{"id":10828,"date":"2010-11-29T05:00:47","date_gmt":"2010-11-29T11:00:47","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/?p=10828"},"modified":"2016-12-16T10:54:06","modified_gmt":"2016-12-16T16:54:06","slug":"its-beginning-to-look-a-lot-like-christmas-markets","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/2010\/11\/its-beginning-to-look-a-lot-like-christmas-markets\/","title":{"rendered":"It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas (markets)"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"\"<\/a>

Christmas treasures at March\u00e9 de No\u00ebl, held annually near Strasbourg Cathedral in Strasbourg, France. Credit: Vincent Desjardins.<\/p><\/div>\n

By Joe Brancatelli<\/em><\/p>\n

Business travelers rarely have the time or inclination to shop, but frequent travelers to Europe<\/a> know it’s the perfect time of year to make an exception. All throughout Europe, charming and quirky “Christmas markets<\/strong>” pop up outdoors in town squares and parks. The offerings vary from market to market, of course, but savvy frequent flyers will find bargains everywhere: tree ornaments, local jewelry and crafts, stocking stuffers, small pieces of furniture, and even specialty foods and fashions. One example: Several years ago, at a Christmas market in Cracow, Poland<\/strong>, I purchased four exquisite glass ornaments in a rustic wooden box for about $10. The same item was offered by a major U.S. retailer for $85.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Need to know the location of the Christmas market in the European city you’re visiting? Check about.com and search for “Christmas markets in Europe.”<\/p>\n

Related resources<\/strong><\/p>\n