The first Christmas markets date back to the Middle Ages when they appeared in the German-speaking part of Europe (Austria, Germany and Alsace that at the time belonged to the Roman German Empire) ; they were known as “Saint Nicholas markets”. Later, in the XVI century, Strasbourg held the first “Christkindlemarkt” (literally meaning "Christ child market") that replaced the old Saint Nicholas market. Christmas markets are street markets organized by the municipality on the town square and/or adjacent pedestrian areas; they usually start about four weeks before Christmas and last until the end of December. Christmas markets look like huge animated postcards with its wooden stalls and colourful decorations. And in the air an agreeable smell of hot roasted chestnuts and sweet treats.

All Christmas markets are fabulous, but some became more famous than others, probably due to their old tradition.

Visiting a Christmas market is a moment of joy and magic!

In Germany the capital Berlin offers a few Christmas markets but the really popular is the “Weihnachtsmarkt am Opernpalais” near to the famous avenue Unter den Linden. Besides Berlin, Christmas markets are held in Cologne, Dresden, in the beautiful old town of Lübeck, in Nürnberg, and in various other less important towns, as Rothenburg ob der Tauber (photo), the very charming town where my “boss” studied German!

In Austria, Christmas markets can be found in every major city and town, but the “Christkindlmarket” in Vienna, is the most popular and well-known in Europe, dating back actually to 1764. It is held on the square in front of the magnificent Town Hall and boosts a wealth of attractions, from daily workshop for kids to choirs from around the world performing on weekends as a token of the love of Austrians for good music.

Did you know that the famous carol “Silent Night” that is heard round the world has originated in Austria?

In Belgium at this season of the year, the historical center of Brussels becomes a huge Christmas market with more than 220 huts. A "must" for chocolate lovers.

In Denmark, the major event is the Christmas market in Copenhagen’s Tivoli gardens, the oldest attractions park of the world. Don’t miss the Christmas village with gift shops, food and souvenirs. Hans Christian Andersen Christmas Fair in Odense is truly unique in its style and atmosphere, and draws on the visitor's nostalgic memories of the fairy tales which he was reknown for.

In France, Strasbourg is known for having the oldest and also most important Christmas market; it is being held since 1570 when the town was part of the Holy Roman German Empire. The market spans over several Old Town streets and squares, where the shop windows, richly decorated and illuminated, compete with the lovely façades of the houses.

In the Netherlands, the bridges and cannals of Amsterdam are beautifully decorated and illuminated, and the Leidseplein becomes an ice skating rink.

In Hungary, Budapest hosts the major Christmas market, held on the Vorosmarty place in front of the Café Gerbeaud. During this season, the façade of this traditional café turns into a huge Advent calendar, opening every day at 5 PM one richly decorated window.

In the Czech Republic, Christmas markets are called “Vanocni trh”, and the one in Prag takes places at the Old Town Square and the Wenceslas Square. You may buy candles, wreaths and other Christmas ornaments, as well as enjoying Christmas carols.

In Sweden, the honour goes to Götenborg, the second big city of the country, which is host to the Christmas market in the Liseberg Park.

In Switzerland, it is the town of Montreux itself that becomes a Christmas market with its 120 wooden chalets boasting lovely decorations and settings. There is an atmosphere of celebration, with various cultural events that bring music and art to this lovely Alpine town.