Children in the world try not to cry for this day! Can you guess what day it is? Yes, it's December 25th, Christmas! During the Christmas season, many unique events are held throughout the world. One of them is Christmas markets, which are held across Europe.
Every December, main squares of European cities, big or small, are decorated with a huge Christmas tree, with small stores called 'stables' turning on their lights in a row. This is the view of a Christmas Market. As the market is held near a gorgeous and magnificent building such as a cathedral or a city hall, various lights from the market attract many tourists.
The Christmas market next to the Cologne Cathedral of Germany, the world's third largest cathedral, or the market in front of the Belvedere Palace in Vienna, Austria, are two most beautiful Christmas markets.
In a Christmas market, you can buy various Christmas items or decorations. From tree decorations and snow balls to unique items of each country, you can get various items from the market. You can also shop for traditional handicrafts and in Nuremberg, the city of toys, you can find elaborate high-quality dolls and figures as well.
One of the kinds of food you can enjoy in a Christmas market is Gluhwein, a wine boiled with fruits and cinnamon. They are offered in a pretty glass at a reasonable price, and if you return the glass after drinking the wine, you can get a refund for the glass. Some collect Gluhwein glasses, which come in different designs every year.
In Germany, you can taste traditional German breads such as Stollen and Lebkuchen, and squares are filled with the flavors of delicious foods, such as wine, rum punch, ginger bread, chocolate and fried almonds. Don't miss out on the foods and snacks that add fun to your Christmas market tour!
Some Christmas markets attract tourists with attractions such as a big Ferris wheel and an ice rink. You can also experience the culture of each country through performances such as musicals, plays and puppet shows. The Nuremberg Christmas market, the world's largest Christmas market, holds a 'Christ Child' competition as well as a grand opening ceremony. In the Christmas market of Vienna, the city of music and arts, you can enjoy various events that excite your ears, such as a music festival and a trumpet concert. The Christmas market in Lille, located in Northern France, looks like a wonderland with its fabulous Ferris wheel in a festive mood.
Christmas markets are usually held from late November to the end of December. Please remember that you had better visit the markets before Christmas as many of them are closed on Christmas Day! If you are planning for an overseas trip this winter, visit some Christmas markets that are full of love and happiness. Merry Christmas~♪ Merry Christmas~♬ 
