Immerse yourself in festive cheer at Europe’s Christmas markets

Christmas is a magical time of the year, with twinkling lights, decorated trees and festive food and traditions. A perfect way to get into the festive spirit is to visit one of the Christmas markets in Europe.

Christmas markets originated in Germany back in 1434, but now you can find them all over Europe - snow-covered wooden chalets selling Christmas-themed goodies such as handmade gifts and baubles, Glühwein (a hot mulled wine), traditional gingerbread and festive treats.

Visit the best festive food spot in Budapest. Stroll through the stalls and try kurtoskalacs (a cinnamon-pastry chimney cake), toki pompos (a Hungarian-styled pizza with bacon, onion and cream), home-made chocolates and honey cakes.

Enjoy festive magic in the Czech Republic at the glistening markets of the Old Town Square, sip on hot mulled wine and purchase some Christmas glass ornaments for your tree back home.

Wrap up warm and relish the winter chill of Hungary.

See sparkling lights at the Christmas market by Basilica, nibble on scrumptious Hungarian pastries and soak up the charm.

With over 60 Christmas markets, feel mesmerised in Germany’s capital. Go to the Berliner Weinachtszeit behind the Alexanderplatz and take in the Christmas spirit at the captivating Charlottenburg Palace.

Discover the traditions of Vienna’s Christmas markets.

Revel in the aromas of roasting chestnuts, wander through the Christmas village of Belvedere Palace and ice skate through City Hall Park.

Salzburg in Austria is home to several Christmas markets, from the main market around Cathedral Square, to the sparkle of the Mirabell Palace market. Wrap up in big coats, warm your hands with a cup of mulled wine and soak up the wintery enchantment of the city.

Lille Christmas market is small in comparison to some of the bigger markets in Europe, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in charm. The market is in the centre of town with around 90 stalls on Place Rihour, with a massive Christmas tree and Ferris wheel on nearby Grand Place.

One of the best European Christmas markets is in the romantic city of Bruges. Their festive celebrations are known as ‘Winter Glow’, with wooden chalet market stalls, ice skating rinks, light experience trail and light decorations throughout the city.

If you would rather stay closer to home, the Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market is the largest German Christmas market outside of Germany or Austria. Expect a fine range of traditional gifts and products on its 180 stalls and get into the festive spirit while indulging in schnitzels, bratwursts, crepes, glühwein and weissbeer.

Transforming London’s most famous park, Winter Wonderland is the biggest Christmas attraction in the capital. Home to the world’s tallest transportable Ferris wheel and the UK’s largest open air ice rink, thrilling fairground rides and numerous bars and food stalls, you’ll need at least a day to enjoy all the attractions here.

With its unique location on the grounds of a celebrated English icon, Winchester Cathedral’s Christmas Market is widely regarded as one of the UK’s best. More than 100 chalets are home to hand-picked exhibitors offering exclusive gifts that you won’t find on the high street – from hand-crafted decorations and festive treats to craft beer and mulled wine.

Bath Christmas Market sees more than 160 pop-up chalets set up on pretty Georgian streets and around its prized Abbey. Browse stalls selling food, decorations, homeware, jewellery and everything in between from local artisans and craftsmen. With new stalls to explore alongside the perennial favourites, you can indulge in a cup of mulled wine and a warm festive snack to keep those winter chills at bay.