insideKENT Magazine Issue 68 - November 2017 | Page 50

ARTS+ENTERTAINMENT
Christmas Markets cont.
CHRISTMAS MARKETS AROUND THE WORLD
Chicago
The Christmas market in Chicago is run by
the German American Services, so there is a
lot of tradition added to proceedings – after
all, Germany is where the traditon of Christmas
markets began. This market is one of the
largest to be found outside Europe and it is
now a staple in Chicago’s winter calendar
having started back in 1996. Taking place in a
variety of gorgeous wooden chalet huts that
are perfect for finding superb gifts, the market
goes on until Christmas Eve when Christkind
makes an appearance. The German theme
extends to the food and drink too, so you can
pick up bratwurst, stollen, and gluhwein
amongst many other delicious treats.
New York
New York in the run up to Christmas is
certainly something special, and if you’re there
you should definitely visit the Union Square
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Holiday Market. Artisanal woodwork, unique
knitted clothing, and plenty of delicious
homemade food is on offer – you can even
blow your own glass Christmas tree ornament!
There are around 150 different stalls and
approximately one million people attend this
market each year.
San Francisco
The Great Dickens Christmas Fair in San
Francisco is a fun-filled event that entices
more and more people every year. Every day
is Christmas Eve here and you can walk along
winding streets reminiscent of Victorian
London. As you enjoy your Christmas
shopping in these unique surroundings, you’ll
see quaint shops, art galleries, apothecaries,
and of course characters from the much-loved
books of Charles Dickens. Say hello to Tiny
Tim, keep your wallet safe from the Artful
Dodger, and try to make Ebeneezer Scrooge
smile. If you can.
Hong Kong
Hong Kong may not be the first place you
think of when Christmas time rolls around,
but perhaps it should be. Hong Kong’s
Winterfest takes places in Victoria Harbour,
offering stunning views of the cityscape and
beyond. The skyscrapers are done up for the
occasion, festooned with twinkling lights, and
there is a huge Christmas tree in the centre of
the market. This festival and market is an
intriguing mix of Eastern and Western
traditions, so it is both festive and unusual –
a great combination. The atmosphere is
absolutely enchanting, and, if you’ve never
enjoyed Christmas carols and window
shopping while eating a bowl of delicious
congee (rice cooked in chicken broth) then
this is your chance.