Christmas markets in Santa’s neighborhood
Ho Ho Ho! It is that time of the year again. The day when all world celebrates my birthday, Ha Ha Ha. Of course quite a few people call it the Christmas! Well, I am ok with it. 🙂
This is the time of the year when families strive to get together for one last time before the year renews itself and of course, exchange gifts. So much so, Christmas shopping has become a kind of a ritual everywhere. In many places make-shift markets spring up a few days before (some places, as much as a month before), marking the arrival of Advent.
In the Scandinavian countries, Christmas markets have a distinctive character of their own, in each of the countries. Is it because they are closest to North Pole where Santa is believed to live?
Denmark
In Denmark it is all about Hygge! In the city of Copenhagen, some of the notable markets are in Tivoli Gardens, Freetown Christiania, Nyhaven market, Kongens Nytorv and of course, the very famous Hans Christian Anderson Christmas market. Santa Claus welcoming children, fun rides, great gift stalls, Christmas trees, delicious food, Mulled wine and millions of lights are all part of these markets.
The market at Kultorvet Square is perhaps most popular. Every stall reminds you of one or the other story of Hans Christian Anderson.
The one at Nyhanen Harbor is perhaps the most Hyggelig of them all! The old harbor transforms into a cozy market. All along the waterfront there are tastefully decorated stalls offering entertainment, Christmas food, Mulled wine, gifts and Danish Specialties.
All in all a perfect Hygge evening!
Norway
Santa Claus, his reindeers, lots of snow, local delicacies, Gingerbread and hot glögg, these are a few of the favorite things in Norway during Julenissen or Christmas. Add to that the traditional folk dances around the tall Christmas tree. Well, the Christmas markets of Oslo, Roros and Geilo consists of these and more.
Stalls and Streets are well decorated and well-lit and often candles are lit every night from Christmas to New Year and one catch strains of Musevisa or the mouse song, everywhere. Having your fill of Reindeer meat and rice porridge from the stalls and glass of warm glögg to wash it down and keep you warm does wonders for your Christmas spirit!
Also Read: If you want to know about the ultimate places to celebrate Christmas in Switzerland, then do read this article.
The town of Bergen is fondly called the gingerbread town of the world, where a miniature Bergen with all its famous places are made out of Gingerbread by the townsfolks! It is also well known for its holiday concerts and other festivities. All this while Norway presents its traditional huge Christmas tree to England, thanking them for help during World War 2.
Of course this is also the time when you can witness northern lights if you are lucky.
Sweden
The Advent and the Christmas markets of Gamla Stan are quite popular with locals and tourists alike. Whereas In Gothenburg, you can witness and participate in the largest Christmas party lit up by 5 million lights at the Liseberg amusement park!
Several Christmas markets spring up at Haga, Nordstan, Skansen and Sigtuna, so there is never a dull moment during this season. Some of these markets have been in vogue for more than a century. Traditional Swedish Christmas Sweets, handicrafts and Grogg , if you feel cold are sold in many stalls. If you feel cold in the open-air markets then you may visit the indoor market Steninge Slott.
Of course there is a Pink Christmas organized by Stockholm Gay Life for the LGBT community. There are markets, concerts, parties and also a rainbow mass.
Apart from the usual stuff, you can also buy handicrafts, harnesses and also carriages in Royal Mews.
On that note, we wish Merry Christmas to all my readers! 😀
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I have not been there but your post took me there.
Thanks.
Thank you so much. Go when you can. 🙂
Wow.. beautiful..
It is indeed!
Nice read.
Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Thank you.
Thanks for your sharing. Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Thank you.
I’d love to spend Christmas time in Norway. It’s on my wish list for so long. But then, at the same time, I truly love this time of year spending with my extended family. The crux of the wishes 🙂 Enjoy the time between the years Nisha!
Fida,
Oh that would be awesome to celebrate Christmas in Norway! Why not take the family along there ? 😉
Looks beautiful! Merry Christmas to you too and a very Happy New Year!
Thank you. It was great. 🙂
Your blog provided us valuable information to work on. You have done a marvellous job.
Thank you.
Christmas has been very dear to the heart since a decade, since abroad its a huge deal! Really enjoyed your post 🙂
Best wishes for Christmas and the New Year dear!
Yes, I can relate to what you’re saying.
It’s something like our Deepawali. 🙂 Preparations go on for months.
Awesome pics
Merry Christmas to you and your family
Thank you. I hope you had a good one too.
Merry Christmas and wishing you and Vasu sir a very happy new year…. keep traveling 🙂
Thank you very much & we wish you a very Happy New year too.
It was a nice read.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2016!
Happy New Year to you too.
Loved all your photos of Christmas markets.
Thank you very much.
Why is headline repeating twice? Template fault?
Looks like. 🙁
You are sharing really nice information useful for every one.