It won’t be long now before the first Christmas Markets in Europe open. A fantastic chance to buy unique Christmas presents for your family and friends, so why not cross the sea and buy that extra special gift?

You could purchase regional produce, quaint artefacts, homemade crafts and one off items of clothing – all within a traditional and festive environment with a few glasses of vin chaud or mulled wine!

Enjoy a Winter Wonderland in Brussels in Belguim, Am Dom in Cologne, Germany, Christkindlmarket in Vienna, Austria or Vanocni trh in Prague, Czech Republic. 

In less than two hours you could be in Lille, France having travelled on the super quick Eurostar from London. From 18th November to 30th December stroll through the delightful and historic streets of Lille and head to the Place Rihour for the brightly lit Christmas Market full of stalls selling arts and crafts; however, if travelling with young children Saturday 19th December is the day to visit, when Father Christmas descends from the 80 metre Belfry at the Chamber of Commerce.

For a real magical experience, the Christmas Markets in Prague are very special winter wonderlands. The main market takes place on Wenceslas Square and the Old Town Square, with smaller ones within a very short walk of each other. Authentic brightly decorated wooden huts sell traditional handicrafts and hot speciality food, including candles, wooden toys, hats, gloves, puppets and Christmas tree decorations.

In the German city of Cologne, there are actually four Christmas markets open in December, with the famous Am Dom located in the square in front of Koln Cathedral. A stunning setting, there are over 150 stalls as well as bands and musicians playing. The Alter Markt is a short walk south and ideal for buying old fashioned and well crafted wooden toys, stocking fillers and tasty gingerbread.

One of the oldest Christmas Markets is annually held in Vienna, the Christkindmarkt. A stunning setting, the Vienna Christmas Market attracts millions, so why not visit early in mid November and avoid the Christmas crowds or visit during December weekends when choirs perform in the Festival Hall having travelled from all round the world.