Christmas Markets
The History of the Christmas Market
Original Research Copyright © Maria Hubert von Staufer Christmas Archives International 2002. Additional Material © Maria Hubert Von Staufer 2003. All Rights Reserved
Christmas Markets have been around for many centuries. The first references of a Christmas Market so-called seems to be in the 16th Century, when markets were set up in Germany; Munich and Nuremburg being the earliest recorded. Originally they were opportunities for shoppers living far away to make a special trip to get all their Christmas purchases in one go. Often noble families would go in their carriages, taking children and family members to buy their presents and decorations, and servants to do the more domestic shopping. Sometimes staying overnight at one of the great inns on the market square, and taking in a service at the parish church, usually also on the square. It was a major event.
These early markets had knife grinders, pot menders, woodturners to mend a stool or make a wooden utensil, poultry sellers, bakers, toymakers, and all manner of sweetmeat and fancy goods. Then there would be people selling food and wine to sustain the shoppers. Later, the town councils, together with the Church authorities, arranged for choirs of singers to entertain with carols and plays.
In many places the markets died out, and became purely functional, but in some places such as the great and famous markets in Munich & Nuremburg they remained. Today these two grandfather markets are wonderful sights to see. In the UK Christmas Markets died with the Cromwellian banning of Christmas in the 17th century, not to be revived until the present day. In Victorian England there were of course markets selling Christmas greenery etc. but they were not Christmas Markets in the strict sense of the word. Lincoln, in the north east of England, was the first city to revive the Christmas Market. From small beginnings in the 1980's it has grown to be an equal to the famous European markets, and attracts visitors and stallholders from all over Europe. So much so that it is difficult, if not impossible, to find accommodation at the last minute in the town or its surrounding areas.
Generally, local tourist boards do not put up a great deal of information about their markets, but you can find various travelogues. Avoid the travel companies unless you are looking for a tour. You can spend hours looking for colourful information and not find it! These are some of the more colourful or informative sites I have found, and I shall be adding to the Christmas Markets' page, so keep looking!
Traditional German Christmas Market
London England Christmas 2003
The magic of a traditional German Christmas Market will be recreated at Winter Wonderland / Millennium Dome. Situated next to the ice rink, aglow with illuminations and filled with traditional seasonal gifts and treats, the German Christmas Market will provide weary parents with a traditional punch, and hungry youngsters with gingerbreads. Soak up the atmosphere and capture the spirit of Christmas while you browse the stalls for traditional foods and gifts including beautiful candles, lighthouses, herbal sweets, roasted almonds, hand carved wooden tree ornaments and exquisite glassware.
Some of the very best handcraft traders are coming to London to create this traditional Christmas Market. For several weeks, this really will be shopping with a difference and a chance to sample some traditional festive goodies! We have creative artists coming from Germany, the UK or even Russia to reflect also the multicultural aspect which London has to offer.
All this will make the market a great place to pass the time and come together to enjoy a special atmosphere. Everybody will be enchanted by its joyful and festive spirit.
Winter Wonderland will be a joy for every family offering a Santa's Workshop, theme park rides (including a roller coaster, a 40m big wheel providing a monumental centrepiece to the event), a fully facilitated ice rink, a cinema and an adult crèche providing the ideal retreat for exhausted grown-ups!
Time schedule: 6th - 31st of December (closed the 25th)
Opening hours: 11.00 am - 10.00 pm
Day ticket: £10.00 (children & pensioners are free)
Free entrance from 08.30-10.00 pm
For further details, please have a look at www.xmas-markets.com !
Further information about the LINCOLN CHRISTMAS MARKET can be had from the Lincoln Tourist Board, Castle Square Lincoln. The BBC has a good site with tips from people who have done the market, and maps etc here.
The Lincoln Tourist office has a list of times, places, trains accommodation etc here and their email for further information is christmasmarket@lincoln.gov.uk
The BATH CHRISTMAS MARKET is also a delight! In the traditional European setting of the Cathedral square, with lots of eateries all around.
For some other British Christmas Markets take a look here.
Further information about the NUREMBURG CHRISTMAS MARKET and the MUNICH CHRISTMAS MARKET. Nuremberger Christkindlesmarkt information.
More information about the PRAGUE CHRISTMAS MARKET. This couple give a good travelogue. I shall also have a very good page on the Prague market in the New Year.
For some information about the POLISH CHRISTMAS MARKET in KRAKOW you can visit our Christmas in Poland page or go to www.polishworld.com/christmas/creche.htm
If anyone has information about any other Christmas Markets please contact us.
Also please be kind enough to advise us of any broken links. Thank you.
