The sound of carols on the air, the scent of mulling spices and the spectacle of hundreds upon hundreds of lights and decorations make Christmas markets one of the highlights of the festive season around the world.
Most cities want to muscle in on the magic that these markets can bring, but it takes more than a few fairy lights and overpriced trinkets to make one truly special.
You need the right combination of fantastic food stalls, a few places to buy presents beyond the usual wooden toys, and an atmosphere that will get even the grumpiest Grinches in a cheery mood.
Numerous European destinations have all this and more, pulling out all the stops for their markets. From the ‘Capital of Christmas’ in France to the traditional markets littered throughout Germany, Austria and Belgium, these are the places to visit whether you’re looking for great gifts, glasses of cinnamon-spiked wine or simply to get into the festive spirit ahead of 25 December.
Read more: The best Christmas markets in the world
Budapest, Hungary
They like to kick off the Christmas season early in Budapest, where food and gift stalls pop up in Vorosmarty Square from mid-November. The square in front of St Stephen’s Basilica also joins in the fun, with ice-skating and more luscious Hungarian food and trinket stalls, along with smaller markets in Deak Square and Fovam Square. Just follow the scent of cinnamon-heavy chimney cake mingled with mulled wine.
Opening dates
Open 17 November to 31 December.
Where to stay
D8 Hotel is a simple but trendy three-star. It is very close to both Vorosmarty Square and St Stephen’s Basilica, and is less than 1km from Buda Castle and the Opera House.
Zagreb, Croatia
Zagreb goes into a six-week festive frenzy when at least a dozen Christmas markets take over Croatia’s capital. They’re everywhere – in parks, along hilltop paths, in tunnels, in squares and on pedestrianised streets. Not surprisingly for Croatia, you’ll find many more food stalls than gifts, so let your nose be your guide. Afterwards, join the ice skaters gliding around the rink that twists and turns in Ledeni Park.
Opening dates
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