A guest post by Michael Camarillo from Novel Excursion.
Do you hear the sounds of the holidays yet? It seems like every year the holiday season inches closer and closer to summer. Don’t worry, I am not complaining. This time of year brings out tons of nostalgic memories. Most of these memories came from the three years we lived in Germany. The reason for that was the deeply engrained Christmas market culture.
We lived in a small town called Amberg, which was about two-hours north of Munich. Bavaria, the region of southeast Germany, came alive in November when Christkindlemarkts and Weihnactsmarkts emerged. While there were festivals throughout the year, Christmastime was something special.
There were few weekends that we didn’t explore a different Christmas market with our little one.
We have found few places outside of Europe that truly match the experience. From the walking culture to the generosity of spirit of all the people, there is something truly magical about the Christmas market culture in the region.
That being said, and setting my bias aside, you can experience Christmas market culture all over the world! These cultural markets can be found from Tokyo to Cape Town and Tallinn to Santiago, not to mention all over the United States and Europe.
Read on to learn more about these family-friendly marvels and how cultural lessons are literally around every corner.
What is a Christmas Market?
Christmas markets can be recognized by their iconic timber stalls laced with evergreen garland and either thatched or colored-fabric roofs.
As you walk, take in the smells of lebkuchen (gingerbread), raclette (melted cheese, and more! You will also see layer upon layer of cultural goods, from hand-stitched hats and hand-carved Nussknackers (nutcrackers) to hand-sewn clothing and hand-made pottery.
Christmas market culture extends beyond Christmas shopping and is brimming with cultural experiences. If you want to learn more about what is available, check out the full article here.
Cultural Traditions
Christmas market culture emerged in the late Middle Ages. Generally, it is agreed that the earliest market resembling a Christmas market occurred in Munich in 1310.
The first recognized Christmas market was Dresden’s Striezelmarkt in 1434. Since, it has grown to include over 240 traders who showcase goods, food, and traditional folk art.
The concept took flight and spread across Europe. The name change took hold under the influence of the Holy Roman Empire, as “Christkindlmarkt” told the tale of the coming of the “Christkind” or “Christchild.”
After the practice of gift-giving on Saint Nicholas’ Day (December 6) went out of fashion, Christmas markets began to fill with gift-buying opportunities as people prepared for Christmas day.
What to Expect at a Christmas Market
Beyond the yummy food and dazzling displays of cultural goods, experiencing Christmas market culture is unlike anything else. There is a sense of community and friendliness that envelopes the entire market. You will hear laughter and banter up and down the numerous aisles between the stalls.
Something I always found interesting was how Christmas markets were really a family affair. Many of the vendors were noticeably relatives. When the children weren’t young in age, you could tell by the familiarity, gestures, and terms of endearment in so many different languages.
The language thing is another fascinating component. It did not matter if you are in Germany, Bucharest, or the Czech Republic. You are guaranteed to hear German, Italian, Polish, French, Hungarian, and, possibly, Russian. Talk about an amazing learning opportunity!
Global Christmas Market Culture
Christkindlmarkts can be found all over the globe. Of the 21 European countries I have visited, I experienced a Christmas market in all but six. Those six are only a result of me visiting during the Spring or Summer.
From the traditional market at Schloss Guteneck to modern wonderlands like those in Brussels or London, Christmas market culture takes on an identity of its own all over the world. In Budapest, be sure to try the Langos (Hungarian fried bread), in Warsaw don’t miss the pierogies, and biltong is a must in South Africa’s Stellenbosch Slow Market.
Food isn’t the only way different regions put a unique stamp on Christmas market culture.
Ever head of a pooping log? That’s right. In Catalonia, the festive character Caga Tio is a small wooden log with a cape and a smiling face that produces gifts after children beat it with a stick.
There are plenty of opportunities in the United States, as well. Check out the Bavarian Village in the Cascade Mountains. Leavenworth, Washington becomes the “Village of Lights” and a cultural melting pot.
The best thing about Christmas market culture is how inclusive it is, absorbing and showcasing regional customs while holding onto its own deep-rooted heritage.
Learning at a Christmas Market
What you may not know is that learning is a big part of Christmas market culture.
The educational opportunities are enormous for the mindful traveler. This gives each one of you the chance to travel with purpose when experiencing Christmas market culture.
While worldschooling is particularly significant to families with school-age children, here at Novel Excursion, we believe that traveling to learn is transformational and enriching for all ages.
These markets provide a great opportunity to broaden perspectives and worldviews. All it takes is an open mind and a belly full of cider or gluhwein. That one is age dependent.
Supporting Local Communities
The impact on local communities increases the significance of Christmas markets. In many communities, Christmas markets are highly anticipated festive events. People flock to the lore and simpleness of an open-air market.
While this may sound like a loss of innocence, the allure of Christmas market culture is just the thing to support many local artisans and vendors who would otherwise be struggling during “low season.”
Christmas markets are the seasonal lifeblood for many small, local traders. They are also the perfect vehicle for spreading awareness and appreciation of other cultures around the world.
Christmas market shopping is also a world apart from your average experience. With many handmade goods, you can shop more mindfully and readdress your traditions in the season of giving.
If the thought of Christmas shopping gives you anxiety, or you prefer a more mindful approach, check out this article titled, “Minimalism And The Season Of Gift-Giving: Love, Care, & Presence.”
Christmas Market Top Picks
Before I go, I want to take a brief moment to share our favorite Christmas markets. After asking my wife, Amanda, which Christmas markets were her favorite, I think her answer was perfectly fitting.
“All of them!”
Here is the list we came up with:
For some details on each of these, check out the full article, “A Holiday Cultural Excursion: Christmas Markets, Gluhwein, & Chestnuts.”
Final Thoughts
Whether you celebrate the holiday or not, Christmas markets can truly bridge cultures as different customs and norms are infused into its identity. We can find unity in hard work, proud traditions, cultural lessons, and good food.
So, go see the world.
Travel to learn. Travel to serve. Travel with purpose.
Don’t forget to travel mindfully.
About Novel Excursion
Novel Excursion is an organization built by families for families dedicated to building a world of caring and selfless humans. By inspiring purposeful travel, we seek to enable multicultural awareness, holistic inclusivity, and societal equity. Authenticity in expression and mindfulness in action will have lasting positive effects.
Founders: Michael and Amanda Camarillo, family of 4 (Sarah – 8; Adrian -1) We’ve been to 32 countries and 37 states collectively. Goal is to start a nonprofit organization that bridges cultures through travel, education, and service. We donate 10% of our monthly profits to a hand-selected nonprofit organization.
Vision: Change the world one nameless stranger at a time by bridging cultures through purposeful travel, education, and service.
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