Travelling Abroad for the Festive Season? 5 of Europe's Best Christmas Markets.
Covent Garden, London
Originally a fruit and vegetable market dating back to the 17th century, Covent Garden has evolved into a lively hub for shopping, dining, and entertainment. The central piazza is the area’s focal point where street performers, musicians, and magicians add to the atmosphere by entertaining tourists and locals alike.This is where you’ll find the towering Covent Garden Christmas tree.
Across from the piazza there’s the covered Apple Market which offers handmade crafts, clothing and art and is always beautifully decorated during the festive period. Look out for the nearby Jubilee market which happens every Monday. This is where you will find stalls selling antiques, fine porcelain and jewellery – ideal if you’re looking for something a little more unique as a Christmas present.
Nuremberg
Dating back to 1530, the Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt offers a traditional German take on the holiday spirit. Hosted in the city’s Main Market Square it boasts nearly 200 stalls which are built of spruce trees from the region.Here you can expect to see everything from wooden figurines, decorative stars, children’s toys, knitwear and leather goods.
The Christkindlesmarkt also has children’s rides and workshops like candle and gingerbread decorating, also Feuerzangenbowle: the world’s largest punch bowl. It measures 2.5 metres wide and holds 9,000 litres of warm red wine with spices, lemon, orange peel and rum.
Strasbourg 
Strasbourg is known as the “Capitale de Noël,” during the Christmas Period. With its stunning Cathedral as a backdrop and giant Christmas tree, the whole city is decked out in Christmas decorations from the end of November until after Christmas.
Since 1570, the city has embraced the festive season with hundreds of charming wooden chalets,where visitors can expect to see handmade crafts, local delicacies, and festive decorations. Choirs, concerts, and glowing Christmas lights make Strasbourg a true symbol of European Christmas tradition.
Manchester 
Established in 1999, Manchester’s Christmas Markets have grown into a sprawling celebration spread across Albert Square, St Ann’s Square, Exchange Square, and Piccadilly Gardens. Each market area has its own unique atmosphere and visitors can wander among hundreds of traditional wooden chalets offering everything from handcrafted gifts and decorations to delicious international cuisine.
The iconic Manchester giant Santa, affectionately nicknamed “Zippy,” watches over the festivities, providing the perfect photo opportunity for families, friends, and couples who gather to enjoy the live music, and festive entertainment. A perfect way to embrace the magic of Christmas in true Mancunian style.
Prague 
Prague’s Gothic spires and cobbled streets give the city a storybook charm at any time of the year but at Christmas beneath with twinkling lights and a dusting of snow Prague becomes even more enchanting. The Old Town Square is at the heart of the celebrations, where wooden stalls have handmade ornaments, carved toys, and sweet treats like trdelník—a warm, sugar-coated pastry.
Wenceslas Square and Prague Castle also shine with decorations, offering smaller markets and panoramic views of the illuminated city below. Visitors can glide across outdoor ice rinks while churches throughout Prague host classical concerts, adding a touch of elegance to the season. As “the City of a Hundred Spires” becomes wrapped in Christmas magic.