Buzz
Despite being only November, a multitude of dazzling and vibrant Christmas markets have sprung up across Europe, warming the hearts of countless people and urging them to take festive steps.
Christmas markets in Europe showcase a diverse essence. Alongside the grand markets in colossal squares are booths nestled within a castle, by a lake, beneath the ground, or inside a train station.
And these unconventional Christmas markets always leave enduring and vivid impressions on visitors from afar...
* The suspended Christmas market in the Ravenna mountain alley rests in the heart of the Black Forest, south of the Baden-Baden region in Germany. Surrounded by tall pine trees, it is the only Christmas market beneath a bridge in the world.
Beneath the 40m high Höllentalbahn suspended railway bridge are over 40 wooden booths displaying locally crafted handicrafts. From 4:30 PM, the market transforms into a magical spectacle under sparkling lights outlining the contours of the bridge that change colors every hour.
This year, the market is scheduled to gather from December 19 to January 5, 2016. Every Sunday at 5 PM, visitors will enjoy the melodious hymns from the historic Oswald chapel nearby and experience the spectacular audio-visual dance of the suspended bridge.
Especially, there's a chance to admire Santa Claus's sleigh pulled by... goats.
* With 5 million light bulbs and 700 decorated Christmas trees, the festive atmosphere warms up the Liseberg amusement park in Gothenburg, Sweden's second-largest city, turning it into the most impressive Christmas market in the country and one of the largest in Europe.
After hours of exploring toys, artworks, handmade products at over 80 stalls, don't forget to indulge in a 'Christmas feast' with marinated salmon or smoked venison and enjoy the festive music at the ice rink in the park.
The market starts from mid-November until December 30.
* Handicrafts, decorative items, and specialties from the Carinthia region such as sausages or roasted chestnuts are the popular items at the Christmas market on Lake Millstatt.
The floating market design at Kap 4613 sits by Lake Millstattersee, southwest of Vienna, Austria's capital. As night falls, 20 stalls illuminate, sparkling amid the lake waters, and vendors light fires in the central area for warmth and to attract visitors.
The market runs from November 25 to December 16, from Wednesday to Sunday, followed by daily gatherings until December 31.
* Christmas shopping on a boat? Totally possible if you visit the city of Vilshofen an der Donau, near Munich (Germany).
“Floating Christmas Market Vilshofen” assembles on a floating boat in the Danube flowing through the city, occurring on weekends during Advent season. On the boat's roof is a Christmas slide made from a single piece of wood.
The Christmas market area extends from the boat to the harbor and is adorned with a gigantic Christmas tree gleaming with the twinkle of 4,000 lights and 1,500 baubles, creating a dazzling scene on the Danube at night.
* Want to explore caves and find Christmas gifts right inside a cave? The small city of Valkenburg in the southern Netherlands is an optimal choice.
From November 13 to December 23, the Valkenburg authorities organize two underground Christmas markets, Fluweelengrot and Gemeentegrot, with Gemeentegrot being the largest and oldest underground Christmas market in Europe.
Various-sized stalls line the wide and long corridors along the rock walls, offering a range of local and international Christmas decorations and gifts. From the cave entrances, Christmas wreaths and trees adorn the surroundings.
The soothing sounds of Christmas music resonate through the cave's every nook and cranny, complementing the enchanting beauty of wall paintings, sculptures, and an 18th-century chapel, enticing visitors to wander for hours in the market.
* On December 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, and 13, 2015, you can stroll through the medieval Tiffauges castle in the Vendée region of France. Admire 50 eye-catching decorative stalls at the base of the castle walls while savoring delicious local cuisine in the food-focused section of the market.
The market atmosphere becomes more lively with various entertainment programs. As night falls, the castle lights up with thousands of bulbs, transforming the walls into a luminous tapestry, creating a surreal image with bells chiming every half hour.
With 40,000 visitors, this is one of the most popular Christmas markets in the region.
* Constructed since 1891 in Stockholm (Sweden), Skansen is the world's oldest open-air museum, and its 150 ancient houses have transformed into stalls for the Christmas market since 1903.
Each house sells traditional Swedish handmade products, vintage Christmas decorations, and festive treats.
The highlight of Skansen Christmas market is the farms within the museum, where visitors explore and join locals in traditional attire recreating Christmas scenes from the past. This year, the market takes place on November 28 and 29, and on December 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, and 20.
* With over 160 stalls, the indoor Christmas market at Zurich Central Station, Switzerland, is one of the largest indoor Christmas markets in Europe.
From November 19 to December 24, 2015, the train station transforms into a magical land during Christmas with a 15m tall Christmas tree adorned with over 7,000 Swarovski crystal decorations, attracting every visitor's gaze and enticing them to browse the stalls in the market.
According to tuoitre.vn
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Reference: Travel guide from Mytour
MytourNovember 17, 2015
