Five... European Christmas markets

One of Europe’s most picturesque markets sits snugly within the walls of the Estonian capital’s Old Town. This year’s affair will be scaled down but wooden huts will still sell mulled wine, gingerbread and knitted mittens as well as oysters, black caviar and Champagne. An Estonian culture stall will feature books and records from home-grown talent while Santa Claus’ cabin is open to recieve letters to the big man, who appears as a hologram to chat about his Christmas prep.

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Where better to enjoy a Christmas market than in a square named after good King Wenceslas? There is also a market in the Old Town Square, where a huge tree is dressed in baubles and lit up against the gothic skyline. Both are fragrant with roasted chesnuts and sizzling sausages and offer carol singing, nativity scenes and beautiful handcrafted gifts ranging from ceramics to scented candles.

Each of the Austrian capital’s yuletide markets is spread before the twinkling lights of a grand building. The Viennese Dream Christmas Market is beneath the many beautifully lit arches of the town hall and another is before the baroque Belvedere Palace. All offer the enticing whiff of spiced gluhwein, strudel, baked potatoes and sugared nuts drifting on the crisp night air, plus handmade arts and crafts galore.

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There are several festive shopping options in Cologne. The most striking is the Christmas Market at the Cathedral. Watched over by the blackened columns, turrets and glaring gargoyles of ‘the Dom’, as well as star-shaped strands of sparkling lights and a tall and glittering fir tree, it looks like a scene from a Grimm’s fairy tale. Heinzels Wintermärchen is the largest market and has a pretty ice rink and 140 stalls housing artisans from all over Europe and their unique wares.

The UK’s former capital city has one of its most enchanting Christmas markets. An ice rink and pretty A-frame wooden chalets twinkling with lights are arranged in the grounds of the impressive cathedral. Sellers from Hampshire and further afield offer everything from artisan wreaths and glassware to cosy textiles and silver jewellery. A New Forest-based brewery will be pulling pints and food on offer will include cheese and charcuterie and mince pies.