As soon as November arrives, European cities begin to prepare actively for Christmas. Wreaths, garlands, and spruce branches decorate store windows and house fronts, and in the evenings thousands of lights illuminate the streets. In the squares, under the shade of Christmas trees, small pavilions with souvenirs, gifts, toys and treats line up. The aromas of mulled wine, chocolate, caramel and gingerbread are already in the air.
Where a fairy tale comes to life, it is impossible not to be imbued with an atmosphere of magic. So choose your itinerary, pack your suitcase and set off on an unforgettable winter journey. The best Christmas fairs in Europe await those who are looking for holiday inspiration.
Manchester, UK
For 22 years, Manchester was the British capital of Christmas. But in 2020, the pandemic made changes to the celebration – the world-famous Christmas fair had to be cancelled. After a year-long break, the favorite event of citizens and tourists is back again. But not at its usual spot – Albert Square, but at Piccadilly Gardens, where the main shopping malls will be located. Fairgrounds will also be installed in Exchange Square, New Cathedral Street, St. Anne’s Square, King Street , Market Street and in the Cathedral Gardens.
You can buy anything at the Manchester Fair, from Christmas souvenirs to delicacies from all over the world. Handmade jewelry, fabulous leather bags, Belgian crockery, amberware – there’s a gift to suit every taste.
But the shopping takes a back seat to the food pavilions. There you can try the famous Fish and chips, steaks, pork rolls, sausages, and pancakes with different fillings. Christmas in the UK is not without its many kinds of ale at the fair, as well as hot mulled wine and cider. And those with a sweet tooth won’t be disappointed either, with chocolate, waffles, gingerbread, cakes, cookies, and pastries on offer.
Barcelona, Spain
One of the most famous Christmas fairs in Spain is Barcelona’s Santa Llúcia. This year it celebrates its 235th anniversary. Since 1786 its pavilions are located in the same place – on Avinguda de la Catedral. The fair has never been cancelled – not even the yellow fever epidemic in 1860 prevented it. And in 2020, the Christmas market also worked, although there were fewer stalls than usual.
This year, instead of 300 stalls, there are plans to open 175, but the variety of goods will still be great. Traditionally the fair is divided into several thematic sectors. One sector sells natural Christmas trees and various plants, the second – figurines for crèches, the third – clothing, decorations, decorative objects and handmade accessories. Traditional New Year’s Eve snacks include tourrons (dessert made of whipped egg whites and nuts), halva, marzipan figurines, churros (fried sticks made of custard dough), fruit in caramel.
During the fair, organizers have planned several concerts and a crèche exhibition.
Dresden, Germany
The Striezelmarkt is the oldest Christmas fair in Germany and will open for the 587th time on the Altmarkt. Its entertainment program includes many different activities for children and adults. More than 200 Festively decorated stalls sell the traditional products for which Saxony is well known: earthenware from Lausitz, lace from Plauen, handicrafts from Ore Mountains, gingerbread from Pulsnitz and Christmas stars from Herrnhut. Dresden’s holiday symbol is the Pflaumentoffel (plum man). This chimney sweep figurine, made of prunes, is one of the children’s favorite treats.
Traditionally, the world’s largest Christmas pyramid (Weihnachtspyramide), listed in the Guinness Book of Records, will be set up at the fair. This holiday decoration is a wooden structure in the form of a merry-go-round, which is decorated with candles and carved figures. The pyramid made by the masters of the Ore Mountains is 14.61 m high.
Colmar, France
Colmar, often called the Venice of France, is famous for its half-timbered houses and magical atmosphere of Christmas markets. This year there will be as many as six festive markets in the city, decorated in the form of fairy tale villages. The stalls are usually dominated by the goods of Alsatian producers, who are selected by criteria of quality and originality of products.
The French Christmas Fair at the Place des Dominicains is a great place to buy Christmas decor and gifts. In the pavilions at Place de l’Ancienne Douane, craftsmen and artists display their work. The market at Place Jeanne d’Arc recreates the atmosphere of an Alsatian village. Here you can taste traditional delicacies – foie gras, cheeses, meats and wines.
In the quarter of Petite Venise (Little Venice) will open children’s fair. There’s mulled wine and apple juice, a merry-go-round, and a mailbox for Santa’s letters. In the market in the building of the Old Customs House (Koïfhus) you can buy the products of local craftsmen – glassblowers, cabinetmakers, sculptors, potters. The sixth fair on Cathedral Square is a real paradise for gourmets. 9 professional chefs will prepare any dishes – from simple snacks to dainty desserts.
