There is nothing quite like watching lights twinkling on a beautiful tree while sipping mulled wine and watching the buzz of people around you at a Christmas market. The mix of traditional huts, soft carol music, beautiful handcrafts and delicious food and drink make strolling around a festive fete a seasonal must. So this year, why not try a Christmas market break and visit some of Europe’s winter wonderland. I have selected three cities with Christmas markets that are a must see.
PRAGUE
Head to Old Town and Wenceslas Square to shop for handcrafts, glassware, jewellery, clothes and traditionally carved puppets, all beautifully presented in brightly lit wooden cabins. Sample cultural delicacies including trdelnik, which is a hot sweet pastry, while 'awwing' at the sheep, goats and donkeys at the living-manger scenes.
Next, travel back in time at Prague Castle, the official residence of the President of the Czech Republic. Gothic spires pierce the sky as part of an architectural wonder that represents the city's complex history. At the centre is the grand St. Vitus's Catherdral, which will genuinely take your breath away.
Don't leave before visiting the eerie Old Jewish Cemetery where 12,000 tombstones vie for space in a tiny tree-shaded enclosure. Decorative reliefs on the tombstones indicate the occupations of the deceased, such as pair of scissors for a tailor or loaf of bread for a baker. It's a powerful reminder of the emotional history tied to the old ghetto, which was closed behind giant walls until the late 1700s.
BERLIN
There are about 60 Christmas markets in Berlin, the most famous being Charlottenburg Palace, where an elaborate light installation offsets the beautiful surroundings, including the 150 stalls and restaurants, in a warm, romantic glow.
For a more energetic experience, head to Potsdamer Platz for tobogganing, ice skating and even curling or the Wintertraum an Alexa, which includes an adjoining fairground, complete with a large Ferris wheel, rollercoaster and bumper cars amongst other rides.
Berlin also has a lively nightlife, and when evening rolls around, rockabillies should head to White Trash Fast Food, a Fifties retro burger joint, tattoo parlour and lively bar, which more laid-back folk might enjoy Club der Visionare, a canal-side dance bar. Or just head to the street Oranienstrabe, which has cosy restaurants and intimate bars.
VIENNA
Christmas markets are an entrenched part of Viennese culture with the first such 'Krippenmarkt' recorded as taking place in 1298. Now there are over 20 around the city, selling a variety of seasonal wares. Get into the festive spirit by heading straight to the dazzling City Hall, a stunning backdrop to what looks like a Christmas scene in a film, so picture-perfect is the setting. There are cookie and candle-making classes in City Hall for children while crafts, food and drink take centre stage outside.
During your trip embrace the cafe culture that makes Vienna such a relaxing place to visit and enjoy. Coffee buffs among you will be in their element in a city where being rushed is considered the height of rudeness. Prepare for the service to be leisurely, but the coffee is worth the wait. Try a fiaker, a strong black coffee with shot of rum; it is typically served in a hefty glass with the option of whipped cream.