Europe's 10 oldest Christmas markets:

‍

From the Christmas Markets in Trentino Alto Adige and major locations in Italy to those in Switzerland, via those inGermany and France, today we show you a gallery of the 10 oldest Christmas Markets in Europe. A meeting point of cultures and traditions in a magical Christmas atmosphere.

Dresden. 

The most famous Christmas market is known as Striezelmarkt (Striezel is the German Christmas bread, created from flour, lard, dried fruit and candied fruit) and stretches for a mile, giving the impression of being in a real Christmas village. In central Altmarkt Square also towers the world's tallest Christmas pyramid (a carousel that measures 14 meters). The must-try delicacy is the Dresden Christstollen, the sweet for which the market is named (it was in fact once called Hefestriezel).

Strasbourg.

Established in 1570, to date it has the presence of 300 little houses full of lights and decorations. Among them, the most prominent is Chriskindelmarik, whose name means Jesus' market. In the center is the large Christmas tree, central to popular tradition. In fact, according to one legend it seems the custom of decorating the tree originated here.

Zurich. 

There are four main markets here.The Christmas market at Central Station is one of them where you can admire the Christmas Tree covered with Swarowski crystals. The second market is in the Old Town, where shopkeepers offer chocolates that they then hang on trees. The third market is famous for the children's choir, which performs singing Christmas carols every afternoon. And finally, not far from the central station stands the last, newer market where you can taste Emmental cheeses.

Bolzano & Co.

Bolzano, Sterzing, Meran, Bruneck and Brixen are the original Christmas markets of South Tyrol. In each town the atmosphere is different but always magical. Christmas Workshops teach how to make zelten (the typical Christmas cake) or Tirtlan (the Puster pancake), how to make an Advent wreath or a nativity scene, and even how to work with felt. The most spiritual of the South Tyrolean markets is Brixen with its 800-year-old tradition of nativity scenes.

Stockholm. 

The first Christmas market was born in 1891, and in 1903 the first outdoor market was set up. The most important day is December 13, when St. Lucy is celebrated. Traditional choirs and celebrations in her honor are kicked off in the cathedral. In the city among the most important markets is the Skansen market, which is not very large, but where you can enjoy many typical products.

Copenhagen. 

During the Christmas season, it is enveloped in incredible Christmas magic. The Gardens ofTivoli are the Christmas heart of the city. Among the stalls,NChristmas lights, a large decorated tree and traditional cookies, it is easy to get lost and fall in love with this beautiful city.

Liege.

It turns out to be the largest and oldest in the country. There are 200 chalets that can be visited. Here you can find glass balls, an exhibition of nativity scenes with statues that exceed five feet and a toboggan run. The most characteristic are: the Chalet de la Gruyere, the Maison ardennaise, the Maison duPeket and the Chalet "Au pied des pistes."

Prague.

The most traditional market is in Old Town Square where you can taste honey bread (pernièky), warm yourself with a hot punch, buy Bohemian crystals and wooden toys. At the stroke of each hour, as you raise your face to the sky, you can see the 12 apostles in a row coming out of the Astronomical Clock in the Town Hall Tower as the bells ring.

Vienna. 

The array of little houses is enveloped in the scent of gingerbread, cinnamon and roasted almonds. The market is located in Town Hall Square where a huge 30-meter-tall Christmas tree can be admired.

Nuremberg. 

The opening in Market Square sees a Christmas angel placed on the balcony of the Church of Our Lady and kicks off the markets. Each week the angel tells a fairy tale to children. There are 180 markets and all decorated with red and black cloth. Here, you can buy typical products, including Nuremberg sausages.

‍