A Multisensory Puzzle: an Exploration into Sensory and Multisensory Heritage Perceptions Across Five European Christmas Markets

Christmas markets offer a wealth of sensory experiences and historical/cultural value. Whilst sensory experiences may be recognized as heritage if having social value and transmitted intergenerationally, no research has investigated on-site heritage perceptions of the multisensorial Christmas markets experience. This study examined sensory/multisensory experiences and heritage perceptions of five European Christmas markets (Dresden, Mainz, Frankfurt, Offenbach, Birmingham) using on-site interviews (n = 58) and a stallholder survey (n = 74). We found that aurality dominated in Birmingham, while olfactory and visual components were primarily identified in German markets, which were also ascribed importance and heritage. Visual icons included Christmas trees, carousels, and lighting displays, while important aural elements included the soundmarks of Turmblasen and Stadtgeläut, alongside traditional music. Crucial market odors and tastes included Glühwein, Kartoffelpuffer and other regional specialties, often considered unique and representative of a specific market. Whilst iconic sensory elements reveal ascribed heritage, combined sensory experience (multisensory puzzle) was considered essential, itself forming an inseparable culturally significant component. Furthermore, participant localness and child visitation were related to higher degrees of meaning and significance, and sensorial experiences acted as a vehicle to advance other heritages. Our findings extend the debate of intangible heritage meaning, sensorial memory connections, and intergenerational heritage engagement.