The cream of festive markets
From Chicago to Croatia (via Galway and Belfast), we track down the finest 15 festive shopping trips
There’s nothing quite like browsing a Christmas market to spark that festive feeling. But with markets popping up everywhere, it’s hard to know which ones are really worth visiting. Here we showcase 15 of the most exciting, including three outstanding offerings right here in Ireland – just to show that when it comes to the Christmas spirit we can show those continentals a thing or two.
LEIPZIG Germany
Why is it special? With bargain flights, Leipzig is gaining a reputation among the young as the new Berlin, thanks to great bierkellers and posh hotels that don’t cost a fortune. The city hosts one of Germany’s oldest Christmas markets, all set against a Gothic backdrop. Music and art are part of the appeal too – Bach lived and worked here, and the Museum of Bildenden Kunste has works by German Expressionists, Munch and Cranach.
Don’t miss: Nativity scenes featuring real animals.
Fun starts: November 27. Stay: One-way flights from €124 with Ryanair (ryanair.com). The Hotel Furstenhof (marriott.com) has rooms from €145 a night.
STOCKHOLM Sweden
Why is it special? The Swedes know how to celebrate Christmas, and stalls are dotted around the city. And at Skansen (a 15-minute tram ride from the centre) you’ll discover stalls selling tasteful Scandinavian crafts.
Don’t miss: Smoked reindeer and lussekatter (saffron buns).
Fun starts: November 22. Stay: At the Connect Hotel Stockholm three nights for the sample dates of November 26-29 from €225pp, including flights (expedia.ie).
LUCERNE Switzerland
Why is it special? Lakes, mountains and raclette – Lucerne does Christmas markets in a typically Swiss way. Mount Pilatus, reached by cogwheel railway, makes for a great side trip.
Don’t miss: A department store transformed into a giant advent calendar, with a new window opening each day.
Fun starts: November 29. Stay: A two-night B&B break at the Hotel Des Alpes nightly from €142 per room (hotels.com). Swiss flies to Zurich from €97 return. Lucerne is 45 minutes by train.
CHICAGO USA
Why is it special? The Midwest city has a strong German heritage and its Christkindlmarket takes over Daley Plaza, with stalls selling strudel and schnitzel.
Don’t miss: Cute heart-shaped souvenir mugs with ‘Ich liebe Christkindlmarket’ given away with any hot drink.
Fun starts: Already on. Stay: A three-night break at the Congress Plaza Hotel for €237 for a king room for two, down from €476 (booking.com) for the sample dates of November 21-24. Aer Lingus flies direct to Chicago, from €397 return (aerlingus.com).
AUSTRIAN ALLURE: The main square in Salzburg, top. Above: A food stall in Chicago, and a Santa bauble on sale in Strasbourg
SALZBURG Austria
Why is it special? The city is seriously beautiful and, thanks to its proximity to ski slopes, it’s likely to have snow to enhance its charm. Tempering the sentimentality, Salzburg’s other speciality is Krampus parades, harking back to a diabolical figure who looked for bad children to punish.
Don’t miss: Mozart was born here and his status means there are festive choirs at every turn.
Fun starts: November 22. Stay: A three-night break at the NH Salzburg City, staying in a standard double or twin room for two adults and a child, from €397. Ryanair flies to Salzburg from €84 return.
ANTWERP Belgium
Why is it special? With stalls snaking around its 16th Century cathedral, Antwerp gets the vote as Belgium’s best Christmas market. Antwerp has a strong fashion background too – head to Nationalestraat for designer outfits.
Don’t miss: The most delicious waffles – you’ll wonder what their secret is. Fun starts: December 6.
Stay: A three-night break at the Antwerp Inn €363pp (trivago.ie). Antwerp is 41 minutes by train. Ryanair flies to South Charleroi from €20 return. (ryanair.com).
MUNICH Germany
Why is it special? Germany is still the beating heart of Christmas markets and Munich has an olde charm with a wide range of architectural styles from the Gothic to the Baroque.
Don’t miss: Well, it is known for its beer, so indulge yourself.
Fun starts: November 27.
Stay: Cassidy Travel has three nights from €166pp, from December 13, or if you want to go earlier then November 29 from €247pp. (cassidytravel.ie with Ryanair flights).
STRASBOURG France
Why is it special? Strasbourg has had a Christmas market since 1570. Place de Marche aux Poissons has most of the food stalls – do try the pizza-like flammekueche. Don’t miss: Vintage finds in Place Grimmeissen. Fun starts: November 24.
Stay: A three-night break starts from £275pp, including flights from London and room-only accommodation at the Maison Rouge Hotel with Easyjet Holidays (easyjet. com).
KRAKOW Poland
Why is it special? If the essence of Christmas for you is choral singing then this is surely the perfect place, with its stage and angelic recitations. And there are all the other staples too. Don’t miss: The Krakow Christmas Market Food Tour, from €20.
Fun starts: End of November. Stay: GoHop.ie has three nights, including Ryanair flights and room from €279, staying at the Osrodek Hotelowy Optima, for the sample dates of December 11-14.
RUSSIA
Why is it special? Well, it’s Russia, and – while this is strictly after Christmas as we know it, it’s not in Russia where December 25 is actually January 7 in their calendar. Don’t miss: The Russian street shows and stalls shrouded in snow. Fun starts: Late December.
Stay: Dawson Travel runs an eight-day Christmas Markets in Russia tour taking in St Petersburg and Moscow, departing on December 30, from €1,430pp (dawsontravel.ie).
PALERMO Italy
Why is it special? Christmas markets are a more recent addition in Italy but the Sicilian city of Palermo has plenty of religious fervour and nativity scenes. The Fiera di Natale runs from mid-November and combines Christmas decorations and food, including torrone and candied fruit. However, if you can restrain yourself until December 16, Piazza Unita d’Italia becomes a showcase for local artists and craft workers. Don’t miss: Cribs of all shapes and
sizes – it’s the thing to buy here. Fun starts: Already on. Stay: A three-night break starts from €560pp (check variations), including flights and B&B accommodation at the Hotel Villa Igiea with Citalia (citalia.com).
ZAGREB Croatia
Why is it special? There are annual awards for Christmas markets and Zagreb grabbed first place last year. Croatia’s hipster capital has a large student population and offers festive value. Ban Josip Jelacic Square and European Square are two of the main spots. Zrinjevac Park blends local food specialities with live music performances.
Don’t miss: Baked strukle – a warm pastry dish with soft cheese.
Fun starts: December 2. Stay: A three-night break with flights, staying at the Hotel Esplanade Zagreb from €425pp (expedia.ie).