Scenario A: Standing in line for hours in the predawn gloom of “Black Friday”, waiting for the doors to open at Toys R Us, in the hope of beating the other 50 people in line to the hottest toy of the season.

Scenario B: Strolling among the festively decorated shops and stalls of an enchanting European Christmas market as you shop for hand-made toys, snack on hot chestnuts and hear the bells ring out seasonal music.

Which sounds like more fun? … I thought so.

The Christmas markets of Europe run during the Advent season, typically opening the last week of November through Christmas Eve. Christmas Markets date back to the mid-1300s in Germany; Dresden has one of the oldest and most visited in the nation. In the 21st Century, at least 125 towns in Germany put on a Christmas Market and there are hundreds more throughout Europe from the UK to the Czech Republic and Denmark to Italy.

The romance of a traditional Christmas market

During the holiday season, Christmas markets transform the central squares of villages, towns and cities across Europe into magical wonderlands. Dozens or even hundreds of open-air stalls line the pedestrian areas, dressed for the holidays in twinkling lights and evergreen boughs. Vendors sell holiday decorations, ornaments, carved wooden nutcrackers, marionettes and all kinds of hand-made toys. Aromas wafting from food and drink stalls tempt visitors as they shop in the brisk outside air. Traditional favorites include hot mulled wine, bratwurst, hot apples, gingerbread and sweet marzipan.

Christmas markets have plenty to see and do besides the shopping and food. Nativity scenes, some life-sized, are always a popular highlight for onlookers. Different Christmas markets have become famous for their own special attractions. They may erect a grand Christmas pyramid, a revolving carousel or a huge Christmas tree as a centerpiece of the festivities. Carolers sing, bells ring and trumpets sound as the spirit of Christmas delights and captivates everyone who visits.

Transportation to the Christmas markets

There are so many Christmas markets that it can be quite a challenge to decide which one to visit, so why not experience a couple? Travel Maestro tip: Choose a big city Christmas market like Frankfurt or Dresden for large scale shopping and a small village Christmas market for the traditional atmosphere and magic.

European river cruising has exploded in popularity and several operators have extended their traditional sailing seasons to include Christmas market itineraries. This is a luxurious way to visit several Christmas markets with your transportation, meals, drinks and accommodations all included! Just be advised that Christmas market itineraries fill early, so plan ahead.

If you prefer independent travel, a rail pass is an inexpensive way to get around Europe. Central train stations are usually quite close to the main town squares where Christmas markets are held, which makes rail travel very convenient.

Let Covington Travel’s Europe specialists help you choose the best Christmas markets to visit, arrange your transportation and secure your accommodations for a magical old world holiday experience.