Still some time to visit Christmas Markets around Europe...

To be very efficient on Christmas time, or now when it's still 33 days to go to Christmas, I should have ordered the Christmas cards, purchased almost all Christmas presents which have to be sent overseas by 30th on November and have something different and personal touch on the presents. I've ordered the Christmas card (something very unusual for me to do!) and put warning notes in my calendar AND phone for the 30th of November coming closer and closer...But how do I get something personal bought...?





I would love to do something myself but seriously I don't have much time left...Solution: Do a daytrip to one of the Christmas markets and get the handmade Christmas presents for someone special!! Here are some of the ones I've visited and I'm planning visiting...one day...

Vienna Christmas Markets (13 Nov to 24 Dec 2010)

Probably the oldest Christmas Markets known and definitely the most traditional markets! Vienna Markets have been in excistence for over 700 years. All traditionally setup in front of Vienna's Town Hall (Rathausplatz) with hundreds of stalls where you can buy local handicrafts, taste cotton candies, glazed fruits and baked apples. Don't miss the carols on the advent weekends!




(Photo christkindlmarkt.at)




Stuttgart Christmas Markets (24 Nov to 23 Dec 2010)

Germany's biggest Christmas markets are in beautiful city of Stuttgart with over 250 stalls selling wooden toys, glass baubles, nutcrackers, big gingerbread hearts and the German specialty Hutzelbrot (fruitcake). Don't forget to taste the traditional Glühpunsch wine scented with cinnamon and vanilla!



(Photo Stuttgart-tourist.de)



Bath Christmas Market (25 Nov 10 to 12 Dec 2010)

British people have their own Christmas traditions with their Christmas puddings and decoratings, and all this and some more can be found at the Bath Christmas Market by the Abbey. Each year there are 123 wooden chalets selling local farmers' food, jewellery, crafts and children's toys. The views around the markets are beautiful with the Georgian feeling with the cathedral on the side.




(Photo christmasmarkets.com)




Tivoli Christmas Market, Copenhagen (20 Nov to 30 Dec 2010)

At the Copenhagen's old and traditional amusement park turns itself into a Christmas wonderworld with traditional markets. There are more than 70 stalls selling handicrafts, decoratings and local delicates such as gløgg (mulled wine), æbleskiver (apple donuts) and roasted almonds. There are almost 2000 fairylights lighting up the The Tivoli Lake, all this designed the Tiffany's head designer John Loring.



(Photo visitcopenhagen.com)



Old Town Christmas Fair, Riga (27 Nov 2010 to 09 Jan 2011)

At the Riga's most famous landmark Dome Square with 500 years old Christmas Tree lighten up will bring the Christmas feeling to everybody's mind. There are mulled wine, gingerbread, roasted almonds, Christmas tea and coffee, as well as delicious smoked meats and meat products to taste. There are plenty of handicrafts to choose from, but I would go with patterned woolen mittens, socks and hats, and handmade soaps and candles. The medieval atmosphere in old town of Riga brings more excitement to the fair.





(Photo iStockphoto)





Helsinki Christmas Markets, Helsinki (7 - 20 Dec 2010)

I bet I end up going to the local markets which would be the Helsinki Christmas markets...though I have to get a solution for the overseas package before these markets will start. From these markets you can find beautiful Finnish handicrafts from soaps to honey, from wooden toys to silver jewellery from 120 different stalls. The most interesting stuff are felt boots and hats, colourful or just in gray colour. These ones keeps you the warmest in the coldest weather. A cup of glögi at the Kappeli restaurant and eat Christmas pies.

So there's still time to book flights to any of the cities for a little shopping spree, don't you agree?! Or just to the local shopping centre, they have the Christmas feeling there too! :)