CHRISTMAS MARKETS  >  SPECIALTY TRAVEL   >  INDEX


christmas in austria, belgium, france, germany, netherlands, uk

travel agencies, guides / christmas related books



United Kingdom - see Christmas Markets in the UK

Austria [ Vienna, Salzburg ]  - see Christmas Markets in Austria

Belgium - - see Christmas Fairs in Belgium

Denmark  - see Christmas Markets in Denmark

France -  see Christmas Fairs France

Germany - see Christmas Markets in Germany

Liechtenstein - see Christmas in Liechtenstein

In Liechtenstein, the Christmas season starts around December 6th or 7th.
St Nicholas, usually a family member or friend in costume, visits each household to meet with the children [ to ask them if they have been good or bad ]. Then the children tell him what they want the Christmas Angel to bring them on Christmas Eve.

Netherlands - see Christmas Markets in Holland


Christmas in the rest of Europe

 Budapest  -  Hungary
Various activities in Vaci Utca (main shopping street) and Heroes Square . Traditional Hungarian dancing, carol singing and stalls selling local specialities such as Hungarian Christmas cake.
 Helsinki  -  Finland
In Esplanade Park in the city centre. Stalls selling Finnish crafts, baked goods and other specialities.
 Krakow  -  Poland
Christmas gifts and fo od (honey cake, sweets), Local handicrafts (sculptures, embroidery), Hot wine and grilled sausages on sale
 Prague  -  Czech Republic
Two markets, one in Wenceslas Square and the other in the Old Town Square [ daily carol concerts performed by children's choirs ]. Hot wine, waffles, marionettes, straw decorations, cut glass, candles and typical Czech cookies on sale in the markets.
 Stockholm  -  Sweden
The Skansen Christmas market is one of the biggest in Sweden and dates back to 1903 (100 years in 2003). Enjoy music and fireside warmth in houses and homesteads, admire craft products in the Town Quarter, sample glögg, the traditional Swedish Christmas drink, and join in the dancing round the Christmas tree. There are many things to buy from shops and stores along the market street: Swedish craft products, traditional Christmas ornaments, sweets and Christmas fare. Also 13 December – St Lucia Day: Annual festival of light and procession through Stockholm.
 Tallinn, Estonia  -  City of Tallinn  -  Tourism  -  Tourist Board Tallinn
Raekoja ( Medieval Town Hall Square ) - various stalls selling local handicrafts

Travel Agent / Tour Operator

 Intrav  -  Christmas Markets Along the Danube
What better way to celebrate the holidays than a romantic cruise of the Christmas markets along the beautiful Danube River. The "Christkindles Markt" in Nürnberg, the Vienna Christmas market, and many more will tempt you for treasures to take home. Between shopping, you'll see ancient abbeys, magnificent cathedrals, historic palaces and, of course, the breathtaking scenery of meadows and mountains along the famous Danube. Truly a cruise to remember and cherish.




Travel Guides / Christmas Related Books

 Amazon.com - Christmas Guides

The Christian Origin of the Twelve Days of Christmas: A Children's Activity Book 
by Beth Dobrozsi (Author)
Did you know that the lyrics in the song are Christian in origin? The zany presents that "My True Love" gives represent Jesus, the Old & New Testament, the three theological virtues, the four evangelists, and more! Dobrozsi describes the Christian symbolism behind the popular Christmas carol's lyrics, leading children ages 3 to 15 through the twelve days of Christmas, beginning December 25th through January 5th. Hodges's illustrations, activities, and pull-out poster to color and decorate provide a fun way for children and youth to remember what they are learning.
Paperback: 29 pages; Publisher: AMDG Books (October 30, 2001); ISBN-13: 978-0972009201

An Easy Guide to Christmas Carols: Their Past, Present and Future 
by William E. Studwell (Author)
This book describes the history of the Christmas carol. Chapters include The Definition of a Carol, A General History of Carols, The Top 25 Carols, Some Other Notable Carols, Some Bad or Odd Carols, Some Misunderstood or Misinterpreted Carols, The Empty Four Decades, and The Future of the Carol.
Perfect Paperback: 81 pages; Publisher: The Lyre of Orpheus Press; 1st edition (October 24, 2006); Language: English; ISBN-13: 978-0964163140


Links 

 Travel Insurance

 Absolutely Crackers
Crackers have come a long way since they were invented in 1847 by Tom Smith. Coincidentally, Absolutely Crackers distributes the Famous Tom Smith brand to both the US and Britain.
In it's simple form a cracker is a small cardboard tube covered in a brightly coloured twist of paper. When the cracker is 'pulled' by two people, each holding one end of the twisted paper, the friction creates a small explosive 'pop' produced by a narrow strip of chemically impregnated paper. The cardboard tube tumbles a bright paper hat, a small gift, a balloon and a motto or joke.
 Airdrie Festival of Lights
Largest walk-thru Christmas light display in Western Canada, possibly even the world, but we don't like to brag.
 Christmas  -  American website
World's largest Christmas Internet portal. One-stop source for everything Christmas! Christmas Cards, Christmas Sheet Music, Christmas Trees and Lights, Clubs of America-Gifts of the Month Clubs, Deals, Gifts, Holiday Cards, Letters from Santa, New York Christmas Gifts, Ornaments and Collectibles
 Christmas Cards - Awesome Free Christmas Cards
 Christmas Crackers USA
Highest quality 'Party Crackers' at the lowest prices, with a variety of decorative designs and gift contents to meet any occasion.
 Christmas-Time *****
Lots of information here about virtually every aspect of Christmas, including Christmas Poetry, Christmas Prose, Christmas History, Christmas Music [ Don't forget to switch on your speakers! ], Christmas Traditions, Christmas Stories, Christmas Quotations, Christmas Illustrations, Christmas Food, Christmas Comedy and also the convenience of buying an amazing range of Christmas gifts on-line.
 Merry Christmas
Recipes, Cookies, Movies, Holiday Stories & Traditions, Christmas Music and more.
 National Christmas Tree Organization  -  dedicated to the christmas tree
 North Pole  -  specially for children
What do you want for Christmas, Christmas cards, advent etc.
 Old English Crackers
Specializes in hand-crafted 'Party Crackers' made with the finest materials and featuring quality gift contents. You simply will not find a better quality for cost cracker on today's market.
 Santa Claus Pictures  -  Thomas Nast Santa Claus Pictures
All of these illustrations appeared in Harper's Weekly newspapers in the years 1863 -1865. This is a fabulous source of information on the History of Santa Claus, and the origins of our Christmas Traditions. It can be seen that our popular image of Santa was first introduced by Nast during the Civil War. Thomas Nast's picture of Santa would continue to evolve over the years, but it is fascinating to study these early images and spot all the Santa traditions that we still practice today. Click on the Illustrations to be taken to large images and detailed descriptions of the Santa Claus artwork.
 Tree Treasures Canada  -  Christmas Tree Ornaments
Angels, Animals, Bird Ornaments, Canadian Symbols, Carved Clip-on Birds, Grosbeaks, Little Drummer Boys, Marine Life Ornaments, Owls, Personalized Ornaments, St. Nicholas Ornaments, Santa Claus, Woodpeckers and More...


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