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The Gift of Travel to Christmas Markets

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culinary travel

The Gift of Travel to Christmas Markets

SmarterTravel

There's a 95 percent chance Senior Editor Christine Sarkis is thinking about travel right now. Follow her on Instagram @postcartography and Twitter @ChristineSarkis.

Christine Sarkis is an SATW-award-winning journalist and executive editor at SmarterTravel. Her stories have also appeared on USA Today, Conde Nast Traveler, Huffington Post, and Business Insider. Her advice has been featured in dozens of print and online publications including The New York Times, Conde Nast Traveler, and People magazine. She has also shared travel tips on television and radio shows including Good Morning America, Marketplace, and Here & Now. Her work has been published in the anthologies Spain from a Backpack and The Best Women's Travel Writing 2008. She is currently working on a travel memoir.

The Handy Item I Always Pack: The Trtl Pillow. It's easy to pack and comfortable, and makes it so I can actually sleep on flights.

Ultimate Bucket List Experience: Seeing the Aurora Borealis from the comfort of somewhere warm, like a glass igloo or hot spring.

Travel Motto: Curiosity is an amazing compass.

Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat: Aisle all the way.

Email Christine Sarkis at editor@smartertravel.com.

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Among Europe’s main holiday draws are Christmas markets, large outdoor street markets pretty much guaranteed to put even the most determined Grinch in the holiday spirit.

Long associated with Germany and Austria, these days Christmas markets can also be found in England, Estonia, Finland, France, and other countries around Europe.

Christmas markets are known for their warming holiday food and drink. We’re talking gingerbread, hot mulled wine, and the like. I’m hungry just thinking about it. Browse the stalls to find gift items such as ornaments, toys, and other local crafts.

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For December travelers to Europe, Christmas markets offer a particularly compelling value equation. Early to mid-December travel (when the markets are in full swing) tends to be cheaper, and Christmas markets offer a unique and free way to soak in a new culture and the energy of the holiday season. That beats the mall any day.

Have you been to a Christmas market? Know of a particularly great one? Share your experiences with other travelers in the comments below!

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