Shopping is one of the most popular activities to do in Christmas, which is only natural, since Christmas is directly related to presents and one of the most beloved activities, especially by children, is present opening.
Presents shopping could become really frustrating, especially for some people who want to buy something original for their beloved ones, without having to spend all their budget on a single present. This was one of the reasons why the Christmas Markets were born.
The Christmas Markets were invented to give a solution to that problem, giving to their visitors unique and relatively cheap present ideas to buy for the Christmas holidays. Since the Christmas Markets gained a huge popularity, the can be found in every city around the world, even in small villages.
Let's discover some of the best Christmas Markets around the world!
Christkindelsmarik Market | Strasbourg, France
Strasbourg, also called the 'Capital of Christmas', hosts one of the oldest Christmas Markets in Europe, that first took place in 1570. The market is actually separated into ten-twelve sections, organised by products, spreading around more than 10 locations around the city. Apart from the wide diversity of Christmas presents that you will find in the Market, you will also find local delicacies including spiced breads, sweets and pastries. There are also many events scheduled, so it is impossible not to find something that you like.
Toronto Christmas Market | Toronto, Canada
The most popular Christmas Market in Canada, Toronto Christmas Market, will run from November 16 to December 23, 2017, opening from very early in the morning up to very late in the evening. The admission is free on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday before 5:00 pm, while there is a small admission fee on Fridays (after 5 pm), Saturdays and Sundays. At the Toronto Market, you will see from dance performances, to carols, while family activities like Santa's House, carousel and a life-sized gingerbread house will be also available. This is the perfect Christmas Market for Families!
Viennese Christmas Market | Vienna, Austria
Vienna is proudly the home of more than 20 official Advent Markets, selling unique Christmas gifts as well as delicious local treats. The most impressive market is located in front of the City Hall, taking place from 17th of November to 26th of December. It will be open until night (9.30 - 10.00 pm), except the 24th of December when it will close at 6pm. Other Popular Markets in Vienna are located at the Beldevere Palace, Maria-Theresien Platz, Schönbrunn Palace, and the former general Hospital
Red Square Christmas Market | Moscow, Russia
Russia is a religious country so it's only natural to celebrate the birth of Jesus like nowhere else. Red Square Christmas Market is one of the few markets in Europe, or maybe the only one, that is open until the end of January. This is due to the fact that Christmas for Orthodox Christians is celebrated on the 6th of January, while the long and cold winter of Russia makes it only natural to extend the Christmas Markets as well. The Market is centered around the city's largest ice rinks while it also has an amusement park for little children. Even though the Market is not very big, you will find all kinds of Christmas presents there, as well as local foods.