It seems that long winter evenings are not so attractive as warm, summer days but such thinking does not count when Christmas markets begins. It can be found at least one in every city.  Only in Vienna there are nine of them. ‘December market’, which was initiated in Vienna at the end of XIII century is even regarded as the first Christmas market.

Christmas market is the perfect occasion for Christmas shopping. Christmas decorations, winter clothing, home decorations, jewellery are only part of the things which can be bought. It is also ideal place for meetings with the family and friends. It can be felt especially in smaller cities where there are less tourists but the local inhabitants treat them as a place for conversations.

Markets are famous for popular, winter alcohols: mulled wine (Glüwine) and punch (Punsch). Mulled wine is the heated red wine with the mix of  spicy seasoning like cinnamon, vanilla or cloves, with the addition of lemon and sugar. The most popular type of  is apple one (Apfelpunsch). It is also sold the alcohol-free version for children (Kinder Winterpunsch). The well known delicacy are backed chestnuts.

Author: Katarzyna Stopa