IN SEARCH OF CHRISTMAS MAGIC

Across Europe's most enchanting markets, mulled wine steams, carols drift through the cold air, and the season's spirit glows brighter than ever.

- Word: DAVID BOWDEN

Christmas festivities have begun across Europe, from Montreux to Marseilles and most places in between.

Illuminated Christmas trees dominate town squares, and Christmas or Advent markets are one of the main reasons people travel to Europe during December. However, many begin in late November and continue until just before Christmas Eve. My favourite Christmas destinations are Switzerland and Austria, but other countries rival them. Christmas markets are found in countries like France, Germany, the Netherlands, Poland, Slovakia, and Britain.

The Christmas treats on offer differ across Europe, but all entice family and friends to enjoy the festivities. In Germany, expect sausages, stollen, and Glühwein; Austria adds punsch (fruit punch), chestnuts, and savoury and sweet treats; France leans toward patisseries, cheeses, chocolate, and sweets; Poland offers pierogi (dumplings), smoked cheeses, and makowiec (poppy seed cake); Slovakia brings in honey wine and hearty fare such as potato dishes and bread with goose fat.

Mulled wine, or Glühwein in Germanic-speaking countries, is a traditional, warm Christmas beverage dating back to the Roman era. Originally an alcoholic elixir, it’s made from heating red wine with sugar and spices like cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon. These days, Glühwein is the essential beverage for keeping warm in chilly markets.

AUSTRIAN ADVENT

Oberndorf, the small village just beyond Salzburg, takes centre stage at this time of the year. The famous Christmas carol Silent Night was performed here in a church in 1818. The illuminated Silent Night Chapel, or Stille-Nacht-Kapelle, lures travellers who want to hear the famous carol.