Ten of the world’s best and most beautiful Christmas markets

Brussels’ Christmas market might just be one of the most famous. Here, five weeks filled with delicious food, attractions and a range of wonderful stalls await. 

Every year, those seeking the festive spirit flock to the Winter Village at Bryant Park to enjoy the ice rink, eateries, shopping and the enchanting display of Christmas lights. 

Christmas in Copenhagen’s historic Tivoli Gardens includes 27 rides, fully decorated wooden houses, Santa himself along with his reindeers, Christmas lights and of course, a Christmas market filled with delicious traditional food and drink. 

Dresden’s Striezelmarkt dates all the way back to 1434, making it Germany’s oldest continuously running Christmas market. Amazing, right? 

With an ice rink, a ferris wheel, a tree maze and a double carousel – Christmas in Edinburgh is a fun affair. Aside from activities, mouthwatering dishes and drinks are also on offer at the European-style Christmas market.  

Nuremberg’s Christkindlesmarkt is everything you’d expect from a German market. Indulge in mulled wine, grilled sausages and gingerbread then enjoy a stroll around the market place while you marvel at the vendors’ offerings. 

Prague’s Christmas market pops up every year in the city’s medieval centre and combines all the key elements that’ll get you in a festive mood. 

Winter Wonderland in London’s Hyde Park might just be one of the flashiest markets around. Here, you can expect everything from a circus, a plethora of rides, shows, stalls and even an ice bar. 

Munich’s Christmas markets are all stunning (and delicious), but the most impressive is the one located in front of the new town hall, where 3,000 lights illuminate the house-size Christmas tree. 

Every year, Budapest Christmas Fair and Winter Festival takes over Vörösmarty Square and turns it into a festive market place. Two stages and beautifully decorated stalls create a wonderful atmosphere.