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17/12/2006 - Christmas Market Magic 

With just over a week to go before Christmas Day, there's still time to enjoy all the fun of a traditional festive market either in the UK or mainland Europe. Whilst traditionally, markets in capitals such as Vienna and Berlin have stolen much of the attention, historic English cities such as Bath and York also hold their own well-organised craft, farmers and food markets. Indeed, with York aiming to attract the tourist pound, this year's festivities include a German style "Christkindlesmarkt" complete, of course, with Glühwein.

But such markets aren't just the sole preserve of larger towns. Indeed, providing you know what's on, you'll discover that a number of quaint European towns have their own impressive celebrations. Undoubtedly one of the most magical takes place in the Dutch town of Valkenburg, which sees the downtown area transformed into a Christmas Wonderland. On the edge of town, you'll also find a Christmas market set within a number of adjoined caves (providing a unique spectacle in which to browse for handmade gifts and ornaments).

Indeed, if you're in the hunt for beautiful Christmas decorations, then the Bavarian town of Rothenburg o.d. Tauber is the place to head. Not only does the medieval town have a wonderfully festive feel, but here you'll also find one of the world's largest Christmas shops (that's actually open all year round). The beautiful Austrian town of Salzburg has its own store along similar lines, though you may find the festive crowds too much to bear.

Which takes us neatly to the city of Budapest. Although its annual Christmas market can't claim to outdo neighbouring Vienna's, there's certainly a warm, festive feel with home-produced traditional wares (as opposed to those imported from the far-east) and less of a crowd at weekends! Indeed, if we'd cite one problem with the Christkindlmarkt in Vienna - which is staged in front of the picturesque Rathaus - it's simply that you'll be enjoying the spectacle with a few thousand other tourists!

However, crowds and Europe's current unseasonably high temperatures aside, each of the aforementioned markets offers a traditional taste of Christmas and one, which taken in the right company, can provide a truly memorable experience.
 

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