巧遇聖誕市集 / Ran into a Christmas market unexpectedly
聖誕市集的起源可能來自中世紀德國的聖誕市集，它是一種在聖誕節前，舉行的臨時性的街邊市集，一開始只盛行於德國本地，後來也在法國、捷克等德國周邊國家盛行，後來，有在慶祝聖誕節的國家，如美國也很盛行聖誕市集，商人都會精心佈置攤位，增添節慶氣氛，吸引人群停步，主要市集內會展售聖誕精品、手工藝品、美食以及各式特色產品，供人們挑選要送給親友的聖誕禮物，隨著地球村的概念，很多國家雖然沒有在過聖誕節，但是也知道聖誕節這節慶，這幾年來，明明聖誕節並不是一個休假日，不過，商家也把聖誕市集的概念帶進來了，大部份的人們，對此也是樂觀其成。
我並不是特地要去逛聖誕市集，只是打算和朋友去香堤大道廣場拍拍聖誕樹及造型燈飾，不過，剛好看到有很多特色攤商，出現在平常沒有人煙的地方，於是轉過去看看，前幾年，聖誕市集的新聞比較吸引人注意，那時候的朋友就有跟我提過這檔事情，因為那時是第一屆的歐洲聖誕市集，由法國人協會主辦，邀請11個歐洲國家共同打造最道地的「歐洲聖誕市集」，全場超過30攤位販售歐洲特色美食，如統濃郁起司、巧克力、鬆餅及熱紅酒等，今年也有歐洲聖誕市集，是第四屆，但是新聞相對較少，可能是新鮮感沒了，媒體也就不多作報導了。
我們因為還有其他要事，所以快快逛過聖誕市集，假如這裡有賣特色商品的話，我們可能會多停留一下，看看有無可以選購作為交換禮物的東西，不過，這屆的聖誕市集看起來以美食居多，我和朋友看到一個特殊名稱的食物，叫吉拿棒，原來是西班牙傳統小吃，網路上查了一下，有人稱它為西班牙油條，真的很貼切，外型好像喔，傳統早餐店賣的油條一根大概20元，這邊賣的吉拿棒要60元，我還是去吃便宜的油條好了，有一家賣德國啤酒的攤商，有提供試喝，我們趁機試喝了幾種不同的口味，也順便暖暖身子。
這活動名稱為歐洲聖誕市集，不過，有看到賣越南美食和美式速食的攤商，讓我們有些錯愕，雖然我也喜歡吃越南美食，像是越南河粉或越南春卷等街邊小吃，不過，它們出現在這，讓人們有著掛羊頭賣狗肉之感，不過，也表示，這活動的招商不順利，在地，能提供道地歐洲美食的店家不多，所以才會有這樣的情況發生，也可以從人潮算是疏疏落落，感覺得出來，事實上，幾個熱門的台北傳統夜市的人潮都比聖誕市集多上太多了，看起來，這個市集活動有可能，之後就會停止。
The origin of Christmas markets may trace back to medieval Germany, specifically as temporary street markets held before Christmas. Initially prevalent only in Germany, these markets later spread to neighboring countries like France and the Czech Republic. Over time, the concept extended to countries celebrating Christmas, such as the United States, where merchants decorate booths with care, adding to the festive atmosphere and attracting crowds. Main markets showcase Christmas specialties, handmade crafts, delicious food, and various unique products for people to choose as gifts for family and friends. With the global village concept, even countries not celebrating Christmas are aware of the holiday, and in recent years, businesses have incorporated the Christmas market concept, garnering optimistic responses from the public.
I didn't plan to visit a Christmas market specifically but thought of going to Champs-Élysées Square with friends to capture the Christmas tree and festive lights. However, I unexpectedly stumbled upon numerous distinctive vendors in usually deserted areas. In recent years, Christmas markets made headlines, and friends had mentioned them to me. The European Christmas market, organized by the French Association, caught attention during its first edition, featuring 11 European countries collaborating to create an authentic "European Christmas Market." With over 30 booths offering European delicacies like rich cheese, chocolate, waffles, and mulled wine, it gained popularity. This year marks the fourth edition, but media coverage seems less, possibly due to the novelty wearing off.
Due to other commitments, we hurried through the Christmas market. If there were unique items, we might pause to explore for potential gift exchanges. However, this edition appeared to focus more on food. We came across a peculiar food item called "churros," a traditional snack from Spain. Described online as the Spanish version of doughnuts, priced at 60 NT dollars compared to the local breakfast shop's 20 NT dollars traditional fried dough sticks, we opted for the more affordable option. There was also a German beer vendor offering tastings, and we seized the opportunity to try various flavors and warm ourselves up.
Although named the European Christmas Market, we spotted vendors selling Vietnamese cuisine and American fast food, which surprised us. While I enjoy Vietnamese street food like pho or spring rolls, their presence here gave a mixed impression. It suggested challenges in attracting authentic European food vendors locally, leading to this unexpected mix. The crowd seemed sparse, and comparing it to the bustling traditional night markets in Taipei, it appears the Christmas market event might face challenges and possibly cease in the future.