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Traditional Swiss Christmas Market Wows Visitors

ABU DHABI - Ginger bread, mulled wine and Christmas decorations are all part of centuries-old Christmas markets across Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

All this and much more will is available at the Swiss Christmas Market, which opened on Thursday night and will wind up tonight at the Beach Rotana Hotel in Abu Dhabi.

Christmas tree decorations, handmade jewellery, organic candles, greeting cards and calendars are among the items being sold by the 25 Swiss-styled wooden chalets.

Most of the mini-boutiques taking part in the Christmas market have their own shop in Abu Dhabi, but there are some that cannot be easily found after the market is gone. Among the ‘rare’ category is Forms of Art, an independent collection of Colombian artefacts and handcrafted items.

Apart from beautifully carved and hand-painted statuettes, vases and bowls, Forms of Art also sells Colombian handmade hammocks, strong enough to hold 2-3 people.

Salam Kadhum, an engineer, was so enchanted by Iranian honey that he opened a small shop in Abu Dhabi, dedicated entirely to this product, as well as Royal Jelly.

“This honey comes from the mountains in Iran, is internationally certified, and is classified as among the best in the world. It contains zero sucrose, which makes it very pure,” explained Kadhum, who has set up a stall at the Christmas market.

The Swiss Christmas Market would not be complete without the festive culinary delicacies and entertainment and there is certainly plenty to please the senses.

The Live Chocolate Kitchen is back, offering treats from the Lindt and Sprungli. The master chocolate maker Dimo Simatos even brought a few recipes for people to try out.

Mulled wine, a quintessential part of Christmas, as well as traditional Swiss food cooked on the spot also add to the festive ambience.

All this is wrapped up in a musical atmosphere, performed by the Original Appenzeller Streichmusik Alder, one of the most famous Swiss folklore bands promoting Swiss customs all over the world, as well as school choirs back home.

After Abu Dhabi, the Swiss Christmas Market will move to Al Ain on December 18 and run for three days at the Al Ain Rotana Hotel.

silvia@khaleejtimes.com