For the past 10 years, the NCSML has put on our own version of a classic European Christmas Market. The decade has seen many changes for Old World Christmas Market, but one thing remains the same: the joy and magic of the holiday season! It has become a tradition for people all over the Corridor and beyond. After 10 years of inspiration, we decided we wanted to share in the experience of these Christmas Markets by travelling to Europe. In 2020, the NCSML will be visiting some of the oldest and most famous Christmas markets in Germany, Austria and France.
You might be asking why the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library would be planning a trip to Germany, Austria and France, and I would say that’s a great question – and I do have an answer. At the NCSML, we pride ourselves on creating connections between different cultures and countries. The deep history between the countries in Europe is shown in how they influence one another and share similar traditions. While they share similarities, we celebrate the unique nature of individual cultures and highlight their connections to one another. Just as our own Christmas market has changed and been influenced by our own Midwest culture, we hope this trip shows the influences of many cultures on the 600-year-old tradition of “Christkindlesmarkts” in Germany, Austria and France. Luckily at each site we will be joined by local expert guides who each have wealth of information on the history and culture and will provide us with a one of kind experience.
