Christmas is a magical time of the year. It’s a time of warm, fragrant mulled wine, delicious and deeply satisfying food, warm clothes and log fires, roasted chestnuts in towns and cities covered in a scintillating layer of white. It’s a time for giving and receiving, a time for close friends and family and a time to reflect on the year gone by as well as to think about the year ahead. It’s also a time of incredible Christmas markets. But the challenge for many is trying to stick to their sustainable practices and healthy habits while allowing themselves to enjoy the festive markets and indulge in delectable Christmas delights and offerings. The great news is there are many markets around Europe that believe in adhering to sustainable practices or providing organic options and catering for vegetarians and vegans. Not sure where to find them? Here are six of our favorite sustainable Christmas activities, sights and markets in Europe:
#Stockholmjul
There’s something wondrous and magical about glittering Christmas lights, and if you have a penchant for the sight, then a trip to #Stockholmjul is definitely for you. The “festival of lights” starts on the 25th of November and takes place over 40 streets around Stockholm (an already very eco-friendly city) in one of the biggest, most exquisite lightning projects in Europe. The best part? The lights are made of environmentally friendly materials and energy-saving LEDs, so not only is the sight totally mesmerizing, it’s environmentally friendly. Underneath the twinkling lights, Christmas revelers can embrace the Christmas spirit as you listen to Christmas carols, do a little Christmas shopping in the charming Christmas market on the main square in the picturesque old town or simply marvel at the spectacle, hot chocolate in hand.
Location: Brunkebergstorg, Stockholm
Date: 25th of November 2017 to the 13th of January 2018
Here are some of the best green hotels in Stockholm.
The Craft and Community Christmas Market
Set in the picturesque town of Toulouse, the Craft and Community market is a stunning place to ensure that you get all of your Christmas shopping done responsibly! There are over 44 stalls selling a huge range of local products. Centre stage of this incredible market are products that are fair trade and organic. Embrace the Christmas spirit at this market as you enjoy the musical entertainment (with entertainment for Children available as well) on select days as you browse wonderful stores filled with chocolates, jams, decorations and toys (among many other products).
Location: Allées Jules-Guesde, Toulouse
Date and time: From Saturday the 9th of December to Sunday the 24th of December 2017
Every day from 10:00-19:00
Open till 21:30 on Saturday the 9th, Friday the 15th, Saturday the 16th, Friday the 22nd and Saturday the 23rd of December.
Here are some of the best green hotels in Toulouse.
The Eco Christmas Market
This superb Christmas market is situated in one of the oldest streets in Berlin—Sophienstrasse. This novel market focuses on ecological, organic and fair-trade products and foods—the perfect place for the eco-conscious traveler. Here, environmental organizations along with eco-conscious designers and artists gather to share their authentic goods and quality fair trade German products with the world. When you are not eyeing incredible crafts and exceptional Christmas gifts, you can indulge in mouthwatering German delicacies that include organic bratwurst, pies, waffles, gluhwein and vegan dishes. Santa Claus, people walking on stilts and live bands add to the wonderful Christmas vibe at this extraordinary market.
Location: Sophienstrasse, Berlin
Date and time: 2nd, 3rd, 9th, 10th, 16th and 17th of December 2017
Sat: 12:00-20:00
Sun: 11:00-19:00
Here are some of the best green hotels in Berlin.
The Tollwood Christmas Market
Forming part of the Tollwood Winter Festival (the motto of which is “We All” in line with their hope of a more tolerant and peaceful society), the Tollwood Christmas market offers an abundance of delicious fair trade organic food and novel handicrafts, expertly and beautifully made. The Christmas spirit is enhanced on the festival grounds with incredible shows and extravaganzas, many of which are free of charge.
Location: Theresienwiese, Munich
Date and time: 23rd of November to the 23rd of December 2017
Monday-Friday: 14:00-01:00
Saturday/Sunday: 11:00-01:00
Here are some of the best green hotels in Munich.
The Pure Winter Market
Embrace the Christmas spirit at this exceptional Christmas market in Amsterdam. Here, you will find over 90 vendors selling a plethora of sustainable and organic artisanal products. The perfect place to do your sustainable Christmas shopping, here, you’ll be able to find almost anything from phenomenal gastronomic treats to toys and cosmetics. Usually held in March and October, this market makes a special appearance on two dates in December so be sure not to miss out!
Location: Park Frankendael, Amsterdam
Date and time: 10th and 17th of December from 10:00-17:00
Here are some of the best green hotels in Amsterdam.
Christmas Market at Ferme de Bude
This wonderful market boasts an array of organic, local and artisanal products in Geneva. With an array of 20 stalls selling predominantly local and certified organic food products, this small market offers only the finest quality products in the region. From perfect pottery items to exceptional olive oil, gluten-free products, and clothing, here you are bound to find the perfect gifts for your loved ones. With special entertainment for children and wonderful music shows for all, this is a wonderful place to indulge in all things Christmas.
Location: Ferme de Bude, Geneva
Date and Time: 15th of December 15:00-20:00 & 16th of December 9:00-16:00
Here are some of the best green hotels in Geneva.
If you are looking to keep to your green practices while traveling this festive season, then opt to stay at an exceptional eco-conscious hotel which will help you do just that. Head over to TiCATi where you can not only select the ultimate green hotel for you in your chosen destination, but you can choose to share your room in order to enjoy the benefits of a luxury establishment for half of the price. This festive season you can stay true to your green practices while keeping to your budget.
Let's travel green! 