That's Tallinn. Want a perfect White Christmas? There it is, right there. I have an Estonian friend who seems rather proud of being—well—Estonian. I told her I was intending to backpack Europe and she told me to visit Estonia, that it is an unknown and ignored country full of beauty. I, for one, was not so sure what language Estonians speak, neither do I know where exactly in Europe it was. All the European countries I know are ones named on the Eurail website. I am now hanging my head low in shame. Estonia is not part of my rail pass and I'm afraid I am skipping it. :( Here is Times' review on it:
Tallinn, Nov 29 - Jan 7: the Estonian capital will host its 8th Christmas market since the tradition was revived in post-Soviet times. The picturesque Town Hall Square is said to be the site of the world’s first Christmas tree, which formed part of a ritual begun in 1441, when unmarried merchants sang and danced with the town's girls around a tree, which they then burned. Organisers expect 200,000 visitors this year and no tree burning.
All the pictures are rightfully linked so please click on them to be directed to the original photographer's website. :) Right on! So we move on to the next famous Christmas market. Dresden!
Dresden's Christmas Market is traditionally called Striezelmarkt, it is Germany's oldest Christmas Market with a very long history dating back to 1434. Its name derives from Hefestriezel, a sweet delicacy which centuries later has become know as “Dresden Christstollen” (German Christmas Cake). The Dresden Christmas Market is located in the historical part of the city centre between the recently rebuilt Frauenkirche and the culinary famous restaurant street of Münzgasse. (Taken from Germany-Christmas-Market.org)Next up, we have Copenhagen. I love how this place sounded from all the reviews I read regarding the epic Tivoli Gardens!
Copenhagen, Nov 20 - Dec 30: The Tivoli Gardens in the centre of Denmark's capital have all the fun of the fair. Rollercoasters and other theme park rides add extra excitement to the masses of Christmas trees, presents, elves and stalls. The gardens are transformed by a huge Christmas Tree and miles of fairy lights: the Tivoli Lights were invented by Tiffany’s head designer John Loring - 1,800 light chains are needed for the willows around The Tivoli Lake. (From Times)And then next up is Nuremberg! I am going to make this a pit stop for when I am on my German leg of the tour. Is it all right when I leave all my German trips till the end of November towards December? I still do want to see the famous sites all over the country. Anyway, that is out of topic. Let's go back to Nuremberg, shall we?
I have to say this looks entirely medieval and romantic! I cannot wait to visit!
Nuremberg, Nov 27 - Dec 24: Nuremberg is the biggest and perhaps the best in Germany. Gingerbread is a speciality of the region, so get your finest Hansel and Gretel garb on and feast on that and the speciality sausage - Nuremberger bratwursts. (From Times)And last but not least, here is Vienna. Vienna has always been the top three of my MUST-SEE places in Europe. I'm in love with it (partly because of this story I wrote that is based there, and I had to research Vienna and Salzburg up for it) because I've read so much about it and things like if you've not been to Austria, you've never been to Europe. It's like a modern city with that old classic European feel to it. I don't know. I'll have to go to find out. ;)
I think Austria is simply amazing. :)
Vienna, Nov 22 - Dec 26: The best locations include the Schönbrunn Palace, the market in front of City Hall, the traditional Viennese Christmas market on Freyung, and those at Spittelberg, Am Hof and in front of the church of St. Charles Borromeo (Karlskirche). (From Times)Planning your next Christmas already? ;) See you there!
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