Daily Archives: December 13, 2011

by Isabel Eva Bohrer

Winter can get long and cold. Some days, you may not even feel like going outside at all. Markets, however, are a great way to mix and mingle. At many of them, you will have the opportunity to try unique (and hot!) local foods. Numerous winter activities may also be offered, both for adults and children. Here are five seasonal markets worth planning your travels around.

Ice Festival, Ouray, Colorado, USA

Be sure to mark your calendars and start making your travel plans for January 5th-8th, 2012. These are the dates for this years Ice Festival in Ouray, CO.

The Ouray Ice Park is a manmade ice climbing venue operated in a spectacular natural gorge just outside the town. It is home to more than 200 named ice and mixed climbs, most within a 15-minute walk of the Park entrance. The Park and its infrastructure are jointly owned and managed by the City of Ouray, the nonprofit Ouray Ice Park, Inc., and a mix of other private and public landowners.

Each winter, OIPI hosts the Ouray Ice Festival to celebrate the Park and raise funds for its operation. It is a spectacular grassroots event that features exhibition climbing, free clinics, seminars, slide shows, and gear demos.

Brussels Winter Wonderland, Brussels, Belgium

For the entire month of December, the city center of Brussels transforms into a winter wonderland. You will find fairy lights, laser shows (at the Grand Palace) and around 240 wooden stalls that serve as shopping chalets. In fact, these temporary shopping chalets, including some brasseries, are installed at the end of November and last all the way through to New Years.

Those who enjoy sports can enjoy the ice skating rink. In addition, you can find a ferris wheel that provides you with a unique view of the city (note that all of these activities have fees).

Throughout the entire market, you can also find numerous ice sculptures to admire. In terms of entertainment, there are numerous brass bands and other free performances that come as part of the cultural program.

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, London, UK

Friday, November 18^th marked the opening of the Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park. This year, the organizers have teamed up with Samsung for the Samsung Galaxy Ice Rink, which, for the first time, will surround the Victorian bandstand.

All throughout the Wonderland, you will find numerous shows, rides and attractions. For example, the Zippos Christmas Circus explores the magic of Christmas around the world, while the Cirque Extreme is a daredevil show with the most thrilling acts that circuses have to offer. Adrenaline addicts, in turn, will enjoy the Power Tower, the tallest free fall in the world. For kids, there’s Santa Land where visits to Santa himself are free. Both children and adults alike will enjoy all the eateries, restaurants, cafes and bars.

Due to the popularity of the event, it is recommended that you book tickets in advance. Visit the official website for more details.

Winter’s Farmers Market, Northern Colorado, USA

In contrast to the above entertainment festivals, this market specializes in food and other culinary delights. However, that doesn’t mean that you won’t be having fun. In addition to fresh local food, you will find live music, face painting and other special events, all during 12 Saturdays from late October, 2011, through early April, 2012.

Here are just a few delicious treats to choose from: Produce, fruit, wine, cider, meat, poultry, cheese, eggs, bread, jams & jellies, salsas, sauces, condiments, baked goods, confections, hand-crafted local items and much more!

Winter Carnival, Quebec, Canada

Ever since the New French colonized Quebec, they have been following a rowdy tradition of getting together just before Lent to eat, drink and be merry. The result is the world’s largest winter carnival, which was first held in 1824 and which has enriched its program of activities from one winter to the next.

This year, the festival will be taking place from January 27 to February 12, 2012. Attractions include activities for all ages: snow baths, night parades, snow slides, giant fooseball, snow sculptures, shows, sleigh rides, and skating.

Couples will want to check out to the Ice Palace. Bundle up and give your loved one a kiss as you are surrounded by a magical construction made entirely out of ice.

Isabel Eva Bohrer is a freelance writer and photographer who has dispatched pieces from over twenty countries across five continents. Learn more about her work at www.isabelevabohrer.com.