Christmas Markets - Why do people feel the need to walk really slowly whilst stuffing their faces with food?

[lynnepot]

Am I the only one who hates Christmas markets? I dunno of the Christmas markets near anyone else is like the one we have in our city but ours is always stupidly busy and it just seems to be just full of people walking really slowly, like at a snail's pace, whilst stuffing their faces with whatever food they brought at the food stalls. The narrow lanes in the layout of the market doesn't help matters either but the crowds in my opinion are caused by the people walking whilst eating. You've got your food, now go and eat it in the dining/bar area provided ffs

I don’t enjoy them either... so I don’t go.

D'you know I was saying exactly the same last night as I had to negotiate my way through one on my way elsewhere.
Also, loads of people had brought their dogs along and the poor things looked pretty miserable.
Thing is, I love the concept, the look and the sounds but there is nothing I want/need to buy. If I want a drink and a nibble of something, I would rather pop into somewhere with a nice warm interior and a comfy chair.
I went to Vienna this time last year and never visited a Christmas Market yet everyone assumed that was why I went.
Blimey - I sound a grinch.

Its just not a fun shopping experience literally trapsing through crowds is it. And yes, why bring the family dog? Why?

I hate them, always too busy, ridiculously expensive, and worst of all are the stalls with uncovered foodstuffs that people can touch and cough over.

They sell foods and some people feel that they have a festive atmosphere.

They are awful shite-peddling things though, and they're all the bloody same. Hugely overpriced, uncovered olives anyone? Or how about a dream catcher?

We went to one last weekend with the baby in the pushchair, it was so stressful. So many people walking round with open cups of hot mulled wine and coffee etc. It was so busy, everyone bumping into each other, I was paranoid baby was going to get one tipped over him!

Ooh I did this last weekend - you would hate me

But when I used to work in Birmingham city centre I felt exactly the same as you and would be eye rolling at all the slow moving shoppers.

Because people go for the atmosphere and the food and to browse. If they wanted a speedy, efficient shopping experience they'd be on Amazon!

I went to the Birmingham one the other day. There wasn't even a chance to walk slowly and browse, everyone was just getting pushed along the length of the markets by the huge crowds. I won't be going again. My mum was in a paranoid panic the whole way aswel as she was pickpocketed there a few years ago. :/

Which market was that? Sounds like just what I’m looking for.

I LOVE THEM. The whole point is the atmosphere, if you don’t eat enjoy the atmosphere, don’t go ‍🤷🏻‍♀️. It’s not like they’re essential shopping. OR even really great for gift shopping.

I’d love to know the best ones to visit in England as I’ve regrettably had to forego my trip to Germany this year

If you walk fast you might drop your food... Much easier to get it all in if you walk nice and slow. And if you're in a fast mood then don't buy food and don't go to a browsy market.