Christmas Markets II - Baltimore

The holiday season is quickly approaching.  One of the ways to get into the spirit of the season is to go to a Christmas Market.  There is nothing like the sights, sounds and smells of a market to evoke thoughts of a Dickens' or old world Christmas.  Originally a European tradition, begun in the 1400s in Germany, more and more markets are being held in cities around the globe.

Over the next few weeks you will have the opportunity to read about some Christmas Markets in North America, and in other countries - this time The Christmas Village in Baltimore.

The Baltimore Christmas Village, styled after a typical German Christmas Market, is a new holiday tradition, only in its second year.  It is located down on the west side of the Inner Harbor - a part of the city that is always bustling, and already has many attractions.
http://www.baltimore-christmas.com

On the Preview Weekend (November 17-18) and Opening Weekend (November 24-25), and weekdays entry is free to the outdoor displays and to the festival tent.   Admission to the festival tent on December 6-7 is $1 on Dollar-or-less Days.  For the remaining
weekends admission is $5 for adults (19 years and up).

The Market is open: (Sun.-Thurs.)11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.; 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
                                 (Fri. and Sat.) 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
                                 (Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Eve) 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Enjoy a bratwurst, gingerbread, mulled wine or other traditional European-style food, drinks and sweets at one of the many booths.  Shop for for gifts, ornaments, jewelry and unique artisan items at other booths.


The festival tent provides more shopping, a food court, Bavarian beer garden and an event space.

Thousands of lights, the big Holiday Tree and traditional German-style wooden huts help to create a festive environment.




A number of special days are planned for the Christmas Village.  They include:

 November 17-18        Preview Weekend

 November 24-25        Grand Opening
                                       -The Christmas Village opens. Christkind of Nuremburg, a Christmas angel who   
                                             brings the Christmas gifts to children in Germany and other countries visits.  The 
                                             Christmas tree is lit.

     December 1-2        German-American Weekend
                                        -Highlighting German America heritage with German style entertainment

The  Baltimore Christmas Village is easily accessible by public transportation.

Baltimore is within a day's drive of many cities in the eastern United States and Canada.  Direct daily flights are available to Baltimore, and to Washington's two airports that are within an hour.  There are many hotels and restaurants in the Inner Harbor area.  The Market is open from November 27 to December 24, 2014.  It is closed Mondays.

Christmas Markets I - Toronto

The holiday season is quickly approaching.  One of the ways to get into the spirit of the season is to go to a Christmas Market.  There is nothing like the sights, sounds and smells of a market to evoke thoughts of a Dickens' or old world Christmas.  Originally a European tradition, begun in the 1400s in Germany, more and more markets are being held in cities around the globe.

Over the next few weeks you will have the opportunity to read about some markets in North America, beginning with The Toronto Christmas Market, and in other countries.

The Toronto Christmas Market has become an annual holiday event.  It is held in the Distillery District close to the centre of the city with easy public transit access.  The Distillery District itself is an historical area with cobblestone streets and the old buildings add to the seasonal charm.  Fodor has listed it as one of the 10 best Christmas Markets in the world. http://torontochristmasmarket.com

Entry is free; however, you have the chance to make a charitable donation.  It is a suitable event for children as well.  As you wander through the area you will see Santa, elves and reindeer so it is a suitable event for children and adults.

Crowds are inevitable at such events, but you will find them less during the week, and on weekend afternoons.  Weekend evenings tend to be most crowded.

The Market is open from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.(Sat.); 10:00 to 9:00 p.m. (Sun.); 12 noon to 9:00 p.m. (Tues. to Thurs.); 12 noon to 10:00 p.m. (Fri.) and at any time of the day you will experience some of the cheer of the season.  The lighting at night adds to that special festive charm.

There are many stands selling merchandise, as well as the shops of artisans in the District for shopping.  Prices tend to be high, but you might find THAT gift item you have been looking for.

The Distillery District is near Lake Ontario.  Blustery winds can blow in off the lake.  Be sure to dress warmly when you go.  California heaters and bonfires around the location also help to keep you warm.  Try the warm mulled wine as you stroll or sit by the fire.  Sit in the Beer Garden and enjoy a pint.  There is hot chocolate and other beverages available.

Try some of the food available at some of the stands, or head into one of the established restaurants in the district.

There is lots of entertainment at the Market.  There are carollers and sing-alongs.  Musical groups representing some of Toronto's culturally diverse communities take to the stage on the weekend.  Check the schedule for details.

Be sure not to miss seeing the Christmas tree.  Perhaps ride the ferris wheel and get a bird's eye view of the area, especially when it is lit at night.


Tip:  If at all possible take the public transit to The Toronto Christmas Market.  Street parking is limited, and parking lots are expensive, in some cases charging $20.  Why blow the budget before you even get there?

The Toronto Christmas Market is within a day's drive of many cities in Canada and the eastern United States.  Toronto is connected to many cities by direct daily flights.  There are many hotels and restaurants nearby that appeal to a variety of budgets.  The Market is open from November 15 to December 23, 2018 (closed Mondays - Santa and his elves need to rest, and work on other Christmas projects.).

The Christmas Market charges an admission of $6 on weekends, beginning at 5:00 p.m. on Friday.  It is free the rest of the week. Children under 2 are free.

Christmas Markets in Quebec

Christmas Markets in Quebec

World's Top 10 Christmas Lights Displays

So you are looking to find out where the World's Top 10 Christmas Lights Displays are.  Perhaps they are around the corner, down the road, or far off.

World's Top 10 Christmas Lights Displays

Christmas Markets - 27 of Europe's Best Christmas Markets

Salzburg Christmas Market

Helping you get your fix of Christmas Markets, this blog lists 27 of the best markets in Europe.

27 of Europe's Best Christmas Markets

Christmastime in Lille

Lille is a small city on the northern French frontier with Belgium.  Read one person's account of Christmastime in Lille.  Its Christmas Market is considered to be one of the top ones in Europe.

Christmastime in Lille

Christmas Markets V - European Highlights

One way to get into the spirit of the season is to go to a Christmas Market.  The sights, sounds and smells of a market evoke thoughts of a Dickens' or old world Christmas.  A European tradition, they began in the 1400s in Germany.

For the last several weeks you have had the opportunity to read about Christmas Markets in North America.  As a final writing about markets for this year, here is a brief tour some of the highly recommended markets in Europe.

Nuremberg - The Nuremberg Christmas Market or Christkindlesmarkt is held from November 28 to December 24.  It is one of the largest German Christmas markets, and it is among the best known in the world.  Enjoy the sights and sounds of the market in the central square and streets surrounding it.

Nuremberg Christmas Market

Copenhagen - Tivoli Gardens is the setting for the Copenhagen Christmas Market.  The market allows you to experience some of the traditions of a Scandinavian Christmas.  As well as the Market, there are so many other events in the garden.  The Market runs from Novenber 15 to January 4.

Tivoli Christmas Market

Budapest - The Christmas Market in Budapest is set up in Vorosmarty Square from November 28 to December 31 (closed December 25 and 26).  Over 100 wooden pavilions display Christmas decorations, crafts, and one-of-a-kind gifts.  Treat yourself to Hungarian treats and snacks as you stroll, and enjoy performances by children, and adults featuring choirs, dance, bands and orchestras.  A giant Advent Calendar is set up on the facade of a building facing onto the square and each day of Advent a new window is opened.

Budapest Christmas Market

Vienna - Vienna, home of the waltz, also hosts many Christmas Markets.  From November 15 to December 24 the Weiner Christkindlmarkt is on the square in front of City Hall.  The area surrounding City Hall is decorated for the season, along with pony rides, displays of scenes from fairy tales, and an opportunity to ride the Christkindl Express.

Vienna Christmas Market

For other Christmas Markets in Vienna - The Many Christmas Markets of Vienna

Dresden - Dresden's Christmas Market is Germany's oldest Christmas Market tracing its history back to 1434.  It is known locally as the Streitzelmarkt.  "Streitzel" refers to the name of the well known Christmas cake of the area the "stollen".  The Stollen Fest occurs on the second Sunday of Advent  A giant stollen is carried into the town square, cut and given out to visitors at the market.  Over 200 stalls display many items including arts and crafts unique to the region.  The market is open from November 27 to December 24.

Dresden Christmas Market (Streitzelmarkt)

Prague - The Christmas Market in the Old Town Square of Prague is considered the prettiest and the busiest in the city.  This market is open from November 29 to January 1.  Stalls are set up with traditional Czech foods such as barbecued pork, beer and mulled wine.  Others sell arts and crafts and other gift ideas.  Two highlights of the market are a manger scene with live animals for children to stroke, and a huge, real Christmas tree that dominates the square.

Prague Christmas Market

Strasbourg - Strasbourg is often referred to as the Capital of Christmas.  Its Christmas Market is the oldest in France dating back to 1570 and maintains many of the traditions.  The Market is located in front of Strasbourg Cathedral and runs from November 28 to December 31.  The market has over 300 stalls (chalets) selling foods and arts and crafts.  Other areas of the city also have markets for Christmas.  In all of the choices, at least one should appeal to you and to your senses.

Strasbourg Christmas Market

Munich - In the capital of Bavaria, Munich's Christmas Market gives you a Bavarian Christmas experience.  While there are many markets in the city, the traditional one in Marienplatz is the most well-known.  The town hall behind the square helps to give the market a fairy tale setting.  Stalls are set up to sell arts and crafts, and, foods and drink of the Bavarian region.  The Market is open from November 27 - December 24.  As well, nearby at Theresienwiese (the site of Oktoberfest) is another market (November 25 - December 31), the Tollwood Winter Festival.  Stalls display arts and crafts and foods with a more international flavour.  As well there are live shows and entertainment.

Munich Christmas Market

Tollwood Winter Festival

Salzburg - The Christmas Market in Salzburg, the city of Mozart, is open from November 14 - December 26.  The Market is set up around the cathedral and in the shadows of the Hohensalzburg Fortress.  Stalls selling foods and gift items are set up.  As might be expected in Salzburg music is a prominent feature of this market.   There are concerts by local choirs and  children's choirs.  Turmblasen, a brass concert is held in the square every Saturday evening.

Salzburg Christmas Market

One way to visit a number of Christmas Markets is by taking a river cruise.  There are a number of European river cruises in November and December.  Experience the romance of the Rhine, Danube, Main, or Seine, relaxing as you go.  Enjoy the scenery of the castle-lined rivers.  Visit cities along the way decorated for Christmas and go to their Christmas Markets.

Uniworld has three holiday market cruises:
 - Nuremberg to Frankfurt on the Main River;
 - Basel to Cologne on the Rhine;
 - Passau to Budapest on the Danube;
 - and Paris to Paris on the Seine;
 plus other holiday cruises.
Uniworld Christmas Market Cruises

Check out rivercruise.com for an overview of many cruises that are available during the Christmas Market season.

http://www.rivercruise.com/christmas_markets.cfm

http://www.vikingrivercruisescanada.com/holiday-cruises/2014/index.html

http://www.amawaterways.com/christmas-markets

Christmas Markets - A Recommendation in England

As another follow up to the earlier posts this month about Christmas Markets in North America, here is recommendation for the Christmas Market in Winchester, England.

Christmas Market in Winchester England

Christmas Markets IV - More in New York City

Are you looking for more Christmas Markets in New York City?  Attached is a list of more than 70 markets.  With so many markets available, it is really hard not to get into the holiday spirit.

http://www.marketsofnewyork.com/2014-new-york-city-holiday-markets-guide/

Christmas Market IV - New York City

The holiday season is here.  One way to get into the spirit of the season is to go to a Christmas Market.  The sights, sounds and smells of a market evoke thoughts of a Dickens' or old world Christmas.  Originally a European tradition, begun in the 1400s in Germany, more and more markets are being held in cities around the globe.

Over the holiday season you will have the opportunity to read about some Christmas Markets in North America, and in other countries - this time, the Christmas Markets of New York City.

New York City is always a great place to visit, and it is no different in the holiday season.  In fact, it seems as if the magic and the intrigue of the city is even greater at this time.  What better way to get in the holiday spirit than to visit one of its Christmas Markets, do some shopping and indulge in some holiday treats?  Three markets in particular are at Union Square, Central Park at Columbus Circle, and Bryant Park.  All three markets are free and are inspired by the European-style Christmas markets.

The Winter Village at Bryant Park - Bryant Park is known for its skating rink in winter; however, at Christmas that's not all.  Surrounding the ice rink are glass huts that are selling gifts for the holidays.  As well there are many food stands selling usual fare.  It is located between Fifth and Sixth Avenues, and 40th and 42nd Streets.

The Winter Village at Bryant Park is open October 21, 2014 to January 4, 2015.  Hours of operation are Monday to Friday, 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.; Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.; Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.  Check the website for special events schedule throughout the season.

The skating rink at Bryant Park is free.  It is open from October 21, 2014 to March 1, 2015 from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.  Skates can be rented for $15.  There are lockers available to leave your valuables.  This is a chance for some exercise in winter among the towers of Manhattan. Not a skater?  Don't worry, lessons are available.  http://www.wintervillage.org/skate/lessons


Celsius is a restaurant, lounge and bar overlooking the rink, the Christmas tree, and the Winter Village at Bryant Park.

The Winter Village at Bryant Park is accessible by subway.  Take the B, D, F or M trains to 42nd Street/Bryant Park or the 7 train to Fifth Avenue.

http://www.wintervillage.org

The Columbus Circle Holiday Market and The Union Square Holiday Market are both run by the same group, UrbanSpace, and have a similar feel.  Wander the stalls selling handmade gifts and wonderful food items at either market.

The Columbus Circle Holiday Market as its name suggests is at Columbus Circle.  Its picturesque setting at the edge Central Park is delightful in itself.  It is open from December 2 to 24; Monday to Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m., Sunday 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Trains 1, A, B, C, D will get you to this holiday market.  Get off at 59th St/Columbus Circle.

http://urbanspacenyc.com/columbus-circle-holiday-market/

The Union Square Holiday Market is located at Union Square and 14th Street.  The market opens November 20 and runs until December 24.  Its hours of operation are weekdays 11:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m., Saturdays 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m., and Sundays 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.

To get to the market by subway take Trains 4, 5, 6, N, R, Q, or L to 14th st/Union Square station.

http://urbanspacenyc.com/union-square-holiday-market/

These Christmas Markets are easily accessible by subway as noted above.  New York City is within a day's drive of many cities in the northeastern US and eastern Canada.  An abundance of daily flights are available to the many airports that serve the greater New York City area.  There are many hotels and restaurants in the city offering a variety of types, services and prices.

O Christmas Tree!

We have all seen various types of Christmas trees.  There's the Charlie Brown tree, the tree in Rockefeller Center, and many others.  Trees all around the world are being decorated for the holiday season.  Here are a few of them.

One of the most photographed Christmas trees is probably the tree in Rockefeller Center, New York City.

This one is very different.  It is in Galeries Lafayette a well-known department store in Paris which itself is worth a visit any time of the year.  And you thought decorating your tree was a challenge!  

And for something different, this Lego Christmas tree is in Sydney, Australia.  That represents a lot of Lego sets, and a lot of work to assemble.

The Swarovski Christmas tree in Hong Kong shimmers.

Step out of the Metro station at Colosseo in Rome during the holidays and you will see a decorated tree in front of the Coliseum.

You will usually find lots of snow and cold temperatures in Quebec City.  This tree will be decorated through the holidays and up to Carnaval in February.

Bethlehem, the site of the first Christmas, has its own tree in Manger Square.

In Rio de Janeiro, what is reported to be the largest Christmas tree in the world, floats in Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon.

Do you have a picture of a tree somewhere in the world that you would like to share?  Perhaps in your city, or somewhere you have been or would like to be.  Share in the comment box below.  Please identify the location of the tree.

Air Canada: Gift of Home for the Holidays #ACgiftofhome

Air Canada, Canada's major airline has produced a video for the holiday.  It is set in the Maple Leaf Bar in Covent Garden, London, England, a favourite spot for Canadian expats.  In the spirit of the season "Air Canada: Gift of Home for the Holidays #ACgiftofhome".

Christmas Market III - Vancouver

The holiday season is here.  One of the ways to get into the spirit of the season is to go to a Christmas Market.  There is nothing like the sights, sounds and smells of a market to evoke thoughts of a Dickens' or old world Christmas.  Originally a European tradition, begun in the 1400s in Germany, more and more markets are being held in cities around the globe.

Over the next few weeks you will have the opportunity to read about some Christmas Markets in North America, and in other countries - this time The Christmas Market in Vancouver, BC.

The Vancouver Christmas Market, styled after a typical German Christmas Market, is an established holiday tradition now in its fifth year.  It is located at Queen Elizabeth Theatre Plaza in the city centre.  http://vancouverchristmasmarket.com/

The Market opens November 22 and it runs until December 24.  It is open from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. daily; 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on December 24.  Cost of admission is $7; $6 for seniors; $3 for children ages 7-12; and children 6 years and under are free.  Paying for one admission gets you a season pass allowing you to return free of charge as many times as you wish for the duration.  Entering between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. gets you a 2-for-1 admission.  Click the link for more admission packages and to buy tickets Vancouver Christmas Market tickets.  Weekdays during the day tend to be less crowded than evenings or weekends.

Herrnhuter star

Sip mulled wine, eat a bratwurst or pretzel or other food items from 17 different selections as you stroll through the Marke enjoying the twinkling lights, and the traditional wooden huts decorated with homemade Herrnhuter stars.  Shop for gifts at any of the 30 vendors.

The Vancouver Christmas Market appeals to all ages.  Activities for children include decorating their own gingerbread, havong their picture taken with the market's mascots Holly and Jolly and also creating their own Herrnhuter star.  Santa Claus arrives December 6 and will be at the Market to meet his fans and for pictures every Saturday and Sunday until December 21 from 12 noon to 4:30 p.m..

Entertainment includes the X-mas Factor a holiday singing competition, and carol singing.  A special feature is the Christmas Carousel at the Market.  Click the Entertainment Schedule to see a full list of planned events.

The Vancouver Christmas Market is easily accessible by public transportation.  Vancouver is within a day's drive of many cities in the Pacific Northwest.  Direct daily flights are available from many North American cities to Vancouver International Airport.  Another option is to fly to Seattle (150 mi/250km) and rent a car, take a bus or train to Vancouver.  There are many hotels and restaurants in Vancouver close to the Christmas Market.

Westjet's Spirit of Giving

WestJet is Canada's second largest airline.  They currently offer service to Canada, the United States, Europe, Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean.
It has become a holiday tradition for WestJet to make a video in the spirit of the season.  The 2014 edition has just been released.

To learn more about the story behind the making of this video CLICK THIS LINK.