Christmas Markets

Austria
Graz has 6 traditional, and arts and craft markets to choose from. All within easy walking distance of each other. A giant advent calendar projected on the façade of the city hall each evening, see monumental ice sculptures made from 50 tons of crystal clear ice in the Landhaushof , together with an Ice Crèche. Styrian choirs, brass bands and musical groups including Alpine folk performances. Well tucked in and comfortably seated, visitors can travel through Graz on the small Advent train. Starting in front of the Franciscan church, the leisurely route takes you through the Old Town of Graz. 23rdNov to 24thDec 2007

Innsbruck In the picturesque medieval Old Town, beneath the world famous Golden Roof, is the city’s main Christmas market with countless stalls decked out with Christmas decoration, local wood and glass crafts, Tyrolean loden cloths and much more. Christmas concerts and Advent events are a distinctive part of the pre-Christmas period in Innsbruck and its holiday villages. 23rdNov to 28thDec 2007

Estonia
The charming Tallinn Christmas market brings magic to the heart of the Old Town. Its medieval atmosphere brings old traditions to life and lifts the spirits. Visitors can buy Estonian
handicrafts, enjoy a cultural program and taste traditional food and drink 18th Nov to 25th Dec 2007 There is also a Christmas Village at the Estonian Open Air Museum 14th to 16th Dec 2007

Germany
Bremen the historic city centre with Rathaus and Roland statue (UNESCO World Heritage Site) takes on a new splendour with over 170 colourful stalls. It’s Christmas Market continues to be acclaimed as one of the most enchanting in the country. Traditional handicrafts and medieval-style taverns, with wood fires and torch lights, are a magnet for the entire waterfront with snow-covered chalet-style stalls. Organ concerts, magical theatre performances and Christmas 29th Nov to 23rd Dec 2007

Heidelberg´s traditional Christmas market is located over five squares: Kornmarkt, Marktplatz, Universitätsplatz, Anatomiegarten and Bismarckplatz. It is great for a leisurely browse and has stunning views of the castle and the old quarter with its beautiful Christmas decorations. A wide array of crafts and tasty regional delicacies all add to the Christmas spirit... The open air skating rink transforms Karlsplatz into an icy landscape with a view of the most famous ruins in the world- the Heidelberg Castle! Surrounding the glittering ice rink are stands offering Glühwein, hot punch, bratwurst and other tasty treats.28th November to 22nd Dec 2007

Leipzig - Established in 1767, the Leipzig Christmas Market is one of oldest in Germany. The focal point of Leipzig's traditional Christmas market is the beautiful old market square in front of the Old Town Hall. In addition to over 200 stalls, other highlights include the biggest Advent calendar in the world, a fairytale forest with recreations of well-known stories. City on Ice - ice rink on Augustusplatz, and the Old Town Hall trumpeters 27thNov to 23rdDec 2007

Netherlands
The Vrijthof in Maastricht will change into a winter square with a Christmas Market, an ice-rink, a big wheel, Christmas-train and a grand carrousel. Of course there is gluhwein and a lot of other drinks and food together with craft and gift stalls. 1stDec to 6thJan 2008 Valkenburg The oldest and largest subterranean Christmas market in Europe, held as usual held in its underground grotto. Song and music and at weekends the visitor can enjoy many cultural events.17thNov to 23rdDec 2007

Switzerland
Bern Christmas Markets - held on Waisen-hausplatz and Münsterplatz. The Old Town houses, dating from the 15th to 17th centuries, provide a unique backdrop for the Markets offering Bernese handicrafts. For refreshments, the Bernese Christmas market has much to offer: mulled cider and wine, caramel cake and gingerbread. Santa Claus emerges from the Clock Tower with his retinue after carol singing in Kramgasse.1st Dec to 24th Dec 2007

Montreux 120 wooden chalets along Grand-Rue, under the covered market and along the lake-side promenade. Craftsmen work in front of their chalets so visitors watch them creating special gifts. Market Place now also has a skating rink. Father Christmas’ toy workshop is a wonderful world of animated machines and Father Christmas Grotto on Rochers - de - Naye is at an altitude of over 2’000 meters with a dazzling view over the Lake of Geneva and the Alps. It is accessible only by 'rack-train' 24th Nov to 24th Dec 2007

UK
Bath offers 117 traditional wooden chalets full of everything you’ll need to prepare for the perfect Christmas will occupy the Abbey Churchyard area, a magical setting in the shadow of Bath Abbey and next to the Roman Baths right in the centre of the stunning Georgian city’s shopping district 29thNov to 9thDec 2007

Edinburgh - Expect the return of Edinburgh's Christmas favourites such as The Light Night, the Traditional German Christmas Market, (and 5 more to choose from), Santa's Reindeer Garden, The Edinburgh Wheel, The Great Scottish Santa Run and Winter Wonderland, plus lots of surprises. 22nd Nov to 24th Dec. 2007

Hampshire - Winchester Cathedral Stunningly situated at the foot of the Cathedral in the historic grounds of the Inner Close, the Christmas Market will have 75 timber chalet style stalls, all attractively arranged around a large outdoor real ice rink. The chalets will be beautifully lit with tiny white lights and decorated in a manner similar to the traditional German Markets 30thNov – 16thDec 2007

Kent - A new visitor experience comes to Kent in 2007. Lapland UK is bringing the magic of a Lapland Christmas daytrip all the way to the Bedgebury Forest in Goudhurst, Kent. Father Christmas, real reindeer, husky dogs, Raymond Briggs’ ‘The Snowman’, Hollywood snow and ice special effects and rocking horse makers to the Queen (toy factory) From 24thNov 2007 for 5 weeks

Leeds Castle - in Kent between Maidstone and Ashford will offer a special mediaeval frost fair featuring Father Christmas, ice-skating and seasonal delights awaits visitors to the winter wonderland. With the castle decorated in classic country house style, lights twinkling in the trees and all manner of good cheer, it’s the perfect day out throughout the festive season. Special floodlit evening skating sessions and visits to Father Christmas can be pre-booked from October 2007.1stDec to 1stJan 2008

London
Hyde Park – Winter Wonderland. New in 2007 being held bang in the centre of the City. As well as the German Christmas Market which will sell festive gifts and culinary specialities, there will be Europe’s largest outdoor Ice Rink, a big wheel, and visits from Santa 24th Nov to 6th Jan 2008

Maritime Greenwich, London’s Christmas Village, has an exciting programme of festive activities, exhibitions and events running through December into New Year 2008. This area of South London will take on a special festive atmosphere with open-air ice skating, shopping, twinkling fairy lights and decorations. The colourful Greenwich Market will be open every day for Christmas gift shopping and many of the restaurants and bars will be offering special festive party menus, while the Greenwich Theatre annual pantomime production will be Dick Whittington running from 4th Dec to 5 Jan 2008

www.christmas-markets.org

25 September 2007