UNFORGETTABLE CHRISTMAS MARKETS.

The official starting date of Christmas markets throughout Europe came at last on Sunday 24th November, so all enthusiasts, for four weeks, will be able a visit to some of them throughout all Europe.

Christmas markets have a special ancient charm that bring back our childhood memories long forgotten.  

My favourite ones are held in Alsace, where you can experience a magic and friendly atmosphere like nowhere else. 
Christmas spins its magic all over Alsace, since all fairy villages and towns of the area rival in putting up their best decorations and reviving all ancient rituals and traditions.

In every small town you are welcomed by sparkling lights, smiling hawkers, the aromatic fragrances of chocolate, nutmeg, cinnamon, aniseed, mulled wine, Christmas tea, but also by carol singing, fairy tale and legend suggestions accompanying you in impossible travel though time...

Certainly I advise you to visit both Colmar, whose old town centre and its cobble-stoned streets lined with colourful timber-framed houses ornamented with breath-taking winter decor and brightest lights, are a like precious jewels; Strasbourg, which boasts several markets throughout its urban area and whose illuminations further enhance the outstanding heritage of the old heart of the city. 
However, I think that the best suggestion for an unforgettable visit is to stroll through the more picturesque markets of the small villages, set in a wonderful winter landscape, such as Eguisheim, Riquewihr, Kaysersberg and Ribeauvillé, which are less commercial and more genuine.

 
There, you can still find stalls selling the more traditional biscuits, delicious, freshly baked treats such as "Mannalas" (soft brioche in the shape of a little man with chocolate chips) and original handicraft products, like candles, tea-light holders, holiday-themed tablecloths, textiles and homeware.

And if you are lucky enough, you will be able to experience the sight of a stork flying back to its nest on top of the roof of a timber-framed house, and believe to be transported back in time like a character in a folk tale...

Once back home, the warm "souvenir" of a less consumer Christmas search for presents, free from the frenzy of expensive shopping spraining your credit card, but based only on the choice of good-taste small gifts with your heart in them will accompany you forever.

And just imagine that's an incorrigible shopaholic saying that!...