Wanders The World

Happy Holidays from Wanders the World. May we all have love and peace in our lives and a chance to wander about wherever we are to take in the world around us.

Although there is no concrete agreement of when European Christmas markets began it is often thought to date back to the late Middle Ages (1300 – 1500 CE). The roots are believed to be in German-speaking regions which began hosting Christkindlmarkts, street markets as part of Advent celebrations. The custom soon caught on in other areas and today they are a traditional part of the holiday season in many European countries. Those in search of festive foods, drinks, and artisan gifts and wares need only to wander into the town square to partake while holiday music and dance abounds to bring on the Christmas spirit.

Today these markets can be found in many European countries from Germany to France, Spain to Romania and even in a few places in North America. Claiming to be one of the very first markets is Striezelmarkt in Dresden, Germany and is also one of the grand dame of markets. It has over 3 million visitors per year and nearly 250 market stalls. In neighbouring Austria, the capital Vienna hosts smaller markets around the city. And here in Vancouver, BC we have yearly Christmas Market, albeit on a much smaller scale. These markets have been a draw for visitors from many parts of the world.

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