Feature: European Christmas Markets

Salzburg

O TANNENBAUM

Globe-trotting bon viveur David Walsh presents an aromatic guide to some of the best European Christmas markets.

Would it be Christmas at all if you weren’t cupping a mug of Glühwein for warmth as the smell of spices, gingerbread and grilled sausages leads you by the nose around twinkling market stalls? Visiting a Christmas market here in the UK is one thing, but a city break to central Europe this winter is the festive shot in the arm you didn’t know you needed.

Munich

Munich

Dating back some 700 years, Munich’s Christkindlmarkt is considered to be Europe’s quintessential Christmas market, attracting millions each year to soak up its festive ambience. Stalls cover 20,000 square feet of the city centre, fanning out from Marienplatz into the surrounding streets. As the capital of Catholic Bavaria, Munich’s markets are just about as traditional as you can get. For a more romantic feel, check out the Sendlinger Tor market, set against medieval city walls. Live music from the balcony of the town hall will also add a touch of magic as you wrap up warm and browse the handcrafted wares and food for sale. How to get there: Lufthansa (lufthansa. com) flies direct from Glasgow to Munich five times a week. Fares start at £67.72 one way. Dates: 27 Nov - 24 Dec

Berlin

Berlin

Berlin

Christmas is a serious business in Berlin. With over 60 different markets throughout the city, festive cheer is definitely not in short supply in the German capital. One of its most popular markets plays out beneath the city’s famous TV tower, bringing some softness to the austere Soviet-era Alexanderplatz. The main draw, though, is the market at the Gedächtniskirche, where funfair rides, hot treats and mulled wine bring families out in their hordes. For an apres-ski feel, head to Potsdamer Platz which is transformed into a winter wonderland complete with a towering toboggan run, a huge open-air ice rink as well as live music. How to get there: easyJet (easyjet.com) operates six flights a week to Berlin. Fares start at £29.22. Dates: 26 Nov - 6 Jan

Cologne

Cologne

Just an hour by rail from Düsseldorf airport, the 150 market stalls around Cologne’s renowned gothic cathedral - ablaze with light, colours and aromas - are a welcome sight to many a weary traveller. Late to the party with its Christmas markets, Cologne has made up for it since with some of the most popular markets in Europe. It’s the city’s oldest market on the Neumarkt - often called the ‘Angels’ Christmas Market’ - that will really set the seal on your winter getaway. How to get there: Eurowings (eurowings.com) operates daily flights between Glasgow and Düsseldorf. Fares start at £87 return. Dates: 26 Nov - 23 Dec

Frankfurt

Frankfurt

As Germany’s financial centre, the steel and glass skyscrapers of Frankfurt belie its reputation as the home of Germany’s largest traditional Christmas markets. The experience of navigating around stalls surrounded by the timber-framed ‘gingerbread houses’ that line the Römerberg and the 30-metre-high Christmas tree make Frankfurt’s festive celebrations feel like something from the pages of a novel. Be sure to check out the honey house, a 300-year-old timber building assembled every year in Paulsplatz that sells honey, mead and beeswax candles. How to get there: Lufthansa (lufthansa. com) operates daily flights from Glasgow to Frankfurt. Fares start at £38.22 one way. Dates: 26 Nov - 22 Dec

Prague

Prague

Germany may lay claim to the best of them, but Christmas markets are just as traditional in the Czech Republic. With a tree cut from the dense Bohemian forests outside the city as the focal point, the wooden market stalls in Prague’s Old Town Square groan under the weight of crafts, ceramics, jewellery and toys. Czech street food is perfect for fuelling winter wanderings, so expect large hams and trdelník - the sugar-coated cakes - roasted on spits, and hot honey wine by the gallon to keep you warm as you explore. How to get there: Jet2.com flies to Prague from Glasgow twice a week. Fares start at £42 one way. Dates: 1 Dec - 6 Jan

Salzburg

Salzburg

Can you imagine a better place to visit at Christmas than the home of the world’s best loved carol? Penned 200 years ago this year, Silent Night has secured Salzburg’s place in folklore. A fairytale city in the eastern Alps, its snow-dusted laneways shimmer in the glow of the Christmas lights adorning stalls selling Austrian delicacies, glühwein and gifts in the Domplatz. With live musical performances throughout the city, your heart will swell up like the Grinch’s when you hear Silent Night in its birthplace. How to get there: Lufthansa (lufthansa.com) flies from Glasgow to Munich five times a week. Fares start at £67.72 one way. Hourly intercity rail connections (bahn.com) start at €19.90 (£17.50) return. Dates: 22 Nov - 26 Dec

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