HOLIDAY INSPIRATION
Get immersed in the festive season at these twinkly holiday events
1 Strasbourg, France
Calling itself the ‘capital of Christmas’, this handsome city in the north-east of France has hosted a festive market for 450 years – so it knows what it’s doing. The centrepiece is an illuminated Christmas tree towering 30m above the stalls and pretty half-timbered buildings. Sample a buttery bredele biscuit and a glass of mulled wine as you explore hundreds of stalls selling unique crafts and holiday gifts.
2 Nuremberg, Germany
Christkindlesmarkt is one of the oldest festive markets in the world, and can trace its roots back to the middle of the 16th century. Held on the historic city’s picturesque main square, it features rows of wooden booths selling handmade decorations and spiced lebkuchen biscuits. There are seasonal concerts and exhibitions to enjoy, and even a dedicated Children’s Christmas Market, too.
3 Bruges, Belgium
This charming city doesn’t just put on a Christmas market, but an entire winter festival called Winter Glow. Running until 7 January 2024, it has everything from ice skating to illuminated light trails and even a cosy winter bar. And, of course, shopping. There are two holiday markets – a traditional one and a craftfocused one. You couldn’t ask for a more romantic setting than Bruges’ beautiful, UNESCO-listed city centre.
4 Budapest, Hungary
Nowhere does winter better than Budapest, and it has one of Europe’
