Christmas market breaks

Berlin is recognised all over the world for its markets with over 60 to choose from. There’s something to suit all tastes from fairs packed with rides to historical options filled with handmade goods and traditional picks featuring carousel rides and seasonal food stalls. Charlottenburg Castle Christmas Market is a popular choice with its fairytale-like forest and amazing castle backdrop guaranteeing unforgettable memories.

Festive trips to Tallinn are a must this winter. This rising star has your pre-Christmas celebrations covered with wooden stalls lighting up its streets. Keep your eyes peeled for traditional Estonia decorations as you wander one of the most well-preserved medieval cities in Europe. Whether you’ve come here to visit Santa, sample the finest gingerbread or ride the carousel with mulled wine in hand, this hotspot will leave you feeling warm and fuzzy this holiday season.

It’s safe to say the Netherlands knows a thing or two about Christmas cheer, and Amsterdam is no different. In fact, the Dutch capital is home to a number of markets with dazzling lights everywhere you look. When you’re not hunting for gifts for your family and friends back home, you could be ice skating, listening to angelic choirs or getting involved in a host of festive games.

This Polish city of Krakow may only have one Christmas market, but it has made quite an impression on those who visit it. In the middle of Krakow’s picturesque Old Town, its century-old surroundings look magical all year round. But when winter falls, the city comes alive with 80 stalls selling all manner of goods, a giant Christmas tree beautifully illuminating the square and food vendors dishing out seasonal goodies.

Christmas in New York has been an important calendar date for as long as we can remember thanks to its fantastic shopping opportunities and famous decorations. There’s a good choice of markets with mix of indoor and outdoor options. It has never been easier to get into the holiday spirit with ice skating at Bryant Park, mulled wine at Union Square or a staggering 70 stalls in Grand Central.

Winter escapes don’t get much better than trips to Prague with a medieval backdrop creating an enchanting atmosphere at Christmas time. With many of its squares transforming into scenes from an nativity, there’s no wonder millions flock here every year to experience its traditional Czech festivities. Head for its two main markets for the best seasonal fun, these can be found in the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square.

Offering a range of smaller and bigger markets across its multiple districts, Budapest attracts thousands of tourists each year in search of some Christmas cheer. Vorosmarty Square is where you’ll find the city’s oldest fair, which is adored for its fantastic selection of stalls and a ceremonial lighting of an advent candle. St Stephen’s Square is also worth a visit with its illuminated cathedral backdrop and incredible light show which takes place every 30 minutes.