XMAS MARKETS

Christmas markets

Get that rosy glow of the festive season at these magical outdoor events – with food, drink and gifts to boot

01

Copenhagen, Denmark

If anyone can do Christmas markets, it’s the Danes. Wandering the four miles of stalls with their artfully hung fairy lights in Copenhagen’s enchanting historic amusement park, Tivoli Gardens is a dazzling shopping experience you’ll never forget. Stands stocked with fine handmade crafts, such as jaunty clog-clad elves in pointy red caps and laughing reindeers, sit next to iced doughnuts coated in blackcurrant jam and goblets of traditional Danish gløgg, a hot drink laden with raisins, almonds, fragrant cinnamon sticks, and bitter cloves. A delicious experience all round. q visitcopenhagen.com

02

Budapest, Hungary

04

The biggest and longest Budapest Christmas market takes place on Vörösmarty square in the heart of the city. The large square is blanketed with glowing Christmas lights strung from trees and buildings. Beneath the lights, wooden market stalls host traditional Hungarian food vendors and all sorts of arts and crafts. Locals and tourists mingle over a mug of spiced mulled wine or a bowl of warm goulash soup at long communal picnic tables. Space heaters keep revelers warm as the sounds of Hungarian folk music echo throughout the square. q budapestinfo.hu/en

03

Prague, Czech Republic

Great news as Prague Tourism Board has confirmed the return of its Christmas markets this year, too. The stunning Gothic city of Prague becomes a city of fairy tales as the chilly air casts a misty magic around the spires of the Old Town. In the city’s main Wenceslas Square, in the shadow of a gigantic Christmas tree, old-fashioned wooden toys and handmade puppets are cheerfully bought and sold alongside delicate Bohemian glass and crystal. q pragueexperience.com

05

Santa Claus, Indiana, USA

Yes, there really is a town in America called Santa Claus. The Midwestern town has built fame and fortune – and lots of happy memories – on its festive moniker. As you can imagine, things get extra sparkly in December. Santa Claus Christmas Store is famous for its unique, personalised ornaments, stationery and stockings, while Santa’s Candy Castle has the biggest selection of candy canes you’ll find anywhere. After shopping, post your cards at Santa Claus Post Office (your envelopes will be postmarked with ‘Santa’), play some reindeer games at Frosty’s Fun Centre, then walk through the Land Of Lights, the biggest holiday light show in North America. q santaclausind.org

London, England

Winter Wonderland in London’s famous Hyde Park has quickly become a must-do for British families celebrating the season, and delightfully, it’s back proper this year. Famed for its fairground rides, circus and gigantic observation wheel, it’s also a place to swing by for lastminute gifts. Browse the 200 fairy-lit Bavarian-style wooden stalls, while clutching a decadent hot chocolate and tasty churro, on the hunt for woolen mittens and hats, charming ornaments and London keepsakes. In the Ice Bar everything is made of ice, from the building to the glasses, and you’re handed a cloak and gloves at the door. Take a tour of the Magical Ice Kingdom, where a frozen forest filled with unicorns and fairies leads you to a meeting with the magnificent Snow Queen. q hydeparkwinterwonderland.com