2 of the best Christmas markets in Europe

1. Vienna, Austria

When: TBC

Vienna has more than 20 Christmas markets, and Krippenmarkts have been held in the city all the way back to 1298. The highlight of the current-day Chrimble shopping extravaganza is undoubtedly the market held in front of the stunning City Hall, which is lit up like a Christmas tree at night. International choirs entertain the punters, and there’s a children’s area in the City Hall itself where the kids can learn to make Xmas cookies. Meanwhile, Belvedere Palace hosts a Christmas village with more than 40 stalls selling traditional handicrafts and decorations, and Schönbrunn Palace has even more stalls along with all the hot punch you can handle.


2. Prague, Czech Republic

When: 2 Dec to 6 Jan

Prague is fairytale fabulous any day of the year, but come Christmas the Czech capital really twinkles. Wander through the city centre from Old Town Square to Wenceslas Square, stopping off at red-canopied wooden huts for wooden toys, embroidered lace and traditional Christmas decorations. Check out the array of Czech glass baubles and ornaments on offer at the Christmas fair – they're famous for their quality and beauty and make a great festive souvenir. Sustain yourselves with barbecued sausages (klobasa) and mulled wine – don't miss the nativity scene at Old Town Square, where the kids can pet sheep, goats and the Christmas donkey. Once you're totally shopped out head up to the castle, one of Europe's largest and most impressive via the gorgeous medieval Charles Bridge – at its best late at night when the crowds have left.

Created by Ahmed Razib