With Christmas round the corner, we take you on a tour of some of the best Christmas markets of Europe. Illuminations, food and drinks stalls, craft displays and entertainment programmes, including carol singing and free concerts, are the highlights of most markets. Although Christmas markets can be found across most countries of Europe, we bring you our favourite dozen.

Note: While many markets extend to January, some may get over in December. So check the dates before planning a visit.

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Basel, Switzerland

Home to one of the most picturesque Christmas markets of Switzerland, Basel attracts visitors from far and wide. The market on the Barfusserplatz side is known for its handicrafts, including wooden toys while Munsterplatz specialises in fun activities for kids.

Berlin, Germany

You will be spoilt for choice as you move around the capital city of Germany because Berlin is home to nearly 80 Christmas markets. Spandau is the biggest of them all. While it is well-nigh impossible to visit all the markets, try as many as you can. Weihnachtszauber, located in Gendarmenmarkt square, has plenty of arts and crafts on offer.

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Budapest, Hungary

Located in the heart of the city is Vorosmarty Square where you will find the city’s oldest Christmas market. Handicraft shops, food stalls and free concerts are the staples here. The market at Basilica, apart from its food and handicraft stalls, has the twin attractions of laser projections on the walls of the Basilica and an ice skating rink around a giant Christmas tree.

Copenhagen, Denmark

The capital city of Denmark turns itself into a fairyland with Christmas trees and illuminations while everyone mills around the several markets which spring up during this time. One of the most popular is the Christmas market at Tivoli Gardens, which is known for attractions such as fairy light decorations on trees, ferris wheels, skating rink etc. apart from an array of stalls selling food and drinks.

London, United Kingdom

Head to the market building in Covent Garden, where you will be greeted by a 60-feet high Christmas tree lit up with the colourful lights.  Browse through its food and drinks, and crafts stalls for seasonal delights.

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Helsinki, Finland

Browse the illuminated market stalls and enjoy hearty food and drinks, join the carol singers over the weekends, this Christmas market in the Finnish capital has lot of options to choose from. They even have a wood-fire sauna in the middle of the market.

Prague, Czech Republic

Tucked between the city’s two famous landmarks – the 14th century Our Lady before Tyn and a 15th astronomical clock – the Christmas market is known for its food and drinks as well as gift stalls. You may buy the frosted, hand-blown glass knick-knacks as keepsakes.

Salzburg, Austria

A tradition which likely began in the 15th century, the Christmas market is known for its traditions ranging from carols to food to handmade goods. You may enjoy the free concerts in front of the cathedral or join in the carols held on Tuesdays.

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Seville, Spain

This Spanish city is known for its Christmas market where you will find a mix of art, culture, food and entertainment. Nativity scenes to street exhibitions, musical choirs to Andalusian handicrafts, all heighten the festive cheer.

Strasbourg, France

With hundreds of traditional market stalls, selling various kinds of seasonal products including varieties of food, dotting the city’s central square, Strasbourg is often called the Christmas capital of France. One of the most bought products here are the hand-painted wooden Christmas decorations.

Trento, Italy

Tucked away in the northern part of the country, among the mountains, is the Christmas Town, where you will find Nativity scene displays crafted by local people, illuminated trees, and quaint wooden huts which serve as stalls selling food and handicrafts.