Christmas is fast approaching and that means its times to start thinking about what gifts to buy for family and friends.
Ahead of this festive season, we considered some of the prime locations around Europe where you may wish to search for the perfect present.
From English shores to Germany, Austria, the Czech Republic, and beyond, hundreds of markets will spring up this winter, brimming with cultural classics and gifts suitable for all the family.
Of the vast selection, we picked some of the very best – the ones known the world over for their colourful displays, festive foods and huge selections of goods that prove popular year after year.
Antwerp
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Complete with an ice rink and a Ferris wheel that towers over the market area, the Belgian market is a hive of activity as Christmas approaches.
Around 100 stalls are packed full of decorations, local foods and stocking filler gifts.
Paris
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What better way to enjoy Christmas than in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower?
And to think it’s only a short trip on the Eurostar too…
Nuremberg
The world famous Christkindlesmarkt on the Hauptmarkt square is full of medieval charm and plenty of old fashioned carousels.
Around two million people visit the market every year, browsing through a wide array of gingerbread, baked goods, sweets, toys, ornaments and other hand crafted products
Cologne
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Set in the shade of the imposing Cologne Cathedral are 160 little stalls selling everything and anything that’s related to Christmas.
The largest Christmas tree in the Rhineland can also be found in Cologne, beautifully decorated year-after-year.
Vienna
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The run up to Christmas in Vienna is a whirlwind of festive activity, featuring nativity displays, concerts and many traditional markets.
The market in front of City Hall is particularly beautiful given the spectacular architecture on show while many Austrian delicacies can be tried at the many different stalls.
Prague
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Prague is brought to life at Christmas time as the streets are transformed into winter wonderlands while one of the main markets at the Old Town Square is brimming with colour and activity.
Stalls with many different ornaments, candles, glassware and other crafts mean it is certainly well worth as visit – especially when the local surroundings are considered too.
Frankfurt
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One of the largest markets in Germany and featuring more than 200 stalls, the smell of apples, gingerbread and mulled wine fills the air of this city each Christmas.
More than three million people visit the markets each festive season, drawn in by the many gifts on offer and truly idyllic surroundings.
For a short getaway or even a weekend, visiting a Christmas market is sure to help get the festive juices flowing. Now just to decide which one to visit!