Go to a Christmas market

A Christmas market is the kind of evening you can do alone or with someone, and it costs as much or as little as you choose. You walk between wooden stalls under strings of lights, hold something warm, and look at things made by other people. The tradition comes from Germany and central Europe, and now lots of cities hold their own version.

When and where to go

Check the dates before you plan. Most markets run for a few weeks in the lead-up to the holidays, and some are only open on certain days. Look at the market’s own website or social page for the opening times, since they differ a lot from place to place.

Go in the late afternoon and stay into the evening. You see the stalls in daylight, then the lights come on, and you can warm up as the temperature drops. Weekends and the last week before the holidays are usually the most crowded. A weekday evening is calmer and easier to walk around.

Also think about how you will get there. Markets are often in a city centre or town square where parking is hard, so public transport or a short walk from a parking lot can be easier. If you are going alone and it will be dark when you leave, tell someone where you are and stick to well-lit routes.

What to wear and bring

Beyond the coat, cash and bag space:

• Warm shoes with good soles. Markets are often on cobbles, and you will be standing a lot.
• Gloves and a hat. You will be outside for a couple of hours.
• A scarf, so you can adjust as you move between the crowds and the cold.
• A reusable bag or tote for anything you buy.
• A phone charger, since the cold drains batteries faster.

Wear layers. It can feel warm in a crowd near a food stall and very cold a minute later.

How to do it

1. Walk every row first. Do a full lap before you buy anything. You will see what is on offer and avoid buying the first thing you meet.
2. Eat something warm. Stalls usually sell things like roasted nuts, pretzels, sausages, baked treats and hot drinks. Get in line for whatever smells best.
3. Pick a hot drink. Hot chocolate, tea or cider are all good. Mulled wine is traditional, but it is optional, and in the US you must be 21 or older to buy it. Many markets also sell non-alcoholic versions.
4. Browse the stalls. Look at the craft stalls for ornaments, candles, knitwear, ceramics and handmade gifts. Ask the maker about what they sell if you like. Many stallholders are happy to talk.
5. Choose one or two things. A small ornament or a bag of something to eat is a good souvenir. You do not have to buy anything to have a good evening.
6. Pause and look up. Find a spot out of the crowd, drink your drink, and look at the lights.

What things usually cost

You can enjoy a market for little. Walking around is free in most places, and a snack and a drink often sit in the under-$20 range. Handmade goods can cost more, so set yourself a limit before you go. Prices differ widely between markets and cities.

What goes wrong

• It is too crowded. Go earlier or on a weekday. If one stall has a long line, try another.
• You get cold. Wear layers and warm shoes, and use hot drinks and short breaks to warm up. If you cannot stop shivering, go inside.
• You overspend. Decide your limit first, and keep cash separate so you can see what is left.
• You cannot carry it all. Bring a bag, and buy bigger things last, just before you leave.
• A stall does not take cards. Carry a little cash. Some places have an ATM, but the line can be long.

Keeping it

Souvenirs from a market make good gifts or tree decorations. A handmade ornament can go on the tree, and a bag of something sweet is lovely to share. If you want to make it a tradition, go back to the same market every year and see how it changes.

Make it a winter evening

Wrap up well, take someone with you if you like, and end the evening with something warm. If you want to turn it into a bigger night, pair it with a Christmas lights tour on the way home.