Nowadays, most cities want to muscle in on the magic that Christmas markets can bring, but it takes more than a few fairy lights and overpriced trinkets to make one truly special. You want the right combination of fantastic food stalls, a few places to buy presents beyond the usual wooden toys on offer, and an atmosphere that will get even the grumpiest Grinches in a festive mood. Here are 10 of the best options in Europe.
Budapest, Hungary
They like to kick off the Christmas season early in Budapest, where food and gift stalls pop up in Vorosmarty Square from early 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.
When: 4 November 2022 to 31 December 2023
Stay: D8 Hotel is a simple but trendy three-star not far fromVorosmarty Square; doubles from £70.
Europe’s best Christmas markets
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Zagreb, Croatia
Croatia’s capital goes into a six-week festive frenzy, when at least a dozen Christmas markets take over Zagreb. They’re everywhere – in parks, along hilltop paths, in tunnels, in squares and pedestrianised streets. Not surprisingly for Croatia, you’ll find many more food stalls than gifts, so let your nose be…
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