Munich might be best known for its Oktoberfest beer celebration, but it also throws one heck of a party at Christmastime. The historic city center is given a holiday makeover with traditional market stalls and festive lights. Revelers pack the pretty squares, glühwein mugs and bratwurst sandwiches in hand. Ready to join them? Here’s my […]
Christmas
A Guide to the Magical Nuremberg Christmas Market
Nobody does Christmas like the Germans. Perhaps it’s because they came up with the Christmas market idea in the Middle Ages and have had plenty of time to perfect the tradition. The Nuremberg Christmas Market, considered one of the best in Germany, dates back to the early 1600s. There are actually three distinct holiday markets […]
A Guide to the Cologne Christmas Market
When I was looking for the best Christmas markets in Germany, Cologne jumped out at me. The city hosts a holiday extravaganza with a whopping seven markets! That’s right, there are SEVEN distinct holiday markets for you to enjoy. If this place doesn’t put you in a festive mood, nothing will. I visited all the […]
Tips for Spending Christmas in Lisbon, Portugal
When looking for the best Christmas markets in Europe, Lisbon probably doesn’t register. Most people head further northeast to France, Germany, and Austria to have their Christmas market needs met. But what if you want to avoid the crowds and the cold? The Lisbon Christmas Market is a fun alternative! Elegant strings of lights showoff […]
An Enchanted Christmas in Vilnius, Lithuania
The Vilnius Christmas tree lighting has become one of the most revered holiday events in the Baltics thanks to the city’s over-the-top illuminations. The year I took the bus down from Riga, the fantastic fir was decked out with windows, lanterns, green garland, and enough lights to be seen from space. It looked like an elf’s […]