This upcoming Christmas is a precious winter holiday that has come at the end of a long summer. The time that has passed since early December gives excitement to the silent expectations of Christmas. From the charm of decorative lights, exquisite ornaments adorning buildings, pure white snow blanketing the landscape, and sparkling trees embellished with glitter and beads, to heartwarming carols, this time of the year is like no other. The Christmas markets in Europe might be the very first that come to our mind when the season of Christmas comes. The history of the Holiday Market started in Germany and Austria. They had traditions of preparing and celebrating the holiday with special decorations and gifts. If you cannot make it to Europe, let’s try to embrace our own Christmas spirit in Korea. Just as Europeans do, this column introduces vintage prop shops with a Christmas market atmosphere that can be enjoyed in Seoul. 

1. JAMMER HOME

When you venture inside the alleys of the bustling street with numerous buildings, a green gate opens to a cozy, two-story Western-style house. This place is “Jammer Home,” a showroom of fabric brand JAMMER. Jammer Home is divided into two parts: the first floor, which functions as a showroom, and the second floor, which serves as the residence of Jammer’s representative. The showroom follows the corridor and leads to a bedroom, dressing room, kitchen, and bathroom. The fabric items placed on the bed, hangers, and table are all self-designed items from Jammer House. Along with these fabric items, the rustic grid-patterned ceiling, the antique lighting reminiscent of a globe, and the large window that provides an idyllic view of the landscape create Jammer’s uniquely cozy atmosphere. The bedroom also exudes a rustic charm, with bright sunlight streaming in through the peach-colored window frame. On the opposite wall, colorful aprons hang quite distinctly from the pajamas, adding a lively touch to the space. The fabrics placed in each space blend seamlessly with the various furniture and decor. If you want to enjoy the mood of a vintage European shop with the soothing sounds of jazz music, visit Jammer Home this Christmas!

2. Cecile and Cedric

The exterior appearance, reminiscent of the alleys in France, catches the eye and makes you pause. The ground floor houses an eclectic mix of groceries, fashion, decor, and fragrances. Among these treasures, there are other vintage items awaiting discovery. Traversing the dimly lit corridor where gardening related products are displayed, there is a stairway leading to the second floor. While the first floor exudes an ambiance reminiscent of a European boutique nestled within the pages of a fairy tale, the second floor transports you to the realm of a European home portrayed in cinematic splendor. Opulent tableware with intricate motifs, fabrics, antiquated standing lamps, and timeworn parchment contribute to an even more elevated and distinctive ambiance. Cecile and Cedric is a brand deviated from the concept of “a private collection curated by Cecile, a connoisseur of vintage artifacts and a skilled artist, alongside Gardner Cedric, a devoted scholar of philosophy.” They present a unique sense of timeless classic from their own perspectives. Exuding a seamless blend of modernity and vintage charm, this destination invites visitors to immerse themselves in the enchanting atmosphere of European Christmas markets.

3. Present Moment 

On Christmas morning, after rubbing your sleepy eyes and rising from your bed, you have probably had that one curious thought: where does Santa get all those gifts that he leaves under the tree overnight? Delving into the depths of curiosity, you clandestinely follow Santa’s trail to unveil the treasure trove where he stores his gifts. Much like Harry Potter passing through a platform wall to get to the platform 9 and 3/4, you can open a magical passage into Santa’s secret warehouse, aptly named “Present Moment,” where it is Christmas all year round. In line with the theme of the place, Santa’s Secret Shed, a completely different world unveils when you walk through the door. Antique furniture, incense sticks that instantly soothe your soul, intricately crafted dolls, stationery, and an array of diverse trinkets create an atmosphere brimming with sentiment at every glance. Photogenic spots are scattered throughout, with each item accompanied by a brief note sharing the heartfelt stories behind them, all carefully curated by the owner. This is a prop shop where you can be momentarily transported back to your childhood. For those who hope to be Santa Claus for their loved ones, this is the spot you must not miss.