Tales of Schmalzkuchen & Gløgg – Top Five Christmas Markets
The tradition of Christmas markets stretches back hundreds of years since the first was held in Dresden, Germany in 1434. People loved to socialise in the town centre with steaming hot beverages and purchase unique gifts and handicrafts then, just as much as they love to today. Show & Stay bring you our pick of the the best Christmas markets in Europe and they’re giving you the chance to win a London Theatre Break.
1. The Southbank, London
Christmas markets become a common sight around the UK during recent years, however the the smell of mulled wine and roasting meat has wafted over the bank of the Thames for the past sixty. Tucked under iconic bridges and the London Eye, the Southbank Christmas market is the perfect place to chill before your evening performance. A whole host of goodies from around the world are on offer including mince pies and hot chocolate, and there are rides to entertain children big and small. The location also provides picturesque views of that iconic London skyline.
2. Lübeck, Germany
No country is as decked out for Christmas as Germany and Lübeck’s Christmas market isn’t your average festive affair. Part of it is traditional, with its cobbled old-town covered in wooden huts selling all manner of treats and trinkets. The other half is medieval, complete with people in old costumes creating crafts and treats of days gone by, none of which look out of place amongst the grandeur of it’s historical, moated old-town with it’s towering gate. Warm schmalzkuchen — small, doughnut like cakes covered in icing sugar or a fruity sauce are an absolute must, as is the Niederegger Lübecker marzipan for which the town is famous (check out the official shop with it’s intricately shaped delights). Don’t forget that you can either return your mug to get your “pfand” (deposit) back, or keep it as a souvenir.
3. Tivoli Gardens, Copenhagen, Denmark
Each year Tivoli Gardens opens its gates to host its annual Christmas market. A central location adds a touch of charm to a market surrounded by all the fun of the fair. Fifty stalls packed with food, drink and intricate gifts descend into the heart of the park. Selected rides still run as the temperatures drop below zero, and each year there’s a grotto where Julemand (Father Christmas) and his nisser (helpers) enchant children and adults alike. Æblerskiver, small pancake balls, are eaten with icing sugar and jam, and washed down with a warm mug of gløgg (mulled wine). This year’s offering combines Scandinavian and Russian Christmas traditions in a new pantomime starring “Father Frost”, a character from Russian folklore.
4. Prague, Czech Republic
Prague’s Christmas market opens stalls throughout it’s world-renowned old town at the end of November, and the food is served up to midnight. The major markets are located around Wenceslas Square and the Old Town Square, which hosts a giant Christmas tree. Locals and tourists alike enjoy gingerbread cakes, kofola (Czech cola) and barbequed sausages whilst enjoying fine shows from street performers and choirs. Don’t forget – you’ll never be far from a pub where you can wash all this down with some high-quality Czech pilsner.
5. Salzburg, Austria
The Alps are not all about skiing. The famous Christmas carol “Silent Night” or “Stille Nacht” was first sung in Salzburg 2000 years ago, and as the snow falls and the darkness draws in it’s not hard to see where the local priest who came up with the lyrics found his inspiration. Salzburg’s Christmas market is packed into the old town, a perfect complements to its lanes and alleyways which harbour a host of little shops. Shoppers spend their euros as traditionally-dressed Tyroleans fire guns from the castle to scare-away evil spirits. The city, famous for The Sound of Music and Mozart, puts on extravagant classical concerts in its glorious cathedral to get visitors and tourists alike in to the festive spirit.
This guest post was written and provided by Show & Stay, the UK theatre break providers.
