A few weeks ago, my sister Marian and I set off on a mission to explore the famous Christmas Markets of Europe. We visited numerous markets in six different cities and towns in Germany, Czechia and Austria. Mission accomplished!
Of course, we didn’t only see Christmas Markets―read on for an overview of our visits to Prague and Vienna.
It’s been a whirlwind of Christmas spirit, old-world beauty, and travel fun! I’d like to share a few highlights in this second mini-blog post from our European Christmas Market tour. See the first blog post, Postcards from Germany #1, for the background on this grand adventure.
Grüße aus Deutschland! Greetings from Germany!
Many North American communities and towns celebrate the warmth and joy of the holidays by sharing a communal Christmas tree. Traditionally, a super-sized, evergreen tree is erected in a park or town square and decorated with colorful ornaments and lights. Often family, friends and neighbors gather at a special tree lighting ceremony to kick off the holiday season.
In the original version of the fairy tale we know as Little Red Riding Hood, a dear little girl was given a little cap of red velvet by her grandmother. It “suited her so well that she would never wear anything else, so she was always called ‘Little Red-Cap’.”
One of the joys of travel, whether it’s a local day trip or an extended international journey, is discovering local hidden gems. The true nature of a destination is far more likely to reveal itself off the beaten path away from major tourist attractions. That’s not to say must-see sights and popular attractions should be ignored―rather that a well-rounded itinerary, with a variety of sights and experiences, will result in a much richer travel adventure.
