Christmas markets

As cities across Europe turn on the lights, visiting Christmas markets can be a great way to take a break.

Below we highlight some Christmas markets in the UK and beyond that are well worth checking out.

Edinburgh, UK

Edinburgh offers an authentic German Christmas market experience, with its stallholders all the way from Frankfurt selling gifts, crafts, and food and drink including German beer and venison burgers. You can also keep the cold at bay with a delicious Glühwein; similar to mulled wine and flavoured with cinnamon, cloves, vanilla and citrus.

London, UK

From late November Hyde Park transforms into a Winter Wonderland – a true Christmas extravaganza. Overflowing with gifts, decorations and handmade crafts; you’ll have the stockings filled with plenty of time left to try out the ice rink, giant observation wheel, Santa’s grotto and more.

Valkenburg, Holland

A Christmas market with a difference, the Valkenburg market takes place in a run of beautifully decorated underground caves. Stock up on gifts, chocolates and traditional Dutch handicrafts, and enjoy a cup of cocoa by the Christmas tree. The caves also house murals, sculptures and a tiny 18th Century Chapel.

Berlin, Germany

Germany’s historic capital hosts over 50 snow-capped Christmas markets every year. You can find traditional German delicacies; enjoy live music at the Weltbrunnen fountain; and take a ride on Europe’s largest mobile toboggan run in Potsdamer Platz – there is something for everyone at Christmas time in Berlin.

Paris, France

Paris’ largest Christmas market spans the Avenue des Champs-Elysées and boasts mulled wine, crepes and the chance to see the sparkling lights of Paris from a giant Ferris wheel. Nearby, the Trocadero Christmas Market and ice rink sits just opposite the Eiffel Tower; a highlight of any Parisian Christmas.

Barcelona, Spain

Putting their own spin on the Christmas market, Barcelona covers all the bases with musical entertainment, a nativity scene contest and hundreds of wonderfully lit and decorated stalls. But in place of the German style gifts and refreshments you might find at other European markets, here you’ll find traditional Catalan crafts and artisan goods.

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