REFLEKTOR / SPOTLIGHT
Brisel / Brussels
Try: Spiced gingerbread cookies Photo: The gas lamps of the Charles Bridge 3. Budapest - the warming magic of the Danube Christmas markets occupying the banks of the mighty Danube prove too tempt- ing with their roasted chestnuts, papri- kash stew and mulled wine with plums. The Hungarian capital’s main Christmas markets are on Vörösmarty Square and in front of St. Stephen’s Basilica, where the oldest documented stalls date back to the 19 th century. Ceramic angels and handicraft items from all over Hunga- ry create a fairytale atmosphere, while music and lights further invigorate the squares. Try: Roasted chestnuts Photo: Batthyány Square, with the Dan- ube in the background 4. Copenhagen - the lights of fjords Danish minimal elegance enters the fes- tive season through Tivoli Gardens and the squares of the city centre. Handicraft items, cinnamon, cupcakes and Nordic specialities create a wonderful atmos- phere, while small lamps and wooden huts suit the relaxed rhythm of the hyg- ge philosophy. The youngest visitors par- ticularly enjoy the speed of the carousel and seeing the Little Mermaid. Try: Nordic butter cookies Photo: Tivoli Gardens with its illumi- nations 5. Berlin – modern magic Berlin combines history with its alterna- tive spirit. Its most popular Christmas markets are on Gendarmenmarkt, Alex- anderplatz and Charlottenburg. These traditional festive markets date back to the 15 th century and today their stalls of- fer mulled wine, bratwurst sausages, craft products and wooden decorations. Street musicians and performers add to the pulse of the city’s streets, while car- ousels and ice rinks represent a special attraction. Try: Berliner Glühwein (mulled wine) Photo: Gendarmenmarkt’s Christmas light installations 6. Brussels – chocolate heaven The Belgian Christmas markets of Brus- sels city centre carry the intoxicating aro-
8. Stockholm – Scandinavian light Stockholm’s main Christmas shopping locations are the Grand Square (Stortor- get) in Gamla Stan and the shopping cen- tres of Norrmalm. Stalls offer traditional Swedish cakes, mulled wine and handi- craft items, while lights and candles cre- ate an atmosphere that’s warming de- spite the frigid winter. Try: Baked cookies and Glögg mulled wine Photo: Gamla Stan’s Stortorget under Christmas lights 9. Lisbon – the scent of the sea Lisbon combines a relaxed seaside at- mosphere and festive warmth. The city’s Praça do Comércio (Commerce Square) and the surrounding streets are illumi- nated with fairy lights, while its markets offer honey cakes, festive pastel de nata custard tarts and Portuguese crafts. Mod- ern Christmas markets first appeared here in the 20 th century, and they are giv- en additional charm thanks to fado mu- sic and local performances. Try: Pastel de nata with cinnamon Photo: Lamps beside the Tagus River 10. Oslo – Scandinavian charm Oslo offers Christmas magic at Spiker- suppa on Karl Johans Gate boulevard, where local products, handicraft items and winter specialities like the fish dish rakfisk or mulled wine create an authen- tic atmosphere. Lights on the wooden shacks reflect in the snow and the fjord, bringing feelings of warmth and intimacy to the city centre. Try: Mulled wine and roasted walnuts Photo: Lights along the fjord
mas of chocolate, waffles and mulled wine. The main markets, occupying the city’s Grand-Place, Place Sainte-Catherine and Bourse, have a tradition that dates back to the mid-19 th century. Each stall of- fers unique lanterns, small gifts and lo- cal delicacies. Adding to the holiday spirit are LED installations and skating rinks. Try: Belgian pralines Photo: The Grand-Place at night 7. Amsterdam – illuminated canals The Christmas markets of Amsterdam are concentrated around Museumplein, Leidseplein and Dam Square. They have a tradition dating back to the 19 th centu- ry and are given special charm thanks to the city’s canals covered with lamps and wooden shacks. An intimate and jolly at- mosphere is created by the offer of roast- ed nuts and hot beverages, but also small stages for performances. Try: Roasted almonds Photo: Lamps alongside the canals
Lisabon / Lisbon
90 | Božić » Christmas
Made with FlippingBook interactive PDF creator