STRASBOURG
Strasbourg, France, is said to be
the "capital of Christmas," with
the city's Cathedral Square taking
centre stage as it is transformed
into a winter wonderland. The
city's Christkindelsmärik is the
oldest in the country, dating back
to 1570. Hundreds of stalls teem
with colourful wares, fine food
and mulled wine, offering plenty
of festive cheer. Look out for stalls
serving Alsatian specialties, which
feature an array of hearty classics,
from bretzels (soft, bread like
pretzels) and bredele (star shaped
cookies) to knacks (sausages) and
pain d'épices (gingerbread).
VIENNA
One of the most iconic Christmas markets in the
world is the Christkindlmarkt Rathausplatz in
the shadows of Vienna's town hall. The market
welcomes more than three million visitors each
year who meander through the 150 market
stalls offering traditional foods, Christmas
ornaments and handicrafts. Savour classics like
roasted chestnuts, steaming mugs of glühwein
and sweet treats such as vanillekipferl (crescent-
shaped vanilla cookies) and lebkuchen (spiced
gingerbread). Choirs and musicians, a grand
Christmas tree and a 3,000-square-metre ice rink
add the final touches to this incredible sight.
Christmas in Europe is a magical time of year with Christmas markets popping up
in squares and parks across the continent. Here are our top five.
1
Top 5 European
CHRISTMAS MARKETS
Discover the magic of Vienna on our 8-day
Danube Christmas Delights river journey.
2
Experience the wonders of
Strasbourg on our 12-day
Christmas on the Rhine
& Moselle river journey.
8 | Viking Explorer Society News
