Yes, we have Christmas markets in the UK; no they are not the same thing as Europe’s.
It’s not that I don’t love rocking up to a collection of wooden stalls by a cathedral (Winchester), under a bridge (London’s Southbank), gathered around a singing moose (Birmingham) or experiencing any of the other homegrown options. I do… but the experience of a European market is something totally different and unique.
They’re much more sociable for one thing, a place for friends and families to meet up and drink gluhwein (mulled wine) – every market produces its own distinctive cup, which you can take home – with plenty of festively decorated areas for hanging out, tables to gather around and benches decked out in fur throws.
Most markets start around 11am and run until 10pm and it’s a good idea to shop in daytime when it’s easier to browse, before the night-time crowds descend. By the end of it all, you’ll think the scent of gluhwein at 11am is perfectly normal and that bratwurst and roast chestnuts are a wonderfully balanced diet.
Why travel by train?
It’s comfortable, scenic and eco-friendly and an Interrail pass makes it possible to do the journey efficiently, with train and ferry connections available for 33 countries (from £160, visit Interrail.eu). You will also need to book a seat on Eurostar to travel from the UK to mainland Europe (visit Eurostar.com), and on TGV Lyria from Switzerland (visit SNCF.com), but tickets can be cheaper when booking through the Interrail app.
There are no weight restrictions or charges for baggage on the train (useful for bringing all those gluhwein mugs home). And you arrive in the city centre with a smaller carbon footprint – one flight can generate as many emissions as 13 Eurostar journeys, according to research.
Best Christmas markets to reach by rail
Dresden
(Bernadette Fallon)
Dresden’s Striezelmarkt is the oldest Christmas market in Germany, and therefore the world, running since 1434. It’s in the Old City, a short walk from the theatres, galleries and opera, and offers a great mix of traditional Christmas buys and lots of food and drink stalls.
I enjoy it but it’s not as atmospheric as the nearby market at Frauenkirche, where the church’s mighty dome is the backdrop to a traditional Christmas market with craft displays and antiques. Afterwards, I hit the medieval…
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at The Independent Travel…