We escaped again. After working 72 hours in the ER the week through Thanksgiving, we have flown off to Europe to see some Christmas Markets. COVID-19 has closed many of the markets at the last minute, which has led to multiple re-workings of this trip, but here we are, ready to see whatever we can! Fortunately, these are outdoor events, so still pretty safe.

Christmas Markets are street markets which are generally held during the Advent season which sell traditional local seasonal goods and foods. Dresden, Germany held the first true Christmas Market in 1434, although there were earlier seasonal markets in Vienna as far back as the late 13th century and some other German towns in the 14th century. They are often in town squares and involve lots of Christmas decorations. Germany is the classic place to go to see Christmas markets, especially, Bavaria. Unfortunately, Bavaria has closed all of their markets this year, so that is not an option. We still have many other choices and are starting in Budapest.

A few hours after I finished my 24 hour Thanksgiving shift, we were on a plane heading towards Budapest. We arrived a bit after lunchtime today,

Budapest has 2 main Christmas Markets: Vörösmarty Square and St. Stephen’s Basilica Market
Vörösmarty Square is named for a Hungarian poet who wrote their 2nd national anthem and translated multiple works of Shakespeare into Hungarian.

Hungary is somewhat new to the Christmas Market world, as they could not hold them under communism. The market at Vörösmarty Square has been held since 1998.

The Christmas Market at St Stephen’s Basilica has a small Ice skating rink.

That’s all we managed in our short half day. More to come!