A History of Christmas Markets through Santa’s Beer Goggles

By Cyril O'Brien

A different spin on pub crawls and Christmas markets

All too often we miss what is right in front of us. This book hopes to open the reader’s eyes, not only to drinking establishments, Christmas markets (home and abroad), but to provide you with some interesting facts, traditions, history and trivia to boot.

Christmas and alcohol seem to have been in step for centuries, and this set of ‘crawls’ aims to make your trips to the Christmas markets a little bit different.

Although we have left the EU, thousands still travel to Europe (as well as in the UK) to quench their thirst for all things Christmas.

So, if you like socialising, having a tipple or two, enjoy finding new places to eat and drink, and visiting Christmas markets, these reasons alone would be enough for you to dig further into this book.

But is you are also interested in history, ghosts, traditions, trivia, around Christmas itself, and on top of that the locations, then look no further.

Six crawls, six Christmas markets, lots of pubs, and so much more.

Enjoy your crawling!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Austin Macauley Publishers
• Release date: Dec 8, 2023
• ISBN: 9781035832910

Cyril O'Brien

Cyril O’Brien is a retired London Fire Brigade Borough Commander, who since leaving the LFB has moved in the world of Emergency Planning, and is currently working for the London Borough of Bexley. Upon his retirement, finding additional time on his hands, Cyril made a foray into trying to write a book. His two efforts being successful, prompted him to set about this edition as his number 3. He is married to Jackie, and they have 3 very talented children, Georgina, Anne-Marie and Spencer. They have also been graced with 3 grandchildren, Coray, Anaya and Kaylan.

Book preview

About the Author

Cyril O’Brien is a retired London Fire Brigade Borough Commander, who since leaving the LFB has moved in the world of Emergency Planning, and is currently working for the London Borough of Bexley. Upon his retirement, finding additional time on his hands, Cyril made a foray into trying to write a book. His two efforts being successful, prompted him to set about this edition as his number 3. He is married to Jackie, and they have 3 very talented children, Georgina, Anne-Marie and Spencer. They have also been graced with 3 grandchildren, Coray, Anaya and Kaylan.

Dedication

I would like to dedicate this book to, not only my family, Jackie, Georgina and Ahmet, Anne-Marie, Spencer and Natalie and my 3 grandchildren, Coray, Anaya, and Kaylan, but to my long-suffering companions, who have put up with my thirst for Trivia, Christmas and a little bit of Beer (and Wine), and supported me when we have travelled across Great Britain and Europe together finding Christmas Markets. Thank you, Gerard and Sue, and Dave and Jean.

Copyright Information ©

Cyril O’Brien 2023

The right of Cyril O’Brien to be identified as the author of this work has been asserted by the author in accordance with sections 77 and 78 of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior permission of the publishers.

Any person who commits any unauthorised act in relation to this publication may be liable to criminal prosecution and civil claims for damages.

The story, the experiences, and the words are the author’s alone.

A CIP catalogue record for this title is available from the British Library.

ISBN 9781398428058 (Paperback)

ISBN 9781035832910 (ePub e-book)

www.austinmacauley.com

First Published 2023

Austin Macauley Publishers Ltd®

1 Canada Square

Canary Wharf

London

E14 5AA

Acknowledgement

I would like to acknowledge one special person/entity and that is;

Father Christmas/Santa Clause/Kris Kringle/Sinter Klass/Babbo Natale/Pere Noel/Saint Nicholas, for without you none of this would have been possible.

My Pick of Some Christmas

Markets in the UK and Europe

These crawls will be slightly different to my first two forays into writing. I have expanded the geographical area but have maintained my enthusiasm for pubs/bars, history, trivia, ghosts and ghouls. I have also added another one of my passions Christmas.

All of these markets I have personally visited, and these are in my top ten Christmas cities. I have also included some pubs/bars that may double up as restaurants, as it is easy to forget to eat while engrossed in soaking up the atmosphere and getting in the mood for Christmas.

Those who may have an insight into my being quickly realise that Christmas is a massive part of my life. I love all things Christmas and will be sharing some of them as we go.

But, straight off the blocks, I should point out I love the Christmas story, old and new traditions, songs, films, decorations and poems.

In fact, one poem clearly sets the scene and the start of the magic, conjuring up ‘visions of sugar plums’ etc.

‘’Twas the night before Christmas. (Moore or Livingston!)’

Up until recently, this poem was attributed to Clement Clarke Moore, but in his book Author Unknown: On the Trail of Anonymous, Professor Don Foster gathered enough evidence to suggest it was Livingston who was the real author.

‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all thro’ the house,

Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,

In hopes that St Nicholas soon would be there;

The children were nestled all snug in their beds,

While visions of sugar plums danc’d in their heads,

And Mama in her ’kerchief, and I in my cap,

Had just settled our brains for a long winter’s nap—

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,

I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.

Away to the window I flew like a flash,

Tore open the shutters, and threw up the sash.

The moon on the breast of the new fallen snow,

Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below;

When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,

But a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny rein-deer,

With a little old driver, so lively and quick,

I knew in a moment it must be St Nick.

More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,

And he whistled, and shouted, and call’d them by name:

Now! Dasher, now! Dancer, now! Prancer, and Vixen,

On! Comet, on! Cupid, on! Dunder and Blixem;

To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!

Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!

As dry leaves before the wild hurricane fly,

When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky;

So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,

With the sleigh full of toys—and St Nicholas too:

And then in a twinkling, I heard on the roof

The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.

As I drew in my head, and was turning around,

Down the chimney St Nicholas came with a bound:

He was dress’d all in fur, from his head to his foot,

And his clothes were all tarnish’d with ashes and soot;

A bundle of toys was flung on his back,

And he look’d like a peddler just opening his pack:

His eyes—how they twinkled! his dimples how merry,

His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry;

His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow.

And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow;

The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,

And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath.

He had a broad face, and a little round belly

That shook when he laugh’d, like a bowl full of jelly:

He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,

And I laugh’d when I saw him in spite of myself;

A wink of his eye and a twist of his head

Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,

And fill’d all the stockings; then turn’d with a jerk,

And laying his finger aside of his nose

And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose.

He sprung to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,

And away they all flew, like the down of a thistle:

But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight—

Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night.

Account of a Visit from St Nicholas, Poetry Foundation.

Before we embark on our ‘crawl’ around England and Europe, it may be of interest to you The Crawler, where all of this festive revelry began. Well, let’s have a look. As you can imagine, as with the first Christmas tree, some places may dispute some versions or claims, but here is what I have discovered over my travels.

In 1298, Vienna was given the go-ahead to hold a market (Krippenmarkt) in December, which was for all intense and purposes, the birth of the Christmas market.

However, it was not until 1384, in Bautzen, Germany, that we had the first ‘open air’ Christkindlesmarkt.

Initially, selling just meat, but over the years, progressed and expanded into selling seasonal treats and having songs and music.

Into the 1500s, we get a bit blurry here. One school of thought is that Christmas markets got an indirect boost from Martin Luther after he pronounced that the day of Christ’s birthday was probably the best day to give gifts, as opposed to other religious days.

At the time, the churches had initially encouraged the Christmas markets to be opened and operated in the areas around the churches (hoping to encourage people into their ‘services’).

But, alas, it seemed to have had the opposite effect, and the church found it was in competition with them.

Since then, giving presents at Christmas and buying those gifts from markets flourished.

A bit more about our friend Martin Luther, this guy had six kids.

Devoted to his family, he thought, how can I make this holiday season a bit brighter for the children? (imagine there was not a lot happening for kids in the 1500s) while also emphasising Jesus’ birthday and its importance.

Martin was always struck by the beauty of the flora and fauna around the area of his home. In winter, he was especially touched by the beauty of the evergreen trees, which stood proudly upright while other plants and trees had taken their winter’s ‘nap’.

In the night and dressed with freshly fallen snow, their beauty was further accentuated.

So, one winter’s day, he cut a lovely tree down and took it home.

His idea would eventually have a dramatic effect on history.

Explaining to his children that even during the harshest winter, this ‘tree’ would still flourish, was indeed a sign of hope and was similar to our faith in Jesus/God, in that even when the world is at its darkest or we are heavy with despair or grief, the tree (we) can still survive, grow and develop.

Then, this is the good bit and explains a lot of what we do today. Martin then lit some candles and placed them on the tree. The light from the candle is a reminder of the Star the wise men followed and eventually led them to Bethlehem and that manger.

So, in my household, I have a Star on the top of our tree (I know some use the image of the Angel that appeared to the Shepherds).

That star remains lit until the Epiphany on 6 January. This is when the Three Kings arrived at Bethlehem, and therefore, they no longer need the bright Star to guide them; that is why all my decorations and everything come down on the 6th.

This also ties into the 12 days of Christmas (remember that song): day one being Boxing Day (St Stephen’s Day) and day 12 being the 6th of January (Three Kings Day).

Western culture generally accepts the Three Kings being identified as Caspar (King of India: gave frankincense), Melchior (King of Persia: gave Gold) and Balthazar (King of Arabia: gave Myrrh).

The first Christmas market in the UK was in Lincoln.

It was born out of its twinning with Neustadt in Germany.

So, in 1982, with just 11 stalls, our tradition (in the UK) of having similar Christmas markets began.

Hopefully, that has whetted your appetite, so let’s start ‘crawling’ and imbibing beer, wine, Glühwein or orange juice!

So where we are going to travel to? To make things interesting, let us jump from Europe to England, then back again, and again etc.

Now if you have been used to reading my other books, they all take a similar format. However, as this is going to be the Christmas edition, I will stray a little, and where I need to, I will inject worldwide Christmas facts/factoids/legends etc. Also, occasionally, there may be a Christmas ghost or two.

I really hope you enjoy this book, as it’s been years in the planning and researching, but do not feel sorry for me I have loved every minute of it.

So this is Christmas!

It’s not how much we give but how much love we put into giving.

– Mother Theresa

Crawl 1

Bath

This bell is a wonderful symbol of the spirit of Christmas as am I. Just remember the true spirit of Christmas lies in your heart.

– Santa Claus, The Polar Express

https://www.plotaroute.com/routeplanner

Christmas Market

It is hard to keep track of new ones appearing every year, but there are over 200 Christmas markets in Britain.

Some last for a few days, some for a few nights, while some last throughout December and into January.

Known as the ‘German Christmas markets’, some follow closely to their Germanic roots while others add a distinctive English feel (Rochester with Dickens etc.).

Bath regularly gets voted number one in Britain, even sometimes outshining the Europeans.

Centred around the Abbey, Bath Christmas market could be the scene on a Christmas tin of biscuits, especially if it snows.

Exhibitors keen to sell their wares come from near and far across the globe.

Watch out and try the locally grown chillies!

One of the great things about Christmas markets is the samples, cheese, wine, mead, beer, cake etc. You never know what will be available to tempt your taste buds.

Hang around or start your visit as darkness envelops the Abbey Grounds… not for the ghosts (best to keep an eye out, though!). Still, the whole scene takes on a natural wonderland feel and transports you back to Victorian times and Charles Dickens.

As it starts to get fresher/colder, the aromas become stronger as your senses are heightened.

Now make your way to our first pub, The Huntsman.

Pubs in this crawl: (0.819 miles)

The Huntsman

The Crystal Palace

Flan O’Briens

Garrick’s Head

The Raven

Coeur De Lion

Saracens Head

The Huntsman

C:\Users\Cyril\Downloads\20221126_103115.jpg

1 Terrace Walk, North Parade,Bath BA1 1LJ

This establishment became a pub somewhere in the late 1740s.

It was known originally as the Terrace Wine Vaults and was owned by local wine sellers.

In the early 1900s, the pub becomes an Eldridge Pope public house.

It was elevated to a Grade II historic building in 1950.

A new renovation was undertaken when the pub was taken over by Fuller, Smith and Turner Brewers.

The Huntsman holds the title of the oldest shopfront in Bath, proud of its original keystones on the arches on the building frontage.

Route: As you leave the pub, turn left into North Parade and then take the next left York Street. Only a short crawl to the next left, which is Church Street. Follow this all the way round until you meet the junction of Abbey Green the Crystal Palace is your right.

On your way, on your right-hand side:

The site on which the Abbey stands has had a link to religion for nearly 1,400 years.

Back in 676 AD, there was a nunnery here.

Nearly 100 years later, the monks moved in, and the nuns moved out.

Between then and 1088, the building was destroyed/removed, probably by the Vikings and replaced by a Norman Cathedral.

This was down to the efforts of the bishop of the time, John de Villula.

Bishop John can still be seen in the Abbey on one of the stained glass windows.

Now what could have been happening in 1137 AD?

This year proved quite eventful with a fire damaging Bath’s Cathedral, but what is really spooky (Conspiracy theorists prick up your ears) is that in 1137, not only did the Cathedral at Bath have a significant fire, but there were also significant fires in the Cathedrals at Rochester, York,