Christmas Markets. Help Me Understand

One thing I would say is that you shouldn't generalize about "Europe" here. Many countries have cultures of craft or food markets around Christmas but they are all diffrent.

The ones you are probably seeing the most content about are the type popular in the Germanic countries. I'll let people with more expertise talk about those. They have become really popular in travel circles in the last couple of decades and spawned commercialized copies in some other countries.

You've posted recently about visiting England and we do have a tradition of Christmas craft fairs but they are much lower key than you will see in Germany. Usually one or two days with crafts and some food.

Some of our bigger cities do have German Christmas Markets, London, Birmingham, Manchester etc. but these are new recreations of the German style. You can buy the same crafts, German sausage and Glühwein repeated across dozens of stalls set up in identikit wooden sheds. Now I like an al fresco sausage and wine stop so I'm not against these but you should set your expectations.

What makes a great Christmas Market?

Ask these guys: https://www.europeanbestdestinations.com/best-of-europe/best-christmas-markets-of-all-the-time-in-europe-all-stars-edition/#google_vignette AND https://www.europeanbestdestinations.com/christmas-markets/

What are European Christmas Markets Like?

Possibly better than words:

https://youtu.be/A2aSB25SBdg?si=QivWYPfmmz9KP7rN

https://youtube.com/shorts/MZ-P7U-jFIo?si=2l_iUgQHfBvPK5BG

https://youtube.com/shorts/mvqdRKY2inY?si=bA1mxvzMr3DnBwZl

https://youtube.com/shorts/PCgmLIw3PqY?si=cAMQrgz3JXV8uPkc

https://youtu.be/veksVzdTyf8?si=ffxR--lPWh59r7Cv

Oh, and some words too: https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/hungary/budapest-christmas-markets-d26f8ab1-2048-4160-bfb3-bf13b096683e

If you’re in London on Oct. 31 this year, Leicester Square starts their Christmas Market then, on their second year. We went one evening last year, and it was a bit underwhelming, although it was the first time they’d had one. Nobody was skating on the rink, and the stalls that weren’t selling mulled wine (and there were a lot of those) had what seemed to be identical cheap trinket stands. We didn’t stick around long. Here’s an article from The Londonist about this coming season’s London markets:
https://londonist.com/london/christmas-in-london/christmas-markets-festive-fairs-shopping-london

We were in Poland in the spring last year, and I’ve since seen some TV shows describing what makes Polish Christmas Markets different. Gingerbread started in Poland, and markets there feature ornaments and nativity scenes that are unique to Poland.

Cities and little towns in Italy have presepi - nativity scenes that range from tiny to large scale, and some have themes that are quite different from a simple, traditional manger display.

This is only my opinion of course. Christmas Markets are different things to different people. For locals that is where they gather after work with friends to have a few drinks and hang out (sometimes around fire pits) in the early dark cold "winter" month before Christmas. The weather may be iffy so some willingness to "go with the flow," is essential. There are selections of local and regional food specialties. LOTS of things on sale in different booths, both local crafts and more general crafty but not local items. Many have great kid areas, so you bundle your kids up, feed them, have them play on rides, and take them home tuckered out. Many include performance stages where local singing groups and school groups perform. Although the hours of Markets vary they are more crowded and interesting (to me) later in the day. For many tourists going to a market(s) is a shopping opportunity, and a chance to hang out with locals in a brightly lit, cheery environment. Of course, different countries/regions have different approaches to their markets which means that although there are many similarities, there are also fun differences. One shouldn't forget in our very secular society that religious seasons like Advent/Fasching (beginning of Lent which is what we call Mardi Gras)/Easter-Holy Week/Pentecost get much more attention in most parts of Europe as part of their religious traditions and festivals. Festivals are now all good for the tourist business too.

Vilnius is amazing around that time of the year. We usually win the best Christmas tree as well. It is a very beautiful period. I don't really focus on souvenirs or overpriced food, I just enjoy the vibes. Once you try it- there's no way back!

I’ve been to a number of Christmas markets in Germany and Salzburg. I love Christmas and Christmas decorations, and I just love walking around absorbing the atmosphere and getting into the Christmas spirit. I especially like markets that are set in old market squares and beautiful churches. The setting really adds to the appeal.

I am old enough that I have accumulated way more Christmas ornaments and decorations than I need. But if I were younger, I would enjoy shopping for special ornaments to remind me of my trip.

The food and hot drinks also add to the fun for me.

I am another person who enjoys the atmosphere of the markets. It‘s fun being out with people surrounded by Christmas lights. I‘ve been known to buy things (like an old East German nutcracker) but don’t buy a lot. I do enjoy trying some of the food.

I generally pair markets with places I want to see. I had been wanting to see Aachen for some time, so last winter I started a Christmas market trip with a few days there; I saw the city, the Dom, the Rathaus, and other things. Included in my time there was a day trip to Bastogne for WWII history.

For me, much of the attraction is that they are uniquely European. Attempts in the US to emulate don't come close.

Honestly, I like the aromas! The lights, the chance to get some stunning photos without even trying. I tend to go to the same markets every year, but add in a new one or two each year. We are going to Erfurt this year, and as often as I have been to Heidelberg, have never gone to the Xmas market.
Having worked in and around the market in Frankfurt for almost 20 years, it has a lot of my favorite things. The brass band playing from the roof of the Alte Nikolai, the various concerts in the churches, the sound of laughter from all the Glühwein stands and seeing the excitement of the kiddos. I like to watch them put up the market each year, and once it opens, wander around to see what is new to eat. There is always something new. Last year it was some kind of cup of corn. Sounded bizarre. Vegan items are getting popular. Some of the smaller markets are just so charming, with the lights and winding streets. Doing the torch walk at Ravenna Gorge was a highlight and have done that twice. Just so unique.

The Christmas Markets sounded fun, but I never considered going to Europe in winter when my husband & I had all of our traditions at Christmas time here at home. Now the last two Decembers have purposely been trying something different in early December before Christmas services & gathering with family at Christmas.

My oldest daughter & I went to the Christmas Markets last year to Austria, Germany & France. My expectations were mostly to see the European traditions, try some food, and enjoy the time with my daughter. What became so special to me was the atmosphere and how some locations took me back to childhood memories where Christmas decorations were simpler & not a bunch of plastic stuff. So many nativity scenes: some gorgeous, some very simple, some with lots of extras and some just the traditional were along paths to enter the markets, outside stores, & in churches. And some of the locations had stands with beautiful wood carving on their walls, or simple forest trees decorated simply with straw stars & dried orange slices. Yes, there’s a lot of others that were much, much more, and Strasbourg was very pretty with buildings decorated up several stories, too. But the reason I am returning again this year is mainly for how the atmosphere made me feel each evening.

I’m not much of a shopper, but I brought home several of the unique Christmas mugs used at the stands. I reserved hotels that were within 1-2 blocks of the main (or one of the main) Christmas Markets in the five cities, and that made everything much easier in the evening. We travelled by train with just a direct train & no more than two hours between cities.

If you do decide to do a Christmas Markets river cruise, be sure you’re happy with the timing of the itinerary. Some walk through the markets late morning/early afternoon, but the atmosphere comes in the evening. If you’re going mainly to just shop, then the daytime is less crowded. We usually did a quick browse walk through after arriving at a new city, then did city-focused activities, and returned to the same or different markets in the evenings for that special ambience.

I’m staying in 11 German cities this time that are all new to me, so there’s plenty of sites to enjoy & photograph, also.

”Some members are already mentioning upcoming Christmas Markets.”

They’re very popular. I recommend booking hotels 8-11 months ahead to obtain the closest options before only the expensive ones are left.

I think if you’re someone who likes Christmas in general, you’ll just love it. It’s not only for people who love this time of year, though. It’s also a chance to try the foods that are typical for Christmas in different countries. The smell is usually lovely, and just walking around with a mulled wine in your hand, looking at the decorations, is really nice. Some people also go there to shop for handmade Christmas gifts.

For me, what makes a market great is real handmade stuff, not mass-produced factory goods from China. That’s what makes it special. Live music helps a lot too, and so does decoration that’s generous rather than stingy. I’ve been to plenty of Christmas markets in Germany. Some were very simply decorated and mostly sold factory made products, which wasn’t that nice. Others were the complete opposite, and those were lovely.

Thanks to everyone for all of your replies. There are so many that I can not answer each of you individually but I will be coming back to this discussion and try.

We have Christmas Markets in the United States but someone posted that they are not near to what they are in Europe.

I go to Christmas Bazaars in Austin and they are ok but in my opinion, just ok.

I get the idea of what they are. Possibly need to look at some youtube videos.

I love Christmas and the Christmas Season but I am not interested in traveling to go to a Christmas Market. I was wondering what they are like and why some people do travel hundreds to thousands of miles to attend a Christmas Market in Europe.

Are you looking at presents for others. Are you seeking collectibles? Are you buying ornaments for at home? Are you looking to buy yourself something? or just looking?

I gather there is an environment / atmosphere created. There are lights and decorations. There is a tree. There is entertainment. Food! And persons selling all sort of things, some very good and others not so good.

Like any aspect of travel, some are completely enthralled with Christmas Markets and plan a trip with a half dozen or more of them in different cities, others could care less, most take a measured approach.

A typical German style Christmas Market is a series of booths selling Christmas related goods, hopefully locally made, but not always, traditional food stalls, sometimes with treats you only see during Christmas, and the requisite alcohol available, famously the Gluhwein, similar to a hot mulled wine you might be familiar with. Often there will be some entertainment, maybe an ice rink.

They are certainly tourist attractions to sell goods, but the locals interact with them differently, more a place to meet friends after work or in the evening, or take the family, to have a drink and get a snack, more a social event. As a tourist, by yourself, or only with a spouse, I think some of the magic fades without the social aspect.

I take a more measured approach, I enjoy them, but would not travel just to go to one, and after a couple, I would be full of Ho-Ho-Hum, preferring a warm beer hall to standing in the cold.

I guess my advice is if you are new to them, plan some time to be in the general area of Germany (could even be parts of France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Austria, etc.) from late November until Christmas (some do last until New Years) and hit one up, but do plan plenty of other things to see.

Mr E

I had the opportunity to look at one of the links that you sent me. It had something to do with the voting of the 10 Best Xmas Markets in Europe.

And they are spectacular. I can now understand why people travel thousands of miles to attend.

It is an entire atmosphere / environment.

I think there may be some similarities in the United States. If you were in NYC, it might be Rockefeller Center. In Wash DC, maybe the National Mall, In Boston, the Public Gardens and all of Santa Fe, New Mexico but it is not nearly the same as from the pictures that I looked at and the descriptions that i read.

Thanks for the links.

I think the NYC equivalent would be Bryant Park, rather than Rockefeller Center.

From your past posts I know you to be serious in your intent on the forum so, while with others I would presume differently, with you I presume it’s a heart felt legitimate question.

I gave you some videos in hopes that the image would convey enough. But, okay, deeper we go.

I am thinking out loud a bit so let’s hope that this is coherent when I am done. I guess holiday interactions fall into two widely overlapping categories for me. First, just raw enjoyment and second, that of learning. So, I don’t sound academic, let me put that another way, “feeding the curiosity”.

The enjoyment of the markets is the music that reminds me of childhood, the food that often does as well if not in type then in manner of presentation. Our markets here are heavily local crafts and local arts. All my life my professions was functional art, so the crafts and how they are created and how the serve I find fascinating and enjoyable.

That takes me to the feeding of curiosity. That is cultural similarities and differences. That creates even more questions that I love to find answers to. Why markets in Budapest? After the Ottomans were driven out, the country needed to repopulated and the Germans came in droves. Until 1900 more or less, the nobility spoke German and much of education and government was conducted in German. Until WWII the city had German neighborhoods, Afterall the country was part of the Austo-Hungarian Empire. Apparently their first market was about 1860 and the first public Christmas Tree about 1820.

Okay, well none of that was a reason to come, or?? BUT, to walk in a cultural expression and try to understand it or its roots is fascinating for me. To be elbow to elbow with the local population and to watch their children on the little train in the square … that’s worth it. I like the memories it brings back of my childhood. Not so much the exact same activities but the same feelings of the holiday. I had a great childhood in that regard and memories of it are always welcome.

I like an excuse to (yes sad that I need an “excuse”) to talk to the big guy upstairs and its one of my maybe 6 trips to a house of worship a year. The communion with the locals in the church is again a nice reminder that none of us are much different from each other. I have done this here, London, Rome, Kyiv and Moscow. Those are some of the best moments of any holiday.

Remember I started with I was thinking out loud. So, the realization is that I don’t like the markets. I like the Season and what it does to us, and the markets are just one cog in the wheel.

Many small town Bavarian Weihnachtsmart are only for an afternoon or two on an Advent weekend. It's a community event. The larger and longer the market generally the more commercial. Some small markets got so popular and with so many visitors that the community stopped having it. Too much work and lost the community aspect. Larger cities Weihnachtsmart are now weeks long across the four Advents and into January.

redheadlibrarian

Perhaps I am wrong but isn't there a magnificent Xmas tree and ice skating rink at Rockefeller Center?

Or is it at Bryant Park?

Mr E

I love the season. I celebrate everything.

I love events and happenings.

Since I have never been to any Xmas Markets, I think I would love a very good one. All by itself, i think I would love the Xmas Market.

bostonphil7 and we might agree as to what is a good one. Because that’s not always so obvious and maybe because there isn’t just one definition.

Maybe it is like a lot of other stuff where you need the right mix. There are plenty as good or better than where I am, but it’s where I am sitting so I will make an example. The big market at Vorosmarty ter has some incredible handmade items. Nothing gets sold there unless it passes a committee to be certain its local and culturally appropriate. So, for that aspect of the marvel of the season, it scores well.

Then a 5-minute walk to the Basilica market where the draw for me are the light shows on the front of the basilica and to my cardiologists dismay the dessert and a wine vendor I like.

That’s an evening. But it leaves me still empty so the next afternoon I head to a small market that I know has a couple of wineries present. With luck I know one and we will visit for an hour or so; I am getting comfortable.

Then just as the sun sets I board the M3 metro to the end stop where there is a rather small Christmas Market. Maybe a dozen huts, mostly food and one tent that is Santa’s tent and it’s full of toys. The kids go in and he gives them a package. You will have to trust me when I say those kids got a good start to a perfect Christmas. Mostly toddlers they scream giggle and laugh. The tent has windows so the parents can see their happy kids.

Then outside there is a stage with live Hungarian Christmas music. The performers come off the stage and dance with the kids. This goes on for hours. It’s all about the families. Everyone knows the songs and the audience dances and sings along. The vendors aren’t burned out on 20 thousand non-Hungarian speaking tourists, so they smile and laugh and try to understand me. It’s Christmas. It’s the part that is missing at the big market, but when you put all four stops together.

So, no, they aren’t the best markets. Well our Basilica Market got best in Europe 4 out of the last 6 years. But the little ones are just people, local people, doing what neighbors do.

I have the most wonderful start to the holidays and Church isn’t a pain to attend, it’s a thank you for the feeling.

I thought the topic was Christmas markets, not decorations and an ice rink. Bryant Park, which has an ice rink at the holidays, also features numerous vendors of crafts, holiday gifts and provisions. More details here.

isn't there a magnificent Xmas tree and ice skating rink at Rockefeller Center?m

Skating at Rockefeller Center started for the season this past weekend. They’re observing the 90th Anniversary of skating there; the first rink opened on Christmas Day 1936.

The trees are donated - how’s that for Christmas giving?

redheadlibrarian

In this post, I mentioned NYC as an American City that perhaps has something similar to a European Xmas Market. I mentioned Rockefeller Center only from what I have seen on TV. You responded back about Bryant Park and I brought up the beautiful Xmas tree or trees and ice skating rink in Rockefeller Center because that is what I saw in some of the pictures that was included in the links sent to me having to do with Xmas Markets in Europe.

Thank you for the link to Bryant Park.

The description in Bryant Park does say something about it being inspired by the European Markets.

Cyn

The Xmas trees in Rockefeller Center are beautiful, from what I see on TV.

Who donates them?

Thank you Mr E

During the season, do you go frequently to the Xmas Markets? Or is it a one time visit or two time visit?

I think that I would be easily satisfied by a Xmas Market that someone else might find just ok.

bostonphil7, here at least, and every place will be different and unique in its own special way, its not as though the city looks like February except for a few squares where Christmas Markets exist within barriers. No, the entire city is lit for the holidays. A lot is paid for by the city and a lot is consturcted and paid for by the shop and restaurant and cafe owners. But the result is the atmosphere begins when I walk out my door and extends all the way to the Christmas Market and beyond. Like I said the Christmas Market is just one moment in the larger experience.

I may get to Vienna for the market this year. Its very beautiful too and or RS Forum Emily writes beautifully about it. I also may get to the Uzhhorod which used to have a sweet little market by all accounts. Unfortunately war restrictions have put a temporary end to it. BUT, I have heard from some locals and seen a few pictures and they refuse to let go of the spirit so what they can do in person and with lights and in the houses of worship continues. It might just be the best Christmas (non)-Market in the world.

At least on European lines there are also Ocean Christmas market cruises, not just river cruises. One I've been to that way is Antwerp, where you dock in the heart of the City Centre.

I go for the decorations and atmosphere, not really the markets, but I will wander through the markets and maybe get something to eat or drink. I'd love to see Strasbourg, Cologne and Vienna all decorated for the holidays, but I can't imagine dealing with those crowds. I'll never go back to London in December either, too many people for me. I'm exploring more of Italy this December and might brave Belgium next Christmas.

Rockefeller Center Christmas trees are donated by families, maybe after some friendly cajoling. At the bottom, I’m pasting a link to a lengthy article from New York’s Channel 4 about the process for the Center’s trees. But first, the answer to Item 7 in their FAQ’s:

. 7. How is the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree picked?

If there’s a large spruce in front of your house, you might get a knock on the door one day from Rockefeller Center’s head gardener Erik Pauze.
Pauze has picked each of the last 30-plus Rockefeller Center Christmas trees, selecting trees that were nominated or that he spotted while driving and asked the homeowner if they’d donate the tree to Rockefeller Center for the holiday season.

And here’s the link for complete article:
https://www.nbcnewyork.com/holidays/rockefeller-center-christmas-tree-lighting-history-size/6415457/

Cyn, thats sort of fun and interesting. Thanks.

I share your curiosity about Christmas Markets and their widespread appeal, but have been disinterested because of my perception that they are focused on consumerism and shopping. Rockefeller Center and the surrounding high end shopping of Fifth Avenue is gorgeous at the holidays with decorations and, of course, the famous tree, but the closer parallel between European markets and NYC, is Bryant Park.

I’ll be in Italy for about 4 weeks beginning next month and my friend who lives in Rome and I were discussing what to do over a four day break she has from work during my time in the area. She mentioned Christmas Markets and her appreciation for them. After some discussion, we opted for a long weekend in Athens. Perhaps my own bias against consumption and the commercialization of the holidays is what makes me personally disinterested in them.

they are focused on consumerism and shopping

Isn’t that the point of a market?

Yes, which is why they hold no appeal to me.

My wife and her sisters are going on a Christmas market trip this December. They invited me. I said "let me get this straight. You want me to go Germany in the winter where it is dark and dreary and shop for ornaments and have the same set of few snacks and drinks for days on end or I could do, I dunno, anything else? Hmm. I think I'm gonna pass"

My wife then hit me!

Happy travels

David, the reason she’s going with her sisters! ; )

let me get this straight. You want me to go Germany in the winter
where it is dark and dreary and shop for ornaments and have the same
set of few snacks and drinks for days on end or I could do, I dunno,
anything else? Hmm. I think I'm gonna pass

I have heard Germany was that bad. Where I live, its quite a bit nicer.

Someone is obviously in league with my wife and her sisters and a vast Christmas ornament-industrial shopping complex to tempt me to travel to cold, dreary, and sun starved Europe in the middle of winter. Hmm. Is there at least free beer in it for me?

Happy travels

travel to cold, dreary, and sun starved Europe in the middle of
winter

Sez the man from Cleveland. I mean, you could stay home for the same experience, right? Also, the be boorishly accurate, Christmas Markets take place at the end of Autumn and the beginning of Winter as the astronomical winter commences on Monday, December 21, 2026, at 3:50 P.M. EST.

And more importantly, 3159 W. 11th Street is in Cleveland. Who needs to go anywhere else?

My wife informs me that I now love Christmas markets as well as the classic Christmas displays on W 11th street based in that movie. She said I find them delightful. Not dreary at all. Festive is the word I am to use. And no free beer.

Happy travels!

What an interesting discussion this turned out to be

I love Festive ... I love happenings. I love events

And on that, I must get back to my packing and cleaning.

Thank you for asking this question. I just got some great advice for our trip in 2027. I appreciate the advice to book hotels early. i bookmarked this post.

The biggest drawback to Christmas markets is crowds. My "find" function only found that word once in the thread. They can be oppressive. In Nuremberg, I couldn't move on a weekend night (though things were much better during the day and on a weekday night). I had to pass through a vast wave of humanity standing shoulder-to-shoulder enjoying Christmas market cheer last year on a weekend night in Aachen. It was miserable. I exited the market shortly after entering and passing through that crowd. Again, on a weeknight, the market was fine.

So... I really like Christmas markets... except on weekend nights. Going forward, my goal is to find something to do on weekend nights away from the markets!

Oh, yeah... I visited the main Budapest market in something like 2017 or 2018 while visiting a friend. It opened in mid November as I recall, when I was there. A Christmas market was nowhere on my radar that early in November. My friend said, "I have something special to show you." He then took me to the market. It was special, indeed. I don't know what it is like now, but then it was quite lovely with quality goods -- not cheap China-maid stuff.

Wait, Dave are you saying the crowds at the popular markets (Strasbourg, Cologne, Vienna etc) are NOT crowded during the week? That could potentially be a game changer for me since I was, I believe, the only person that mentioned crowds earlier. I've been to the little markets in Florence and Lisbon for instance. During the week I enjoyed the atmosphere and the lights, but at night on the weekends I quickly learned to avoid the market and stuck to wandering the side streets. If these bigger, more decorated, cities aren't bad during the week I would love the chance to visit in December.

In Budapest, the Basilica Market is crowded late Friday and Saturday evening; but during the week generally not. Also depends on when you come. November is the best ... maybe the first week of December. The Vorosmarty ter Market is large enough where it absorbs who ever shows up. But you save the smaller "local" markets for the Friday and Saturday evening and just getting to them on the trams shows you a lot of the lights of the city that a lot of tourists miss.

I can’t get enough Glühwein. It is my favorite rather than beer. I could shop for hours buying Lauschaer Glashugeln and Rauchgoldengel. Huge fan. The biggest. I would be running to join my wife and her sisters’ trip to Germany and Hungary to visit these festive Christmas markets if not for an uncancellable and pressing appointment with my chiropodist to deal with a rather vexing foot odor problem. These appointments are alas unalterable otherwise I would be shopping with the best of them for days and days. Is there anything better than a German winter? I don’t think so. “Festive” doesn’t begin to describe it.

Happy travels!

Crowds? Well, you could go to NYC on New Year's Eve... Or the Roman Coliseum in the summer... But, using Nuremberg as an example, it actually has multiple squares filed with different kinds of market "activities." That is the best one I have seen for kids rides and entertainment separate from the main area. Good food there too, if a little lighter on the Gluhwein stalls. And, Furth which is 20 minutes away by U Bahn from downtown Nuremberg has THREE Christmas Markets.

https://www.tourismus-fuerth.com/experience-enjoy/events/christmas-markets/

So, go for the food, go for the aroma, go for the feeling of Christmas, go to see the locals having fun, go for the locals and tourists crowd being there together for the holidays, go to meet/make friends. If you can't get with the Gemutlichkeit thing... well Buffalo is playing Denver in Denver on Christmas Day in 2026, but there may be a crowd there too.

Crowds? Well, you could go to NYC on New Year's Eve... Or the Roman Coliseum in the summer... But, using Nuremberg as an example, it actually has multiple squares filed with different kinds of market "activities." That is the best one I have seen for kids rides and entertainment separate from the main area. Good food there too, if a little lighter on the Gluhwein stalls. And, Furth which is 20 minutes away by U Bahn from downtown Nuremberg has THREE Christmas Markets.
https://www.tourismus-fuerth.com/experience-enjoy/events/christmas-markets/
So, go for the food, go for the aroma, go for the feeling of Christmas, go to see the locals having fun, go for the locals and tourists crowd being there together for the holidays, go to meet/make friends. If you can't get with the Gemutlichkeit thing... well Buffalo is playing Denver in Denver on Christmas Day in 2026, but there may be a crowd there too.

Nick, I wish I understood your response or perhaps it wasn't meant for my comment, but it's not clear to me. Are you saying that the crowds at some of the more well known markets are comparable to NYC on NYE, the Coliseum in summer or a football game in Colorado or are you saying the crowds are light during the week at these markets? Thank you.

Crowd topic: last year my daughter & I were in Strasbourg, France (among other locations) for one day/night for the Christmas Markets. We enjoyed the city, the cathedral, the sites, Christmas decor, and the Christmas Markets very much. Afterwards, some responses to my trip report were surprised that I didn’t mention the huge crowds there. We were there the second week of December on a weekday, and the number of people wasn’t an issue.

These things are so crowded that nobody goes to them anymore.

I once worked one winter in Germany and I must say that was quite enough for one lifetime.

Happy travels!

Jean, I may have been one of those comments. I do sort of remember a discussion that made me consider Prague, Vienna and Budapest. I don't mind the cold, I can dress for the weather, but I don't do well with crowds. Hopefully I'll be traveling many more Decembers to come so maybe I'll eventually give these cities a try.

Next year to avoid the crowds, I am going to see the Christmas Markets off season.

"Next year to avoid the crowds, I am going to see the Christmas Markets off season."

Okay, you win the internet. Hats off! Very funny!

Happy travels

“No Crowds Christmas Market Solution”

Wrap up in your winter coat at home, turn on some Christmas music, serve up a hot drink in a cute mug with the smell of sausages & bread coming from your kitchen, and go to this shop site! https://www.kaethe-wohlfahrt.com/en/home

Jean, here is one about 4 minutes from my front door. Its open year round so you can go off season: https://fb.watch/v/5gBG6FQfp/

They are potentially a place to get actual Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire, or at least hot, from a cart. Mel Tormé wrote The Christmas Song in the 1940’s, but chestnuts were never available at home when I was a kid. A few Decembers ago, I heard report on the radio about how chestnuts had grown all over the eastern U.S., and were a major crop - almost excessive. Then, they suddenly disappeared. A fungus took out virtually all the chestnut trees, and American chestnuts were, suddenly, no more. Sounds kind-of like the Passenger Pigeon.

It seems to me that in London last Christmastime, at least one cart was selling them. I’ve actually got an unopened packet at home in the pantry. They’re from China.

They always have chesnuts roasting in the Budapest market. But I noticed not as many vendors last year. Smells wonderful, but I dont much care for the taste.

Seeing Chestnuts roasting is quite a common thing at UK Christmas markets and other similar events, or It is in the North of England anyway.
I'm not sure I've had them since I was very young, well over 50 years ago.
Christmas is also when you see lots more nuts of all types in the shops, a bit of a tradition to have them in the house, again in the North (maybe less so in the South). For many years it was also the only time of year in my house when we would have a box of dates in the pantry.

Christmas is also when you see lots more nuts of all types in the
shops,

Yes, but I just stay clear of them and so far no problems. I figure they have a right to shop too.