Locals and tourists alike love Europe's year-round open-air markets for their fresh produce. In December, many European cities (especially in Germany) take the concept to the next level with the opulence of their annual Christmas markets. IT asked part-time Belgium resident Amy McKeever to round up three of her favorites:
Nuremberg, Germany, describes itself as a "true Christmas city" and proves it with its formidable market, from December 1 to 23. You can browse for tree ornaments and buy "Nuremberg Plum People"—figures made from prunes and walnuts—at any of the over 150 tastefully decorated red-and-white stalls. The city, which frowns on use of plastic fir garlands as decor, presents the most beautiful stalls with gold, silver, and bronze "Plum People" awards. The Christmas Angel, with her long golden curls and dress, opens the market each year and makes many charitable appearances in the run-up to Christmas.
If you're looking for something smaller, try the Christmas market in Monschau, Germany (weekends until December 23). When you arrive in this town near the Belgian border, a line of wooden booths snakes through Old Town's cobblestone streets, ending at the main market square. Monschau looks lovely in the snow, but if you need warming up, stop in one of the local restaurants for some schnitzel or, even better, grab a mini-mug of glühwein from one of the many vendors. The mugs are specially designed for the Christmas market, and people often take them as souvenirs (though you're not supposed to).
The capital city of France's Alsace region, Strasbourg switched hands between France and Germany numerous times over the centuries. Now it is squarely a French city, but with a German feel and a Christmas market to rival those of its neighbor. From November 25 through December 31, markets and celebrations are held across the city, from the single-spire cathedral to the old village called "Petite France." Tour the city center starting in Place d'Austerlitz (the place to buy a traditional Bredle cake), then browse the masses of twinkling booths in front of the cathedral, stand under the giant Christmas tree in Place Kléber, and finish up with more shopping at the christkindelsmarik at Place Broglie.
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I've noticed recently the trend is Europeans have been going the U.S to shop.