Best Christmas Markets around the World
Christmas shopping doesn't have to mean joylessly battling through department store crowds or trawling the Internet for bargains. Why not combine present-buying with some travel?
Strasbourg, France
Strasbourg, in eastern France, is home to one of Europe's oldest Christmas markets, with the first edition taking place in 1570.
Before getting lost down Strasbourg's narrow alleyways and beautiful squares, visitors should be sure to head to Place Kleber, where they'll find the Great Christmas Tree, a towering effort that puts the spruce (云杉)at New York Rockefeller Center to shame.
Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square, Prague, Czech Republic
No city lends itself to Christmas better than Prague.
The city's two main Christmas markets, in Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square, are only five minutes' walk from each other, so can both easily be explored in one day. Each one has the usual wooden huts found in similar markets across Europe, but the Czech treats are what really set them apart. Visitors can grab a klob sa ( Czech sausage) and wash it down with a Pilsner Urquell in the afternoon, then hang around for the main tree to be lit up on Old Town Square. Both markets are open every day over the festive period until January 6, including Christmas Day.
Grand Christmas Market, Montreal, Canada
Montreal’s Grand Christmas Market in Canada takes its inspiration from Europe's biggest festive events.
Running from December 1 to 24 in the pedestrian thoroughfare of Ste Catherine Street, it has more than 60 wooden houses plying their wares, from warming winter drinks to essential Christmas handicrafts. The market is especially good for kids, with an elves' (精灵)workshop, Santa’s sleigh and even an igloo. Although it closes its doors on Christmas Eve, Montreal's Grand market reopens a week later to see in the New Year.
Viennese Christmas Market, Vienna, Austria
Few cities steep (沉浸)themselves in the festive spirit like Vienna. The Austrian capitals first Christmas Market was held in 1298 and today the city has more than 20 events to choose from. With around 151 stalls serving everything from boozy Christmas punch to gut busting Austrian sausages, the market also boasts a huge ice rink (溜冰场)for skating and reindeer rides for kids.
1.What makes markets in Czech Republic different from other markets in Europe?
A.The fact that there are two markets near each other.
B.The fact that Czech has its own specialties .
C.The fact that the markets are open every day.
D.The fact that the Christmas tree there is the highest one .
2.According to the text, which of the following statements is TRUE?
A.Christmas shopping tends to be joyless.
B.Strasbourg is the oldest Christmas market in the world.
C.Grand Christmas Market was inspired by Europe's largest festive events.
D.Montreal's market is especially intended for kids to explore on Christmas Eve.
3.If you want to enjoy a Christmas on ice, which market should you go?
A.Viennese Christmas Market. B.Grand Christmas Market.
C.Strasbourg. D.Wenceslas Square .
听下面一段独白，回答以下小题。
1.How has social media changed our life according to the talk?
A.People are more connected than before.
B.People are more confused than ever.
C.People are not as happy as they used to be.
2.Why might social media be an effective tool for small companies?
A.It encourages social discussions.
B.It changes the way we get our news.
C.It provides a cheap way to advertise.
3.What is the speaker^ attitude towards social media?
A.Objective. B.Positive. C.Negative.
听下面一段较长对话，回答以下小题。
1.What is the book about?
A.Army plans. B.Chess moves. C.Business competition.
2.Why is Matt reading the book?
A.To improve his reading.
B.To become a better chess player.
C.To prepare for entering the army.
3.What would the woman like to do?
A.Be a manager at work. B.Quit her job. C.Borrow Matt's book.
4.What is the relationship between the speakers?
A.Teacher and student. B.Aunt and nephew. C.Boss and employee.
听下面一段较长对话，回答以下小题。
1.What are the speakers mainly talking about?
A.Their favorite sports.
B.The best game they ever saw.
C.Childhood sports memories.
2.What sport did the man use to play?
A.Baseball. B.Basketball. C.American football.
3.Why does the woman suggest watching the team from Oakland?
A.She likes the coach.
B.The players are the best.
C.Their live games are shown online.
听下面一段较长对话，回答以下小题。
1.What does the man suggest doing at first?
A.Going hiking. B.Doing some exercises. C.Playing a computer game.
2.What do the speakers decide to do?
A.Visit Mike. B.Go to work. C.Play table tennis.
3.How many people will probably have dinner together?
A.2. B.3. C.4.
听下面一段较长对话，回答以下小题。
1.Why does the woman think the other driver is angry?
A.He shook his fist at them. B.He shouted at them. C.He broke their window.
2.What does the woman tell Jerry to do?
A.Continue telling his story. B.Go a little faster. C.Focus on driving.
