Even the words European Christmas markets bring a smile to my face, and a head full of travel plans. I get dreamy, thinking of wandering the paths between rows of booths twinkling with lights, a mug of steaming hot yumminess in my hands, surrounded by the fresh scent of pine and roasted chestnuts, and the crisp night air nipping at my cheeks. 

The charming, historical town of St. George’s plays host to one of the best ways to embrace the island’s Christmas spirit. Beloved by both locals and tourists alike, St. George’s Christmas Walkabout, an annual event, draws more than half of the island’s population to the east end.

Cloves. Citrus. Almonds. Hazelnuts. A hint of cinnamon. Those smells seem to come back to me every time I think of the Vienna Christkindlmarkt (literally translated, “Christ child market”).