Festive markets are all the rage across Europe as cities compete for the business and some reintroduce old customs, says SANDRA O'CONNELL
Estonia
Tallinn
Though a relative newcomer to the Christmas markets game, the picture postcard surrounds of Town Hall Square in the Estonian capital has one very big claim to Christmas fame.
According to lore, aka the tourist authority, it was in this cobbled square that a local merchants’ guild put up a spruce in 1441, reputedly the very first public Christmas tree in Europe. This year they’ve updated the concept by launching the city’s very first “singing” Christmas tree.
And, amid the scent of gingerbread, spiced almonds and hot wine, the world’s oldest pharmacy, by tradition, will hand out marzipan and claret to its customers. Beat that Boots.
* christmasmarket.ee
Denmark
Copenhagen
If there’s a more Christmassy sight to behold than the Tivoli Gardens, in all its illuminated glory, we’ve yet to see it.
Go at night, when half a million fairy lights are put into action at Europe’s oldest amusement park, right in the city centre and, amazingly, only open as a Christmas market since 1994.
The main lake is transformed into an outdoor skating rink and, being Danish, the decorations are nothing if not tasteful. You’ll be hard pressed to find a plastic anything.
Rather each of the 60 stalls will have some variety of locally produced crafts, almost all in the official Christmas colours of red or green, complete with handmade Nisser, the really cute brand of local elf.
Fuelling it all is their brand of mulled wine, the beautifully onomatopoeic glogg. Don’t miss the hot apple dumplings either.
* tivoli.dk
Hungary
Budapest
The Budapest Christmas Fair takes place each year on Vorosmarty Square, run by the tourist authorities but with craft quality standards overseen by the Association of Hungarian Folk Artists, so you’re not going to get any old tat.
In fact, part of the appeal is that the market here is used as a vehicle to introduce visitors to Hungarian customs, folk music and dance, traditional food and drink as well as arts and crafts.
For foodies the main attraction is the fresh langos bread, the stands of caramelised pastry, horn makers and the hearty meat grills. And when you finish your mulled wine here, you get to keep the specially designed mug in which it was served. There’s a new design commissioned each year.
* budapestinfo.hu
Czech Republic
Prague
There’s something satisfying about just being on Wenceslas Square in the run-up to Christmas. It’s just one of the sites of the city’s Christmas markets, alongside the main one at Old Town Square and smaller ones at Havelske Trziste and Namesti Republiky. All are within easy walking distance of one another.
Throughout Advent market-goers are entertained by choirs and carol singers, including school children in traditional costume. Or check local churches for classical concerts. Being Prague, gift items to look out for include Bohemian crystal ornaments and amber jewellery.
czechtourism.com
UK
Leeds
You don’t have to go to the Continent to enjoy a Continental Christmas either. Leeds holds its own Christkindelmarkt in the city centre’s Millennium Square each Advent, complete with traditional wooden stalls, twinkly lights and carousel rides.
The 40-odd stores are manned by German traders, so expect plenty of gluhwein, bratwurst and stollen amid the handcrafted toys.
Those not bringing kids can make a beeline for the Frankfurter-Scheune, for a genuine bier-keller experience, with a German showband providing entertainment.
* christmasmarkets.com
Birmingham
Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market, which takes place in Victoria Square, is a bigger affair which, when combined with the city’s Christmas Craft Fair of local traders, offers more than 180 stalls.
All the old favourites will be here, from jewellery, wooden toys, dolls and candles to traditional German sausages, marzipan and pastries. There’s live music from the bandstand at lunchtimes and evenings.
* birmingham.gov.uk
London
Alternatively, the London Cologne Christmas Market will have around 60 wooden chalets, situated between the Southbank Centre and the London Eye, along Queen’s Walk.
Here too there’ll be a carousel and traditional Christmas music, plus plenty of Kolsch, the local Cologne beer, gingerbread hearts, roasted almonds, crepes and candied fruit.
Look out in particular for amber and silver jewellery, delicate glass ornaments and handmade lace and ceramics.
* xmas-markets.com