The top 4 Christmas markets you shouldn't miss

As well as celebrating Christmas, Hogmanay is a big deal in Scotland, so Edinburgh is a perfect choice for a festive getaway. The Christmas markets sprawl over the city, packed with Christmas crafts, delicious treats, and fantastic events. It’s also usually the longest running market in Europe, so there’s plenty of time to explore everything this winter wonderland has to offer. There are also light shows at the castle, a special programme at the zoo, and a variety of pantomimes to choose from.

There’s a range of markets to spoil every visitor in Cologne. At the House Elves’ Winter Fairy-tale Market, you can ice skate, grab a strudel, or mould your own candy cane! There’s also the Cologne Cathedral Christmas Market, located next to the city’s most iconic building. It’s a great opportunity to wander round the stalls, while admiring the amazing gothic architecture of the cathedral itself, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With multiple markets to choose from there’s something for everyone in this German gem.

A true winter wonderland with often snow covered rooves, Salzburg is the picture perfect Christmas market destination. Check out the choral singing in front of the cathedral, the nativity exhibits dotted around, and then try some of the traditional gingerbread, roasted chestnuts, and other sweet treats. Be sure to grab a glass of glühwein or two!

This Christmas market offers over 100 stalls serving Hungarian treats ranging from warming goulash to delicious Beijgli, a rolled cake with poppy seeds or walnuts. There’s plenty to keep you entertained, with ice skating and Christmas concerts. Climb to the top of Fisherman’s Bastion if you want to see the city in all its festive glory and then grab one of the freshly cooked chimney cakes to snack on as you walk round the rest of the stalls.