There are moments when even adults become a little bit like children. A feeling of fairy tale and approaching magic envelops literally everyone. Especially when the air is filled with the aromas of cinnamon and hot chocolate, pleasant music is all around, little bells can be heard ringing, and rosy-cheeked vendors offer warming mulled wine. And it does not matter whether snowflakes are falling on your eyelashes or a light frost is tickling your hands inside knitted mittens. The main thing is that the holiday is approaching, which means it is the perfect time to visit a Christmas market. We offer you a few of the most interesting options.

A smile appears all by itself as soon as you arrive at a Christmas market in Berlin. There are lots of them here; one option is to get off the metro at Alexanderplatz and set out along the central streets all the way to the Brandenburg Gate. On the way, you will come across about a dozen small markets. And the biggest market is traditionally located near the Kaiser Wilhelm Church.

The special charm of Berlin's markets lies in the fact that here you can find not only delicious gingerbread and beautiful Christmas tree ornaments, but also all kinds of handmade crafts by local artisans. And it can be absolutely anything: from a Christmas tree made of bicycles to cabbage growing in boxes under the snow. And all of this comes with equally colorful music - choir performances can easily give way to jazz bands or soul singers.

What is worth trying and buying:

famous German sausages, Nuremberg sauerkraut, baked potatoes, Aachener Printen cookies (made especially for Christmas), gluhwein, hand-painted Christmas tree ornaments, elegant lace, and tiny glass masterpieces from local glassblowers.

In the Austrian capital, from November 20 to January 6, an incredible number of Christmas markets open. The largest of them is on Rathausplatz. And instead of the traditional bearded Santa Claus, another character reigns here - the fair-haired beauty Wiener Christkindl. All the trees around the market are decorated with festive lights, and the colorful souvenirs and Christmas decorations make it hard to know where to look.

Anyone can sample mulled wine, as well as the famous Christmas carp, which is cooked incredibly well here. There is plenty of entertainment for children, and you can stroll from one market to another all day long. There are carousels, jugglers, puppet theaters, musical groups everywhere... And the stalls are filled with souvenirs for every taste and budget.

What is worth trying and buying: honey from Alpine meadows, gingerbread, sausages roasted over coals, coffee, apple strudel, beeswax candles, glass ornaments, ceramic souvenirs, tableware, and handmade Christmas tree decorations and soft toys.

Prague itself resembles a fairy-tale town at any time of year, and on the eve of Christmas it turns into a magical world altogether. Against the backdrop of stern and majestic cathedrals, painted gingerbread houses suddenly rise up. You can see such an interesting combination here only from late November to January 1, when the Christmas markets are held.

The largest is considered to be the one on Old Town Square, and a five-minute walk away is the second-largest market - on Wenceslas Square. Both offer all kinds of souvenirs, sweets, and warming drinks. Costumed revelers and carol singers walk the streets, children perform, theatrical shows are staged in which anyone can take part, and, of course, music sounds everywhere. Sometimes they even bring a small zoo.

What is worth trying and buying: svarak (mulled wine), Czech beer, mead, Becherovka (an herbal liqueur from Karlovy Vary), the traditional winter pastry Trdelnik with cinnamon, honey, and nuts, as well as roasted chestnuts and brambory (potatoes in various forms), corn on the cob, wooden toys, marionettes, and Bohemian glass.

It is in Strasbourg that, beginning in 1570, one of the oldest Christmas markets in Europe has been held. It is called Christkindelsmarik (“The Market of the Christ Child”). From November 28 to December 31, thousands of tourists flock here. No wonder - it is impossible to miss such a spectacle! During the Christmas markets, Strasbourg becomes like a living illustration from a children's fairy tale. Near one of the most beautiful Gothic cathedrals, miniature Christmas chalets appear - kiosks where all kinds of delicacies and handmade souvenirs are sold.

A giant Christmas tree more than 30 meters high is erected on the square. Festively decorated green beauties also appear in other parts of the city, where themed markets are located: the “village of tanners and winemakers,” the “market of Alsatian aromas,” the “craftsmen's fair,” the “Swiss village,” and so on. Every evening in Strasbourg there are concerts of traditional Alsatian music, as well as church concerts and vigils.

What is worth trying and buying: Christmas “bredele” (anise or butter cookies), sausages, boiled potatoes with sour cream, potato pancakes, grilled pork with mushrooms or sauerkraut, bread with candied fruit, foie gras, and for your loved ones you can buy beautiful tablecloths and handmade Christmas tree toys as gifts.

This place is located just 10 km from the Arctic Circle, and unlike other European cities, real winter reigns here, where the temperature at Christmas can be -15°C. Rovaniemi is home to the famous residence of Joulupukki, who looks very much like Santa Claus, but will certainly be offended if you call him that. All the Christmas markets, as well as the rides, bars-restaurants, and other amusements for visitors, are under his supervision.

And although the Christmas market here is not the largest in Finland (for that, it is better to go to Helsinki), the atmosphere is truly magical. Where else can you play tag along the Arctic Circle line, stroll through a fairy-tale elf factory, or ride in a reindeer sleigh?

What is worth trying and buying: fried cheese with cloudberry jam, salmon pates, fish delicacies, grog, chocolate, stewed reindeer, preserves made from local berries, jewelry crafted in a Scandinavian style, wooden buttons, Sami clothing, hunting and fishing gear, reindeer hides, scarves, and gloves made of fox fur.

Text by – Natalia Teplyakova

Photos – Flickr, Thanh-Hai, Rich pick, emscheffel, mv_touristboard, VisitRovaniemi, -12°C