Fergusbrandon

Christmas is round the corner and the festive season is all around us. People all over the world, especially in UK, USA, Canada and in countries across Europe are bracing up for Christmas celebrations. One of the most important aspects of the Christmas preparations is shopping, which most people indulge in for the celebrations and for giving gifts to friends, relatives and associates. As such, Christmas markets pop up during this period all across various countries. There is a splurge in these markets particularly in the UK and in other countries of Europe. Stalls come up all across Europe from sunny Barcelona to the picturesque Vienna and most importantly in most UK cities. The most important and famous Christmas markets where you can get the best of gifts and other essential items are being detailed below. If you are visiting London around this period, it will be best to stay at hotels near Piccadilly, since most markets are located in close proximity.      

The Winchester Christmas market

This Christmas market has a unique setting, being located at Winchester Cathedral’s historic Inner Circle which surrounds an open-air ice rink. The venue has magically-lit wooden chalets that offer all sorts of items ranging from mulled wine to different types of high-quality wares. Although the market is not as old as other markets across Europe, it attracts more than 350,000 visitors each year and is rapidly moving towards becoming one of the best Christmas markets. This market will operate between 22 November and 23 December.

Bath Christmas Market
The quaint streets and square between Bath Abbey and the famous Roman Baths turn into a Christmas market in the World Heritage City of Bath which is also known as "the Christmas Capital of the West". This year the magic of the gift-filled stalls has increased with even more wooden chalets lining Bath Street and Milson Place. It is ideal for shopping, entertainment, carols and food. It takes place from 22 November until 9 December.

Victorian Festival of Christmas
The annual Victorian Festival of Christmas in Portsmouth celebrated the 200th anniversary of the birth of Charles Dickens in 2012 by bringing the magic of a Victorian Christmas to life with traditional characters, 18th century dances and games. Moreover, the entire historic dockyard offers different types of stalls that sell gifts and Christmas treats. The festival also features drink demonstrations and tastings of mulled wine or a hot toddy. The festival takes place from 30 November to 2 December.

The Edinburgh Christmas Market
Edinburgh brings the true Christmas spirit to life with magically illuminated streets and ice rink to parades and fireworks along with a memorable market experience. The Highland Village Christmas Market offers locally produced wares, food and high-spirited drinks. It is on from 29 November to 6 January.

Albert Square Christmas Market
Albert Square is never more bustling as during the Christmas season when it is lined with stalls, and visitors can spend a good few hours soaking up the Christmas cheer. A variety of produce; from bonsais and birdhouses to jewellery and clothing is offered at the beautifully decorated stalls It also offers many gastronomic treats - such as hog roast, cheesy potatoes, macaroons and gingerbread, while the Beer Hall, Gluhwein House offers Christmas punch to get you into the festive spirit. It is on from 17 November to 23 December.

Kaiser Wilhelm GedÃchtniskirche
Of over 50 festive markets in December in Berlin, which is often referred to as “the capital of traditional Christmas markets”, the most popular one is at Berlin, which has been referred to as "the capital of traditional Christmas markets". Although there are over 50 festive markets across the city come December, by far the most popular is at Kaiser Wilhelm GedÃchtniskirche, located in a memorial church that was bombed in WW2 and only partially restored. It offers stalls that sell cutting-edge work of some of Europe’s leading artists. It is on from 21 November to 24 December.

Old Town Square Christmas Market
Prague’s Christmas market is at the Old Town Square which has a beautiful Gothic architecture. Old Town becomes the venue of a mid-winter wonderland with beautiful wooden huts where everything from Bohemian crystal to traditional sugared bread is sold. An enormous Christmas tree at the centre of the market gets illuminated providing a truly memorable experience. There is also an open-air ice rink and a petting zoo. It is on from 26 November to 8 January.

Christkindlmarkt
One of the oldest Christmas markets in Europe, the Christkindlmarkt is held outside Vienna’s famous City Hall. It is also one of the most visited. Dating back to 1294, it offers over 150 stalls prompting visitors to buy their festive decorations or traditional treats, such as toasted almonds and gingerbread. It is on from 17 November to 24 December.

Christkindlmarkt
The 400-year old Christkindlmarkt is one of the best known Christmas markets in Europe. Set in the cobbled square of Nuremberg’s Old Town, it is adorned with decorations and hundreds of tiny lights. It offers incredible food and live bands to entertain visitors. It is on from 26 November to 24 December.

Fira de Santa Llucia
Barcelona in Spain offers one of Europe’s best Christmas markets, Fira de Santa Llucia which offers more than 300 festive stalls that sell nativity scenes, mistletoe and traditional Catalan gifts. Visitors are entertained with parades, musical shows and 30 miles of Christmas lights. It is on from 27 November to 23 December.