The seasoned traveler. 113, Christmas markets

Every year, as Advent arrives and people's thoughts turn to the joy of Christmas, Europe repeats a tradition that is more than 500 years old. In countries from Sweden to Spain and in cities from Paris to Prague, Christmas markets are set up in town squares. The markets have become a commingling of commerce and community, selling holiday ornaments and gifts, as well as food and the omnipresent gluhwein, a hot, spiced red wine that cheers shoppers...