Classic Christmas markets

Salzburg, Austria

If you’re lucky, snow will slump on the roofs of Salzburg’s old town, adding an extra sparkle to Christmas lights. The market, one of Europe’s oldest and held in front of the cathedral, is decorated with wreathes made of pine branches and hung with glass balls and traditional straw figurines. Carollers and musicians with trombones wander through the crowd like minstrels of old. As you’d expect in this musical city, you can enjoy concerts and singalongs with a choir while a bag of roast chestnuts keeps your hands warm.

Munich, Germany

Germany is Europe’s Christmas-market epicentre, with prominent examples in Berlin, Cologne, Dresden and Stuttgart. Munich outdoes them all for good cheer. Oompah bands and carol-warbling choirs entertain crowds from the balcony of the gargoyle-encrusted, neo-Gothic town hall. Shaggy costumed folk figures make runs to scares away evil spirits. A 30-metre Christmas tree shimmers like a heavenly vision. Plunder the stalls for Bavarian handicrafts such as music boxes, then head to adjacent Viktualienmarkt for your fill of marzipan-stuffed gingerbread, German sausages and hot potato cakes.

Prague, Czechia

Prague’s old town is marvellously decorated and illuminated in winter and enlivened by several Christmas markets. The one in its central square has the most magical setting, surrounded by baroque buildings and medieval towers like an illustration from a fairy tale. Numerous concerts and carol performances, cultural events, a life-size manger scene featuring real animals and kids’ activities such as ornament-making and puppet shows make this a top market for families. Spit-roasted pork and hot sugar-coated pies will keep your stomach happy on frosty nights.

Copenhagen, Denmark

The Danish capital has numerous Christmas markets, but Tivoli Gardens provides an entire winter-wonderland experience. The endearingly retro amusement park sparkles with 50,000 fairy lights, and the lake transforms into a skating rink. Market stalls sell candles, thick sweaters and wooden dolls and Tivoli’s eateries tempt with apple dumplings and meatballs. Visitors warm themselves around fire pits as they sip on mulled wine, traditionally accompanied by jam pancakes. Add pantomimes and plays, pony rides and a wandering Santa Claus and you’ll feel like a child again.

Strasbourg, France

France’s oldest Christmas market has run since 1570 and has an unbeatable location beneath the mind-boggling façade of Strasbourg’s Gothic cathedral – though other markets occupy various squares. Illuminations on buildings are magical, making half-timbered houses glow in red and gold. Locals come to shop for seasonal goodies such as pheasant, duck, venison, seafood and foie gras for the Christmas table, while visitors can enjoy eat-on-the-spot giant pretzels, baguettes covered in melted cheese, chocolate truffles, gingerbread and candied fruit. A Children’s Village offers games and circus entertainments.

Edinburgh, Scotland

Britain’s great medieval cities such as Lincoln, York and Winchester host Christmas markets, but Edinburgh really lights up the long, dark evenings. Its Christmas market spreads across Princes Street Gardens, the floodlit drama of the castle an impressive backdrop. A giant Ferris wheel, ice rink and sleigh rides pulled by reindeer are among the attractions. Wooden cabins that look like the homes of elves entice with hand-blown glass ornaments and shortbread. Enjoy mince pies and hot toddy (warmed, spiced whisky) as you wander through the festivities.

Montreux, Switzerland

Switzerland flies under the Christmas-market radar but, while its markets aren’t as large or well known, you get fewer tourists and a local atmosphere. The lakefront market in Montreux is terrific, with 150 stalls offering abundant shopping and dining. Full-sized pop-up restaurants entice you with fondue and raclette, or melted cheese served with potatoes and pickles and accompanied – if you’re game – by pear or cherry schnapps. Santa appears several times an evening. In the daytime you’ll enjoy views across Lake Geneva to the snowcapped French Alps.

Bruges, Belgium

Bruges’ Winter Glow festival sees the whole old town bright with lights, but the market on its central square, beneath the facades of half-timbered houses and a soaring medieval belfry, is the highlight. Stalls resemble miniature chalets with light-draped eaves. Buy woollen socks and gloves, beer mugs, glass ornaments, handcrafted jewellery, chocolate Santas and honey waffles. A nip of the local jenever gin will get up your courage for a turn on the skating rink, which might be the prettiest piece of ice on the continent.

Tallinn, Estonia

Christmas markets have made a comeback since the Baltic states became independent. Tallinn’s is the best – indeed, one of the best in Europe. The medieval setting of Town Hall Square, dominated by Estonia’s biggest Christmas tree, is magical, especially as snow is almost guaranteed. Traditional Estonian crafts include hand-knitted sweaters, embroidered quilts and wooden bowls. Tallinn’s market is notable for its liveliness, with regular performances by musicians and dancers, carousel and horse-carriage rides and the appearance of a multilingual Santa and his two elves Scribble and Scrabble.

Nuremberg, Germany

One of the oldest markets in Germany could hardly have a better setting beneath the ornate facades of the old town. A mini-village of wooden stalls with red-and-white striped awnings erupts in a dazzle of light to offer handicrafts such as music boxes and nutcrackers. Stollen cake, a bread-like cake made from candied fruit and nuts liberally dusted with icing sugar, is the seasonal treat. The market has regular English-language tours that introduce you to regional Christmas traditions and flavours and to the history of the city.