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<h2>Plan ahead</h2><p><span>Every market has its own opening hours and dates. Find the event&rsquo;s website and confirm the details. They usually start in late November and go up to Christmas or the end of December.&nbsp;</span></p>
1/17

Plan ahead

Every market has its own opening hours and dates. Find the event’s website and confirm the details. They usually start in late November and go up to Christmas or the end of December. 

<h2><b>Bring cash</b></h2><p><span>Some stalls will accept cards, but cash is king.</span></p>
2/17

Bring cash

Some stalls will accept cards, but cash is king.

<h2>BYO bag&nbsp;</h2><p><span>Europeans are a bit better with BYO bags and sellers may not have plastic bags on hand. If you plan on buying souvenirs and Christmas decorations, bring your own bag.&nbsp;</span></p>
3/17

BYO bag 

Europeans are a bit better with BYO bags and sellers may not have plastic bags on hand. If you plan on buying souvenirs and Christmas decorations, bring your own bag. 

<h2><b>Take an umbrella</b></h2><p><span>Things will keep going even in the rain or snow. Pop an umbrella in your bag or wear a waterproof jacket with a hood. </span></p>
4/17

Take an umbrella

Things will keep going even in the rain or snow. Pop an umbrella in your bag or wear a waterproof jacket with a hood.

<h2>Download Google Translate</h2><p><span>It&rsquo;s worth loading your phone with Google Translate in case you have questions about what you&rsquo;re buying. You can download the language so you can translate on the go without roaming fees.</span></p>
5/17

Download Google Translate

It’s worth loading your phone with Google Translate in case you have questions about what you’re buying. You can download the language so you can translate on the go without roaming fees.

<h2>Go on an empty stomach</h2><p><span>There are usually loads of food stalls with specialties from the region you&rsquo;re in.</span> <span>Sweet, savoury, meals, snacks, you name it. Because there are so many food stalls, do a lap and check out your options before you commit.&nbsp;</span></p>
6/17

Go on an empty stomach

There are usually loads of food stalls with specialties from the region you’re in. Sweet, savoury, meals, snacks, you name it. Because there are so many food stalls, do a lap and check out your options before you commit. 

<h2>Research the delicacies beforehand</h2><p><span>A lot of markets will start to look the same with crowd-pleasing food. Before you go, do some research to learn about any local specialities you should try. In France and Switzerland, raclette is a must &ndash; bubbling cheese on potato or bread &ndash; as is Schupfnudeln or potato dumplings in Germany and Germkn&ouml;del in Austria. It&rsquo;s a warm bun stuffed with spiced plum jam and poppy seeds on top.</span><b>&nbsp;</b></p>
7/17

Research the delicacies beforehand

A lot of markets will start to look the same with crowd-pleasing food. Before you go, do some research to learn about any local specialities you should try. In France and Switzerland, raclette is a must – bubbling cheese on potato or bread – as is Schupfnudeln or potato dumplings in Germany and Germknödel in Austria. It’s a warm bun stuffed with spiced plum jam and poppy seeds on top. 

<h2>Dress in layers</h2><p><span>It&rsquo;ll be cold, but once you have your mulled wine coat on, you may get hot. </span></p>
8/17

Dress in layers

It’ll be cold, but once you have your mulled wine coat on, you may get hot.

<h2>Avoid white</h2><p><span>Speaking of clothing, avoid light coloured clothing. You&rsquo;ll be eating standing and the last thing you want is an ugly red stain ruining all your photos. </span></p>
9/17

Avoid white

Speaking of clothing, avoid light coloured clothing. You’ll be eating standing and the last thing you want is an ugly red stain ruining all your photos.

<h2>Wear comfortable shoes<b><br></b><span></span></h2><p><span>Seating is usually limited so you&rsquo;ll be on your feet a lot &ndash; possibly the whole time. If you&rsquo;re not already wearing decent socks, pack a thick pair in case you decide to go ice-skating. </span></p>
10/17

Wear comfortable shoes

Seating is usually limited so you’ll be on your feet a lot – possibly the whole time. If you’re not already wearing decent socks, pack a thick pair in case you decide to go ice-skating.

<h2>Be prepared to stick to the same mug or glass</h2><p><span>Stalls will ask you to pay a deposit to keep the same mug during your visit. Get refills till you can mulled wine no longer, then return the mug when you leave to retrieve your deposit. Or if you prefer, keep it as a souvenir.&nbsp;</span><span><br></span></p>
11/17

Be prepared to stick to the same mug or glass

Stalls will ask you to pay a deposit to keep the same mug during your visit. Get refills till you can mulled wine no longer, then return the mug when you leave to retrieve your deposit. Or if you prefer, keep it as a souvenir. 

<h2>Pick a meeting spot</h2><p><span>In case you get lost or separated from your mates.&nbsp;</span><span><br></span></p>
12/17

Pick a meeting spot

In case you get lost or separated from your mates. 

<h2>Pop in during the day</h2><p><span>Locals love their Christmas markets. Though the lights are pretty at night, if you want to visit when it&rsquo;s a bit less crowded, go during the day mid-week.</span></p>
13/17

Pop in during the day

Locals love their Christmas markets. Though the lights are pretty at night, if you want to visit when it’s a bit less crowded, go during the day mid-week.

<h2>Don&rsquo;t forget the smaller towns</h2><p><span>Though the big town markets attract crowds, explore beyond the mainstream and visit a smaller town. They usually have a much more local, intimate vibe and unique stalls for a more authentic experience. One city can also have multiple Christmas markets. Why not?</span></p>
14/17

Don’t forget the smaller towns

Though the big town markets attract crowds, explore beyond the mainstream and visit a smaller town. They usually have a much more local, intimate vibe and unique stalls for a more authentic experience. One city can also have multiple Christmas markets. Why not?

<h2>Pack sanitiser wipes</h2><p><span>If you score a table, have some wipes handy to clean the table before you take a seat. </span></p>
15/17

Pack sanitiser wipes

If you score a table, have some wipes handy to clean the table before you take a seat.

<h2>Have your wits about you</h2><p><span>Keep your belongings close by. It&rsquo;s busy, crowded and primed for pickpocketing. If you&rsquo;re wearing a jacket with inner pockets, store your cash and other possessions inside. </span></p>
16/17

Have your wits about you

Keep your belongings close by. It’s busy, crowded and primed for pickpocketing. If you’re wearing a jacket with inner pockets, store your cash and other possessions inside.

<h2>Take it slow</h2><p><span>Christmas markets are not about rushing. Slow down, take your time, and savour the moment. This is the season to unwind, connect with loved ones, and enjoy the small pleasures.</span></p>
17/17

Take it slow

Christmas markets are not about rushing. Slow down, take your time, and savour the moment. This is the season to unwind, connect with loved ones, and enjoy the small pleasures.

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Original URL: https://www.couriermail.com.au/lifestyle/how-to-make-the-most-of-the-christmas-markets/image-gallery/4a49a1e8d42b3a70b1402c9369d2cd30