The best Christmas markets and where to stay

Simon Calder's Travel Week

Sunday, October 29, 2023 It may still feel like peak autumn, but it won't be long before Christmas markets start springing up, piping out carols, flogging gifts of varying quality and proffering up a pleasing selection of mulled items. Europe is home to a wealth of traditional Christmas markets to get you in the festive spirit If you're looking to get a festive fix without leaving the country, this pick of the best markets in the UK could help you whittle down the options. Or why not make a weekend of it and treat yourself to a Christmassy Continental city break? These European cities lay claim to the most marvellous of markets, with traditional cosy chalets, stacks of gifts, and tasty treats ranging from gingerbread and sweet waffles to tartiflette and bratwurst. Christmas spa Baden-Baden offers an excellent combination of a Christmas market plus Germany's best spa experiences.  GERMANY TRAVEL GUIDE Yule like Wenceslas Wenceslas Square in Prague hosts an excellent market each December, with plenty of culture on offer during the day. BEST PRAGUE HOTELS Cruise through winter wonderlands Explore riverside towns and warm up with a glass of mulled wine on this Danube cruise Christmas market breaks Experience the best of Europe's traditional Christmas markets, from Prague to Vienna   Hit the slopes from £349 Discover the fine pistes on offer in Andorra with this affordable snowsports holiday Round-up Christmas charm Go global with the this list of the cosiest and kitschest festive markets worldwide. SEE OUR PICKS Feature Viennese whirl Find the perfect balance of cool and cheesey on an Austrian city break this December. GET INSPIRED Bruges is a city that was almost made for winter; it is eerily beautiful, cosy lights appearing gradually through the mist as if beckoning us onwards Helen Coffey  Travel editor Hotels Where to stay in Copenhagen Here's where to bed down in style in the Danish capital. BOOK NOW Focus on In Bruges How to spend the perfect festive long weekend in Belgium's most charming city. READ MORE The best Christmas weekend breaks in Europe Affordable Christmas holidays by coach 10 of the best European city breaks – and where to stay this winter PICK OF THE WEEK: JET2CITYBREAKS Save up to £50 per person on all winter breaks with Jet2CityBreaks A boring but necessary purchase when travelling, save 23 per cent right now on this two-pack EU plug adapter, complete with USB ports. Don't get caught in any down pours during winter city breaks with this travel-size umbrella, now reduced by 24 per cent.  Heading on a staycation? Barbour X Ganni's new coat collection is perfect for winter weekends away. READ NOW  From lightweight luggage to lockable cabin bags, these are the best suitcases for holidays in 2023. SHOP NOW The Independent proudly partners with Refuge and the National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247 Join the conversation or follow us Download the free Independent app Please do not reply directly to this email   You are currently registered to receive The Independent's Travel newsletter   To unsubscribe from The Independent Travel newsletter, or to manage your email preferences please click here.   This e-mail was sent by Independent Digital News and Media Ltd, 14-18 Finsbury Square, London EC2A 1AH. Registered in England and Wales with company number 07320345 Read our privacy notice and cookie policy