TIS THE
CHRISTMAS SPECIAL
‘TIS THE Christmas markets bring such joy and cheer that go beyond mere shopping. The sheer variety, and even surprise sometimes, make wandering around these an experience like no other. TEXT ANITA RAO KASHI
AMSTERDAM For a true understanding of the term ‘winter wonderland’, the Christmas market at Amsterdam’s Museumplein (Museum Square) is par excellence. The open space undergoes a transformation and a lively market comes up. But at its heart is the Ice Village with a massive ice rink surrounded by winter cheer. Not just skating but a whole lot of ice-based activities are possible including fun things like ice bowling. Elsewhere, there’s an ice sculpture show which opens with iconic and quirky sculptures of people, locations and much more. If all this gets exhausting, then there’s an abundance of Dutch treats to sink your teeth into such as kerstkransjes – a type of Christmas cookie, oliebollen – a Dutch doughnut and lots more!
All images and illustrations: Shutterstock.com
I
t’s that time of the year again, there’s a nip in the air and snow on the ground and plenty of festive fervour. Across Europe, winter is much anticipated for the sheer joy and variety of Christmas markets that come up all over cities, towns and villages. These markets flaunt magical lights, the aroma of roasted chestnuts, varieties of mulled wine, the tantalising smells of baked goods and frying sausages, children’s excitement at rides and games, the lilting tunes of carols and Christmas songs and the general atmosphere of cheer that pervades everywhere. There’s mindboggling variety to choose from but we have rounded up some quirky and interesting markets to visit this holiday season...
Clockwise from above: Skating at the Ice Village at Museumplein is a must-do; Delicious Dutch goodies put a smile on the faces of children and adults alike; Vibrant stalls add to the Christmas cheer.
GETTING THERE: Jet Airways operates daily direct flights to Amsterdam from Mumbai, New Delhi and Bengaluru.
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JetWings December 2017
JetWings December 2017 87
XMAS SPECIAL
PARIS There’s nothing quite like the Notre Dame Cathedral. Come Christmas and the cathedral’s brooding, mysterious presence becomes even more mystical with lights, winter chill and festivity in the air. Less flamboyant than the one at Champs Elysees, the Marché de Noël (Christmas market) at the cathedral calls itself an authentic one since there are a fewer number of shops, about 50–60, with artisans, designers and boutique craftsmen displaying handmade items and homemade regional food. It is far more intimate and the whole ambience is dictated by the towering presence of the cathedral in front of which stands a massive tree. Inside the cathedral is a beautiful crib accompanied by Christmas carols and hymns.
Above: The Marché de Noël at the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. Below: The Christmas market at Hyde Park in London is one of the more famous ones in the city.
GETTING THERE: Jet Airways operates daily direct flights to Paris from Mumbai, and five weekly flights from Chennai.
Come November, London gears up for festivities. It begins with the ceremonial switching on of the Christmas lights on Regent Street followed by a colourful parade. There’s revelry everywhere – from the Norwegian theme in Trafalgar Square to the fairy lights and ice skating in Hyde Park and carol singing in the Royal Albert Hall. But if there’s one thing unique to London during the festive season then it has to be the Great Christmas Pudding Race. Teams of six contestants each, sign up to race around an obstacle course on the cobbled streets of Covent Garden, with pies and fruitcakes, taking care not to drop them. Proceeds from the event go towards cancer research. You can also soak in the spirit of the season at the Southbank Centre’s Winter Market and Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park among others. GETTING THERE: Jet Airways operates daily direct flights to London from Mumbai and New Delhi. 88
JetWings December 2017
Top image: Directphoto/age fotostock/Dinodia
LONDON
JetWings December 2017 89
XMAS SPECIAL
Clockwise from above left: Sample the many varieties of mulled wine at the Christmas markets; It is decorations and festivities galore at Copenhagen’s markets; Soak in the magical atmosphere at the Tivoli Gardens.
MULLED WINE BY ANY OTHER NAME... Spiced hot wine has become such an integral part of Christmas that there are multiple versions of the beverage across Europe. Its origins date back at least 1,800 years to Rome, but written records exist from the late 14th century when it was recorded that wine was heated and spiced with cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, nutmeg, marjoram, pepper, etc. Ever since, every country, especially in Europe has its own version which is popular during the holiday season. Mulled wine as well as mulled cider and mulled ale – UK
Vin chaud , red wine with honey, cinnamon and orange – France
COPENHAGEN The Danish capital is one of the best places to be in the run up to Christmas. While the whole city does get magical, there’s no competition for the sheer fantasy and dream-like quality that descends on the iconic Tivoli Gardens. Millions of fairy-tale like lights are strung all over the gardens adding to the magical quality. Meanwhile, the magic is further enhanced by myth and legend with pint-sized elves called Nisse roaming the streets, who not only bring presents but also pranks and mischief on those who don’t offer porridge! But there’s also an added attraction to the Crazy Christmas Cabaret this year, titled Planet Rump – The Farce. It is a hilarious, pithy, sarcastic and witty take on the political scene, especially in the USA. It is a foot-tapping and utterly funny show, and should be enjoyed with aebleskiver or iced doughnuts, and glögg, the local spiced mulled wine. GETTING THERE: Jet Airways operates daily direct flights to Amsterdam from Mumbai, New Delhi and Bengaluru, and to Paris from Mumbai, and five weekly flights from Chennai. From Amsterdam and Paris, connect to Copenhagen with codeshare partners KLM and Air France respectively.
90
JetWings December 2017
Glühwein , made with heated red
wine spiced with cinnamon, aniseed, cloves, vanilla, citrus fruits, sugar – Germany and parts of France
Glögg , red wine with spices and
even other liquor such as vodka and brandy – Nordic countries
Kuhano/kuvano vino , red or white
wine with spices and orange bitters – Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Slovenia, Serbia
Svarené víno , with cinnamon, black
peppercorns, berries, cardamom pods – Czech Republic
Forralt bor , hot wine with cinnamon, cloves and sugar – Hungary
Vin brulé , with cloves, cinnamon and lemon or orange peel – North Italy
JetWings December 2017 91
CHRISTMAS SPECIAL
MUNICH Munich might rock during Oktoberfest but come Christmas and it lays out the goodies like no other city, especially at the Marienplatz. For gourmands and gourmets, this is a feast like no other and every soul will find something to tingle the senses and seduce the taste buds. At the heart of the market is a towering 85-foot tree, dominating the whole area. But once you take your eyes off the bedecked tree, then the gut takes over. There are sausages of all sizes and flavours from classic, to herbed and spiced versions, especially the piquant currywurst. Then there are reiberdatschi (potato pancakes), lebkuchen (gingerbread), a variety of cookies and baked goods including an array on sticks, and even baking classes! All this can be washed down with copious amounts of mulled wine, with a choice of not just red or white, but a variety of options in each; there are also organic and non-alcoholic versions. And as if the stationary outlets were not enough, there’s even a Christmas tram which rolls through the Old City, serving cookies, gingerbread and more mulled wine!
Above: Choose from the mind-boggling variety of lebkuchen, a traditional German baked Christmas treat. Below: An aerial view of the bustling Christmas market at Marienplatz.
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JetWings December 2017
GETTING THERE: Jet Airways operates direct flights to Amsterdam from Mumbai, New Delhi and Bengaluru; to Paris from Mumbai and Chennai; and to Abu Dhabi from Mumbai, New Delhi, Hyderabad, Lucknow, Pune, Kochi and Mangaluru. From Amsterdam, Paris, and Abu Dhabi, connect to Munich with codeshare partners KLM, Air France and Etihad Airways respectively.
JetWings December 2017 93
CHRISTMAS SPECIAL
PRAGUE The Christmas market at Wenceslas Square in the Czech capital might be one of the most popular markets across Europe but it is the one in the Old Town Square which is more unique. Surrounded by the city’s medieval past, the market attempts to recreate and retain Prague’s ancient past and culture. At the heart is the giant Christmas tree with an evocative nativity scene. The market has brightly coloured and beautifully lit stalls that sell old-world wooden toys, classic Czech marionettes, glass work, artefacts made by blacksmiths, honeyed gingerbread, vánocvka (braided pastry filled with raisins), vosí hnízda (literally ‘wasp’s nests’, which are nutty cookies laced with rum), traditional cakes and muffins and other types of food items drawn from old Czech cuisine. GETTING THERE: Jet Airways operates daily direct flights to Amsterdam from Mumbai, New Delhi and Bengaluru, and to Paris from Mumbai, and five weekly flights from Chennai. From Amsterdam and Paris, connect to Prague with codeshare partners KLM and Air France respectively.
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JetWings December 2017
OTHER MUST-VISIT CHRISTMAS MARKETS ZAGREB, CROATIA – for being voted the best Christmas market for two years running STUTTGART, GERMANY – for its massive toy train set up in the Schlossplatz BRUSSELS, BELGIUM – for a spectacular sound and light show STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN – for traditional Swedish food and drink visit the market in Gamla Stan DRESDEN, GERMANY – for baked goods, especially traditional fruitcake called stollen Above: Tuck into some vánocvka, a traditional Czech sweet treat studded with raisins. Below: Quaint wooden booths sell fun and quirky souvenirs at the Christmas market in Prague.
SALZBURG, AUSTRIA – for one of the oldest and most elegant Christmas markets BUDAPEST, HUNGARY – for a stunning visual experience as well as 3D experience HELSINKI, FINLAND – for traditional artisanal products and cuisine ROME, ITALY – for elaborate nativity scenes ( presepi ), as well as la befana (the Christmas witch) and Babbo Natale (Santa Claus); the latter, much to the delight of children are known to bring presents!
JetWings December 2017 95
‘TIS THE Christmas markets bring such joy and cheer that go beyond mere shopping. The sheer variety, and even surprise sometimes, make wandering around these an experience like no other. TEXT ANITA RAO KASHI
AMSTERDAM For a true understanding of the term ‘winter wonderland’, the Christmas market at Amsterdam’s Museumplein (Museum Square) is par excellence. The open space undergoes a transformation and a lively market comes up. But at its heart is the Ice Village with a massive ice rink surrounded by winter cheer. Not just skating but a whole lot of ice-based activities are possible including fun things like ice bowling. Elsewhere, there’s an ice sculpture show which opens with iconic and quirky sculptures of people, locations and much more. If all this gets exhausting, then there’s an abundance of Dutch treats to sink your teeth into such as kerstkransjes – a type of Christmas cookie, oliebollen – a Dutch doughnut and lots more!
All images and illustrations: Shutterstock.com
I
t’s that time of the year again, there’s a nip in the air and snow on the ground and plenty of festive fervour. Across Europe, winter is much anticipated for the sheer joy and variety of Christmas markets that come up all over cities, towns and villages. These markets flaunt magical lights, the aroma of roasted chestnuts, varieties of mulled wine, the tantalising smells of baked goods and frying sausages, children’s excitement at rides and games, the lilting tunes of carols and Christmas songs and the general atmosphere of cheer that pervades everywhere. There’s mindboggling variety to choose from but we have rounded up some quirky and interesting markets to visit this holiday season...
Clockwise from above: Skating at the Ice Village at Museumplein is a must-do; Delicious Dutch goodies put a smile on the faces of children and adults alike; Vibrant stalls add to the Christmas cheer.
GETTING THERE: Jet Airways operates daily direct flights to Amsterdam from Mumbai, New Delhi and Bengaluru.
86
JetWings December 2017
JetWings December 2017 87
XMAS SPECIAL
PARIS There’s nothing quite like the Notre Dame Cathedral. Come Christmas and the cathedral’s brooding, mysterious presence becomes even more mystical with lights, winter chill and festivity in the air. Less flamboyant than the one at Champs Elysees, the Marché de Noël (Christmas market) at the cathedral calls itself an authentic one since there are a fewer number of shops, about 50–60, with artisans, designers and boutique craftsmen displaying handmade items and homemade regional food. It is far more intimate and the whole ambience is dictated by the towering presence of the cathedral in front of which stands a massive tree. Inside the cathedral is a beautiful crib accompanied by Christmas carols and hymns.
Above: The Marché de Noël at the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. Below: The Christmas market at Hyde Park in London is one of the more famous ones in the city.
GETTING THERE: Jet Airways operates daily direct flights to Paris from Mumbai, and five weekly flights from Chennai.
Come November, London gears up for festivities. It begins with the ceremonial switching on of the Christmas lights on Regent Street followed by a colourful parade. There’s revelry everywhere – from the Norwegian theme in Trafalgar Square to the fairy lights and ice skating in Hyde Park and carol singing in the Royal Albert Hall. But if there’s one thing unique to London during the festive season then it has to be the Great Christmas Pudding Race. Teams of six contestants each, sign up to race around an obstacle course on the cobbled streets of Covent Garden, with pies and fruitcakes, taking care not to drop them. Proceeds from the event go towards cancer research. You can also soak in the spirit of the season at the Southbank Centre’s Winter Market and Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park among others. GETTING THERE: Jet Airways operates daily direct flights to London from Mumbai and New Delhi. 88
JetWings December 2017
Top image: Directphoto/age fotostock/Dinodia
LONDON
JetWings December 2017 89
XMAS SPECIAL
Clockwise from above left: Sample the many varieties of mulled wine at the Christmas markets; It is decorations and festivities galore at Copenhagen’s markets; Soak in the magical atmosphere at the Tivoli Gardens.
MULLED WINE BY ANY OTHER NAME... Spiced hot wine has become such an integral part of Christmas that there are multiple versions of the beverage across Europe. Its origins date back at least 1,800 years to Rome, but written records exist from the late 14th century when it was recorded that wine was heated and spiced with cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, nutmeg, marjoram, pepper, etc. Ever since, every country, especially in Europe has its own version which is popular during the holiday season. Mulled wine as well as mulled cider and mulled ale – UK
Vin chaud , red wine with honey, cinnamon and orange – France
COPENHAGEN The Danish capital is one of the best places to be in the run up to Christmas. While the whole city does get magical, there’s no competition for the sheer fantasy and dream-like quality that descends on the iconic Tivoli Gardens. Millions of fairy-tale like lights are strung all over the gardens adding to the magical quality. Meanwhile, the magic is further enhanced by myth and legend with pint-sized elves called Nisse roaming the streets, who not only bring presents but also pranks and mischief on those who don’t offer porridge! But there’s also an added attraction to the Crazy Christmas Cabaret this year, titled Planet Rump – The Farce. It is a hilarious, pithy, sarcastic and witty take on the political scene, especially in the USA. It is a foot-tapping and utterly funny show, and should be enjoyed with aebleskiver or iced doughnuts, and glögg, the local spiced mulled wine. GETTING THERE: Jet Airways operates daily direct flights to Amsterdam from Mumbai, New Delhi and Bengaluru, and to Paris from Mumbai, and five weekly flights from Chennai. From Amsterdam and Paris, connect to Copenhagen with codeshare partners KLM and Air France respectively.
90
JetWings December 2017
Glühwein , made with heated red
wine spiced with cinnamon, aniseed, cloves, vanilla, citrus fruits, sugar – Germany and parts of France
Glögg , red wine with spices and
even other liquor such as vodka and brandy – Nordic countries
Kuhano/kuvano vino , red or white
wine with spices and orange bitters – Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Slovenia, Serbia
Svarené víno , with cinnamon, black
peppercorns, berries, cardamom pods – Czech Republic
Forralt bor , hot wine with cinnamon, cloves and sugar – Hungary
Vin brulé , with cloves, cinnamon and lemon or orange peel – North Italy
JetWings December 2017 91
CHRISTMAS SPECIAL
MUNICH Munich might rock during Oktoberfest but come Christmas and it lays out the goodies like no other city, especially at the Marienplatz. For gourmands and gourmets, this is a feast like no other and every soul will find something to tingle the senses and seduce the taste buds. At the heart of the market is a towering 85-foot tree, dominating the whole area. But once you take your eyes off the bedecked tree, then the gut takes over. There are sausages of all sizes and flavours from classic, to herbed and spiced versions, especially the piquant currywurst. Then there are reiberdatschi (potato pancakes), lebkuchen (gingerbread), a variety of cookies and baked goods including an array on sticks, and even baking classes! All this can be washed down with copious amounts of mulled wine, with a choice of not just red or white, but a variety of options in each; there are also organic and non-alcoholic versions. And as if the stationary outlets were not enough, there’s even a Christmas tram which rolls through the Old City, serving cookies, gingerbread and more mulled wine!
Above: Choose from the mind-boggling variety of lebkuchen, a traditional German baked Christmas treat. Below: An aerial view of the bustling Christmas market at Marienplatz.
92
JetWings December 2017
GETTING THERE: Jet Airways operates direct flights to Amsterdam from Mumbai, New Delhi and Bengaluru; to Paris from Mumbai and Chennai; and to Abu Dhabi from Mumbai, New Delhi, Hyderabad, Lucknow, Pune, Kochi and Mangaluru. From Amsterdam, Paris, and Abu Dhabi, connect to Munich with codeshare partners KLM, Air France and Etihad Airways respectively.
JetWings December 2017 93
CHRISTMAS SPECIAL
PRAGUE The Christmas market at Wenceslas Square in the Czech capital might be one of the most popular markets across Europe but it is the one in the Old Town Square which is more unique. Surrounded by the city’s medieval past, the market attempts to recreate and retain Prague’s ancient past and culture. At the heart is the giant Christmas tree with an evocative nativity scene. The market has brightly coloured and beautifully lit stalls that sell old-world wooden toys, classic Czech marionettes, glass work, artefacts made by blacksmiths, honeyed gingerbread, vánocvka (braided pastry filled with raisins), vosí hnízda (literally ‘wasp’s nests’, which are nutty cookies laced with rum), traditional cakes and muffins and other types of food items drawn from old Czech cuisine. GETTING THERE: Jet Airways operates daily direct flights to Amsterdam from Mumbai, New Delhi and Bengaluru, and to Paris from Mumbai, and five weekly flights from Chennai. From Amsterdam and Paris, connect to Prague with codeshare partners KLM and Air France respectively.
94
JetWings December 2017
OTHER MUST-VISIT CHRISTMAS MARKETS ZAGREB, CROATIA – for being voted the best Christmas market for two years running STUTTGART, GERMANY – for its massive toy train set up in the Schlossplatz BRUSSELS, BELGIUM – for a spectacular sound and light show STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN – for traditional Swedish food and drink visit the market in Gamla Stan DRESDEN, GERMANY – for baked goods, especially traditional fruitcake called stollen Above: Tuck into some vánocvka, a traditional Czech sweet treat studded with raisins. Below: Quaint wooden booths sell fun and quirky souvenirs at the Christmas market in Prague.
SALZBURG, AUSTRIA – for one of the oldest and most elegant Christmas markets BUDAPEST, HUNGARY – for a stunning visual experience as well as 3D experience HELSINKI, FINLAND – for traditional artisanal products and cuisine ROME, ITALY – for elaborate nativity scenes ( presepi ), as well as la befana (the Christmas witch) and Babbo Natale (Santa Claus); the latter, much to the delight of children are known to bring presents!
JetWings December 2017 95
