It's safe to say 2017 has been a crazy year.
With the threat of nuclear war, Brexit causing exchange rate woes and temperatures plummeting faster than you can reach for your coat, we're all in need of a bit of festive cheer.
To feel this cheer, there's nothing better than to make your way to one of the many spectacular Christmas markets dotted across Europe.
It's an opportunity to sip on mulled wine to keep out the winter chill, bathe in the warm glow of twinkling lights and magnificent Christmas trees and get involved in a centuries-old tradition from snowy Scandinavia to the heart of Bohemia.
For a last minute city break, with more than a bit of sparkle, get a little inspiration from our list below.
1. Salzburg
The musical city of Salzburg is a romantic choice for a Christmas market visit, with its connections to Mozart, The Sound of Music and even the writer of Silent Night. Located in the northern Alps, there’s no question of a white Christmas with snow starting to fall about now.
Christmas markets in Salzburg have been taking place since the 15th century, and the largest is held on Cathedral Square. Smaller markets can be found around the city such as one by Hellbrunn Palace, or smaller but equally charming locations such as in the Hohensalzburg Fortress.
From November 23 - December 26
2. Strasbourg
As the self-proclaimed ‘Capital of Christmas’, Strasbourg’s Christmas markets are popular and with good reason. Dotted around the picturesque Alsatian town, the markets each have an individual feel with a guest country invited every year to display their Christmas wares in one area; it’s Portugal this year.
The French city’s year-round appeal only steps up a notch around Christmas with a staggeringly large Christmas tree in Place Kleiber, and the main traditional market nestled under the terracotta hues of the Cathedral, once the world’s tallest building.
Make the most of your visit with the festive food on offer in the markets themselves, of course, but also take the opportunity to eat plenty of Tarte Flambée and Choucroute Garnie washed down with the local wines.
From November 24 - December 30
3. Prague
It seems only fitting that the birthplace of the ‘Good King Wenceslaus’ would be teeming with yuletide cheer. In the square named after Wenceslaus himself, the Czech patron saint, you will find one of the two main markets in Prague, with the other being found in the Old Town Square. More petite markets can be found by the castle and on Kampa Island.
As well as mulled wine, there are still plenty of opportunities to drink renowned Czech beers, possibly alongside klobása, a barbecued sausage you will find sold amongst the stalls or trdelník, a sweet cylindrical pastry. Bohemian crafts are sold beneath the gigantic gleaming Christmas tree next to St. Nicholas Church with a stable with real animals close-by too.
From Decmber 2 - January 6
4. Munich
The Bavarian Capital gets itself in to a party spirit yet again for Christmas with a mind-blowing 24 markets. As well as the usual, things get medieval in Wittlesbacherplatz which conjures up the smells and sights of some of Europe’s original markets with traders in costume and traditional mead or Feuerzangebowle served in wonderfully designed goblets. In fact, each of the markets serves up mulled wine in their own vessel so choose wisely before deciding on your cup.
Aside from the central market in Marienplatz, you can get into a festival spirit with the vast Tollwood Winterfestival at Theresienwiese, where Oktoberfest celebrations also take place. It offers a lot more beside the usual crafts you’ll find at the more traditional markets as well as performances and art.
From November 27 - December 24
5. Copenhagen
Head further north to the Danish capital for a taste of a Scandi Christmas. The main market in the Tivoli Gardens, the famous amusement park, turns in to a winter wonderland with plenty of Christmas sparkle, the lake is also transformed in to an ice rink.
Back in the heart of the city, the Nyhavn market is set alongside the old harbour showcases traditional crafts or Freetown Christiania with its free-spirited bazaar atmosphere. The first two weekends of December, you’ll also find treats in the beautiful renaissance castle of Kronborg.
With the Danish concept of hygge being at the forefront of everyone’s minds this year, what better place to experience it than in Copenhagen itself in Christmas mode.
From November 18 - December 31
6. Paris
Perhaps not necessarily fitting into the standard feel of the other markets, Paris still is a great draw for your festive shopping fix. The main market is found along the Champs Elysees, complete with ice rink and several different areas serving up a great selection of items and food, and even champagne.
There are other markets across the city: underneath the Montparnasse Tower, in the commercial La Defence district and near the Eiffel Tower. You’ll be able to rack up a little more spending in the main shops too – December is the only time of year the Parisian department stores are open on a Sunday allowing for a full weekend of present buying.
From November 23 - December 28
7. Bologna
For a departure from the Germanic Christmas markets, pop to Italy to discover what the delectable city of Bologna can serve up. It’s a gastronomic draw, no surprise giving the city’s reputation, and picking up some torrone is essential – a Christmassy, Italian nougat.
Plenty of crib figurines and chocolate dipped citrus peel are to be found and, if you happen to be visiting for the new year, a separate street market runs in the Piazza Maggiore on New Year’s Eve where they set fire to an effigy of an old man to destroy any negativity left from the year – possibly needed after 2016.
From November 20 - December 26
8. Nuremberg
The Nuremberg market is an old hand at Christmas markets and you’ll even find that some of the stalls themselves date back over a century. Buy Zwetschgenmannle, the cute figurines hailing from the city otherwise known as Prune men as they used to be made of plums. Although gingerbread is a mainstay of Christmas markets across the world, it’s a Nuremberg export so be sure to get some to take back.
As a city to explore, there’s plenty more than just shopping with a huge swath of museums illustrating Nuremberg’s fascinating past.
From December 1 - 24
9. Budapest
First and foremost, Budapest is a winter food-lover’s dream. Goulash is the Hungarian’s specialty – a meat stew with vegetables and noodles often served in a bowl of bread meaning you can eat the bowl once you’re done. If this doesn’t scream comfort then we don’t know what does.
The Budapest Christmas Fair combines traditional food and dancing with live music. It’s based in the central Pest district and is made up of over 150 stalls. A panel of adjudicators are on-hand to make sure that all products sold in the market are traditionally handmade.
From November 18 - December 30
10. Belfast
There’s something magical about Belfastat Christmastime. From the occasional snowfall, to the always-packed pubs – there is a sight to beheld around every corner of the Northern Irish capital.
With the city hall as the beautiful backdrop, head on down to the 13th annual Belfast Christmas Market. Here. you can indulge in a number of treats including cheese and olives, bratwurst, Belgian chocolates and French tarts made on-site. It is a perfect destination for the kids as Santa has his very own grotto located within the market.
From November 18 - December 23
11. Stockholm
If being bundled up during light snow fall with a cup of mulled wine is your forte, head north to visit a Nordic Christmas market. Skansen's Christmas Market has been held annually since 1903 and is a beloved holiday tradition among Swedes.
Stock up on traditional sausages, cheeses, spices and essences while getting lost in Skansen’s many homemade delights. These range from handmade mustard, to breads, cakes, sugared almonds, tallows, honey, marzipan, crisp bread, smoked turkey, jams and marmalades.
The markets also sell an array of Swedish crafts alongside traditional Christmas ornaments and hand-dipped candles. While you’re perusing the stalls, munch on some traditional fare like pepparkakor (gingersnaps) and glögg (mulled wine).
From November 25 to December 17 and is only open on weekends
12. Vienna
Vienna is a gorgeous city whatever time of year you visit, but Christmas adds that extra little sparkle.
Strings of warm Christmas lights adorn every street and become illuminated once the winter sun begins to set, reminding you it’s the most wonderful time of the year. Vienna is also home to one of the biggest and decidedly most beautiful Christmas markets in the world: Wiener Christkindlmarkt am Rathausplatz.
Christkindlmärkte is the name for the many markets that pop up over the city from mid-November, including Rathausplatz where locals meet to drink mulled wine and eat spiced biscuits. Be sure to check out Spittelberg market, located among the cobbled street between Burggasse and Siebensterngasse in the seventh district – it’s one of the city's more petite markets.
From November 16 - December 23
13. Manchester
While Manchester is a joyous place to visit at any time of the year, the northern hub really comes alive at Christmas time. The markets light up the city with over 300 stalls spread across the city centre offering mouth-watering food and delicately crafted Yuletide gifts.
While you’re there, be sure to visit the giant 55-metre snow slide coming to greater Manchester. It’s a bargain at just £3 for one ticket and £5 for two.
From November 10 - December 20
14. Berlin
Travellers heading to Berlin are always looking for three things: Great food, exciting nightlife and gorgeous Christmas markets.
Luckily, it’s now the best time of year to visit Berlin as you’ll be able to find all three. In terms of Christmas markets, you’ll be spoilt for choice as come the end of November, the German city will fill with delicious-smelling food and drink along with sights that act as a feast for the eyes.
With many markets to choose from, make your way to one of the biggest: The Alexanderplatz Christmas Market. Under the shadow of the TV Tower, the entirety of Alexanderplatz will be covered in stalls with potters, blacksmiths and glassblowers displaying their work. In the centre of the market, you will find Europe’s largest Christmas pyramid with over 5,000 lights.
From November 27 - December 26
15. Helsinki
Christmas lovers can bask in the lights lining Aleksanterinkatu – the city’s traditional Christmas street - and head to St Thomas Market for a spot of shopping.
Helsinki’s St Thomas Market is made up of 120 stalls inspired by Finnish traditions where visitors can indulge in the traditional Finnish Christmas drink, Glögi, made from spiced wine with a pinch of almonds, raisins, and whenever possible, a splash of vodka.
From December 2 - December 23
