Top 5 Christmas Markets 2022

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Top 5 Christmas Markets 2022

Christmas markets can be relied upon each year to help get us in the festive mood with the fabulous festal atmosphere they offer, featuring all kinds of food, music, local stalls and perhaps even some mulled wine to top it all off. Christmas markets are truly an important element of the season, popping up all around the globe to help bring some familiar festivity to wherever you may travel this winter season.

Despite their German origins, these markets have continued to grow in popularity and number each year. Now, countries all over the world have hosted their own interpretations, putting a spin on the traditional market to add their own regional customs. So, if you’re looking to travel at that time of year and want to know the best places to grab a little taste of Christmas wherever you go, Fair Director at Destinations: The Holiday & Travel Show Rob Debenham has recommended his 5 top Christmas market picks for you to pay a potential visit on your upcoming winter travels.

Birmingham, UK

Although many may flock to London during the festive season, it may be well worth taking a trip a little further north as the Birmingham Christmas Market has the largest authentic German market outside of Germany and Austria, offering an abundance of traditional goodies and hand-crafted gifts.

Opening Dates: From 4^th November to 23^rd December 2022

Vienna, Austria

The Viennese Christmas Dream Market is one of the most well-known traditional markets. This market makes the list due to its magical ability to turn the City Hall Square into a fairy-tale land, complete with Christmas illuminations and a full-size ice rink. This place is an obligatory programme for any visitors to Vienna this winter.

Opening Dates: From 19^th November to 26^th December 2022

Copenhagen, Denmark

You may also want to pay a visit to the Nyhavn Christmas Market which makes for a refreshing change due to its location on a quayside. If you want to experience a Christmas market whilst having a stroll along the river, this is the market for you.

Opening Dates: From 18^th November to 31^st December 2022

Budapest, Hungary

In terms of visual spectacle, the Christmas Market at St. Stephen Basilica is firmly in first place. This year, an even more spectacular 3D visual show will be projected on the front of the Basilica every day after sunset with special glasses available at the market to enhance your experience. Make sure to give the Basilica a visit if you’re looking for a change in entertainment from the traditional Christmas market.

Opening Dates: From 18^th November to 1^st January 2022-2023

Munich, Germany

But finally, the original Marienplatz Christmas Market in Munich must take a place on the list. This market may just be the envy of all others in its city as it undoubtedly draws the biggest numbers of locals and visitors alike. This market is perfect for anyone craving a true taste of the traditional and remains the steadfast home of living customs and old crafts. Dating back to the 14^th century, Marienplatz hosts Germany’s largest Nativity scene market.

Opening Dates: From 21^st November to 24^th December 2022

If you’re still thirsty for suggestions and tips for your winter travels, you can find them at the Destinations: The Holiday & Travel Show which is returning to Olympia London 2-5^th February 2023.

Moving Abroad Checklist

Initial Considerations

Will your partner be travelling with you?

If so, what will they be giving up in your present home and will they be able to continue with their career in your new home? You will need to check whether a separate visa is required for your partner to work or if your visa gives that right. If they are unable to work you will need to decide on the effect on your finances and what alternatives are available to give a fulfilling life (home business, training, voluntary work).

Are you taking family with you?

Moving with family raises many exciting opportunities, but also can create challenges. The HSBC Expat Explorer survey indicates that expat kids can take six months to settle in to their new country (see article). Getting young or even older children to prepare to move and leave their friends and family behind can be a challenge and should be thought through.

The options for education is another area that needs to be thought through.

Moving your child to a new country with a different education system can be a great opportunity to broaden their experience, but if they are close to key exams the timing can make this inadvisable. If you do take your family with you, it is important to decide between joining the local school system or choosing an international school.

Where will you be living?

Whether you will be living in a house or apartment, furnished or unfurnished, these decisions will affect what you need to take with you. The time you are planning to live overseas will also affect whether you should leave your property at home empty, rent it out or sell it. See the article Sell, Store or Ship.