DRMumbai: This Christmas season, plan a trip to any of these Christmas market experiences across the globe that festively wrap guests of all ages in the awe and wonder; building traditions and making memories that last a lifetime
AUSTRIA
The Salzburg Christkindlmarkt, as it is known today around the world, has existed since 1974. Every year, the market is officially opened with befitting pomp and celebration on the Thursday preceding the first Sunday in Advent, closing its shutters for the final time on December 26. Local folk customs and traditional decorations for the Christmas tree, gifts for big and small, incense to help conjure up a festive atmosphere in your own home, all kinds of delectable treats in the form of Austrian specialties, mulled wine and hot punch: at the Christmas market on Salzburg’s Cathedral Square, you will discover practically everything you could possibly wish for.
BRUSSELS
Xmas Festival in Woluwé-St-Pierre is an original and varied Christmas Market that stretches around the beautiful, renovated Place Dumon, which will sparkle in thousands of lights. The quality, originality and authenticity will show through your Christmas purchases. And do not forget to visit the exhibition of the plastic artists! From December 10 to 15.
CZECH REPUBLIC
Christmas markets are the key attraction of the festive fervour during Christmas in the Czech Republic, bringing locals and tourists together. This is the time to revel in the joy that fills the air across Prague, České Budějovice, Brno and Olomouc. Indulge in traditional Christmas gastronomy, buy Christmas themed souvenirs, and try one of the famous Czech beers or the mulled wine.
USA
Philadelphia
Be excited for Christmas Villages return to Love Park, with additional decoration, new vendors and even more event space to stroll. Returning for its 11th season, Christmas Village in Philadelphia will transform Love Park into an authentic German Christmas market. The event will open Thanksgiving Day (Thursday, November 22) and run through Christmas Eve (Monday, December 24) with a Preview Weekend on November 17 and 18.
Over 80 local and international vendors will await the visitors in their traditional wooden booths, offering Holiday gifts, ornaments, jewellery, and high-quality arts and crafts. Here, everybody is sure to find unique gifts for their beloved ones that can’t be found in a shopping mall!
Come and enjoy European foods, sweets and drinks, such as Bratwurst, Schnitzel and Lebkuchen (gingerbread) or the special hot Gluhwein (mulled wine). Watch daily live performances by local bands, dance groups and artists on the Christmas Village stage and experience one of the themed weekends or special weekday events, such as Wine Tastings or St. Nikolaus Day.
Don’t miss: The festive Käthe Wohlfahrt tent features popular Christmas gifts from Germany, including glass ornaments, music boxes, nutcrackers, schwibbogen and incense smokers.
Washington, DC
Enchant Christmas from November 22 to December 29 is a large-scale, immersive holiday light experience featuring the World’s Largest Christmas Light Maze, a locally curated food and Christmas Market, ice skating trail, live entertainment, and much more. The larger-than-life maze experience coming to Nationals Park in Washington, DC this season is based on Enchant’s storybook, “The Great Search.” In this story, Santa’s reindeers are accidentally set free and the entire city is charged with helping him track them down inside Enchant’s World’s Largest Christmas Light Maze. Build traditions and make memories that last a lifetime as this experience festively wraps guests of all ages in the awe and wonder of this cherished time of year. All tickets are on sale now at EnchantChristmas.com.
UK
The 20th instalment of the Manchester Christmas Markets from November 8 to December 21 (Albert Square stalls open until December 22) will take over locations across the city from mid-November, meaning visitors won’t be far from festive gifts and delicious food and drink stalls selling traditional bratwurst, hog roast, paella and much more. There will be more than 300 stalls and chalets across the city, with the heart of the markets found in Albert Square. Visitors can follow the trail and pick up jewellery, toys, plants, bags, homeware and fun, quirky gifts at a variety of markets, including a French market, a German market, a World Christmas market and a dedicated Arts & Crafts market.
Also check out: Winter Funland, which will be held at an indoor venue and include fairground attractions, an ice rink, a circus and other fun performances (December 6, 2019 to January 3, 2020); Halle’s (Manchester’s Orchestra) Christmas Concerts at Bridgewater Hall and Ice Village Manchester, the UK’s biggest-ever ice attraction which includes an Arctic Tiki Bar, Santa’s Grotto and an ice rink (November 8, 2019 to January 5, 2020).
ISRAEL
Christmas in Israel is Christmas spent in the Holy Land in its true spirit, a magical bucket list experience for many. The Old City in Jerusalem is a great place to feel the Christmas vibe, with plenty of churches and sacred sites to enjoy. From December 14-17, 2019, a festive and colorful Jerusalem Christmas Market will be held at the New Gate (Collège des Frères) of the Old City of Jerusalem and in the Muristan and Nablus Road from 4 pm to 10 pm. The picturesque alleyways of the Christian Quarter from the New Gate to the Muristan will be decorated with special holiday decorations and fireworks for the opening of the Market and Sylvester. A huge Christmas tree will be located at the New Gate along with gift stands, holiday delicacies and shows for the whole family. Entrance to the market is free of charge.
