECEMBER 24, 2015):
The Marienplatz Christkindlmarkt is one of Europe’s oldest and
largest, counting 3 million visitors a year. The Manger Market, just
steps away, has everything needed to create a nativity scene, from
miniature to life-size.
Shop for:
Gingerbread figures in
pretty wrappings, as well as not-
so-pretty prune men, with heads
of walnuts, bodies of figs, and
limbs of dried plums.
Added value:
The Krampus Run
brings out individuals masked as
demonic spirits who run through the
crowds, causing mock mayhem.
Website:
weihnachtsmarkt-marienplatz.de
BATH, ENGLAND(NOVEMBER 26 – DECEMBER 13, 2015):
This Christmas market fills the streets before Bath Abbey, show-
casing locally sourced products, with most vendors based nearby.
Shop for:
Door wreaths and garlands woven with lavender, ginger-
bread houses, snow globes, and made-in-Bath skincare products.
Added value:
Warm up after shopping with a tour of the Roman Baths
and a plunge into the famed thermal waters at Thermae Bath Spa.
Website:
bathchristmasmarket.co.uk
DENVER, COLORADO(NOVEMBER 20 – DECEMBER 23, 2015):
The Christkindl Market offers up a taste of all things German.
Traditional music and dancing liven up the downtown Skyline Mall.
Garbed in gold, the Christkind, a young woman chosen for her
German heritage and fair looks, mingles with the crowds.
Shop for:
Authentic German goods such as beer steins, handmade
lace, and illuminated paper stars.
Added value:
Head over to the outdoor skating rink at Skyline Park
for free ice-skating. (There’s a small fee for skate rental.)
Website:
denverchristkindlmarket.com
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IntervalWorld.com INTERVAL WORLD
■
Fall 2015
31
Christmas Market Cruises
A great way to take in many markets in a single trip is on a
Danube River cruise, with an itinerary that showcases a variety
of experiences, from Vienna’s massive gathering to other ven-
erable events in Nuremburg, Regensburg, Budapest, and
smaller venues. Viking River Cruises offers a selection of trips
during late November and December.
View cruise
options and book
today on
IntervalWorld.com.
You can also call
800.622.1540
or 305.668.3496.