For centuries, bustling Christmas markets around the world have been a fixture on people’s December calendar. Believed to have originated in Germany, the tradition of Christmas markets have spilled over to some of the most iconic market squares and streets across the globe. Awash with countless stalls, lit-up trees, charming exhibits and carolers, these hubs transform into brightly illuminated shopping spots that serve a lot more than just handmade gifts and souvenirs. Traditional beverages and holiday delicacies are a major highlight of these festive hotspots, pulling in hordes of people to indulge in good food and merrymaking.
In the run up to Christmas, Slurrp gives you a whiff of the flavours and aromas of delicious festive eats that make this season so special.
1. Strasbourg, France
An absolute delight for foodies, the Strasbourg Christmas market is brimming with treats such as Bredele, local Beer and Mulled White Wine, fresh Pretzels, Spätzle, Knackwurst and Crepes, among others. Often referred to as the ‘capital of Christmas’, Strasbourg is popular among revellers for the market’s incredible display of countryside artisanal delicacies.
2. Berlin, Germany
Bratwurst, Eggnog, Glühwein, Dresdner Handbrot, Cheesy Spätzle, Quark Bällchen, Roasted Chestnuts, Ginger Cookies and Sausages are among the foodie highlights of Berlin’s stunning Christmas markets. A European holiday shopping hotspot, these Christmas markets also sport a skating rink, over 5,000 lights-laden pyramids, age-old wooden pavilions, and pony rides, while you can also indulge in candle-making and embroidery workshops.
3. Shanghai, China
The Shanghai German Christmas market is one of the city’s longest-running markets. During this time of the year, the place is filled with the irresistible aroma of Glühwein, Bratwurst, Gingerbread, Sausages and Spices, as well as different varieties of sweet treats such as Chocolates, Pastries, Candies and Cookies. Apart from these, there are treasure hunts and colourful Christmas products to explore, while children can also indulge in activities like cookie-decoration and face-painting.
4. Toronto, Canada
Raclette and Maple Bacon Doughnuts are among the favourites at the Toronto Christmas market. A great place to rediscover the magic and romance of the holiday season, the food cabins at this shopping hub serve a scintillating experience, complete with treats like Churros, Lobster, Pierogies, Pretzels, Hot Sauces, Empanadas, Crepes and Fine Teas. There are also art installations and Jazz music to savour.
5. San Francisco, California
Quite the wonderland, the Great Dickens Christmas Fair in San Francisco gives you the opportunity to relive Dickens’ alluring stories through lamp-lit streets, tearooms and boisterous pubs that serve Draft Ales and Champagne, along with Hot Mulled Wine, Hot Buttered Rum, Irish Coffee, Hot Spiced Mead, Hot Toddies. After traipsing around music halls and browsing through the priceless treasures, you can also indulge in some Cinnamon Crunch Almonds, Fine Cakes, Chocolates and Puddings as well as Artisan Candies.
6. Copenhagen, Denmark
Caramels, Roast Pork Sandwiches, Cinnamon-infused Mulled Wine, Caramelised Almonds, Æbleskiver, Glögg, Glühwein, Hot Chocolate and Apple Punch await you at this dreamy holiday season shopping hub. Meanwhile, twinkling lights, trinkets, glass accessories and a delectable spread of traditional snacks are among the highlights of Copenhagen’s iconic Tivoli Gardens during Christmas. A tour of this charming Alpine village is sure to fascinate the young and old.
7. Basel, Switzerland
Yet another world-famous Christmas shopping hub, Basel is the place to be if you’re on a culinary spree. You can indulge in Waffles, Glühwein, Basel Läckerli, Raclette and Grilled Sausages. There’s also plenty of surprises in store for you in the firm of delicious Christmas biscuits and confectioneries. Meanwhile, the little ones can decorate candles and Gingerbread, bake cookies, make torches, hop on to kiddies’ train or attend the star workshop. Fairy-tale forests, illuminated trees, spectacular exhibitions and concerts are amonthe other highlights.
8. Chicago, Illinois
We bet you cannot resist the smell of Pretzels, Bratwurst, Roasted Nuts and Hot Spiced Wine. But that’s not all. The Chicago Christkindlmarket is famous for Crepes, Kebabs, Schnitzels and Nutcrackers. If you are into souvenirs, you can pick beer steins and wood-carved handicrafts, among others. As the name suggests, this Christmas market is dedicated to the golden fairy known as Christkind, who is regarded as a German avatar of Santa.