EUROPE'S ENCHANTING CHRISTMAS MARKETS ARE BACK
From late November, as the holiday season draws closer, Switzerland starts to dazzle with the aura of a winter wonderland: traditional Christmas markets that magically pop up in major cities, colourful alpine towns and picturesque mountain villages to create the backdrop of a marvellous festive atmosphere and a perfect preChristmas scene of sparkling Christmas trees bathed in the warm glow of twinkly fairy lights, soothing yuletide carols ringing out across the cold, crisp air, enticing aromas of hot mulled wine, chocolate treats, roasted chestnuts and grilled sausages – few countries can radiate the magic of Christmas holidays in Switzerland.
The return of international leisure travel in 2022 is set to see the come back of the familiar traditional European Christmas markets and events which were cancelled for two years in a row due to a surge in the number of coronavirus cases across the continent and travel to the region was put on pause.
This year many of Europe’s cities are dressed in finely decorated trees standing on every corner, string lights illuminating cobblestone streets, wooden chalets filled with unique festive handcrafted finds in snowdusted town squares, the hum of carols, the aroma of cinnamon spice, roasted chestnuts, sugared almonds wafting through the air.
THE CHARMING MONTREUX LAKESIDE CHRISTMAS MARKET
Known for its stunning location under the palm trees of the Riviera on the banks of Lake Geneva, the Montreux Christmas Market, is probably one of Switzerland's most beautiful – with more than 170 chalets on the lakeside promenade it is also one of Switzerland’s largest Markets.
For an entire month, visitors can enjoy a stroll on the promenade, shop for handcrafted gifts, tuck in on traditional Swiss specialities: cheese fondue, crêpes, foie gras and warm up with mulled wine, Christmas