In 2018, everyone will be able to visit New Year's fairs in the main city of the country. The bazaars, combining European beauty and primordial fair culture, will be located in parks and squares, under open air and in shopping pavilions. To prevent the fun from passing by, every Muscovite or guest of the capital is advised to familiarize themselves with the schedule of winter events.
Red Square
New Year's fairs in Moscow simply cannot be imagined without the traditional Christmas market on Red Square. Most likely, in 2017-2018, the unique market will begin its work in November and end on February 28. Each citizen will have enough time to fully study the program offered by the city authorities. It really amazes with its diversity, because here everyone can:
There will also be stages on Red Square where dancers, singers and animators will perform with competitions. Little Russians will definitely enjoy the bazaar. For them, special complexes with attractions, ice slides and children's performances will be set up on the territory of the Kremlin. The huge size of the GUM skating rink will not let the kids or their parents get bored. Entrance to the territory of Red Square will be absolutely free for everyone.
VDNH
From December 12 to January 11, the area in front of the Central exhibition pavilion will be transformed and turn into an amazing place, completely strewn with fabulous houses with bright, elegant, festive display windows. Russians will have a month to embark on an exciting journey through the streets of the park, decorated with garlands, toys and pine needles. By the way, in the colorful houses you can find everything your heart desires, namely:
The entrance is free.
Sokolniki
Among other Christmas markets in 2018, the Sokolniki bazaar, which will be held in the capital from December 18 to January 11, especially stands out for its charitable mission. Part of the funds collected by the organizers of the event during this period will be distributed between orphanages, i.e. aimed at helping orphans.
Entertaining New Year's program The park will allow visitors to taste delicious food, ride on carousels, take pictures with snow and ice sculptures, become part of a huge round dance, applaud talented groups of performers, take part in master classes and compare the achievements of Europeans and Russians with interesting presentations.
In park pavilion No. 4, from December 23 to 29, the Orthodox charity fair “Christmas Gift” will be held, which is organized by large churches, monasteries and Orthodox workshops. Here you can not only buy items related to religion, but also watch theatrical performances telling about the life of Orthodox Rus' and the life of their ancestors, as well as recreating biblical stories in a playful manner.
Trade and exhibition complex "Tishinka"
The short fair, timed to coincide with December 24-27, is recommended for all those who are especially looking forward to the arrival of Christmas. The TVK, located in the old center of the capital at the address: Mayakovskaya/Belorusskaya metro station, Tishinskaya square, 1, building 1, will become a market where you can purchase exclusive works of art from domestic and foreign artists, natural cosmetics for body care, original decorations and, of course, sweets for the holidays.
Twinstore
The famous interior gallery, located in the very heart of Moscow in 1st Shchipkovsky Lane, 4 (metro station Serpukhovskaya/Paveletskaya/Dobryninskaya), from November 20 to 30, 2017 invites to its indoor pavilion those who want to celebrate the New Year in a renovated , a beautiful and comfortable home. It is no coincidence that this fair is also called the “New Year’s Interior Bazaar.”
This is interesting! Here you can find truly extraordinary things that will turn your apartment or house into almost a magical place.
Other places
In addition to the above-mentioned fairs, grandiose festivities will take place:
Residents should not forget about local district fairs, which will be organized in all 12 administrative units of the city. As a result, all Russians, without exception, will be able to experience the holiday, both those living in the capital on a permanent basis and those visiting it only for a period New Year holidays!
Video about the New Year's fair in Moscow
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Christmas markets are not only about healthy shopping, but also an atmosphere of fun and celebration with the sweet aroma of mulled wine and cinnamon. At these events you can try special winter drinks, attend fun festivals and admire unusual color installations.
And so you don't miss the best Christmas markets 2018-2019, The Telegraph has compiled a list European cities where they pass. This way, you can choose a short tour ahead of time that will give you not only a pleasant shopping experience, but also the true spirit of Christmas.
10. Budapest, Hungary
Hungarians know a lot about delicious pies. And on local holiday fairs They sell traditional baked goods called Kürtöskalács (translated as pipe kalach). It has a cylindrical shape and comes with different sprinkles, most often sugar and cinnamon.
Explore one of the oldest and most traditional fairs - the Budapest Christmas Market at Vörösmarty Square in the city center - as well as the Budapest Christmas Market near St. Stephen's Basilica, where you can buy handicrafts and the most delicious Kürtöskalács.
Where to stay: Kempinski Hotel Corvinus Budapest 5*. Comfortable spot, located in the very center of Budapest. The rooms are bright and spacious, decorated in classic shades of cream and gold.
9. Prague, Czech Republic
The fair is held from December 1 to January 6.
Wenceslas Square is one of the best holiday markets in Europe. It is named after King Wenceslas Saint, famous for daring the harsh winter trip to bring gifts to the poor for the feast of St. Stephen (the first Christian martyr).
On the square you can buy sweets, Bohemian glassware, wooden toys, enjoy hot pancakes and try Slovak honey beer. Although it is not included in the list, it is still one of the most delicious in the world.
Where to stay: Alchymist Prague Castle Suites 5*. This cozy eight-bed hotel offers accommodation in a wonderful location directly below Prague Castle. Its noble and luxurious interior and tranquil atmosphere provide the perfect contrast to the noisy pre-holiday atmosphere on the streets of Prague.
8. Dresden, Germany
The fair is held from November 28 to December 24.
Germans are known to love order, beer, sausages and holiday markets. And the oldest Christmas market in the country is located in Dresden, on the Striezelmarkt square. In 250 stalls, where sellers from all over Saxony gather, you can buy handmade ceramics, beautiful fabrics, jewelry, local bread with cheese and delicious muffins with raisins and candied fruits.
Where to stay: Innside Dresden 5*. This hotel is located in historical center Dresden. It features stylish décor and luxurious rooms with balconies overlooking the glass-roofed central atrium and interior walls inspired by the historic façades of Neumark.
7. Frankfurt, Germany
The fair is held from November 26 to December 22.
If you are a fan of the work of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, then be sure to visit his homeland - Frankfurt am Main. And even if you're not a fan of Goethe, visit Frankfurt at the end of November. After all, at this time the famous and one of the oldest Christmas markets in Europe begins to operate in the city. Here you can enjoy not only traditional Christmas things (Christmas tree decorations, toys, etc.) but also the whole gamut of German culinary art - from mulled wine and beer to sausages and fresh, aromatic pastries.
Where to stay: Holiday Inn Frankfurt - Alte Oper 4*. The conveniently located hotel, just a 15-minute walk from the city center, is famous for its friendly staff and delicious breakfasts. Buffet"and clean, comfortable rooms. Just take toothpaste and brushes with you, they are not in the rooms.
6. Bath, England
The fair is held from November 27 to December 14.
This small but very bright city is famous not only for its Roman baths, but also for its annual Christmas market, one of the best in the world. It passes near the majestic Bath Abbey. Almost all products on it are made by local suppliers.
The event offers pottery and glassware, clothing, toys and household items, as well as food and drink. When you finally take a break from shopping, head to ice rink to nearby Royal Victoria Park, explore the Roman Baths or catch a show at the Theater Royal.
Where to stay: No.15 Great Pulteney 4.5*. This boutique hotel is located on the most beautiful street in Bath. It has only 28 rooms, but each of them is as comfortable as possible. Excellent breakfasts with unusual combinations of products, a large selection of drinks in the bar and a pleasant atmosphere - what more do you need to fully enjoy your trip to England?
5. Lille, France
The fair is held from November 18 to December 30.
During the fair, more than 90 wooden chalets will hospitably open their doors, where you can see a large number of examples of decorative and applied arts from Russia, Canada and Poland, as well as enjoy sweet pastries, chocolate and other holiday delicacies. All products at the Lille fair are made by hand.
And if you come to Lille exactly on November 18, you will see an unusual performance - the appearance of Father Christmas, Père-Noel. He climbs the high bell tower of the Chamber of Commerce and symbolically “falls” down. Don't worry, no Pere-Noel was harmed during the presentation.
Where to stay: L'Hermitage Gantois 5*. It began its "life" in the 15th century as a charitable hospice and later became Lille's first five-star hotel. It now boasts two restaurants, a spa and a bar, which is also popular with... local residents, like the guests of the city.
4. Glasgow, Scotland
The fair is held from November 14 to December 21.
Christmas market in largest city Scotland takes place in St. Enoch Square and the central city square of George. There you will find charming houses with Christmas paraphernalia and a huge range of goods and entertainment - from holiday gifts to fun parades, rides, street food, scotch and hot drinks.
One of the best Christmas markets in the world presents the work of not only Scottish craftsmen, but also artisans from Germany, Spain, France and even Russia.
Where to stay: Principal Blythswood Square Hotel 5*. It was once the headquarters of the Royal Scottish Automobile Club. And now it is a luxury hotel that maintains an atmosphere of elitism.
3. Vienna, Austria
The fair is held from November 17 to December 26.
Christmas is all about stereotypes. And the Christmas market, which opens every year in front of the Vienna City Hall, is ready to offer you almost all the stereotypical entertainment associated with Christmas. Mulled wine? Yeah. Ice rink? Well, of course. A huge Christmas tree sparkling with lights? Peace and joy? Yes, yes and yes.
More than 25 Christmas markets pop up in picturesque squares across the city. Their visitors enjoy hot toddy, mulled wine, roasted chestnuts and other culinary delicacies. And countless stalls sell Christmas decorations and gifts for all ages.
- The largest Christmas tree is installed on Town Hall Square and can be seen as early as mid-November.
- High-quality Austrian products can be purchased at Stephansplatz.
- And the most favorable prices for gifts, including handmade ones, visit the fair in the Spittelberg district and the oldest Winter Market in Vienna on Freyung Square
Where to stay: Hotel Rathaus Wein & Design 4*. This establishment has managed to maintain a delicate balance between the original appearance of the building with its high ceilings, spiral staircase, general old-world atmosphere and all the amenities that the 21st century provides, including state-of-the-art furniture, air conditioning and free Wi-Fi.
2. Copenhagen, Denmark
The fair is held from November 18 to January 31.
The city's largest festive market takes place in the Tivoli Gardens, where over half a million lamps guarantee a magical Christmas environment after dusk.
Follow your nose to find stalls offering a variety of seasonal hot chocolates and mulled wine, homemade donuts and sugar-roasted almonds.
In the evening, Tivoli hosts a fountain show - to the music from the Nutcracker ballet, jets of water dance under laser beams.
Entrance to the park is paid - 99 Danish kroner, and it is better to purchase a ticket in advance on the park's website to avoid standing in line.
Where to stay: Sanders 5*. This is a modern boutique hotel with luxurious rooms, a small cocktail bar and a convenient city center location.
1. Moscow, Russia
The fair is held from November 30 to February 28.
You don't need to leave Russia to visit one of the best Christmas markets in Europe. In the 2018-2019 season, about 70 holiday fairs will be held in Moscow.
At the end of November, the GUM fair will open almost right next to the Kremlin wall. In the wooden houses you will be able to buy scarves, felt boots, Russian-made boxes, delicious pancakes with caviar, ginger cookies, mulled wine and other goodies and health benefits.
And from December 12 to January 11, another popular New Year's fair will open at VDNKh. It will offer toys, hats and accessories made from sheep's wool. The organizers also promise to pamper guests with real culinary masterpieces.
Where to stay: Mini-hotel Tverskaya Loft 3*. The small hotel, a 15-minute walk from the Kremlin, has 10 rooms and is equipped with everything necessary for a comfortable stay. It has free internet, air conditioning and a safe. Pets are allowed. But smoking is prohibited on the hotel premises.
Hello friends. Today we will talk about how Christmas markets in Berlin work in 2019. There are about 60 of them. Large and small, in the old town and in the center of modern Berlin. In squares and on rooftops. Each with its own twist (a huge Ferris wheel, an ice skating rink, old kiosks, master classes for artisans, folk crafts). They are literally at every step.
There is even a Christmas market for dogs in Grunewald. Throughout the city there is the smell of cinnamon, cabbage and fried sausages.
The first Christmas market - Weihnachtsmarkt - was recorded in the ancient chronicles of the country at the beginning of the 14th century. You understand that since then the number of fairs in all cities has only increased. Germany's largest and most popular Christmas markets take place
- in Berlin
- Munich
- Frankfurt
- Hamburg
- Nuremberg
- Cologne
- Erfurt
- Augsburg
But we will talk about Berlin. First of all, it's closer. Secondly, Berlin has the most cheap flights . You can afford to fly there for a few days to feel the smell of Christmas.
The name of the Christmas market in German is Weihnachtsmarkt (Weinachtsmarkt - sounds quite scary), but the fairs themselves look fabulous. Vainakhts - Christmas night, markt - market, bazaar, fair.
You should definitely visit Berlin during this festive and delicious time!
Where are the biggest fairs in Berlin and how do they work?
- Friedrichstraße – 25.11.2019 – 31.12.2019
- Alexanderplatz – 11/25/2019 – 12/26/2019
- Boulevard Unter den Linden Opernpalais – 25.11.2019 – 26.12.2019
- Gendarmenmarkt – 21.11.2019 – 31.12.2019
- Kaiser Wilhelm Church – 25.11.2019 – 31.12.2019
- Old city Spandau district – 11/25/2019 – 12/23/2019
- Potsdamer Platz - 11/25/2019 - 12/31/2019
What's at the fairs
First of all, this is preparation for Christmas. Each person can feel like a sorcerer, bringing gifts. But first the gifts must be found, selected and purchased. This is what holiday markets are for.
In addition to choosing gifts, they can be used for entertainment, food and fun. At the fairs there are performances by artists, musicians, and costume events related to history. There are skating rinks, carousels, and dance floors.
But there are days when the fairs come to a standstill. These are important holidays for Germans. The last Sunday in November is All Souls Day. Many fairs that are already open on this day have a day off.
Things to remember
Traditionally, fairs open a month before Christmas. And they finish work on December 24th. Some fairs start earlier and end later. Especially in last years due to the crisis. But the main opening hours are November 23-December 24.
On December 24, by 14:00, all tents are folded and the fair ends. Christmas Eve begins. Germans spend the evening, Christmas night and the next day at home.
Christmas, unlike New Year, is a family and quiet holiday. Therefore, it is worth thinking in advance about how and where you will celebrate Christmas. Buy food and drinks in advance - shops will be closed. Theatres, cafes, restaurants too.
Some holiday markets have extended their opening hours even into January. But most still stop working on December 24th. Well, before they close, hurry up to visit them and treat yourself to national cuisine.