Tag Archives: christmas around the world

Central Europe’s Enchanting Christmas Markets

“It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, everywhere you go”…

Stalls selling toys, crafts, specialty food and hot beverages are appearing across the globe, but few places have mastered the art quite like central Europe. Germany and its surrounding countries (primarily Austria, northeast France, and Switzerland) are also where this Advent tradition began. During this most magical time of the year, make the holiday spirit your shopping partner by visiting one of these beautiful Christmas markets!

From tens to hundreds of stalls and known by a variety of names, it seems that each village and city in central Europe has its own special Christmas market. A few features to expect at each, however, are the seasonal traditions from mulled wine to roasted chestnuts to sausages and a wide assortment of pastries. Expect lots of beautiful architecture but little to no commercial products since most merchandise is traditional and/or locally made.

Exploring Europe has never been easier, but those who can’t travel abroad have many European-inspired markets across the US. Still, there is nothing like the real thing; so if this year is out, turn on your favorite Christmas classics and begin planning now for 2017!

Nuremberg, Germany

christmas markets

One of the oldest and most popular German markets has been lighting up the Nuremberg Main Market Square since the 1600s. Its sheer size is enough to attract residents and tourists, but visitors return for the unique memories. A local favorite is the Zwetschgenmännle, meaning Prune Men, which are figurines made from real prunes. Meander the stalls while eating a roll filled with spiced Nuremberg sausages, which are small but pack a tasty punch. Also keep an eye out for the event’s very own Christmas angel, the Christkind. Dressed in white and gold, and topped with a gold crown, the Christkind opens the event each year with a speech, then walks through the market taking pictures with visitors a few times every week.

Market: Christkindlesmarkt

Dates: 11/25/2016 – 12/24/2016

Dresden, Germany

christmas markets

Older than the Nuremberg market is the Dresden Striezelmarkt, which dates back to the 1400s. Many of the decorations, scented delicacies, carols, and toys may remind you of other markets, but the Stollen cake (made with dried and/or candied fruit), the multitude of wooden ornaments, and the 14-meter Christmas pyramid are unique to this part of the country. What should you do when it’s time to leave the Striezelmarkt? Why not visit all of the other Christmas markets that also take place in and around Dresden?

Market: Striezelmarkt

Dates: 11/24/2016 – 12/24/2016

Cologne, Germany

In true German fashion, Cologne hosts a few different markets, but two of the most notable are the Cologne Cathedral Market, which enjoys the 768-year-old cathedral as its backdrop, and in Heimat der Heinzel, otherwise known as “House of the Gnomes.” The former may be the most popular market in Cologne, boasting 160 wooden stalls full of eye-catching wares; and the latter market is the largest, complete with an ice skating rink and the chance of seeing the very gnomes that the event is designed around.

Market: Cologne Cathedral Christmas MarketHeimat der Heinzel

Dates: 11/21/2016 – 12/23/2016 for both

Vienna, Austria

christmas markets

Deciding which country celebrates Christmas with more style and spirit is a matter of personal preference, and a lot can be said in favor of Austria. Perhaps it’s due to location, but one of the largest markets sits in front of the capital’s city hall. The Wiener Christkindlmarkt has a lot going on from 150 stalls to the Gothic architecture behind the scenes, as well as an ice rink for skating and curling.

Market: Wiener Christkindlmarkt

Dates: 11/11/2016 – 12/26/2016

Salzburg, Austria

Each market in Salzburg is visit-worthy, but the largest Christkindlmarkt is in front of the city’s cathedral where it has taken place since the 15th century (even before the 17th-century cathedral was built). Visitors are encouraged to mill about and enjoy the lights, stars, songs, and treats; but keep an eye out for the Christmas spirits! If you’ve been naughty this year, beware Krampus who is the yin to St. Nicholas’s yang. Both the Christkind angels and Krampus demons run around the market figuratively rewarding the good or punishing the naughty, respectively.

Market: Salzburg Christkindlmarkt

Dates: 11/17/2016 – 12/26/2016

Montreux, Switzerland

Nestled along Lake Geneva are 160 chalets decorated for the holiday season from late November to Christmas Eve. Singing, music, and laughter fill the air, as does the aroma of steaming and spiced cuisine; but the biggest reasons visitors travel to Montreux is the natural beauty. Here you have the lake and surrounding mountains, the Le Train du Père Noël (Santa’s Train) that travels over 6,500 feet up the mountain to Santa’s house, and a glimpse of the Big Man himself as he travels on his sleigh over the market and lake Geneva.

Market: Marché de Noël

Dates: 11/24/2016 – 12/24/2016

Strasbourg, France

christmas markets

Is it possible that I saved the best for last? I suppose that’s up for debate, but this northeastern city in France (located on the France-Germany border) also enjoys the nickname as “the capital of Christmas.” The Christkindelsmärik (the baby Jesus market) has been returning every year since 1570, making it also the official first in Europe. Set against one of the main squares and the Roman Gothic Strasbourg cathedral, the Christkindelsmärik has an atmosphere all its own complete with traditional takes on holiday favorites and some of the best that the region has to offer. A couple names to know include Kouglof (a sweet brioche bread) and vin chaud (the French version of hot mulled wine).

Market: Christkindelsmärik

Dates: 11/25/2016 – 12/24/2016

5 of the Best Fitness YouTubers You Should Subscribe to Right Now

Winter may be upon us, but that’s no excuse to neglect your fitness routine. Staying active throughout the chilliest of months can do wonders for both your mental and physical health. If you can’t quite muster the courage to battle the cold and make it down to the gym, you can still work out at home with utter ease. Setting up an exercise area in your living room and watching a few video tutorials is a simple way to stay in shape without having to leave your house. Here are some of the very best fitness YouTubers the web has to offer.

1. Yoga with Adriene

If you’re hoping to find your inner zen whilst also having a good old stretch, yoga may just be the thing. Sports meets meditation in this ultra popular activity. A rather massive 28% of Americans have tried yoga, according to a study by The Yoga Alliance. If you’ve yet to join the club, now may be the perfect time. Yoga with Adriene offers of a 30 Days of Yoga challenge which will ease you into the art one video at a time. Each session is just about half an hour long and teaches you a new area of the discipline. The idea is that at the end of the first month, you will have a good grasp on the basic techniques and will want to continue on your newfound yoga journey.

2. TheLeanMachines


For those wanting to build muscle tone while getting active, TheLeanMachines is a YouTube channel that will help you do just that while entertaining you along the way. You’ll be coached by the likes of not one but two personal trainers: John and Leon. Many of their videos show you how to make the best out of your workouts, while there are a few surprises packed in there too. Of course, exercising is but one side of your fitness regime; and what you eat can have just as big an impact on your health. Luckily, these guys have got that covered too with simple recipe tutorials for some healthy and delicious meals.

3. Kayla Itsines


If you’re looking for short, sharp bursts of exercise, Kayla Itsines is your gal. She is doubtless one of the best fitness YouTubers of the moment, with eight years of professional fitness training experience under her belt. Plus, she knows a thing or two about how to push your body to its very limits. You’ve been warned. Most of her YouTube tutorials are no more than a minute long. She uses that sparse amount of time to simply demonstrate a workout challenge you can try in your very own home. While her video updates are few and far between, she also has a cell phone app so that you can work out with her anytime, anywhere.

4. Lauren Hefez


Aiming to help the YouTube viewing public to live a “healthy and happy lifestyle,” Lauren Hefez offers a range of short (about 10-minute long) exercise videos. Many of her workouts focus on the abs, hips, butt, and thigh areas. So, if you’re hoping to shape and tone up, dedicating a little time to her workout routines is a surefire way to kickstart your quest. She also slips a little cardio in there now and then, which is essential in any workout regime. Lauren uploads new videos every Tuesday and Thursday, which means that you’ll never be at a loss when it comes to new routines and fitness trick to help you reach your goals.

5. Blogilates

The wonderfully fit Cassey Ho is the lady behind the immensely popular Blogilates YouTube channel. In her short and sweet video tutorials, she offers Pop Pilates, which will help to sculpt and tone your body while also giving you a darn good workout to boot. Her videos are truly carried by her cheerful brand of charisma along with her informal chitchat style of coaching. That combined means that you will hardly notice the routines passing you by since you’ll be entranced by this lady’s sunny, bubbly personality. What’s more, when she’s not showing you how to work out, Cassey creates uplifting opinion-based videos such as the lovely Stop Trying To Be Perfect! vlog. Now, there’s a message we can all get behind.