Some of the best Christmas markets in Europe

Christmas is fast approaching and it’s time to start thinking about mulled wine and mince pies. Nothing is more enjoyable in the lead up to and anticipation of Christmas than a visit to a traditional Christmas market. Europe has some of the finest in the world, so why not book a trip to one of the following:

Kraków, Poland

This enchanting old market has so much to offer and it’s held in the Rynek Glowny town square which dates back to the 13^th century. Nearby architecture includes the St Mary’s Basilica and Renaissance Cloth Hall. If you want a Christmas market that is steeped in tradition and history, then this is the one for you. The market specialises in mulled wine, delicious mountain cheese and local sausages. Beautiful hand-crafted gifts available include hand-painted glass and knitted slippers.

Berlin, Germany

Here you’ll get not just one market but 60 at different locations across the city. One of the most impressive takes place at Charlottenburg Castle and features fairground rides, stalls, traditional gifts and wonderful illuminations on the castle walls. Other markets include fun activities such as tobogganing and ice skating for a truly festive feel. There’s lots of mulled wine, sausages and of course, signing and dancing in many of the beer tents around the markets. Contact a local Coach hire Gloucester company for your Christmas trips this year.

Paris, France

Paris is stunning all year round but when it’s lights transform into fairy lights. One of the finest markets is that held on the Champs-Elysees which has ice skating and plenty of mulled wine to warm the cockles. For a quieter experience, take a walk through the Avenue Montaigne for a chic take on Christmas lights. There are lots of markets to choose from, including the Trocedero opposite the Eiffel Tower. Be sure to try out the tartiflette, a winter warmer of lardons, onion, cheese and potato.

London, United Kingdom

Stay local with a trip to Leicester Square this winter. You’ll find a veritable Santa’s grotto, German-styled markets and professional Christmas shows performed by an Oliver Award-winning troupe. Christmas in Leicester Square is the whippersnapper of the Christmas markets. You’ll discover all the much-loved continental favourites like mulled wine, Christmas decorations and homemade crafts.

Vienna, Austria

If you want to visit one of the oldest Christmas markets in the world, one of the main markets in Vienna dates back to 1294. Today you can choose from over 20 different markets to visit. At any of them you’ll be able to experience the delicious chestnuts, different flavours of punch and moon-shaped cookies sprinkled with vanilla-flavoured sugar.