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Italian Christmas Markets

Italian Christmas markets may not be the most well-known of the European holiday treats, but they are well worth experiencing. We did a fun tour of some small and large towns in the Southern Tyrol region of Italy and found the Christmas spirit throughout. Here are some of our favorite towns and highlights for you to plan your own visit.

Merano

The beautiful spa town of Merano was the first Italian Christmas market we visited and it was a fun place to start. Being so close to Bavaria, the town and the Christmas market were filled with both Italian and German culture, food, and ambiance. The charming market fills the promenade that runs along the Passirio river adding to the picturesque background of this magical market.

Some eighty stands provide every delight for Christmas market visitors. Handcrafts and games, Christmas decorations and toys, and traditional items made with care are wonderfully festive. Of course, it wouldn’t be a Christmas market without food, and combining German and Italian tastes gives an extra special flavor. Sausages, cheese, pizzas, strudels, cakes, and spiced hot wine are just a few of the many offerings. Apricots are a specialty of the area, and local vendors offer many delights such as apricot wine, cookies, pastries, and more. The scenery and lights make the whole scene come alive in a beautiful holiday market.

Where To Eat In Merano

The Merano Christmas market itself offers plenty to eat and drink. But we also sat down for a proper meal. We were surprised and delighted to discover Augustiner Bräu Munchen, an outpost of a place we enjoyed in Munich.

We sat for a beer and watched a soccer game being played between Portugal and Switzerland (we kept our cheers for Portugal to ourselves). The restaurant offers a great selection of beer as well as wine, coffee, spirits, and other beverages.

The menu covers a range of items starting with a giant soft pretzel (indulge and get it with cheese) and including salads, pastas, grilled meats, and German specialties such as the crackling pork shank. Save room for tiramisù or apple strudel for dessert. Merano has plenty of other restaurants from which to choose.

Where To Stay

If you go to Augustiner and can’t imagine moving much after a great meal, they do have four relaxing suites you can enjoy. The location can’t be beaten, and you can party until you are ready to collapse in your comfy bed and call it a day.

Hotel Aurora Merano Italy — Hotel Aurora, Merano, Italy

For a different type of atmosphere, the cozy and charming Hotel Aurora offers both a great location and a comfortable stay. Situated right across the river from the Christmas market, the hotel is the perfect spot to relax between and after wanderings. The breakfast, served in charming surroundings, was divine. Ingredients come from choice Italian and local farmers and producers. Everything was fresh, well-prepared, and plentiful. We’re still dreaming about the apricot pastry.

Bressanone-Brixen Christmas Market

The next of our Italian Christmas Markets was the Brixen Christmas Market (Brixen is called Bressanone in Italian). This beautiful market offers the traditional experience of Christmas that many people crave. The whole town lights up with holiday spirit in a truly picturesque setting, It’s fun to explore all the shops and foods that are lovingly presented. Beeswax candles, handmade figurines, felt products, wood carvings, and holiday decorations are all around. Food tempts with mulled wine, sausages, strudel, organic bread, cookies, pastries, and more. We loved spending time to experience Brixen at Christmas.

Bolzano Christmas Market

The Bolzano Christmas market fills the heart of the city in Walther Plaza with recognizable and distinctive red and white stripe tented huts. Bolzano is so happy at the holidays that it describes itself as the Christmas Capital of Italy, and we’re sure many of the delighted market-goers would agree.

Bolzano is where they say the Mediterranean and the Alpine meet. Their focus on sustainability is also highly visible through innovation and initiatives.

Bolzano Christmas Market View from the Hotel Greif

Visitors to the Christmas market are treated to a wide array of booths filled with enough to do an entire year’s holiday shopping in one stop. Handmade jewelry, paintings, decorations, leather goods, sculptures, wood products, and more inhabit more than 70 bright and cheerful little houses. Of course, food is also a priority.

Tastes include local and regional bites such as South Tyrolian Christmas waffles, dumplings, doughnuts, pastries, breads, cheeses, jams, sandwiches, soups, polenta, speck, sausages, and sweet or savory large soft pretzels. There’s plenty to drink with wine, beer, juices, mulled wine, hot chocolate, punch, and more.

Where To Eat

For a fun place to have a meal, try the Batzen Häusl Gasthaus. They call it a meeting place for everybody, and we believe it. Try to make a reservation if you can. This place is hopping! That’s probably because of the massive beer and beverage menu and the fabulous food they serve in ample portions.

Sampler Platter at the Batzen Hausl Gasthaus Bolazano Italy

The extensive menu offers soup and appetizers like bacon dumplings or beer onion soup and macaroni “Batzen Häusl style. Salads, flatbreads, sausages, and burgers join Tyrolian specialties like beef goulash, wiener schnitzel, beef steak, and leg of pork. We just couldn’t decide so opted for a combo platter with a variety of flavors to enjoy.

Both of the hotels below also offer wonderful dining options including, bars and restaurants that serve fresh, exciting, and expertly prepared cuisine.

Where To Stay In Bolzano

We opted to stay as close as possible to the Bolzano Christmas market, which took us to the Hotel Greif. We just loved this artsy hotel. The historical façade gives way to a marvelous modern hotel to create a stunning combination. Art is a mainstay at the hotel too. Each room was decorated by one artist with their personal choice of paintings, drawings, and installations.

Each room is unique, appealing to fans of old masters and modern artists alike through art, fabrics, and personal touches. What we most loved was that we could watch the Christmas market directly from our room. The comings and goings of people exploring the market made for great fun.

The hotel breakfast was one of the best we’ve ever had and included the stunning tea collection with delightful teapots and everything you need to make the perfect cup of tea. Featuring the fine TWG teas. It is a tea lover heaven.

The hotel has a sister property right nearby too. The elegantly appointed ParkHotel Laurin sports an art-nouveau vibe. They have a jazz bar and display original artwork throughout. Sunday brunches, aperitivo nights, and musical guests can complement any visit.

Trento Christmas Market

The Trento Christmas markets were extremely busy when we were there because it was a holiday, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, so people had time off to enjoy their day. The market happens at two locations in the old town, Piazza Fiera and Piazza Mostra.

The lights and decorations enhance the festive mood in Trento, which is the capital of the Trentino region. Attention is paid to environmental friendliness and sustainability, and the local vendors offer a wide array of delightful locally-produced goods and treats to put you in a festive mood

There are special themed experiences available such as a Christmas tour of the two venues or a Christmas train ride that takes you through stops in the historic center and city of Trento. The food is fantastic. We had a unique sandwich that was held together by a potato pancake stuffed with ham and cheese, one of our most memorable Christmas market bites, and worth the wait in line.

Arco Christmas Market

This was one of our favorite stops. Arco is a very small town near Lake Garda with dramatic mountain views and a medieval castle. As a unique twist, there were also palm trees in town.

The Arco Christmas market has a truly local feel, with Christmas displays made by local groups and lots of local handcrafts and foods. Various entertainments are staged such as theatre performances and fireworks. Light displays projected on building walls make the scene dazzle and freshly made breads, jams, cheeses, honey, chocolates, and other foods are abundant. We took time to drive around the lake area as well and it’s gorgeous.

Verona

One of the most romantic cities in Italy, Verona is the perfect place to enjoy a heavy dose of holiday spirit. The city of Romeo and Juliet has plenty of wonderful sites to visit year-round. The Arena di Verona is an enormous ancient colosseum that holds some 30,000 spectators and is still used today for opera, theater, and other performances.

The Castle Vecchio (which now houses a museum) and its famous bridge the Ponte di Vecchio, the stunning Basilica of San Zeno, Giusti Garden, and of course, Shakespeare’s famous inspiration for Juliet’s balcony are just a few of the highlights. Verona is a gorgeous city with so much to explore it’s worth at least an overnight to take in as much as possible.

Verona Christmas Markets

Verona Christmas markets are an all-out celebration. They occupy some of the city’s most popular spaces and each has a slightly different feel. First, visitors are welcomed by the spectacular comet sculpture that springs out of the Arena. The main action happens near the famous Piazza Erbe, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is now bustling with shops, cafés, and fresh market vendors.

The Verona Christmas market at Piazza dei Signori (also known as Piazza Dante) is bright and sparkling. Filled with all the traditional gifts and treats, the market is a magical place to experience the true Italian holiday spirit.

Walking through the passageway from Piazza Dante leads to the second Verona Christmas market location in the courtyard of the Mercato Vecchio or old market square, by the Palazzo della Ragione. The walls of the courtyard embrace visitors making this market feel special, like a party for locals who swarm the many different booths offering handcrafts, gifts, food, and beverages to warm body and soul.

The most expansive space is the Piazza Bra, where the Arena’s shooting star sculpture lands. Traditional stands sell all manner of gifts, sweets, toys, handmade goods, and more.

Verona is full of surprises. Beauty pops up everywhere. But it should be no surprise that there are fabulous Italian food options everywhere. In addition to the delicacies offered at the Christmas markets, there are special treats such as pandoro, a famous Christmas cake originated in Verona. It’s ancient predecessor Nadalin, star-shaped and delicious, is also available in many Veronese bakeries.

Offella, is another traditional holiday cake made with butter fresh eggs, and sometimes almond essence. Of course, other culinary specialties of the area include risottos, potato gnocchi, and one of our favorites stinco al forno, which is roast veal shank slow-roasted in the oven. Of course, the wines of the region are the perfect complement.

Where To Eat

We fortunately happened upon an extraordinary restaurant for dinner, and we would highly recommend making a reservation in advance to be sure you get a spot. Trattoria Tre Marchetti was a bit of a splurge, but everything about this meal felt like a bargain for the price, which was modest for the value. There is a special Christmas meal, chef’s tasting menus in either 7 or 10 courses, as well as a la carte items.

Delicious Pasta at Trattoria Tre Marchetti Verona Italy

We ordered the 7-course chef’s meat tasting menu and were bursting by about the fifth course. The food was remarkable, the service impeccable, and the restaurant itself provided a cozy and comforting environment.

If that weren’t enough, it turns out that the chef is a trained opera singer. He treated us to several selections throughout the evening, and we are told it’s not uncommon for famous opera stars like Placido Domingo and Josè Carreras, as well as celebrities to dine alongside patrons. We would honestly return to Verona just to enjoy this special experience once more.

Where To Stay In Verona

We hit another home run with our choice of hotel in Verona. The Hotel Gabbia D’Oro is perfectly situated within walking distance to the Christmas markets on a lively side street full of shops, including a well-known bakery directly across the street. If you enjoy a unique environment full of old-world elegance and charm combined with outstanding service and modern conveniences, then this may be a great place for you.

Hotel Gabbia D'Oro Verona Italy — Hotel Gabbia D’Oro Verona Italy

Our suite in this 18th-century building was full of period touches, elegant fabrics, and interesting art. But it didn’t lack amenities such as a flatscreen television with satellite channels, a mini-bar, and a large, comfortable private bathroom.

@foodtravelist The beautiful hotel Gabbia D’Oro in Verona. Perfect spot for easy access to the Christmas markets. #italy #christmasmarkets ♬ original sound – Food Travelist

The property has a lovely library, cozy bar, delightful garden room where you can relax with a book or enjoy snacks and drinks, and an elegant breakfast room that serves a comprehensive and delicious array of everything you can want for breakfast.

This quirky hotel is eclectic and full of delightful nooks and crannies to explore.

Milan

Many people skip Milan because it is big busy noisy and sort of industrial. And it is. But at Christmas, it takes on a luster that provides enough magic to get you in the Christmas spirit like other great big cities around the world. The hustle and bustle of one of the world’s best-known fashion industry hubs also provides a lot of opportunities for people-watching and window shopping that are a whole lot of fun.

Milan Christmas Markets

There are several Milan Christmas markets, each with its own ambiance and appeal. Near Porta Venezia, the Indro Montanelli Gardens house the first theme park dedicated to Christmas. There’s a skating rink, Santa Claus house, entertainment, and plenty of stalls selling gifts and food.

The Piazza Duomo with its majestic Christmas tree is stuffed with dozens of wooden chalets, lights, decorations, and festive activity. Handcrafts, clothing, sweets, local foods, and lots more are there for exploring and enjoying.

Oh Bej! Oh Bej! Fair at the Sforza Castle is highly anticipated every year. Oh, Bej! means Oh Beautiful! and is meant to express the joy and wonder of children delighting in all the beauty of Christmas. It’s a huge affair with over 400 exhibitors offering everything from books and toys to sweets and chestnuts. Jugglers, musicians, and street artists entertain the crowds.

Other Milan Christmas markets include the Craft Fair filled with handcrafted products from around the world and the Garabombo Bank Fair Trade, an ethical and sustainable Christmas market, offering mindful artisanal products that make wonderful, thoughtful gifts.

Where To Eat In Milan

There are so many options for dining in Milan. Dining like a local might see you ordering Minestrone Milanese at Trattoria Mirta, Osso Bucco at Osteria dell Áquabella, or grabbing a piadina stuffed sandwich at Piadineira.

If pizza is on your mind, the options are astounding. Dry Milano, Pinkeri, La Bufolatta, and Da Zero are among the local favorites.

If you like to combine eating with a food shopping experience, Milan’s Eataly is a gastronomic amusement park. The multistory emporium is all dressed up for Christmas. Culinary gifts include Christmas hampers filled with delicious goodies, panettone, chocolates, oils, pasta, and more.

You can explore the grocery section for fun after eating at your choice of several restaurants. Pizza, pasta, vegetarian food, local Italian specialties, and more make it easy to find something tasty.

Where To Stay

Milan is like most big cities where there are plenty of accommodation options. We enjoyed both locations we decided to try. The first was the Hotel Marconi. Our room was comfortable and spacious with a large king bed and all the amenities we could want, including a towel warmer. What a treat in winter! The buffet breakfast was extensive and we enjoyed taking some time to relax and savor it.

For our next night, we opted to stay at the Hotel Brunelleschi. It was comfortable and friendly and had a perfect location close to the Duomo di Milano. This gave us a great way to explore the Duomo area Christmas markets as well as catch a tour of the Duomo itself, from where we enjoyed some spectacular views of the city.

Bergamo

Bergamo may not be on the top of many travelers’ lists, but we think it should be. This amazing place gives you the best of both old-world charm and modern Italian living. It consists of two parts: a modern lower town, Città Bassa, and the historical upper town up above it, Città Alta. Each part of the city has much to offer, and exploring both is part of the great fun of staying in this fascinating city.

Bergamo Christmas Market

It can be said that all of Bergamo feels like a Christmas village. But a few special places where you can experience the Bergamo Christmas markets specifically do exist. One of the most popular is the Christmas Village in Piazzale Degli Alpini. Traditional wooden stalls line the area with local goods, food, treats, handcrafts, ceramics, toys, embroidered fabrics, and more. A Santa Claus House is prepared for his many visits with children.

The other favorite is the Christmas market in Piazza Matteoti. Handcrafts, bakery treats, toys, decorations, candies, gifts, and food products are offered from a number of wooden huts decorated with sparkling lights and holiday cheer. And best of all a 30-foot Ferris Wheel adds to the joy along with musical acts and other entertainment.

Città Alta shares in the dazzling lights which wind through the town. Piazza Vecchia, the man square in the old town often has beautiful lighted Christmas trees adding to the magic.

Where To Eat

As elsewhere in Italy, finding delicious food is pretty easy. Many of the restaurants will proudly display their pizzas, pasta, pastries, and other delights right in their windows. The options are everywhere, so if you see something that looks delicious, head inside and enjoy.

One place we especially liked was a cute spot in Città Alta called Dispensa
di Arlecchino. There are several local specialties on the menu such as fresh hand-made pasta like casoncelli and scarpinocc and Bergamo-style rabbit baked in the oven. It’s got good options for vegetarians too, like Valtellina Pizzocheri, which is tagliatelle made with buckwheat flour, butter, garlic diced potatoes, chard, and grated cheese.

La Marianna Stracciatella ice cream Bergamo Italy

When we discovered that stracciatella ice cream, Italyás version of chocolate chip, was invented in Bergamo, we had to make our way to the famed La Marianna, where it came from first. In the upper town and a bit of a hike, we nevertheless prevailed and were well rewarded. We enjoyed the fabled treat and have to admit, it was by far the best stracciatella ice cream we have ever had. Totally worth the visit.

Where To Stay In Bergamo

There are wonderful places to stay if you want to seep yourself in either the upper or lower towns. Because we had so little time, we decided to choose a strategic location that would afford us the ability to enjoy both easily. The Hotel Excelsior San Marco is strategically located at the foot of the hill that leads from the lower town to the upper town. It’s an easy walk to the funicular which will take you up the hill.

Aside from its strategic location, the Excelsior offers a lovely hotel with comfortable rooms and modern amenities. There is a restaurant, bar, breakfast room, and rooftop garden so you have a variety of spots to relax and enjoy yourself. Our room had a wonderful view of the upper town from a picture window, which made it feel even more charming. The staff were attentive and friendly. We loved the location and the ambiance that seemed to fit right in with the whole feeling of wonderful Bergamo.

Enjoy The Italian Christmas Markets

We know how wonderful the Christmas markets are in Germany, but they’re not the only markets worth exploring. The beautiful Dolomite mountain range and northern Italian regions offer special holiday magic of their own. We love experiencing the joy of the season expressed by smaller towns that really feel the holiday spirit. Tasting all of the holiday treats and special local and regional dishes reminds us that taking the roads less traveled often leads to memorable rewards.

We hope we’ve inspired you to visit these and other Italian Christmas markets. It’s so much fun to discover new people, places, and flavors in Deliciously Mindful destinations.

If you’re interested in more Christmas markets check out our articles on Portuguese Christmas markets and German Christmas Markets.

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In Living In Portugal

Living In Portugal: 3 Years Later

By Sue Reddel

For those who have followed along on our journey of moving from the United States to living in Portugal, you may be just as surprised as we are to hear that it’s been three years.

One thing you may not know is that we arrived on 25 Abril Portugal, or the 25 of April. The revolution that took place in 1974 ended the dictatorship and started democracy in Portugal. This year is the 50th Anniversary of what is called the Carnation Revolution. Almost no shots were fired during this military coup. The story goes that a restaurant worker, Celeste Caeiro, offered carnations to soldiers when the people took to the streets.

She took the restaurant’s flowers to start what would become the tradition of red carnations representing Freedom Day. This is an official Portuguese holiday that is celebrated throughout the country and the world. Many parades, festivities, and gatherings are planned.

Now we celebrate this day along with the Portuguese as our “Freedom Day.” We have our red carnations and are ready for the big day.

If you’d like to learn more about Freedom Day check out this BBC podcast that’s in English and includes sound clips from April 25, 1974.

What We Have Learned Living in Portugal

We Are Grateful

We made it through A1/A2 language school. This is a requirement for Portuguese citizenship, which we can apply for in another two years. This was a HUGE deal for us. I’ve never learned another language and I’m also a horrible student (of course the teacher is). But I bucked up and made a commitment to myself to pass the class. Diana had a much easier time of it but we both made it through. We definitely celebrated with a few cocktails. We would still highly recommend Portuguese with Carla to get started and to supplement your Portuguese learning.

We’ve also made more Portuguese friends and learned a lot more about the culture and history. We purchase Portuguese products and have become acclimated to our new place.

Our Safe Home

We continue to feel safe and secure in our home and in Portugal. Although Portugal is not crime-free, violent crime is very low and guns are not a part of the culture. They are used for hunting and police. That’s it.

Our Abundance

We count our blessings every day. Our lives are filled with many friends from all over the world who have come to Portugal to create new lives. Our table is often full of friends who are Portuguese, Brazilian, Angolan, Irish, British, French, and others. We continue to learn about cultures over food and drink.

We know that we are privileged to have had the opportunity to choose to move here and enjoy the freedom to live where we wish to.

Living A Portuguese Mediterranean Lifestyle

We’re In Charge

Over the last year, we’ve made positive healthy lifestyle changes. We’re both in our 60s and want to be sure that we can continue to move about and be healthy. We’ve both lost weight. Walking 4-5 miles (6-8 kilometers, that sounds like so much more, right?) every day and following a Mediterranean lifestyle and diet. I hesitate to use the word “diet.” We now eat red meat 1-2 times a month. We eat lots of fresh veggies and fruit and watch our quantities.

That doesn’t mean we won’t splurge now and again. Especially while on a European Waterways French barge cruise in Burgundy France that’s for sure! And we enjoyed every morsel.

We’re also focusing on what we’d like to do more. Diana has been helping people with her hypnosis and coaching skills and is writing a novel with her Dad. I’ve been gardening on our veranda and making time to draw and paint. We have found if we don’t earmark time to do the things we love we just don’t do it. Portugal does have a slower pace but sometimes our American brains still strive to get the most work done out of each day. Being purposeful about how we spend our time has made a big difference.

Community Minded

Part of the Mediterranean Lifestyle is being social. If you know us, you know that’s not difficult for us. However, if you’re an entrepreneur, you also know it’s sometimes difficult to juggle work and your social life. Most of us tend to be a little obsessive with work. We have made it a priority to get out with friends, and schoolmates. It’s also important to us to take the time to participate in community events and do what we can to help in our piece of the world.

After a fire raged through a forest in a nearby town we hosted a fund-raiser for our local volunteer firemen (bombeiros). It’s important to us to give back to the community that gives us so much every day.

Getting Outside More

Another challenge with working for yourself is making sure you get up and away from the many screens we need to look at most days. We committed to our walking to get out every day. This includes taking more drives and exploring new neighborhoods and regions of Portugal.

Even if we went to someplace new every weekend it would take us years to see all there is to see in Portugal.

Mindful Travel

Just Beginning To Discover Portugal & Europe

We imagined that life in Portugal would make it easier for us to see more of Europe. We have been able to travel to France, Spain, Italy, Turkey, Greece, the Netherlands, and many parts of Portugal since moving to Portugal.

Family and friends have visited and more will be here soon. We just love showing off our adopted home taking them to all our favorite places and discovering new ones with them too.

We’ve traveled with friends here in Portugal and to other spots in Europe. We look forward to doing more of that in the future.

We are speaking at the TBEX Conference in San Sebastian, Spain in late May. Living in Portugal makes it easy to turn this opportunity into a road trip. We are planning to make stops in Bilbao, Salamanca, and many other smaller towns on our trip. We are continuing to look for places that are unique, less traveled to, and have great food.

What Lies Ahead?

It may seem like we have sugar-coated our experience here. We sure don’t intend to. As we’ve said before, Portuguese bureaucracy is enough to send many people back to the U.S. It’s not for the faint of heart. Real estate and rent prices have risen. Portugal never was a “super cheap” place to live but that didn’t stop many people trying to move here under the pretense that it is.

Food, utilities, and the general cost of living have gone up in Portugal as they have around the world. If you’re considering a move to Portugal PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE do your homework. Way too many people rely on random information from people who are not experts and find themselves in a difficult if not impossible situation.

Portugal is a wonderful place to live. If you make the move you must be willing to assimilate into the culture. Going to the corner cafe for a bica instead of heading to Starbucks (although much to our dismay, there is a Starbucks in Cascais now). Stand in a line and wait your turn patiently. Shrug and say ok, when a doctor walks up to you in the waiting room and says, “I can’t see you today let’s make another appointment” (at least he said it with a smile). It’s an old saying but you do need to go with the flow. Take a deep breath and know typically everything is going to be ok.

Our hope is that we live in Portugal fo another two year and apply for our citizenship. In the meantime, we’ll keep sharing our stories and living the best lives that we can.

In France

Canal De Bourgogne Barge Cruise

By Diana Laskaris

The beautiful and peaceful Canal de Bourgogne, or Burgundy Canal, is perfect for mindful travel. Cruising on a luxuriously appointed barge offers a great way to explore it all. The trip offers interesting places to explore and fascinating people to meet at a relaxing pace. Our 6-night cruise had opportunities to learn new things about France and taste French burgundy wines. It was fun discovering historical sites and even meeting nobility. Along the way, we made new friends who shared the adventure with us.

We were guests of European Waterways. We were not financially compensated and all opinions are our own.

France Barge Cruise

Our France barge cruise was on the elegant European Waterways La Belle Epoque luxury barge. Unlike large ocean liners or even river cruise ships, barge cruising is a highly intimate experience. Barges usually accommodate eight to 12 passengers and half as many crew members. We had a group of seven passengers and six crew members. When we arrived, we were greeted with a glass of champagne and some appetizers, an excellent way to begin.

If you are unfamiliar with barging, you’re not alone. Being a slow traveler on the waterways gives you access to beautiful places with more time to explore. You can also relax and enjoy without the crowds.

La Belle Epoque Barge

La Belle Epoque barge is like a floating five-star hotel. There are two junior suites and four staterooms. Each has all the comforts you would expect, and even a few surprises. The main deck inside has plenty of comfortable seating and a fully stocked bar. If you have any special requests for spirits you can make them before you board. There’s also a dining room where we enjoyed many excellent meals prepared by our chef. He accommodated all food preferences and allergies with a smile.

The rooms on the deck below have private bathrooms with showers big enough to turn around. Hair dryer, L’Occitane shampoo, soap, lotion, and fluffy towels made it easy to stay comfortably clean. Each room has windows or portholes to see outside while the barge is cruising.

Something Special

The outdoor deck has a wooden dining table with chairs. When the weather is nice, as it was on our trip, you can dine outside. Stepping up to the top deck, you’ll find ample chairs and loungers. This is great for sunning, reading, or enjoying the view as the barge moves gently through the Canal De Bourgogne. Bicycles are ready if you feel like riding alongside the canals on the towpath or exploring a town between stops. The barge moves slowly enough that you can take your time and enjoy the local scene.

For something special, La Belle Epoque has a hot tub on the top deck. Cleaned and sanitized meticulously, it’s a great place to unwind after a day of exploring or anytime. The beautiful flower planters along the side railings of the deck were another special touch. Even better, every few planters were filled with fresh, growing herbs. We learned that the chef would go out and pick what he needed to prepare our meals right onboard. This sustainable feature made us happy and tasted great too.

Excursions Along Canal De Bourgogne

You can explore off the barge on your own but European Waterways also plans several excursions along the route. For our Burgundy France cruise, there were many memorable visits. We even got a chance to rub elbows with a Baron and a Baroness! Here are a few of the highlights.

Tasting Burgundy Region Wines At Domaine Laroche

Barge cruising on the canals of France led us deep into wine country. Chablis is a small town as well as a wine-growing region. And we had a chance to do a wine tasting and tour at Domaine Laroche.

This winery has an important history and is home to the oldest working wine press left in the world. St. Martin has a presence in its 1000-year-old monastery cellars. We learned about the four types of Chablis wines. They are Petit Chablis, Chablis Wine, Chablis Premier Cru, and Chablis Grand Cru. Each wine is the result of nature and nurture, perfectly combined by the winemakers.

Chateau De Commarin Falconry

Another great stop was a visit to the Chateau De Commarin. Here we got the chance to wander through the 900-year-old property. It’s a chateau in France cared for by the same family since it was built – some 26 generations. It has elegant rooms, a chapel, stables, and beautiful garden grounds. The chateau provides a sense of history as its various eras can be seen throughout the property.

A special part of our visit was a demonstration of the ancient sport of falconry. We were introduced to several birds of prey as part of a rescue and educational operation. Tiny Tinkerbell, owl Daenerys (known to kill her male suitors), hawks, and falcons put on a show for us. They flew between handlers, retrieved meat treats, and wowed us with their power and beauty.

Abbaye De Fountenay

A surprisingly interesting excursion was our visit to the Cistercian Abbaye De Fontenay. This UNESCO World Heritage site began back in the 12th century. The French Revolution turned it into a paper mill. But in the early 1900s, it was lovingly restored to regain its original form and structures.

The highlight of the property for us was the extensive grounds. The gardens offer a lovely area in serene surroundings to wander, rest, and reflect. There are also beautiful trees that are well-maintained, gently rushing fountains, and streams with crystal clear water. It was a perfect place for mindful travel as we enjoyed the historic structures and the nature around them.

Champagne Tasting With Nobility

It’s not often you get a chance to meet nobles. So our visit to Maison Taisne Riocour and champagne tasting at Chateau de Ricey-Bas was quite a treat. We first met the Baroness, who graciously showed us around the gardens. She noted that the 3,800 tulips we saw blooming were a gift she gave to her husband, who joined us.

We visited the Taisne Riocour vineyards in the Champagne region. It shows off the rolling hills where the finest grapes are grown. The Baron himself taught us about the exacting work of growing, processing, and fermenting the bubbly liquid that we love. We then went to the Chateau for a tasting of their own Taisne Riocur champagnes, both white and rose.

After the champagne tasting, the Baron and Baroness joined us for a beautiful lunch prepared by their chef. We couldn’t help but notice the elegant table settings and the huge crisp linen napkins. Lunch included unique spins on classic French dishes. We enjoyed a leek mosaic, grilled salad, and red fruit mousse with a pink biscuit. Our aristocratic hosts were charming and down-to-earth. Even though we had just met our barge companions and hosts, we felt like we were dining with old friends.

More Along Canal De Bourgogne

We love barge cruising on the canals of France. We love tasting the French Burgundy wines and eating local and regional dishes. There are several notable stops along the Canal de Bourgogne route of our northern Burgundy cruise.

The beautifully restored chateau in Ancy Le Franc is filled with history, gorgeous antiques, and beautiful gardens. A visiting exhibit of Playmobil scenes depicting the style and works of great artists from Renoir to Warhol wowed us.

In Montbard, we went with the captain to the local market to explore. The market had produce, meat, fish, and delicious cheeses. Our captain’s favorite cheesemonger provided us with the local and regional cheeses that graced our meals.

Then we went to a local bakery for fresh pastries, baguettes, and breads for breakfast that morning. It is a daily ritual to explore the breakfast table baskets brimming with baked goods selected each morning from a local bakery. When we spied a croissant with fresh apricots baked right in, we begged for an addition to the usual assortment. It was well worth it and enjoyed by all.

We enjoyed many stops on our Canal de Bourgogne cruise. Ravières France is where we got off the barge and walked on the towpath. We used our Merlin Bird ID app to discover several different birds that chirped along our way. Venarey Les Laumes is a lively city in the Cote d’Or. It has a train station that connects to Paris and Dijon. It also serves as an important port for the area.

Delicious Mindful Barge Cruising

Our recent cruise on the elegant and intimate European Waterways La Belle Epoque was a relaxing and renewing experience. We enjoyed meeting our fellow travelers, the exceptional crew, and those who hosted us on excursions along the way. Barges floating down canals stop at the engineering miracles of locks. They continue their journeys. bearing important goods and have a long history in many countries including France.

Sue and Diana enjoying the La Belle Epoque

Now that the concept of the luxury hotel barge has taken route, the same leisurely journey is available for pleasure. It becomes a way to unplug and unwind for travelers seeking opportunities to explore a gentler side of cruising. Meeting locals, discovering local history and culture and, of course, tasting all the bountiful treats of the area offer deliciously mindful travel.

If this sounds like something you’d enjoy check out this and other barge cruises offered by European Waterways. You can also read more about our barge cruising experiences here and here.

In Learn About Portugal

Évora A Fun Day Trip From Lisbon

By Sue Reddel

Evora Portugal is a vibrant city chock full of interesting things to see and do. Located in the Alentejo region, it has a unique historical charm and is just about a 90-minute drive from Lisbon. This sets it among great day trips from Lisbon or perfect for a weekend stay.

You can explore Roman ruins, museums, shops, and fascinating nature attractions nearby. If you’re looking for interesting things to see and do without having to rush around to see it all, Evora makes a great day trip or weekend choice for you. Here are what we think are some of the best things to do in Evora for a memorable visit.

Things To Do In Evora

Roman Temple

To get a spectacular glimpse of the ancient world, the Roman Temple in the historic center of Evora is one of the best. The impressive city center of Evora has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Part of the reason is that this ancient structure is one of the world’s best preserved examples of Roman architecture. The temple is made of granite and marble and stands unobstructed on all sides. Unlike with many ancient structures, you can walk right up to it for a better look in detail. Some people wrongly call it the Diana Temple (to honor the Goddess of the Hunt, whom we know and love).

However, the Roman Temple was constructed in the highest part of the city. It was part of the Roman forum that was built to honor Emperor Augustus. The temple was constructed in the 1^st Century AD. Although it was damaged and modified in subsequent centuries, it has been restored and preserved to retain as much of its original magnificence as possible. It’s hard not to linger and think about all that’s happened during the centuries that the Roman Temple has stood in the heart of Evora.

Roman Baths

Another brush with ancient history arrived with the rediscovery of the Roman Baths in 1987. Romans loved baths both for hygiene and socializing. They sometimes even conducted business there. The Roman Baths in Evora comprise three different areas, including hot and steam baths. When it was created, the structure was probably the largest public building in the city. It’s easy to understand how important the baths may have been to the people living in ancient Evora.

Today, the Roman Baths are located inside where the Evora Town Hall now stands. It’s a little tricky to find them. You enter the Town Hall building. Pass through the administrative offices, and walk to the back where you can see the baths. It’s truly a place where the past and present collide. One of the office windows looks out at the baths. It’s a little strange looking at an important aspect of ancient life through the windows of a modern administrative structure. It also shows the connective thread of life in Evora between its ancient roots and modern daily life.

Chapel Of Bones (Capela Dos Ossos)

It’s easy to get creeped out by one of the most talked about and visited buildings in Evora, the Chapel of Bones. The name is not whimsical or metaphorical. The building is lined with the skulls and bones of thousands of monks that were recovered in the 1500s. This is an example of how the Franciscans thought about sustainability.

The chapel was built during a time when cemeteries were using up all the land around the city. The Church of São Francisco even saw its cemetery becoming overcrowded. So rather than continue to add to the problem, they decided to fill the chapel attached to the church with an important and relevant message. Inch by inch, bone by bone, the inside of the chapel is intended to serve as a reminder of life’s impermanence and the inevitability of death. To make sure you get the message clearly, writing above the entrance translates to “We bones that are here, await yours.”

You might need a breath of fresh air after a visit to the Chapel of Bones. If so, go next door to the gorgeous Church of São Francisco, a National Monument where royals worshipped. Head on up the stairs and go out onto the rooftop. There you will get a breathtaking view of the entire area. It’s a bit of a climb, but if you like spectacular vistas, you will be glad you made the effort.

Aqueduct of Silver Water (Aqueduto da Água de Prata)

Aqueducts are very cool. Roman aqueducts that were rebuilt at the height of a city’s “golden age” are even cooler. That’s why Evora’s Aqueduct of Silver Water is such a fun thing to see. It was reconstructed from its Roman origin to bring fresh, clean water from the springs of Graça do Divor into the city.

The marble fountain in Praça do Giraldo delivered water from the aqueduct to the citizens of Evora for more than four centuries. Even now, the structure, a phenomenal accomplishment even in its own time, is still a source of engineering pride. It’s also a protected monument in the World Heritage Site of Evora.

Almendres Cromlech (Megalith)

A little outside of town is a megalithic complex. An arrangement of giant stones, from the 6^th millennium B.C. called Almendres Cromlech. It was created more than 7,000 years ago, during the Neolithic period. That makes it older than the Great Pyramids. It’s older than the famous Stonehenge in England by some 2,000 years.

Many of the stones have carvings on them, adding to the intrigue. Although it’s unsure of what the purpose was specifically, historians believe that it has a strong connection to agriculture. Whatever these amazing stones represented at the time they were placed, today they represent a fascinating look at something created by our oldest ancestors that has withstood millennia to connect us even today.

Cork Oak Trees

Portugal is the largest cork producer in the world and exports over 60% of the cork used around the globe. With a value of about $1.3 billion and employing some 20,000 people, cork is one of the most important industries in the country. When visiting Portugal, you will likely see lots of products made from cork. But aside from the usual bottle stoppers and bulletin boards, cork in Portugal is used to make everything from shoes, purses, belts, hats, tableware, office items, yoga mats, and much, much more.

If you’re intrigued to see where all that cork comes from, then you’ll want to visit some of the cork forests around Evora to see what real Cork Oak trees look like. Not surprisingly, the world’s biggest Cork Oak tree, named the Whistler Tree, over 230 years old, is in the Alentejo. The trees have a thick bark that is peeled off carefully and meticulously processed. The trees usually live around 200 years. The bark is only harvested every 9 years or so using sustainable practices that ensure the health and safety of the trees. They are cared for and nurtured to preserve them for the future.

If you have a vehicle you can drive to see the cork oak trees yourself. Or, if you want to have a knowledgeable guide take you, there are several tours offered. Some include lunch and others combine visits to cork forests, the megaliths, and maybe even a winery or vineyard. Serving as insulation for over 5000 years, cork is one of nature’s gifts to us. Portugal has managed to blend profitability with the sustainability of an important resource that is also beautiful to see in its natural environment

Museums

Like many cities in Portugal, Evora has plenty of museums to visit. In addition to those with art and items you would expect, there are a few specialty museums with different exhibits to enjoy. Here are a few Evora museums we think are interesting.

Cathedral of Évora Museum

The Roman Catholic Cathedral of Évora is one of the oldest buildings in Évora. Located on top of a hill its rooftop provides a stunning view of the Évora region. The museum contains several relics and art that are all worth seeing.

Evora Toy Museum

Whether you’ve got kids with you or you’re a kid at heart, you’ll enjoy the Museu do Brinquedo de Evora (Evora Toy Museum). There you’ll find vintage toys that brought joy to children who were treated to their special way of bringing smiles. Many toys are from the 1940s and 50s. The wide variety includes musical toys, handmade wooden toys, toy trains, games, and doll houses. It’s located in the public garden and is free to enter. Be sure to check the timetable and it’s closed on weekends.

Watch Museum (Museu do Relógio)

Started by a passionate watch lover who inherited three broken pocket watches from his grandparents. The Watch Museum has become an important collection. In addition to housing a huge collection of watches now available for the public to see, the museum also participates in restoration efforts. Pocket watches, clocks, wrist watches are all here. The museum even designs and produces its high-quality brand of watches now. Originating in the Alentejo town of Serpa, the museum opened the Evora branch in 2011 soon offering visitors an ambitious collection of timepieces fueled by passion. The price is €2 for adults and €1.40 for seniors and kids under 10. Closed Mondays.

Carriage Museum (Museu das Carrugens)

If you like seeing how people got around in the 18^th and 19^th centuries, you will want to check out the Carriage Museum in Evora. There is a small collection of about a dozen carriages imported from all over Europe for use by an upper-crust family. There are also items on display such as saddles and harnesses for the horses and other traveling accessories. The €1 admission also provides entry to the Library and Palace owned by the same family. The Carriage Museum is fittingly housed in a building that was part of the cathedral that used to be a barn. Seniors’ price is €.50 and Sundays and kids under 12 are free.

Museum of Crafts and Design (Museu do Artesanato e do Design, MaDe)

The Crafts and Design Museum is a fun place to see many examples of tapestries, cork, pottery, wood, and other creations of local and regional artisans. There is also a collection of industrial designs in things like household appliances and office machines. This is a small uncongested museum with an entry fee of €2 (€1 for seniors or members of a family group) near the Chapel of Bones. Check the schedule for opening times and it’s closed on Mondays.

Evora Museum

The impressive Evora Museum is over a century old. Just taking a look at the inside of the building makes the visit worthwhile. Roman, Visigoth, and Moorish items include art, artifacts, sculptures, and even furnishings. A highlight for many is the “Life of the Virgin” series of 13 panels depicting the life of Mary. Paintings by artists such as Garcia Fernandes, Avelar Rebelo, Mestre do Sardoal, Francisco Henriques, and others are also included in the more than 20,000-piece collection. Admission is €3 and the museum is closed on Mondays.

Shopping

Praça do Giraldo

Praça do Giraldo is the main square of Evora, dating to the 16^th century. It’s a central focus of life in the city and has been for centuries. Today it’s the perfect place to take a break, grab a bite, do a little shopping, or just people watch. For shoppers, there’s a great arcade of shops set off by round medieval arches. There are also several cafés and restaurants great for taking a break to relax between purchases. The plaza’s gorgeous Baroque marble fountain has eight water spouts. Each one represents one of the eight streets that branch off the square. The stunning Church of Saint Anthony sits on the north side of Praça do Giraldo.

It’s hard to believe that this beautiful square was the location of the Duke of Braganza’s execution in the 1400s. It was a warning to anyone plotting with Spain to overthrow Portuguese King John II. On top of that, victims of the Spanish Inquisition were punished in the plaza too. These days, the central square is much more peaceful. It serves as a launching pad for many touristic excursions as well as a place where locals go to dine, shop, and socialize.

Street Markets

Of course one of our favorite ways to shop in any location is to explore the local street markets. In Evora, a large open-air market happens on the second Tuesday of each month at the Rossio de São Bras, just outside the old castle walls between the center of town and the railway station. Vendors here sell a wide variety of artisanal crafts, household goods, clothing, shoes, toys, accessories, and more.

There is also a rotating schedule of four different weekend markets located by the Aqueduct. Each with its own focus, including antiquities, old books, collectibles, and arts and crafts.

Shopping Streets

Avenida 5 de Outubro is Evora’s main shopping street. Its history goes back to the 14^th century (when it was called Rua da Selaria) when leather manufacturers dominated. In the 15^th century, jewelers were the main focus. But today, this street close to the Praça do Giraldo has a variety of shops selling colorful pottery, hand-painted ceramic tiles, carved cork items, and other local handicrafts. You can also find souvenirs and tourist items like t-shirts, postcards, and souvenirs. Rua Candido dos Reis includes some elevated independent clothing boutiques and jewelry stores with high-quality Portuguese filigree gold pieces. Rua Vasco da Gama has some great independent shops selling everything from health food to artisan wood products, rugs, and more.

Books

Book lovers will enjoy stopping in Livraria Nazareth. You’ll find books and maps as well as stationery and other goodies perfect for browsing. It’s the oldest bookstore in Alentejo, filled with charm and so much to enjoy. Lots of great things for the kiddos too!

Cork

What would a visit to Evora be without exploring some of the wonderful products made from cork? Incomplete, we say! That’s why Mont’Sobro is a fun shop for checking out a vast array of items made with Portuguese cork. Located on Rua 5 De Octobre, it’s easy to find. And once inside, you can see shoes, purses, wallets, jewelry, and many other items made from cork. Perfect for gifts – even for yourself.

Evora Plaza

Evora Plaza brings mall shopping convenience to Evora. It includes over 80 stores, an Auchan supermarket, restaurants, and a cinema complex. Stores cover a range from electronics and apparel to home décor, as well as products for children and pets. Dining options include Portuguese as well as international flavors.

Evora Hotels

Now that you’ve got some idea of what to do, you can start planning if you want to stay over a night or two. Hotels in Evora Portugal provide a variety of options to suit your budget and your taste.

Convento Do Espinheiro, Historic Hotel & Spa

Just a few minutes away from the city center, Convento do Espinheiro is a gorgeous five-star reinvention of a 1400s convent. The property shines surrounded by beautiful gardens and with elegant décor throughout. Several dining options include fantastic Alentejo cuisine crafted by Chef Jorge Peças, a native-born and trained in Alentejo. There is also Divinus for Italian cuisine, a lounge, a wine bar, an indoor bar, and a pool bar. Rooms are plush and the hotel offers spa treatments for an exceptionally relaxing time. Indoor and outdoor pools. A health club with state-of-the-art equipment, a tennis court, and beautiful gardens marked with walking or jogging trails add that extra touch to the spectacular accommodations.

Baked cheese bowl in at Evora Vitoria Stone Hotel. — Baked cheese bowl in at Evora Vitoria Sto

Vitória Stone Hotel

The beautiful and sustainability-focused Vitória Stone Hotel synthesizes sleek, modern appeal, with traditional and earthy décor. Each room has its own private balcony. The rooftop bar serves handcrafted cocktails on a terrace with a stunning view of the city. Stone walls accent the sleek furnishings making the feel contemporary yet unhurried and comfortable. The Avista bar is a perfect spot to enjoy a leisurely drink or enjoy a light meal while watching the sunset. 5Amendoas Restaurant offers incredible dishes highly focused on Alentejo regional cuisine and products. The name pays tribute to the Alentejo tradition where groomsmen offer wedding guests almonds at the end of the ceremony. There’s also a panoramic outdoor pool, gym, sauna, and 24-hour business center available to guests during their stay.

Templo Boutique Hotel

A stone’s throw from the heart of the city, Templo Boutique Hotel is delightfully charming highly affordable, and conveniently located. Recently transformed into a 10-room hotel this is a great option for those traveling on a budget. With a range of room sizes from a single room to an apartment-like studio, high ceilings, and air conditioning. An excellent breakfast is also available at the hotel, it’s frankly, a steal. The cheerful staff will answer your questions. Make reservations at a local restaurant, and provide suggestions for sightseeing tours or points of interest. It’s close to all the action but is quiet for those who want to wind down after a big day.

Pousada Convento de Évora

If you want to be in the heart of it all, then the Pousada Convento Evora is for you. It’s steps away from the Roman Temple. We love Pousadas, which convert historic buildings into beautiful accommodations. Pousada Convento Evora (also known as Pousada dos Loios after the former convent) is no exception. The rooms are former monk’s cells, uniquely decorated and designed with luxurious décor and creature comforts making each one special. The Pousada has 24-hour reception, a business center, a restaurant, a bar, and room service. There’s free Wi-Fi. If you want to cool off and relax outside, there’s a beautiful swimming pool and area for lounging and a courtyard cloisters perfect for relaxing.

Pro Tip

Be aware that the Alentejo gets very hot in the warmer months. If you’re sensitive to heat, visit Évora in the fall or winter when temperatures are less intense. As a bonus prize, you’ll find flash sales and prices quite low in the off seasons. Getting to the most prized restaurants will be easier too.

For more about what to eat and where to dine in Evora, check out our latest article. To bring the tastes of travel home, try out some of our recipes like the delicious Carne de Porco Alentajana.

In Portugal

Portugal Christmas Markets

By Diana Laskaris

Updated December 2024
Please be sure to check the times and dates the Christmas markets are open on their websites provided in the links below.

European Christmas markets are some of our favorite spots to visit when traveling during the holiday season. It should be no surprise that Portugal Christmas for us includes visits to some of the wonderful cities and villages that bring Christmas magic to the air.

We’ve exploree big and busy city Christmas markets to tiny villages where the whole town jumps in. Here are a few of the most interesting and fun Christmas markets in Portugal.

Christmas Markets in Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon is the first place most people think of going when they want to find the best Christmas markets in Portugal. And there’s plenty of good reason. There are several major places to go, so depending on how much you want to absorb, you can spend time enjoying each one for its own special personality.

Wonderland Lisboa

This is one of the biggest and most popular Christmas markets in Portugal. And it’s got all the greatest hits that visitors want. Wonderland Lisboa takes up the bulk of Park Eduardo VII with a Santa’s village, Ferris wheel, food trucks, and market stalls.

Christmas music plays throughout the park too, adding to the festive spirit. There are games for kiddies and lots of drink choices for grownups. There are plenty of fun holiday gifts and local craft items to buy, keeping the Christmas spirit alive and well. Best of all, entry is free.

Rossio Christmas Market

In the Baixa part of Lisbon, a tall Christmas tree and Saint Nick’s house set the stage for a plaza full of holiday fun. Wooden huts line the Rossio Christmas market with all kinds of goodies from artisan jewelry and handcrafted gifts to many foods and sweets. It’s fun to sample delicious items as you walk along.

Grab a creamy custard tart called pastel de nata at one booth, then hot chocolate to go with it at another. Enjoy some nuts, dried fruits, and candy, or switch gears with warm sangria or mulled port wine. The market is free and there’s a free Christmas train you can hop on at Rossio Square to ride around the Baixa neighborhood. The many booths and holiday treats rival any other Christmas markets in Europe.

Campo Pequeno Christmas Market

Another of the fabulous Lisbon Christmas markets is the Campo Pequeno Christmas market. This wonderful Portugal Christmas market has two personalities. The first days of the market are a traditional Christmas market with nearly a hundred vendors and all the crafts, gifts, and food you would expect from a traditional European Christmas market.

In the final days the market shifts to a lifestyle and gourmet market. Here you will find luxury items and unique gourmet products. Discover craft beer, gin, and cheeses made by small artisanal producers. There’s a €2 entry fee, but it comes with a €1 discount voucher for purchases over €10.

Porto Christmas Markets

There’s no more festive time to visit the beautiful north of Portugal than around Christmastime. The great city of Porto adds even more colorful visions with lights and markets that make every holiday heart sing. While it might be a bit cooler or wetter outside than down south, Porto is a city well worth enjoying for its celebratory Christmas activities.

The Ágora Christmas Market at Jardim da Cordoaria & Largo do Amor de Perdição

Mingle with the artisans who display their handicrafts especially designed for the holiday season. The market also features two tents that showcase dance, music theater, and more. Workshops for the kids to create their own festive decorations as well as ride on the Parisian Carousel or skate on the Natural Ice Rink.

Christmas Market By Mercado Da Alegria (Joy Market) Batalha Square

Just look at the faces of people visiting the Christmas Market by Joy Market and you’ll see why it is aptly named. Decorated trees, Christmas lights, fun workshops, and clowns start the cheer. Then 40+ vendors with handmade toys, jewelry, crafts, clothing, and giftable food items keep it going.

Taking over the Batalha Plaza, just about a five-minute walk from Porto’s beautiful Sao Bento train station, the market makes it easy to feel festive. Enjoy the lights and festivities in Porto at this special time.

Magic Of Christmas At WOW (World Of Wine) Vila Nova Da Gaia

A short trip over the bridge south of Porto will reward revelers with a fun and different Portugal Christmas market. World Of Wine (WOW) is a cultural district filled with museums, restaurants, shops, and activities. The holiday season turns WOW into a winter wonderland as well. On November 25th, celebrate the magic of Christmas with a brilliant Christmas tree, wandering elves, live music, youth choirs, and dancers. Visit family museums like The Chocolate Story and Cork Planet or more grownup ones like Pink Palace and The Wine Experience. Enjoy a delicious dinner at one of several restaurants. And explore the shops for trinkets and treasures throughout the season.

These are just a few of the Christmas markets in Porto. For the complete listing check out their handy Christmas market guide for all the markets and all the details.

Other Portugal Christmas Markets

Christmas markets in Porto and Lisbon, Portugal, are certainly worth experiencing. But many other places offer Christmas markets in Portugal, too. Some are memorable for their beautiful location, and others because the whole town participates. These are just a few of the Christmas markets in Portugal that we think you would enjoy.

Cascais Christmas Village and Market

The beautiful seaside town of Cascais shines during the holiday season. The Christmas Market is located at Cascais Bay. You won’t have any trouble finding it. Just look for the lighted Ferris wheel and two-story Venetian carousel. You will find 30 festive stalls with handmade items, and local crafts, you’re sure to find a gift for everyone on your list. There are also plenty of food and drink vendors, too. The smell of roasted chestnuts fills the air and the large Christmas-lighted display will surely put you in the holiday spirit.

Christmas Market Cascais 2024 — Christmas Market Cascais

In addition, there are an additional 10 wooden stalls at the Visconde da Luz Garden for even more shopping and tasty delights. The good news is that the Christmas Market and the Cascais Christmas Village are all an easy short walk from one another.

The Christmas Village at the Marechal Carmona Park features a skating rink, snow ride, Santa Claus house, Christmas train, enchanted forest, face painting, and real reindeer are just a few of the delights in store for visitors to the Cascais Christmas Village. Marechal Carmona Park is transformed into this magical village with music, activities, food, and shopping.

Christmas Village Cascais — Delicious food offerings at the Christmas
Village Cascais. Photo courtesy of DNA Cascais

The village is now expanded to include a live nativity scene, complete with camels. The market offers Portuguese handcrafts, pottery, rugs, jewelry, and more. A large food court also supplies plenty of delicious treats to keep you energized for the fun. There is a fee for entry to the Christmas Village, with a discount offered for Viver Cascais cardholders.

Óbidos Vila Natal

Óbidos is a magical place any time of the year. So it’s no surprise that Portugal Christmas in the village is even more magical. Óbidos was a wedding gift from King Dinis to his lovely bride. So when you first arrive and see the castle wrapped in a giant red bow, it feels like a holiday romance for the ages.

The village is transformed each holiday season into Óbidos Christmas Village. A skating rink, holiday train, Santa house, roaming characters, and more delight visitors of all ages. This year, the village transforms into the School of Sorcerers. A giant’s house, potions laboratory, magic hall, time travel virtual reality, and court of wizards add to the fun. Several restaurants offer delicious food. Various stands and shops have treats and gifts galore.

Cabeça Aldeia Natal, Seia

Historical villages with homes made from of schist rock (xisto, in Portuguese) can be found in central Portugal. One of the most charming and delightful is Cabeça Christmas Village or Aldeia Natal. What sets this Portugal Christmas village apart is that it is the first 100% eco-sustainable Christmas village in Portugal. All materials used for decorating are taken from nature.

The approximately 170 residents take materials such as vines, leaves, corn stalks, and famous Serra da Estrela wool to create their Christmas decorations. At night, the village lights up with thousands of LED lights, making it also the first LED village in Portugal. Music, plays, films and other entertainment heighten the sense of community here. And the final piece of Christmas hospitality comes as the residents open the doors to their homes, welcoming visitors to share in the joy of Christmas with them.

Celebrate With A Portugal Christmas

We’re ready to celebrate another Christmas in Portugal. For us, it has been a real treat exploring Lisbon Christmas markets, others in Porto, and Christmas markets in Portugal all over. These are just a few of the delightful holiday celebrations awaiting residents and visitors alike.

Don’t forget that much of Portugal from the tiniest village to the biggest city also brings joy with beautiful lights. We wish you a very happy holiday season and invite you to celebrate with us for a Portugal Christmas no matter where in the world you may be.

In Learn About Portugal

15 Lessons We Learned Living As A Resident in Portugal For A Year

By Sue Reddel

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Lots of people may dream of moving and living abroad. We did it. One year ago we became residents in Portugal. Living in Portugal as an American results from a lengthy process that we have talked about many times here on Food Travelist.

Over the last twelve months, we have jumped over a lot of hurdles and stumbled on a few others, but all and all we have found Portugal to be as we expected. The kind people here have welcomed us, made us feel at home, and helped us whenever they could. From silly things like helping us figure out how to use the fresh-squeezed orange juice machine in the supermarket that kept spinning (an orange was stuck) to important things like how to get our national health numbers and VPN set up. It’s been a year of triumphs, learning, and making new traditions.

We’d like to share just some of the lessons that we’ve learned over the last year since moving to Portugal.

1. Be Patient

This is definitely the number one lesson. As Americans we often expect everything to be easy. We think a quick call, email, or conversation can fix most problems and then we move on to the next thing. Here in Europe, the pace is much different, especially in Portugal. Things that you think might take one trip or appointment might take several, and often these trips are fruitless meaning you need to come back again. Granted COVID added unexpected time to many administrative tasks like getting a driver’s license or setting up health accounts but typically everything runs a bit slower.

Pro Tip: Don’t go expecting to meet with anyone from noon to 1, 2, or even 3 pm. Many businesses, including banks and some healthcare facilities, close for lunch and no one will be there to answer any questions.

2. Your Social Life Can Be As Busy As You Like

We were so lucky to meet a few folks who were already in Portugal before we moved. We had dinner with new friends the first week we arrived and they in turn introduced us to many of their friends. Those original people we met are now our Portuguese family and we cherish our time together.

It’s important to take the time to go out and meet new people. Frankly, it’s easier to meet people in a new country than it is to meet people in a new town in the country you live in. The people you meet abroad have all made the same choice to move. You already have that in common. As a dear friend told us before we moved, you’ll meet a lot of people – some will become great friends, some will be acquaintances, and some just won’t be a fit. You gotta put yourself out there and start to create your new community.

Pro Tip: Join lots of Facebook groups that cater to your new location. Look for Meet Ups and local events that interest you and you’ll likely meet like-minded people with similar hobbies and interests.

3. The Language is Hard, But…

Learning a new language where ever you move is not easy. Portuguese is said to be one of the toughest. One of the other challenges is that if you live in a more metropolitan area like Lisbon, Cascais, or part of the Algarve most people speak English.

Pro Tip: We have found the program Portuguese with Carla to be a great resource for us. It uses a fun treasure hunt type movie broken into chapters and covers all the bases and teaches you via videos, reading, repetition, and patience. They are also quick to answer any questions you may have along the way.

4. Be Prepared

We can’t stress this point enough. Moving to another country is exciting, adventurous, and full of paperwork. Be sure to check the requirements along the way. Things change quickly, especially in the world of COVID-19. Read and follow resources that can help you but do your own homework and be sure that what you’re gathering is right for what you want to do. To get residency in Portugal you need to do a lot of legwork. We arrived in Portugal on a D7 visa. There are different types of visas with varying requirements. If you don’t feel comfortable doing this yourself – hire someone.

Pro Tip: There are a lot of people and companies that can help you with various parts of the process of moving to Portugal. We think NIF NOW is one of the best in the business for getting your NIF (Portuguese tax ID number) and bank account set up quickly, easily, and without hassle. Their advice and knowledge has been invaluable.

Pro Tip: If you’re visiting to check out Portugal as a potential new home or are already here check out Allianz for health insurance. We used them for our first year and recently re-upped with them for 2022.

5. Slow Down

Most of us are used to going at breakneck speed and getting things done quickly and moving on. This is simply not the case in Portugal. We’ve said time and time again that you need to pack your patience when you start this process and that continues once you’ve set up your home here too.

This is one of the primary reasons that we wanted to move here. We wanted a less hectic, more centered lifestyle. It takes a fair amount of adjustment not to race around trying to make things happen (when sometimes you just can’t). Taking the time to slow down and enjoy life is worth every single moment.

6. Embrace New Traditions

Residency in Portugal means some things change. We spent the last year creating new traditions for holidays and learning the traditions that have been in Portugal for centuries. From experiencing our first Sao Martinho day to going to Lisbon to enjoy the holiday lights and even recreating “Thanksgiving” here with friends. We found ways to celebrate life and enjoy the company of others whenever we could.

Living across from the Estoril Praia futebol pitch had us learning to love a sport we didn’t know much about. We now hoot and holler for our guys in yellow and blue right along with the rest of the crowd.

7. Explore When & Where You Can

For us, life is a balance of work and fun. We’ll be the first to admit that sometimes we have a tendency to work more and turn down walks on the beach or lunch with the ladies to make sure we meet a deadline or have that call with a student in Chicago. However, that doesn’t mean we haven’t taken the time to explore some places around our new home.

We’ve gone to visit friends in Setúbal, stayed at a wine hotel in the Douro, and enjoyed drives along the Silver Coast. And we have toured friends and fellow writers around Cascais and Estoril. There’s so much more for us to discover and experience. This summer in Portugal we’re going to history-filled Évora in the Alentejo, we plan to do more exploring along the Linha de Cascais, that beautiful area between Lisbon and Cascais, and we’ll get to the Azores, too.

Now that we’re in Europe, we’re also planning to go back to France and Germany and hopefully get to Italy and Greece too. It’s now so easy and much more affordable to reach all these wonderful places from Portugal.

Pro Tip: Moving to Portugal means lower fares within Europe and super low train fares within Portugal. You can get to major cities throughout Portugal for under 10 euros. That’s pretty amazing. Momondo is one of our favorite resources for finding out when we can go somewhere fabulous at a great price.

8. What To Bring With/What Not To Bring

Even after being here for a year we still bemoan things we left behind. We downsized our “stuff” twice. First with our big move from a 4000 square foot house in Chicago to a 1500 square foot apartment in Madison, Wisconsin. Then, to Portugal. Both were difficult and emotional events. We gave away a lot to family and friends and donated a lot more.

When we were doing our final pass of what to take with us and what to ship we took the advice of many who had already made the trip. We got rid of just about everything. We shipped about 50 boxes of personal items most of which were artwork, books, and kitchen items. As long-time readers know, Diana is a fantastic home cook. She took the unique odds and ends she uses a lot in the kitchen but didn’t take pots, pans, knives, and other things that we now sorely miss.

Think Twice

We didn’t take any of our entertaining dishes (every time we have people over I lament the loss of these cute little white appetizer plates, I know, I know we can replace them here but I’ve yet to see anything like them in Portugal). One friend here asked, “Did you think you’d stop entertaining?”. I guess we didn’t think we’d make so many great friends so fast and want to share our home with them. Go figure.

Not to mention the expense of replacing everything. Our advice to anyone considering a major move. What works well for someone else may not be the same for you. Some people arrive here with two suitcases and are just fine. We are not those people.

Pro Tip: Take your time and really think about what should come with you.

9. Ask For Help

Even after doing all the research and having the best plans in place things sometimes just go sideways. We’re still working on getting our driver’s licenses here in Portugal. It’s a long and boring process that often gets stuck along the way. You will get tired of hearing the word, “não” (no) from underpaid government workers who are not swayed by the fact that you waited for two hours. Getting angry or raising your voice will not help, in fact, just the opposite.

The best option is to find someone who speaks fluent Portuguese to go with you or to hire a professional to help with the process. Administrative functions can be incredibly tiresome, so pack your patience or find someone to help you rather than spinning your wheels and getting frustrated.

10. Be Part of The Community, Become A Local

We moved to Portugal because we love this country and its diverse people. While we love all our friends that are Portugal expats we want to meet more Portuguese and really embed ourselves into the culture. Learning more of the language will certainly help but volunteering and showing up at local events is also a great way to show support and meet new people.

We are still working on our language skills and are constantly thankful for the locals who apologize to us for not speaking more English. We always ask them to speak Portuguese to us. It’s our job to learn their language, not the other way around.

We often write about having local experiences when we travel. It’s no different when moving to a new country. It makes no sense to do the same things the same way we did before. This is the chance to begin again and really embrace this new place and lifestyle.

11. Shop Local, Support Neighborhood Business

Part of being part of this new community means supporting local businesses. We frequent all the little shops in our neighborhood. The churrasqueria down the street knows us very well and the servers wave to us when we walk by heading to the sea for our daily trek. Hilda, the lady who runs our neighborhood florist shop smiled and said “I like you” in broken English (way better than our broken Portuguese) as we left the store last week. We joke and laugh and she helps us find the best plants for our veranda.

Our hairdresser, Anabella, often shares her favorite places to eat and travel to in Portugal her advice is invaluable.

Life isn’t easy here for small business owners so we go to those instead of the big hypermarkets whenever we can. We always know we’ll be treated well and walk away with a new friend.

Pro Tip: Don’t be afraid to walk into the small shops and restaurants in your new neighborhood. This is where you’ll find the real treasures. The Portuguese people.

12. Enjoy The Differences

Portugal is not like the United States. That’s one of the reasons we moved here. We love the vibrant culture and welcoming people here. Learning the history and getting familiar with the traditions and their place in Europe has been a really rich learning experience.

You can’t get all the same foods you got in the U.S.? That’s ok! Try some of the unique cheese, sausages, and wine in Portugal and you’ll find yourself missing just about nothing. Seafood is fresh, abundant, and affordable. We love to order the special of the day when we go to new spots. It’s always a great value and you get to try traditional Portuguese dishes.

13. Have A Sense of Humor

When things go off the rails (and they will) if you can smile and know that this too shall pass you will save yourself a lot of heartache and blood pressure problems. Most issues that we’ve encountered here are not insurmountable. Just annoyances or mild setbacks. See #5 and understand that if you just slow down, things typically work themselves out.

Put a smile on your face and start every interaction with Olá, Bom Dia/Boa Tarde/Boa Noite (hello, good morning, good afternoon, good night). Being polite and having manners will always be welcome and remembered. The Portuguese people are generally good-natured, friendly, and love to chat. The other day we were walking through the park and a groundskeeper smiled as we smelled the flowers on a tree trying to identify it. He shared the name of the bloom, then stuck his nose in the air and sniffed loudly, smiled, and giggled, saying how beautiful it was to smell the flowers. Encounters like these are not unusual and it’s infectious to share the good cheer of just being able to smell the flowers.

14. Be A Little Bit Braver

One of the challenges of moving is meeting new people. You may get nervous and wonder if people will like you or if you’ll “fit in.” As someone who was painfully shy as a child, I can tell you that going to my first meet-up alone was intimidating for me. Some of you may laugh at this as I have spoken in front of hundreds of people, I’ve taught dozens of classes, and feel very comfortable talking to new people. Honestly, meeting new people in a new country threw me off my game a little. It’s one thing to walk into a room knowing you have a big job or a big title or run a company and it’s another thing completely to just go somewhere and be yourself.

To my surprise when I met people early on the conversation quickly moves to why did you move here, where do you live, and what do you love best about Portugal. For the most part, no one cares where you worked or what you did. They want to know who you are now and what you’re doing. You just have to be brave and put yourself out there.

The truth is that most people who move here to Portugal are like-minded. They love Portugal and they love being here. The more you put yourself out there and meet more people the more comfortable you’ll become. Don’t like big groups? Start with an individual or small groups of 2-4 people. That way you can get to know each other and see where the conversation takes you. Love big groups? There are plenty of those too.

15. Surprise Yourself

I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about what being creative means to me. I’ve even spent time again with Julia Cameron’s Artist’s Way books to help inspire myself and get back to doing some painting and drawing. Lots of things have stopped me. I make excuses. I just don’t get started. I’m proud to say that I finally found a way to begin.

Like many others, I wanted to show my support for Ukraine. Living in Europe seems to make the whole thing so much more difficult to watch. I’ve admired Chef José Andrés of World Central Kitchen and his outreach to feed people all over the world who are experiencing trauma. When he and his team headed to Ukraine we immediately made a donation. Somehow that didn’t seem to be enough. My idea was to hand-painted bottles with blue and yellow sunflowers and swallows (a symbol of hope in Portugal). I sold them here in Portugal and so far we’ve raised 600 euros for World Central Kitchen. There we no excuses. I had to do them once people started ordering them and I thoroughly enjoyed doing it.

I’m already pondering what I can do next.

Pro Tip: Check out the documentary “We Feed People” streaming on Disney+. You’ll be amazed by Chef Andrés and his team. If you are able please make a donation to World Central Kitchen.

Can I Live In Portugal For A Year?

Moving to another country can be stressful but it can also be rewarding. We would say wholeheartedly that we’re glad that we made the move to Portugal. Not every day has been perfect but it is the life we were looking for. Living as a resident in Portugal – you can live in a beautiful place with kind people and enjoy a slower pace. If you are considering a move to another country we hope you find our tips helpful. We’ll be writing more about our move, settling in, and more things to do in Portugal in upcoming posts.

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If you’d like more information about relocating to Portugal check out our ebook “101 Tips For Moving To Portugal (And Once You Arrive)”.

In Better Living

How To Change Your Life

By Sue Reddel

Sometimes we get stuck. Especially when the world feels a bit upside down and nothing seems to be going right. We say it’s when the bread falls butter or jelly side down. Everything is going wrong and you just can’t get your footing.

If we’re honest, we all have days like that. If you’re happy with where your life is at, these days pass and you typically get back on the horse and keep riding. But sometimes, these days just linger. Maybe you’re unhappy with your job. Or you’re not getting that promotion you know you earned. Maybe your company is no longer functioning. Or you’re not thriving in your career. Maybe you’re dreaming about doing something else. Perhaps you want to live somewhere else. Or maybe you’re just befuddled by what your life looks like these days and you’re searching for what you can do to make it into the life that you want. The possibilities for discontent and unease are endless.

Sue and Diana at the Grande Real Villa Italia Hotel in Cascais How To Change Your Life — Sue and Diana at the Grande Real Villa Italia Hotel in Cascais

We’ve Been There

We get it, we really do. We’ve both had many times in our lives that required us to think things through from the big picture to the minute details. We forged our own futures by working through it all and we made decisions that have led us to a life we love.

But we understand from personal experience that sometimes the hardest thing is to get started. Fortunately, through all our trial and error, we found a process that works, leading us to the point at which making decisions is easier. So we’ve broken down the process that took us years to learn and put it into a workbook that you can follow for just two weeks. From cloudy to clarity, each day will bring new insights to help you forge your own path to a life you love. This workbook is something we’re proud to offer because we know that it can make a big difference in someone’s life. It certainly has in ours.

The Process Works

If you work through the process you will quickly identify the next steps of what you need to do to start putting your life back on track, getting unstuck, making the decisions that have challenged you, and taking the action that you need to move your life forward in a positive way.

The workbook What Should I Do Now? A 14-Day Jumpstart Program To Get Unstuck, Make Decisions, And Take Control of Your Work and Your Life will help you identify your strengths, and let you quickly determine what to do that will make you happy. It will change the way you feel when you wake up every morning knowing you alone can set your life on the right path.

Just setting aside an hour or two each day for fourteen days. In that time, the process will have you thinking differently, taking action, discovering what you want, and taking control of your life .

Perhaps you are:

Tired of Your Job

Do you have a dead-end job you’ve been stuck at for years? Perhaps you have the boss from hell (we’ve all had one). Business Insider’s recent article says that many people are quitting not because of bad pay but because they’re in a toxic workplace. Record numbers of employees left their jobs in 2021 and in 2022 even more people quit.

You Feel Stuck In Your Life

One of the things that we really understand is feeling stuck. Sometimes your current situation may seem great from the outside, while on the inside you feel stuck, bored, empty, or unexcited about what you’re doing. Taking the time to examine why you feel that way and learning how to change can replace that stuck feeling with excitement and enthusiasm.

You Want To Consider Moving

A place you’ve been in the world for years may now feel different. Living somewhere new, or even moving abroad may have crossed your mind. Perhaps it’s something you’ve dreamed about but have been too nervous ever to really consider. We spent an enormous amount of time and energy considering our move to Portugal. But once we went through our process, step by step, and learned how much it would benefit our lives, making the move was an obvious choice. And it has been the right one for us.

Done With School and Unsure of How to Proceed?

You got your degree. You’re all set, right? You might be looking at the industry you thought you wanted to work in and say, ‘gee, that may not be for me.” Or maybe you feel trapped by your degree, lack of experience or limitations in the marketplace to find a position you will really like. Maybe you feel like you don’t have any choice in the matter. Or you’re in a different stage in life and you want to go back to school or start a new career. But choosing what to study or what career path to follow may feel more confusing than ever.

You Become Overwhelmed And See No Way Out

Sometimes we may feel that no matter what we do we can’t change our current situation. Every option we consider seems like just another bad choice. We become overwhelmed and can’t think straight or see any way out of our current situation. Taking the time to stop and reassess your life and your life skills may just be what you need to start out right and progress quickly on a new and positive path.

Thinking What Have I Done With My Life?

Once we reach a certain age most of us begin to wonder, “What am I doing with my life? “what will be my legacy?” “am I making any difference?” and other important questions. Stopping to refocus and ask yourself the tough questions can help you figure out what exactly you do want to “do” with your life. Then you can begin taking the steps to get there.

There are plenty of other reasons we start feeling stuck or sense the need for change. Yours may be simpler or much more complex.

Take The First Step

We know there are a ton of self-help gurus and books on how to change your life. You may think this is just another one. It’s not. This is a workbook that you work through and it will help guide your next steps. You won’t have to wonder “what should I do today?” We’ll tell you exactly what you need to do every day for fourteen days. You’ll cover a lot of territory in that time. Together, we’ll take you step by step through a fun and enlightening process. Together we’ll explore where you are, where you want to go, and how you’re going to get there. We’ll look at what you want more of in your life and what you don’t want in your life. And a whole range of other things that will help you move forward.

How To Change Your Life

If you know someone or if you are having a hard time, feeling confused, or struggling with some decisions, please know that we wrote this workbook to help jumpstart the process of how to get unstuck. We hope you’ll give it a try or pass it along to someone who can benefit from it.

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In Asia

Tastes Of China

By Diana Laskaris

Welcome to our new series on creating global tastes from home. For us Food Travelists, tastes of food from around the world are one of the reasons we love to travel. But when we’re not traveling, we still want great flavors from around the world. In this “Tastes Of…” series of articles, we’ll be posting ideas, recipes, and suggestions for different cuisines around the world. We’ll share some of our favorite ways to bring the tastes of travel to your table. If there’s a cuisine you’d like to learn more about, send us a note.

Tastes Of China

We have had the great pleasure of traveling to China more than once. We’ve scaled the Great Wall, seen Tiananmen Square, walked through the Forbidden City, and visited tea shops galore. One of the best things about spending time in China is eating the fresh and delicious local cuisine.

For the best tastes of food from around the world, sometimes you’ll discover them in your own back yard. You may enjoy the way they are prepared with a local twist better than their original form. And sometimes, best loved dishes didn’t originate in their homeland at all. That’s quite common for us when it comes to Chinese flavors. As Americans, we lay claim to some delicious unique creations and adaptations of authentic Chinese cuisine. So we’ll give you a few different approaches to enjoy the tastes of China. Whether you order in, cook at home, or travel to China, we’ll share some ideas for making your meals delicious and fun.

The Importance Of Rice

As in many countries around the world, rice is an important part of Chinese cuisine. China, consumes more rice than any other country in the world, over 140 metric tons annually. Fortunately, China is also the world’s largest producer of rice. About two-thirds of the Chinese population consume rice as a staple in their diet. So, it’s no wonder that China has created many different ways of serving rice. Of course, plenty of people love the traditional plain steamed version.

Chinese Fried Rice

One of the most traditional and flexible ways of serving rice in China is Chinese fried rice. This is one of the oldest methods of preparation, dating back to the Sui dynasty around 589 CE. But it was later in the Ming dynasty from 1368 CE that the concept really took off. The dish originally began as a way to use up leftovers from the day before. The food is still good to eat but could use a little refreshing.

Different parts of China have different versions of fried rice. Yangzhou fried rice typically contains meat and vegetables. Chopped left over char siu barbecue pork, cooked shrimp, peas, and carrots are common. Scrambled egg yolks join as well. Then the whole dish is infused with a light sauce of soy and garlic to add seasoning. Hokkaido or Fujian fried rice often includes seafood such as scallops and prawns, chicken, and mushrooms. The ingredients gain punctuation with a thick soy and oyster sauce. Sichuan fried rice, like much Sichuan cuisine, adds a spicy doubanjiang chili based sauce.

To make your own Chinese fried rice at home, try our Easy Fried Rice Recipe.

Egg Foo Young

You will find this traditional Cantonese dish spelled in various ways, including Egg Fu Yung. Not surprisingly, you will also find it prepared in various ways as well. The original creator is debated, from a scholar in the Ching dynasty of the 18th century to ancient recipes of egg “pancakes” filled with meat or vegetables dating back to ancient times. A likely place of origin is the southern provincial Chinese province of Canton, now known as Guangdong. And while Chinese-American adaptations often include a thick sauce, many of those created in China offer a thinner, light mushroom sauce or simple soy sauce instead.

We find this one of our favorite meals when we want some protein without a lot of fuss. The eggs provide plenty and we add whatever veggies we have, definitely mushrooms, and leftover bits of chicken, pork, or beef if we have that as well. It’s a simple dish to make, and you can decide whether or not you want the sauce. Here’s our simple Egg Foo Young recipe that you can easily make at home.

Egg Foo Young Recipe

Here’s our approach to one our favorite tastes of China. We put examples of ingredients for reference. You can exchange, add, or subtract any from the list as you choose. The only thing you really need is eggs! Egg Foo Young is a great way to use up leftovers you have around as well.

Ingredients

For Eggs

8 large eggs, beaten together
1 large stalk celery, sliced thin
1/2 cup onion, small diced
1/2 cup mushrooms, small diced or thinly sliced
3 whole green onions, chopped
1/2 cup fresh or canned bean sprouts
1/2 red bell pepper, small diced
1 cup rotisserie or cooked chicken, leftover pork, beef, or shrimp, diced

For Sauce (optional)

1 1/2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
3 Tbsp light or low sodium soy sauce or tamari
1 Tbsp brown sugar
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1 Tbsp seasoned rice vinegar
2 Tbsp cornstarch
3 Tbsp cold water

Use oil of your choice for cooking, preferably one with a high smoke point and that doesn’t have much flavor such as safflower, sunflower, grapeseed, canola, or peanut. Start with 1 Tbsp in the pan, and add more add more as you cook if you need it to keep the eggs from sticking to the pan. To add an extra bit of tastes from China, sprinkle a tiny amount of sesame seed oil into the sauce.

Directions

Lightly beat the eggs together in a large bowl. Add the vegetables, meat, and 1/2 the green onions and blend together gently.
Combine broth, soy sauce or tamari, brown sugar, Worchestershire, and rice vinegar in a small saucepan over low heat.
In small mixing bowl combine cornstarch and water to create a slurry. When the broth mixture is warm, drizzle the cornstarch blend into the sauce and continue stirring until it thickens slightly and bubbles. If you want a thinner sauce, cut the amount of cornstarch in half. You can also delete the sauce and top your Egg Foo Young patties with tamari, soy, or nothing at all!

Heat a nonstick skillet with 1 Tbsp of oil over medium heat. Depending upon the size of patties you want, add half a ladle or more of the egg mixture to the pan. You can make them as small or large as you prefer. We generally use 1/2 to 3/4 cup per patty.
Cook the egg mixture like you would a pancake, until lightly brown on the bottom.
Flip the pancake and brown on the other side, making sure the middle is cooked through.

Remove each egg patty from the pan and put on a plate in a low warmed oven to keep warm while finishing the others.
Serve the patties warm with (or without) the gravy, and sprinkle the tops with the rest of the sliced green onions.

Chinese Vegetable Stir Fry

Whenever we’re hungry for something we want quickly, we look in the fridge to see what we have on hand. If we’re in luck, there are plenty of fresh vegetables there and we’re in business for making an easy and tasty stir fry. We love to make a Chinese vegetable stir fry because it’s a great way to get plenty of veggies as well as make very little mess in the kitchen. Depending upon our mood, we may make a stir fry sauce to go with it. A simple teriyaki involves soy sauce and sugar. Something more complex can add ginger, garlic, and a little oyster sauce, if that’s around. But we also skip the stir fry sauce entirely, or sprinkle a little low sodium soy sauce or seasoned rice vinegar. Served with rice, a Chinese vegetable stir fry makes a quick and tasty meal. Here’s how we do it.

Chinese Vegetable Stir Fry Recipe

This is more like a guideline than a recipe. The great thing about Chinese vegetable stir fry is that you can make it with whatever you have or whatever you want. We keep it simple by having a few items in our pantry that we know we like to use. If you have these items fresh, so much the better. But if you don’t the pantry versions work just as well. Depending upon what ingredients you choose, you can make it a real load of tastes of China.

Ingredients

Use any all or other veggies for your own veggie stir fry. You can also easily adjust the amount of each veggie depending upon the number of people that you are serving. Here are the items that most often find their way into our veggie stir fry.

Broccoli florets
Snow peas or sugar snap peas
Fresh or canned mushrooms
Carrots, sliced at an angle
Green beans
Cauliflower florets
Onions, diced
Celery, sliced at an angle
Green onions, diced
Fresh garlic, sliced thin or minced
Fresh or jarred ginger root*
Baby corn cobs, fresh corn kernels, or niblets
Sliced water chestnuts
Red, yellow, and orange bell peppers
Fresh or canned bean sprouts
Bamboo shoots
Oil for cooking

*Ginger root tastes much different from ground ginger as a spice. You can certainly add the spice if you like, but taste it first and use it in your sauce rather than directly as an ingredient in your veggie stir fry.

Directions

Heat 1 Tbsp of oil in deep skillet or wok over medium-high. We have a big 14-inch nonstick skillet that works perfectly for us.
When pan is hot add onions for a minute until they soften slightly.
Add 2 Tbsp of water to the pan then add mushrooms, broccoli, and carrots and cook for another 2-3 minutes to soften slightly.

Put any other vegetables you have into the pan and cook for another minute or two to soften.
Add garlic and ginger and cook for 30 seconds.

If you are using a stir fry sauce add it at the last minute right before you pour your Chinese vegetable stir fry from the pan. You can also serve with light or low sodium soy sauce, tamari, black Chinese vinegar or seasoned rice vinegar to sprinkle at will.

Another option is to include small bits of precooked meat like chicken, pork, beef, or shrimp. Add these between steps 4 and 5 so that they warm up but don’t cook too much.

You can eat your Chinese vegetable stir fry on its own for a low carb meal. Or, serve it over rice or noodles. Adding crispy wonton strips on top is also a fun way to finish off the dish.

More Tastes Of China

There are many more tastes of China perfect for enjoying at home. We enjoy making a meal of appetizers like soup, dumplings, wontons, scallion pancakes, potstickers, and more with various dipping sauces. You can mix and match as you like. Tastes of China are all about savoring the wonderful flavors as well as enjoying the people you’re sharing them with around the table.

If you have some other favorite tastes of China, let us know what they are!

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In Americas

16 Things To Do in Winnipeg Canada

By Diana Laskaris

The City of Winnipeg in the Canadian province of Manitoba may not be the first place on your radar to visit in the Great White North. But it should be. Not only are the people friendly and welcoming but there is an embarrassing number of things to keep you busy any season you’re there. We could have written a list of 1000 things to experience in this vibrant city, but we’ve narrowed it down to 16 of the absolute musts to give you a head start.

16 Things To Do in Winnipeg

1. The Forks

So named because it is located where the Red River and Assiniboine River diverge, this mixed-use marketplace and all-around hangout is both the number one tourist attraction in Winnipeg and a place enjoyed by locals. You can get a beer or wine (or try a flight!) at Common and then wander around the huge outdoor patio and indoor areas. The Forks has a comprehensive license so you can take your drink with you all over the place. The outdoor space has communal tables where you can make friends, bistro tables for your intimate group, and Adirondack chairs for you to relax alone or among others.

Beer Flight from The Common in The Fork Winnipeg — Beer Flight from The Common in The Fork

In the winter, ice takes over the area and we’re told that people wear skates and go all over, sometimes in hockey gear as well. The repurposed railway center’s Food Hall is filled with incredible dining options ranging from pizza and burgers to Asian fusion dishes and casual fine dining. Try Pasero, a delicious take on Italian fare and one of renowned local chef Scott Bagshaw’s four eateries. Then take a trip upstairs and shop around for local wares, crafts, clothes, and more. Don’t forget to take your beer or wine with you.

Delicious dining at Pasero in the Forks Winnipeg — Delicious dining at Pasero in the Forks

2. Hermetic Code Tour

Hermetic Code Tour. If you’re a fan of history, architecture, and mysterious codes, you’ll get a heady dose of all three when you take the Hermetic Code Tour at the Manitoba Legislative Building. The tour comes from Dr. Frank Alb’s 10-year obsession with the hidden symbols, ancient languages, and Freemasonic mysteries contained within the building.

The Hermetic Code Tour takes you on a fascinating journey of discovery, including the history of the architect, ancient civilizations, great temples, and hidden symbolism. This unique structure holds many fascinating secrets and wildly enthusiastic Dr. Albo serves as the guide who will make sure you learn about and experience all of them.

3. Clementine Cafe

Breakfast or Brunch at Clementine Cafe. We love it when a menu offers so many good choices that we don’t know which one to pick. Clementine is a delicious hideaway in the historic Exchange District that has been hailed as having the best brunch in the city. You’ll look at the menu and want to order one of everything. Turkish Eggs, Spring Grain Bowl, Braised Bacon Benedict, Roasted Mushroom Toast, and Brussels Style Waffle are just a few of the unique and thoughtful offerings here. You’ll enjoy stepping down into this cozy spot that feels like a hidden gem, though we’re told it gets quite busy, particularly on the weekends.

Clementine Cafe Braised Bacon Benedict Winnipeg — Clementine Cafe Braised Bacon Benedict

Egg sandwich of the day at Clementine Cafe Winnipeg — Egg sandwich of the day at Clementine Cafe

4. Winnipeg Trolley Tour

You know we’re big fans of getting an overview of a place so you can optimize your time there. The Winnipeg Trolley Company’s Heart of a Nation City Tour does that and much, much more. In this 2.5 hour journey, you’ll have the opportunity to learn about so much of what makes Winnipeg unique and amazing. The St. Boniface French quarter, the Exchange District with all of its historic buildings, Osborne Village, which was voted one of Canada’s greatest neighborhoods, and Wellington Crescent full of gorgeous mansions are just part of what you’ll discover.

Learn about Winnipeg’s connection to so many famous characters, from James Bond to Winnie the Pooh. And, you’ll have a chance to stop and visit the wonderful Assiniboine Park where, at the time we visited, adorable goslings and their watchful parents cheerily wander the grounds. You can try a ghost tour or brewery tour for even more fun.

Another highlight of the Winnipeg Trolley tour is in the alleys of Wolseley. What? Yep, artist Kal Barteski started painting the garage doors in her neighborhood soon all the neighbors wanted one of her artic wildlife paintings on their garage. Who wouldn’t?

Kal’s passion for the artic animals drove her to found the Polar Bear Fund to help honor polar bears and their place in the artic eco-system. This is one alleyway that is worth a stop. If you’re lucky, like us, you’ll run into Kal painting.

5. Canadian Museum for Human Rights

The first and only museum in the world focused on the broad spectrum of human rights education and awareness, the museum is a powerful interactive experience. The imposing structure draws you in and as you start in darker levels you ascend toward the light of greater understanding. Engaging technology, art, and interactive experiences blend seamlessly to tell many different stories and provoke thoughts about the importance of human rights.

Canadian Museum for Human Rights Winnipeg

Special exhibits (while we were there it was Nelson Mandela’s story) add to the many different galleries that explore every aspect of human rights. Take the elevator all the way to the top of the Tower of Hope and gain a perspective of the city along with the light of greater understanding. Women, indigenous people, religion, gender, the holocaust, and nature are among the areas explored in this compelling and important museum. While you are there, you may choose to have a meal at ERA Bistro. You’ll enjoy ERA’s focus on tasty local, organic, free-trade, and sustainably sourced ingredients.

Veggie Burger at ERA Bistro in Canadian Museum for Human Rights

6. Deer + Almond Restaurant

For a totally chill dinner, you’ll want to try one of Winnipeg’s super smart, eclectic, and delicious restaurants. Deer + Almond is the brainchild of chef Mandel Hitzer. The dishes come in sharable portions ranging in size and heft. Pick three for two people and see how that goes. Each dish we tried was better than the next – roasted seasonal asparagus with prosciutto and parmesan to start, then beet salad with oranges, tahini, candied pecans, and creamy Halal feta, finishing with a hearty risotto with portobello, kewipie, raw macadamia, and manchego cheese.

Cocktails at Deer + Almond Winnipeg — Cocktails at Deer + Almond

Together with a creative cocktail menu, a great music soundtrack in the background at the right sound level, and funky décor, Deer + Almond is the total package. Also note, for the super-foodie in you, Deer + Almond’s pop-up “RAW + Almond” features a temporary restaurant on a frozen river in the coldest months of winter. A cavalcade of celebrated chefs has joined the project and tickets for this one-of-a-kind experience sell out fast.

Beets & Orange salad deer + almond Winnipeg

7. Festivals

Winnipegers (as they call themselves) love a good festival. Chances are whenever you visit, there will be many around the city from which to choose. Indigenous Day Live, Fringe Theater Festival, Folklorama, International Children’s Festival, Comedy Festival, and the International Jazz Festival are just a few examples. Fests can take place in venues around the city, many with free events, concerts, and activities. We popped over to listen to some great music at the Jazz Fest, which features global hitmakers as well as tremendous local and regional talents. People enjoyed dancing, chatting, munching on treats, and generally having a wonderful time. Check what’s happening around the time that you visit so you can plan ahead.

8. Get a Different Nightcap

Get a Different Nightcap. Winnipeg is full of options for finishing off the night in a tasty way. Go for something fun and different. One possibility is the Amsterdam Tea Room. There you’ll find a huge selection of loose-leaf teas as well as tea-infused cocktails and a few bites. If you want a creative cocktail scene try out Langside Grocery.

You can also get a tasty charcuterie board there to soak up your late-night drinks. For something sweet to finish the night, grab an ice cream at one of the several spots dishing up homemade and unique flavors. Neon Cone at The Forks uses local Manitoba ingredients. Chaeben Ice Cream offers super-premium flavors made in-house from scratch.

9. Breakfast/Bakery Crawl

Winnipeg is brimming with wonderful bakeries and breakfast spots. Take a morning to wander through the city and taste a little bit from several of them. You can start at Forth with a delicious toast loaded with local fresh ingredients. Roasted beets labneh walnuts and pomegranate was one of our faves, enjoyed al fresco at a patio table.

Next head over to La Belle Baguette, where chef/owner Alix Loiselle wows you with creative and delicious offerings. A baking resume that includes the Chateau Lake Louise and working for Daniel Boulud at the Ritz Carlton should remove any doubt about digging in here.

Everything Croissant at La Belle Baguette Winnipeg — Everything Croissant at La Belle Baguette

We love doughnuts and Oh Doughnuts offers a great variety of gourmet unique and surprising specialty choices. Flavors range from sweet to savory with some regular favorites always around and new ones popping up for a visit. Expect the unexpected with doughnut flavors like Everything Bagel, Jalapeno Cheddar, Taco Dip, Orange Creamsicle, and Almond Joy, just to name a few. There are also vegan and gluten-free options.

Everything Bagel Donut at Oh Donuts Winnipeg — Everything Bagel Donut at Oh Donuts

10. Go to the Farmers’ Market

Check out the Downtown Winnipeg BIZ Farmers’ Market. If you’re visiting from June through October, you’ll want to visit the lively farmers market that puts smiles on the faces of everyone around. There are many different types of vendors from all over Manitoba offering a variety of goods like fresh produce, honey, bison meat, vinegar, jams, spices, and more.

You might also spy an opportunity for indulging in a little sweet ice cream from a Chaeban ice cream cart or the BDI (Bridge Drive-In) truck. There’s also plenty of great people-watching, so grab a snack and hang around for a while to watch the show.

11. Take A Bison Safari

As you know, we’re wild about wildlife. If you are too, you’ll jump at the chance to go on a bison safari at FortWhyte Alive to see these magnificent animals and learn more about their place in Manitoba’s history. You’ll get up close and personal with these huge creatures and get the inside scoop on their breeding, eating, and socializing habits with a knowledgeable guide who will help you get the pictures of a lifetime while staying at a safe distance.

Fort Whyte Alive Winnipeg Canada — Fort Whyte Alive

While you’re there, explore the rest of the area’s forest trails, birding hotspots, and more. If you have the time, activities available include fishing, paddling, and hiking in the summer with snowshoeing, skating, cross-country skiing, and tobogganing in the winter. Get a breath of fresh air any time of year and explore the local nature scene.

12 Super Spa Experience

After all the zipping around you’ll want to do in Winnipeg, you might enjoy taking some time to unwind. Thermea by Nordik Spa-Nature is one of the most unique ways to relax, refresh and renew you’ll find anywhere. A short 8km drive from downtown, Thermea feels like a world away.

Thermea Nordic Spa Winnipeg Canada — Thermea Nordic Spa

Their three-step process follows Scandinavian traditions, taking you through hot, cold, and temperate baths, saunas, exfoliation, and total relaxation. Take time to hang on one of the grown-up swings, sit by a crackling fire, and allow your senses to take it all in. Enjoy a fabulous and tasty meal in the terrace restaurant where you can dine in your bathing suit and robe. Ah, heaven!

Thermea relaxing hammocks Winnipeg — Thermea relaxing hammocks

13. Watch the Birdies

For a fantastic way to feel even more a part of nature, head to Oak Hammock Marsh for their Bird in the Hand experience. Bird banding is definitely one of the more unique things to do in Winnipeg. One of North America’s most active bird viewing areas, this wetland is not only a significant natural resource but also a birder’s paradise. Learn from knowledgeable scientists how they band and track birds. And get a chance to help hands-on and set the bird informants free. It’s an exhilarating opportunity to see the important information that comes from research as well as to get up close with some of our wonderful feathered friends.

Bird banding at Oak Hammock Marsh Things to do in Winnipeg — Bird banding at Oak Hammock Marsh

When you’ve set your birdies free, explore the rest of the 36 square km marshland with its hiking trails, marsh boardwalks and educational center. Learn how to paddle a canoe and explore the more than 300 species of birds along with mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and fish that call the wetland home. Did you know you can eat cattail? Neither did we, but we learned how from our knowledgeable guide as we floated by them in our canoe!

Oak Hammock Marsh Things to do in Winnipeg — Oak Hammock Marsh

14. Polar Bears

Few things in life are as exciting as polar bears. So it’s no wonder the Journey to Churchill exhibit at the Assiniboine Park Zoo is a hit with visitors of all ages. This award-winning exhibit takes you through a comprehensive exploration of biodiversity, climate change, and conservation issues that are impacting the northern species from polar bears and muskoxen to arctic foxes and more.

Photo Credit Assiniboine Park Conservancy Winnipeg — Photo Credit Assiniboine Park Conservancy

Of course, you’ll see actual polar bears too, including the amazing walk-through viewing area where you can watch the polar bears swim right above you. Devoted to wildlife preservation, they only house rescued polar bears that could not survive on their own.

Interpretive signage and interactive displays as well as an impactful 360-degree movie help tell the story of Churchill and the polar bears and help us understand the importance of actively working now to preserve our natural resources for generations to come.

Journey to Churchill Assiniboine Park Zoo Things to do in Winnipeg — Journey to Churchill Assiniboine Park Zoo Winnipeg

15. Get Some Relax Your Face Time

Being good to yourself sometimes means taking a small indulgence. The Face Bar Winnipeg makes it easy to do with its 30-minute affordable high-quality skin care services. Take a break and treat yourself to one of their four different condensed facial processes like Tricia’s Supercharged Signature Peel, Glow on the Go facial and Hot Lift or Power Purge facials. You’ll be in and out before you know it with a rejuvenating treatment that fits into even the busiest schedule.

16. Fairmont Winnipeg

You’ll want somewhere centrally located when you’re doing all those things to do in Winnipeg. We were fortunate to be hosted by the Fairmont Hotel Winnipeg. Steps away from the Exchange District, The Forks and connected through the underground concourse are the RBC Convention Center and BellMTS Place.

Comfy beds and top service at the Fairmont Winnipeg

Spend your downtime relaxing in the saltwater swimming pool or stay in shape at their well-appointed health club. Upgrade to Fairmont Gold level, which includes access to the private lounge where you’ll find personalized service, beverages, snacks, and a wonderful breakfast too. We’ve been fans of the Fairmont for many years staying with them in Toronto, Charlevoix, Washington, D.C., and San Francisco. Their consistent service and careful attention to detail bring us back every time.

Afternoon Snacks at the Fairmont Winnipeg Gold Lounge

Things To Do in Winnipeg, Canada

As you can see, you’ll find plenty of amazing things to do in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Make sure you plan enough time to get out and explore a little bit beyond the downtown as well as the many pleasures of this vibrant, friendly, and beautiful Canadian city. While our list is far from definitive, we hope it provides you with a few ideas on how you can enjoy some variety on your visit to Canada.

Our trip was hosted by Tourism Winnipeg as always all opinions we share are our own and reflect our personal experience in the destination.

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In Europe

16 Best Ever Christmas Markets That Will Blow Your Mind

By Sue Reddel

My favorite time of year is almost here. That time from the end of November until Christmas when Christmas and Holiday Markets happen all over the world. I am so grateful to be able to say that I’ve been to my fair share of these markets. I’ve visited Germany, Austria, Hungary, and even some in the good old U.S.A.

If you haven’t been to a Christmas Market or Christkindlmarket as many are called let me explain why you need to change that. First off, whether you celebrate Christmas or not these markets are sure to put you in a fun-loving spirit. Sparkling lights, hot-spiced wine, grilled food, and frankly just being outside is sure to make you smile.

Stuttgart Christmas Markets Shines — Stüttgart Christmas Market Shines

So Many To Explore

Many countries in Europe have a long history dating back to the late Middle Ages of hosting such markets. Whether they’re called a Christmas market, Christkindlmarket, Christkindlesmarkt, or Weihnachsmarkt they all celebrate the four weeks of Advent that lead up to Christmas. They may have originated in Germany but you can definitely find them throughout Europe and on other continents as well.

Kartoffelpuffer, potato pancake at the Frankfurt Christmas market.

While the argument of which town had the first Christmas market goes on and on the town most likely to hold that spot is Dresden, Germany. Their Striezelmarkt is said to have begun in 1434. Rather than bicker about who was first, I say go to as many as you can. There are hundreds of markets throughout the world to choose from.

Many large cities like Berlin have up to 60 markets going on throughout the town. Frankfurt’s Christmas Markets seem to wind down every street. Every corner you turn brings something new and tasty.

Food at Christmas Markets — Delicious food at Christmas Markets

My all-time favorite thing to do at a Christmas Market is to have a steamy mug of glühwein. Those who know me well know that I’ve been collecting these colorful little mugs since who remembers when. When we moved this summer I had to pack three entire boxes just filled with glühwein mugs. But that’s a whole other story…

Sue and Diana drinking Gluhwein — Sue and Diana drinking Glühwein

What is gluhwein you might ask? Gluhwein is hot mulled wine seasoned with spices. Although the best gluhwein comes from Germany (in my humble opinion), you may find gluhwein at each market you attend, so you be the judge. If it’s really cold outside, I’m a fan of adding a little extra kick with a shot of kirschwasser (cherry kirsch) or apple schnapps. Either way, it’s bound to make your cheeks a little rosy.

Lots of Gluhwein in Nuremberg Germany Food Travelist — Lots of Glühwein in Nuremberg Germany

There’s also a lot of food to try at the Christmas Markets. As with the glühwein, every market has its specialties. Keep your eyes and nose open for the long lines and great smells for a sure bet that something tasty is around the corner.

Christmas Markets Food — More Christmas Market Food

There are also games, rides, and lots to do for the kids so you’ll see many local families enjoying the markets together. They also use the markets to buy gifts for the holidays. You’ll find handmade crafts, toys, ornaments, and unique one-of-a-kind items that make great gifts and souvenirs.

Here are just some of the places you can experience an authentic Christmas Market.

BEST EVER CHRISTMAS MARKETS

Frankfurt, Germany

This was one of my first Christmas Markets and if you need a place to start this is one is a winner. Not only does the market take over the whole city but the outstanding train service in Germany makes it possible to see many other markets in the region that are just a short comfortable train ride away. On our visit, we made Frankfurt our hub and also visited Mainz, Wiesbaden, and Rüdesheim.

Make sure to pace yourself. Wander around and check out as many vendors as you can before making your decisions on where to eat and drink. We like to share snacks as we explore that way we get to taste many different dishes and work off a few calories to make room for even more goodies!

Food and warm wine make a wonderful combination.

Be sure to grab a mug of glühwein as you wander around. Nothing keeps you warm on a cold winters day like warm mulled wine.

Frankfort Christmas Market Gluhweinhutte — Frankfurt Christmas Market Glühweinhutte

Passau, Germany

Set in one of the oldest towns in Bavaria, the Passau Christmas Market takes place in the Old Town Square, dominated by the beautiful St. Stephan’s Cathedral. Wander through more than 70 stalls that offer crafts, Christmas decorations and of course, food and glühwein. If you’re a music lover don’t miss the concerts performed on the world’s largest cathedral organ at St. Stephen’s every Wednesday and Sunday from noon to 12:30 pm.

Royal Christmas Market at Hohenzollern Castle, Germany

A Christmas Market in a castle? Yes! This is truly one of the most unique markets you’ll find. The market begins outside but you enter the castle to see all the local crafts that are for sale.

As you wander around the castle, the holiday lighting inside the castle creates a warm and welcoming glow that you won’t soon forget.

Distinctive Shopping at Hohenzollern Castle Christmas Market

Mainz, Germany

You know you’ve arrived when you see the giant candle windmill display in the town square. One of the specialties in Mainz is also a visit to the Gutenberg Museum where you can take part in the Christmas card workshop.

Regensburg, Germany

Regensburg is home to one of the most magical Christmas Markets. The Romantic Christmas Market in the Thurn and Taxi Castle is one of the most memorable markets you’ll ever see. When you enter the castle grounds it’s lighted with only lanterns and candles that make you feel like you are going back in time.

Make your way into the large courtyard for live music and more food and drinks.

Thurns and Taxi Castle Regensburg Germany

The town also has several other markets going on at the same time so make sure to leave enough time to visit them all. I just couldn’t help myself when I spied this three-meter sausage that I just had to try!

Wiesbaden Twinkling Star Christmas Market, Wiesbaden, Germany

The giant ten-meter-high lit lilies are what makes the Wiesbaden Christmas market another fond memory. One of the symbols from the Wiesbaden coat of arms is the lilies lead the way to all the fun you’d expect.

Don’t miss the life-size nativity scene and the giant Christmas tree decorated in blue and gold ribbons. They also have an ice skating rink and two curling rinks for those who just have to try this now-famous Olympic sport.

If you get chilly and lucky like we did head over to the Marktkirche for a tour and Christmas carol concert.

Weisbaden Germany Christmas Markets — Wiesbaden Germany Christmas Market

Stüttgart, Germany

The Christmas markets in Stüttgart wind their way through the main square on off-the-side streets as well. One of the things that is unique in Stüttgart is that they have free local Wi-Fi in the downtown area, which makes it super easy to share your Christmas market adventures with friends and family at home.

Magenbrot Vendor in Stuttgart Germany Food Travelist — Magenbrot Vendor in Stüttgart Germany

They also elaborately decorate the tops of the vendor stalls in Stüttgart. There’s an award given to the best decorated at the end of the market. Competition is fierce – so be sure to look up when you’re in Stüttgart.

Stuttgart Christmas Market — Stüttgart Christmas Market

Baroque Christmas Market, Ludwigsburg, Germany

Giant lighted angels welcome you to the Ludwigsburg Baroque Christmas market. They also boast one of the best lebkuchens (gingerbread) in the world so be sure to stop by and try a sample.

Lebkuchen Vendor in Ludwigsburg Food Travelist — Lebkuchen Vendor in Ludwigsburg

I had a very special treat in Ludwigsburg – a veggie flammkuchen. The gooey cheesy goodness with green beans warmed me up and kept me going.

Pro Tip: Dress warmly, even with a warm mug of glüwein it still gets cold out there. Be sure to wear warm, comfortable boots as you’ll be doing a lot of walking.

Medieval Christmas Market, Esslingen, Germany

Within walking distance from Ludwigsburg is the Esslingen Medieval Christmas Market. Here the vendors dress in Medieval costumes, which makes this experience all the more fun.

Don’t be shy. The vendors will taunt you and beckon you to buy their goods. You’ll see jugglers, basket weavers, blacksmiths and more. Be careful, though. If you misbehave you may find yourself in the stockade.

Esslingen Medieval Christmas Markets — Esslingen Medieval Christmas Market

Chocol’ART Christmas Market, Tubingen, Germany

If you’re a chocolate lover, the Chocol’ART Christmas Market in Tubingen is a must-not-miss for you. You enter the market that goes all around the town square and features chocolate from around the world.

Tubingen Chocol'ART Christmas Market — Tubingen Chocol’ART Christmas Market

This special market happens just for one weekend in December so be sure to check their calendar to avoid being disappointed.

Chocolate at the Tubingen Choco'ART Christmas Market — Chocolate at the Tubingen Choco’ART Christmas Market

St. Blasien, Germany

Flanked by the Black Forest and the beautiful Dom Saint Blasien this is perhaps one of my favorite Christmas markets. While it may be a bit smaller it’s no slouch, drawing in over 30,000 people on weekends in December. My suggestion is to go on a weekday and enjoy it at its best.

Strolling the kiosks, glühwein in hand, you will find yourself relaxing and the world melting away as you smell the sausages grilling, the Christmas tree pine and hear the gentle voices singing Christmas carols and gospel (yes, Gospel) music.

The St. Blasien market has wonderful gifts from handmade children’s clothing to decorative lawn ornaments. This is definitely a family-friendly market. Extra Bonus: a terrific view of the Black Forest!

St. Blasien Christmas Market Germany Food Travelist — St. Blasien Christmas Market Germany

Rüdesheim, Germany

Located along the Rhine River, Rüdesheim’s Christmas market weaves its way through the town. It’s easy to start at one end and make your way around the entire town. One of the unique things about the Rüdesheim market is that they bring in vendors from over 20 nations and 6 continents so this is a shopper’s paradise.

We love bringing home special treats for our nieces and nephews when we travel. While visiting Rüdesheim, we had a handpainted heart made for our niece.

Hand Crafts at the Rudesheim Christmas Markets — Hand Crafts at the Rüdesheim Christmas Market

When you’re done exploring be sure to stop in for a special Rüdesheimer Kaffee. Invented by German chef Hans Karl Adam in 1957, this winter warmer-upper is created by mixing Asbach Uralt brandy and sugar cubes. The brandy is then heated and the sugar mixed in. Very strong coffee is added. That’s topped with vanilla-sweetened whipped cream and sprinkled with chocolate.

Rudesheimer Coffee Christmas Markets — Rüdesheimer Kaffee at the Christmas Market

Nüremberg, Germany

The world-famous Nüremberg Christkindlesmarkt may take over the town square but be sure to check out the other parts of town where the market continues. There’s an entire street devoted to children’s games and brightly lit rides.

One of the oldest in Germany the Nüremberg market dates back to the mid-16th century.

Nuremberg Hearts at the Christmas Markets — Nüremberg Hearts at the Christmas Market

Don’t miss the famed Nüremberg sausages when in town. Order the traditional “Drei im Weggla” – three in a bun. You will get three smaller link sausages on a large roll. Don’t forget to add sauerkraut and mustard. This sausage has been around for more than 700 years with varied stories on how it got started. Who cares? They are delicious and that’s all you need to know.

Nuremberg Sausages Christmas Market — Nüremberg Sausages Christmas Market

Click here to read our full review of the Nuremberg Christmas Market.

Budapest, Hungary

This was one city where I can say that even I was overwhelmed by the amount of Christmas markets that ran throughout the entire city and the number of people in attendance. To say it was wall-to-wall people is a huge understatement.

Christmas Markets in Budapest — Christmas Market in Budapest

The highlight, of course, was the food. There were so many different kinds of food available. We tried the longos, which was fried dough with assorted toppings. Unique and delicious. There are also the traditional sausages, pretzels, and of course, glühwein!

Christmas Markets Budapest — Christmas Market Budapest

Vienna, Austria

Another one of my favorites, Vienna is a town I love to visit any time of the year. Being there for the Christmas market season just makes it all the more special. There are many markets throughout the city. If you want to get to them all you’ll need a couple of days to do it properly. Don’t miss the one in front of City Hall. The lights will guide your way. You’ll find just about anything you can imagine from giant linzer cookies to hand-blown glass ornaments.

Another one of my favorites is at the Christmas Village Maria-Theresien Platz. It’s in between the Museum of Natural History and the Museum of Art. Here I found my all-time favorite Christmas market snack. A two-foot sausage wrapped in dough, baked and then dipped in garlic butter. This is a food travel memory I can still taste and often crave!

Sue at the Vienna Christmas Markets — Sue in heaven at the Vienna Christmas Markets

And of course my hometown of Chicago, IL

Chicago knows how to throw a party. The Christkindlmarket has long been a family tradition for us. We started our glühwein mug collection in Chicago and it grew from there. They have expanded the market with another one in Naperville but my favorite is still the one in Daley Plaza. Where else can you drink glühwein under a huge Picasso statue?

One I can’t wait to try this year: Oconomowoc, Wisconsin

While we were attending an Oktoberfest celebration in Madison this year I was chatting with some locals who said if you like this celebration, you will LOVE the German Christmas Market in Oconomowoc. Held on November 23-25th, this celebration is now high on my list of things to do this month. I’ll report back on how it goes. I hear that the food, glühwein, beer garden, music and more are worth a visit.

Oconomowoc German Christmas Markets — Oconomowoc German Christmas Market. Photo from the Oconomowoc German Christmas Market website.

Christmas Market Planning

It’s not too late to plan a trip to a local Christmas market or even make a trip over the pond to Europe. Just be sure to check out the schedules before you book.

One way to visit many markets is to take a Viking River Cruise. We experienced the Romantic Danube cruise in December and it was marvelous. The ship goes from town to town so you just enjoy the beautiful scenery along the river. Once you arrive at each port you can take advantage of the expert Viking excursions to learn more about each location. You will still have plenty of time to go exploring on your own and check out all the local Christmas markets.

They also do a wonderful job of making the cruise extra festive by offering gingerbread house-making classes, Christmas ornament-making, cookie-cooking classes, and more.

Gingerbread House Building on Viking River Cruises

Whether you go and visit a Christmas market in your own hometown or travel to one on the other side of the world my hope is that you get to experience this fun and tasty holiday tradition. If you have a favorite place to visit for a Christmas market please let me know in the comments below so I can add it to my Christmas market wish list.

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Sue & Diana

Welcome to Food Travelist! We are Sue Reddel and Diana Laskaris. We travel the world to find unique spots away from the crowds. From Michelin-starred restaurants to tasty street food on a stick. We hope to bring the world just a bit closer together as we share a meal and learn about different cultures through food and drink.

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