8 | Europe's Christmas Markets Destination Guide
Of Europe's many festive traditions, perhaps
none is more loved than the annual Christmas
markets. Replete with cozy stalls selling all
manner of handmade craf ts by local ar tisans,
delicious regional treats and authentic holiday
accoutrement, each charming market boasts
its own heritage and character. With a histor y
dating back centuries, this treasured custom
has more than stood the test of time.
Though forerunners of today's Christmas
markets began in Europe during the Middle
World-famous, Europe's Christmas markets are loved by
locals and tourists alike, spreading cheer throughout the
festive season for centuries.
e history of
CHRISTMAS MARKETS
DRESDEN, GERMANY
Ages, the world's oldest genuine Christmas
market is Dresden's own Striezelmarkt,
which was first held for one day only on
December 23, 1434. This initial iteration of the
Striezelmarkt was a meat market, held so that
the people of Dresden would have a selection
of fresh meat from which to choose for the
upcoming yuletide festivities. This endeavour
proved so successful that it became an annual
tradition and the offerings supplemented
the following year with various other goods.
Beginning in the early 1500s, the duration of
