Top 10 Christmas Markets

Berlin

The German capital has amazing markets all year round, but at Christmas time the city steps up a few notches. There are up to 60 markets to visit between Charlottenburg Castle, Brandenburg Gate and Potsdamer Platz, among others - so if you can't find something for everyone, you're not looking hard enough.
Open until December 31. Visit the www.germanychristmasmarket.otg

Cologne

With over 160 stalls spread out across the city, the Cathedral Market is arguably the most beautiful in Europe. Choose from traditional German treats such as Christstollen yeast cakes and cinnamon stars, as well as locally produced goods such as glassware and ironware. There's a floating market (MS Wappen von Köln) and a medieval market, too.
Until December 23. www.koelnerweihnachtsmarkt.de

Lille

The first Christmas Market to open in France each year, Lille boasts 80 chalets - and a ferris wheel - all tucked into the Palais Rihour. Come here for a range of local, German, Polish and even Canadian specialities.
Until December 30. www.lilletourism.com

Strasbourg

France's largest Christmas Market, Strasbourg combines themed markets - including the flavours of Alsace, and the trading post of the Three Kings - with a wine growers' market and more standard yuletide fare.
Until December 31. www.noel-strasbourg.com

Vienna

Vienna's City Hall Market (140 booths) is billed as the most romantic with a heart tree for all you lovers out there. Other markets include the 64 stalls at Maria-Theresien-Platz (boasting brass bands), and the grandest of all is the market at Schönbrunn Palace. All offer a variety of locally-made traditional goods and snacks.

Basel

Stroll down the longest Christmas street in Europe, write your most heartfelt wishes in the public Wishes Book, take part in the Basel city run ... Switzerland's most famous Christmas Market (130 stalls) likes to prove is isn't just about the shopping.
Until December 23. www.baslerweihnacht.ch

Budapest

Backed by the Hungarian Society of Folk Arts, Budapest's pretty Vörösmarty Square market is a great place to stock up on local handcrafts, honey cookies and mulled wine. Look out for the Gerbeaud Confectionery too - a decorated window is opened at 5pm every day during Advent.
Until December 29. www.budapestinfo.hu

Prague

Spread over Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square in Czech Republic, as well as a few other smaller venues, the Christmas Market is central to the Prague yuletide experience. Come here for local handcrafts - including jewellery and glass - Christmas decorations, a small petting zoo, and the chance to keep your strength up with local specialities such as corn on the cob and sausages. Yum.
Until December 31. www.pragueexperience.com

Krakow

Christmas keeps going in Poland until the end of January - and you can almost guarantee it will be white. Shop here for local souvenirs such as woollen slippers, embroidered clothing and amber jewellery, and stave off the cold with mulled wine and fried cheese.
Dates vary. www.krakow-info.com

Copenhagen

The Tivoli Gardens in Denmark are transformed by a thousand little fairy lights and 70 stalls come Christmas. There's glögg (mulled wine) to keep you warm and a number of seasonal rides including Pixie Ville where you get to see pixies and elves getting ready for Christmas. Until December 30. www.visitcopenhagen.com