The Belgian capital as a real winter wonder during Christmas time. In every square you will find a Christmas market that will amaze you. Light and sound show are constantly played at the Grand-Place with magnificient colors all over the Cathedral. As you stroll between different booths, it's hard to resist he smell of a freshly baked Gaufre, fries, chocolate fountains and of course the mulled wine. Another exceptional market could also be found at Place Sainte Catherine at the footstep of the medieval Tour Noire, with many concerts, games for kids and carrousel.
My favourite Christmas spot in Rome was the one at Piazza Navona. Around the 3 famous fountains you can contemplate beautiful paintings from the city, perfectionnally made colorful sweats and a variety of witches in all shapes and sizes hanged above your head.
Whether it's the one at Champs Elysees, La Defense or Montmartre, almost all Parisian Christmas markets have an international aspect. You will have a hard time to choose between Swiss tartiflettes, Dutch cheese, Lebanese kebbe, Turkish kebab, and of course the famous french crepe nutella with banana. But also Japanese and Indian arts and crafts, Jeweleries and scarfs from Nepal and yes, cosmetic donkey products from Croatia. The Champs Elysees market is the biggest I have ever seen, with almost 200 wooden chalets on both sides from the Arc de Triomphe to Place de la Concorde (which is around 5 metro stations). If you are looking for some gastronomic specialities from the French regions, the one in la Defense has a lot to offer, from the Aligot of Auvergne, sausages and meat from Corsica, and much much more. And of course, if you can make it to Euro Disney you will have a great time watching the Christmas Parade organized on the 24th of December.
Prague in general has a very spooky and mysterious mood. And with Christmas time, this atmosphere is even more intense. The Staré Město / Old Town is not very big and that what makes the market more cozy and friendly. There are mainly Czech specialities to try, but I was quiet astonished by the creamy flavoury hot chocolate they serve in the market. It's also one of the market where you must get yourself some souvenirs, being a package of champoo, conditioner and body lotion made out of beer, a piece of jewelery or simply a marionette.
Unlike other Eastern European Christmas markets, the best thing about the one Ban Josip Jelačić, Zagreb main square is that you can pass by at anytime even late at midnight and you will still find it packed despite the cold weather, with people drinking, eating or having some of the special Croatian dumplings with sugar. It's a small market, but they have also some concerts and live croatian bands playing everyday.
I wasnt very impressed spending Christmas time in Ljubljana. The city seemed totally deserted to me, with very few people. But what impressed me the most is the meticulously designed Christmas decoration all over the bridges and in front of the cathedral. Not very fancy but inspiring and magical. Shooting stars, planets and galaxies falling over your head. The photos here say it all.
Who said that Christmas means Snow and cold weather. If you are in the Middle East and hard for you to make it to any of the European cities, Dubai is offering you an amazing Christmas market at Madinet El Jumeirah, with an overview on the famous Burj Dubai. With a huge Christmas tree surrounded with many booths and entretainement for children, there's no better way celebrating your Christmas with your hot short and sunglasses.