Season’s greetings from a 70ºF New York City! The Bryant Park Winter Village’s festive kiosks have been open for business for weeks, and so has the ice skating rink – a scientific marvel at this time of year. Regardless of the temps, you can’t beat December in New York, right?
Wrong! Cities across the globe are breaking out the festive gear and garb to open their holiday markets – and no one does those better than Europe.
There’s Cologne, which hosts 15 festive markets all over the city. In Vienna, you’re never more than a few steps away from the nearest one either. Budapest just kicked off its annual market; that and a snuggly drink in one of its grand historic coffeehouses are all I crave during the holidays. I’d also love to wander the twinkling stalls along the Thames in London.
Whatever date you believe is acceptable to officially kick off the holiday season, may visions of holiday market hot chocolate, seasonal treats and fairy lights dance in your head.
