insideKENT Magazine Issue 68 - November 2017 | Page 49

CHRISTMAS MARKETS IN EUROPE
Strasbourg
One of Europe’s longest running markets,
Strasbourg has been drawing the crowds
in since 1570. For a truly authentic and
breathtaking festive treat, you’ll love
strolling around the wooden chalets
enjoying a warming hot drink and nibbling
at street food, all within the shadow of the
incredible cathedral. You’ll be in good
company here too, with over two million
other visitors thronging the streets for the
duration of the market. And with over 300
different stalls to browse, you can take your
time knowing that you will find something
for even the hardest person to buy for.
Vienna
In Vienna, you get a number of markets
for the price of one, as the ‘main market’
is actually a few smaller ones linked
together to create one impressive festive
marketplace. The stalls contain arts and
crafts – Viennese beeswax candles are a
fixture here, food and drink such as
vanillekipferl, which are special Christmas
biscuits, and clothing amongst many other
things. To make it even more magical, the
market in front of the City Hall has one
floor dedicated to children – toys and
games galore!
Stuttgart
Set against the breathtaking backdrop of
Stuttgart’s Old Palace, this is the oldest – and
one of the largest – Christmas markets in
Europe. There are over 300 different decorated
stalls, so you are sure to find the ideal gift for
anyone and everyone as you walk around this
gorgeous place. It’s as festive as it gets with
refillable glasses of gluhwein – a warming
variation on mulled wine using cider – that
you can, once bought, take to any gluhwein
stall and get topped up, and of course one of
the most famous ice skating rinks in the world.
Even if you don’t like to skate yourself, just
watching the ones who do twirl and twizzle
in the air will give you a Christmassy feeling
through and through.
Brussels
Make sure you pack your walking shoes when
visiting the Brussels Christmas market! This
is a two-kilometre stretch of stalls, rides, and
games right in the middle of the city centre.
Along with a giant wheel, a superb ice rink,
merry-go-rounds, and dozens of fantastic
stalls selling one-of-a-kind gifts and local food
and drink, you will be treated to a magical
illumination display in the air above. Take a
moment to enjoy and be enthralled in the
crisp wintery air.
25 & 26 November
2&3, 9 &10, 16 & 17 December
AT GRAVESEND BOROUGH MARKET,
HIGH STREET, GRAVESEND, KENT DA11 0AZ
O SKATING
O MULLED
O COSTUMED
RINK O FIRE EATERS O SANTA'S GROTTO 
WINE
O FESTIVE
CHARACTERS
FOOD
O QUIRKY
GIFTS
O MAGICIANS O ENTERTAINERS
/gravesendboroughmarket.Kent
G
RA
VESEN
Est. 1268
B O RO U G H
D
MARKET
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