Christmas markets

Many years ago we went to our first ‘proper’ Christmas market. It was in Bath, lots of sheds filled with twinkly things, smelly things and generally Christmassy things.

Image: Looking down over Brest market (2014)

The markets, to us in Britain, are always seen as German or European. The history of this type of market goes all the way back to the middle ages when street markets were set up during advent. Known as Christ Child or Baby Jesus markets, they were traditionally held in the town squares of many German cities. From there the tradition spread through Europe then further afield.

The little timber stalls provide a cosy nook for each trader to make their own. From rows of sheds all identical on the outside, the inside of each stall is completely different. For anyone needing inspiration for a gift for someone that you have no idea what to get, this is the place to be. I think that is half the fun, you don’t know if the next shed is going to be jewellery, chilli chocolate or beautiful glass pictures.

Image: Metal sundial fountain with market stalls and people in background, Plymouth

Food and drink are a main attraction of these markets and the smells of mulled wine and orange are pungent in the air. Exeter market, in the shadow of the cathedral, had stalls with fudge, cheese, traditional sweets, paella, bratwurst, burgers, venison and many other options. At this years Plymouth market we enjoyed pork, stuffing and apple sauce baps, steaming in the cold, damp air.

Image: Heavily decorated, pale towers of Exeter cathedral with winter bare trees in front

You can always find interesting things that you didn’t think you needed. This year amongst some great (we hope!) Christmas presents for our nearest and dearest, we also found a knitted prawn wearing a Santa hat. Yep, you did read that right. Every year we get ourselves a new decoration, this year we stood and debated the relative merits of knitted sea gulls, Brussels sprouts, jelly fish and prawns. ‘Prawny’ was chosen to come home with us and now hangs with memories of other years and other places strung across the saloon.

Image: A pink, knitted prawn wearing a Santa hat

Whatever you are up to this Christmas and wherever you are, I hope you enjoy some moments doing what you enjoy with the people that you care about.

Image: Smeatons red and white lighthouse with Plymouth Sound in the background with purple sunset sky and the words 'wishing you a happy Christmas from the crew of Tarquilla' across the top in black and gold