Get travel inspo in your inbox every week from storytellers Marilee and Paul. Discover wonderful places, delightful hotels, and meaningful travel experiences in the USA, Europe, and beyond – currently, GREECE. 100% original content by Paul, the photographer, and Marilee, the writer behind Spotlight Sojourns.
✨European Christmas Market FAQs
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And just like that, December begins with a blizzard-worthy blast of snow, ice, and single-digit temperatures in the Midwestern USA. Paul and I are currently in Chicago, during our second week of holiday travel. Having celebrated a joyous Thanksgiving with beloved family, our hearts are warm even if our feet are cold. And, of course, we’re also visiting European-inspired Christmas Markets in North America. With this year’s focus on the Christmas Market experience domestically, rather than internationally, we’ve received some good questions about Christmas Markets in Europe: So let’s answer your most frequently asked questions about European Christmas Markets: 1) What is a European Christmas Market? Christmas Markets are a centuries-old tradition dating from medieval Central Europe. Today, of course, countless places across Europe and elsewhere celebrate the tradition. European Christmas Markets are held outdoors from mid-to-late November through December, are free, community-centered, and family-friendly events. They feature beautiful decorations, local food and drinks, artisanal gifts, and hand-crafted toys. Live entertainment, carousels, and other activities often enhance the fun. 2) What’s the difference between a Christmas Market and an Advent Market? The difference is the closing date: A Christmas Market that closes before Christmas Day is an Advent Market. 3) What is Advent? Advent is the four-week season of faith that begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas and ends at midnight on Christmas Eve. 4) Where is the oldest European Christmas Market? Ah, several Central European cities lay claim to this honorific! All are closely connected by geography, language, and heritage. In 1384, Wenceslas IV, King of Bohemia and Germany, proclaimed an Advent market in Bautzen, Germany. Next two world-famous European Christmas Markets debuted in the 15th century. The Dresden Striezelmarkt opened in 1434 in Dresden, Germany, followed by the Salzenburger Christkindlmarkt in 1491 in Salzburg, Austria,. However, the European city on record with the first-ever Christmas Market is Vienna, Austria. The Viennese Christmas tradition dates to 1296, when Albrecht I, Duke of Austria and King of Germany, decreed the inaugural Krippenmarkt. Reader, here’s to celebrating a season of warmth and wonder. Until next time, Travel on, sparkle on, meaningfully✨ Marilee + Paul Kostadimas PS: If you’d like to learn more about the fabulous festive season in Vienna, click HERE to read our in-depth article. PPS: Do you know friends or family who’d like a little inspo in their box? Please forward this email. They can subscribe by clicking the button below:
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Slow travel with the Hidden Gemologists
Get travel inspo in your inbox every week from storytellers Marilee and Paul. Discover wonderful places, delightful hotels, and meaningful travel experiences in the USA, Europe, and beyond – currently, GREECE. 100% original content by Paul, the photographer, and Marilee, the writer behind Spotlight Sojourns.
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