Christmas Markets

​For me Christmas really is the most wonderful time of the year. I love everything about it, the cosy nights in front of Christmas movies with the tree lights twinkling in the background to the excitement of the presents and seeing all the family. One of my favourite things to do around Christmas time is to visit the Christmas markets. Whether it’s the small local markets to the massive markets that take over cities I love everything about them.
 
I feel as an adult it can be easy to see Christmas as a burden but for me I love it! I really turn into such a big kid who sings the Christmas songs at full blast. The reason I love the markets so much is it captures the atmosphere of Christmas and no matter what age you can’t help but get into the Christmas spirit.
 
I have visited vast amounts of Christmas markets but no matter where I end up going I still end up having the same Christmas specials. For me you have to have a good old traditional German Bratwurst (to be honest it’s probably the only time of year I have one) and to finish it off with a cheeky tipple whether it is mulled wine or warmed mead (would highly recommend).
 
Christmas is all about food, friends and family and the markets capture this perfectly. You will find everything you want from Scandinavian bars serving traditional beverages to live music from local bands. There are stalls of brightly coloured gifts from all corners of the world and the food is just as exotic. You can find food from various different cultures from the Italian bakeries to a traditional hog roast there is something for everyone.
 
As much as I love the markets the one draw back is that I am not the only one who enjoys them. No matter which market you decide to venture to you will always find large crowds to accompany them. Even though I hate the crowds and find it can add a level of anxiety to a trip out it also adds to the atmosphere too. My tip, try and time your trip to avoid peak times these markets are normally open pretty late and throughout the week. Give yourself time and you will find it the perfect Christmas experience. 
 
I can’t wait for the markets to come around again this year for me it’s the start of the most exciting time of the year.  Enjoy yourself and have fun it’s ok to act like a big kid every once in a while.
 
S