Christmas markets boost holiday spirit

World
Europe

Christmas markets are probably the best-known places for people to immerse in Christmassy feeling during the festive season.

CGTN Digital brings you a list of some of the best Christmas markets across the world.

History of Christmas markets

The image gives an idea of an ancient Christmas market. /Pinterest Photo

The tradition started in the Late Middle Ages in the German-speaking part of Europe. Christmas markets, Weihnachtsmarkt in German, are now set up in many other countries.

With many open-air, decorated stalls in city centers, filled with traditional Christmas items and handicrafts, visitors are attracted to these Christmas markets to enjoy traditional Christmas food and drinks such as ginger cookies and mulled wine.

The nativity scene is among the popular attractions of such a market, and some of them feature performances like “Christkind", meaning Jesus child, played by a child.

World’s best Christmas markets

1. Strasbourg, France

A Christmas market in Strasbourg /Pinterest Photo

Strasbourg is home to one of the oldest Christmas markets in Europe with a history dating back to 1570.

There are 10 locations with about 300 stalls today at Strasbourg Christmas markets along the alleyways. The visitors love to pose for photos in front of the Great Christmas Tree at Place Kleber.

2. Dresden, Germany

Dresden Christmas market /Pinterest Photo

You will love Dresden for its Christmas markets.

The city hosts about 11 Christmas markets set up at different points during the holiday season.

3. Prague, Czech Republic

Prague Christmas market /Pinterest Photo

Christmas markets in the capital city of the Czech Republic mesmerize travelers from all over the world, because of its uniqueness.

The markets in Prague give the feel of medieval times.

4. Brussels, Belgium

A Christmas market in Brussels /Pinterest Photo

More and more people come to Brussels to enjoy the “Winter Fun”, which has become one of the largest and most popular events in Europe.

The ice-skating rink, the magical light and sound show, and the festive Christmas parade attract travelers from all around the world to discover the magic atmosphere of Christmas in Brussels.

5. Manchester, United Kingdom

Manchester Christmas market /Pinterest Photo

Many consider Christmas market in Manchester as an ideal destination that started in 1999 and growing every year since then.

It now attracts millions of visitors each year. About 300 stalls offer food, drinks and gifts in the city center.

What to do during Christmas in China

A man dressed as Santa Claus poses with a child in a shopping mall in Beijing. /Chinadaily Photo

Although Christmas is not a public holiday in China, it has been gaining popularity for the last two decades; more and more people are adopting the festive tradition, especially in big cities such as Beijing and Shanghai.

There are Christmas markets or Christmas bazaar in China, where you can indulge in the spirit of the season.

The annual German Charity Christmas Bazaar is one of the most well-known seasonal events in Beijing. There are usually over 40 stallholders and market sponsors, who donate their revenue to a charity project in Beijing. The visitors can taste the delicious German food and can buy handmade Christmas decorations.

German Christmas market in Beijing /Photo via ‍beijinger.com

If you have missed the Bazaar this year, you can enjoy Christmas Choirs at the Churches and even at some of the big hotels. Most of the Catholic and Protestant churches in big cities such as Beijing and Shanghai arrange activities during the Christmas season.

People join the choir to sing Christmas songs in a shopping mall in Beijing. /Chinadaily Photo

Holiday shopping is also a way to celebrate Christmas in China since many of the shopping malls are decorated with Christmas trees and lights. They usually offer discounts during the holiday season.

Christmas tree stands in a shopping mall. /Chinadaily Photo