Christmas markets are the best way to get into the festive spirit. Originating in the 15th century, they're still going strong across Europe, from Spain to Sweden. The smells of sizzling food and spiced mulled wine linger in the cold air as you stock up on stocking fillers before the big day. Most cities also put on a range of family-friendly activities, from ice skating to candle making. Tempted?

Click or scroll to take a look at the best Christmas markets to visit in Europe this year...

Prague’s two main Christmas markets (2 December to 6 January) are held in the splendid Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square. Buy playful puppets – the city is home to the National Marionette Theatre, after all – or fragrant purpura (Czech-style potpourri) or try some honey-infused medovina (mead). After admiring the 82-foot (25m) Christmas tree at the heart of Old Town Square, pay a visit to the adorable sheep, goats and donkeys at the neighbouring animal stable.

Hitting the slopes in Innsbruck this year? While you're there, visit the Old Town Christmas Market (until 23 December) to combine these excellent winter activities. Framed by narrow medieval facades and the 15th-century Golden Roof, this cosy market sells dangling decorations, woollen goods and gift-friendly handicrafts. Enjoy Kiachl (Austrian doughnuts) and roasted chestnuts as you wander the twinkling streets and listen to traditional Christmas music. 

Germany's Christmas markets are among the best in Europe, and Cologne's offering (until 23 December) shows why. Its largest Christmas market takes place in front of the mighty cathedral in the historic city centre, where red-topped stalls sell glass-blown ornaments, animal-shaped slippers and wooden cookware. Of course, no trip to Germany is complete without trying bratwurst and currywurst, and Cologne also offers vegan versions.

Wrap up warm for Krakow’s Christmas market on Rynek Glowny (until 1 January). Europe’s largest medieval town square hosts scores of wooden stalls selling colourful glass baubles, local pottery and quirky bric-a-brac. The sound of joyful carol singers and sizzling kielbasa (sausage) fills the city, while heart-shaped gingerbread makes for a perfect souvenir-turned-snack.

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Head down twinkling Larios Street (pictured) as you make your way to Paseo del Parque for Malaga’s Christmas market (until 6 January). The Mediterranean city transforms into a festive fantasy with decorated trees, nativity scenes and thousands of poinsettias adorning the space. At the food stalls, try traditional pastries like mantecados (shortbread) and local speciality borrachuelos (wine-flavoured fried biscuits). On the final day of the market there’s typically a procession by the Three Wise Men, who throw sweets into the crowds from their floats.

Lille’s Christmas market (until 30 December) is compact and intimate, with 90 stalls spanning the Place Rihour, plus a huge Christmas tree and Ferris wheel nearby on Grand Place. Vendors sell snow globes, wind chimes and santons (Provence-made nativity figurines), with an enormous festive concert on the 16th. Kids can meet Santa Claus in the Christmas Village and listen to Christmas tale readings, while everyone can tuck into aromatic French fromage and croustillons (doughnut balls) set against a backdrop of beautiful Flemish architecture.

From now until 23 December, the old streets of the Polish port of Gdansk turn into a Christmas miracle with this incredible pop-up at Targ Weglowy (Coal Market) square. Stalls sell local products like natural cosmetics, wooden jigsaw puzzles, ceramics and knitted goods, and kids can chat with Luckie the Moose. Sample traditional Polish pierogi (dumplings), but keep your mind open as world cuisine awaits, from Spanish churros to Thai noodles.

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If Edinburgh wasn’t charming enough, at this time of year the Christmas market adds to its allure. Until 6 January, you can visit Santa’s Grotto, get lost in the Christmas Tree Maze or whizz down the Helter Skelter, while little ones can ride the Santa Train. Buy handmade decorations or Harry Potter-themed gifts while sipping on a quintessentially Scottish mulled Irn-Bru (a brand of fizzy drink). Late December is also when the Scots celebrate Hogmanay, so between 30 December and 1 January there’ll be a torchlit procession, street party and fireworks display.

There are plenty of Christmas markets to choose from in Berlin; Alexanderplatz (pictured, until 26 December) is one of the busiest, with over 100 stalls selling dainty jewellery and traditional crafts. There's also a Christmas pyramid decked out with 5,000 lights, which you can actually walk inside. Otherwise, you can check out the Scandi-themed Lucia Christmas Market at the Kulturbrauerei and a medieval-themed Christmas market at the RAW abandoned buildings compound in Friedrichshain.

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Winter Wonders (until 31 December) in Brussels is undeniably one of the top markets in Europe. Wander the cobbled streets as you take in 200 snow-covered chalets, an illuminated Christmas tree and enchanting light and sound show. Stock up on accessories and small gifts from Belgium and beyond before enjoying the ice rink, Ferris wheel and carousel – and a glass of jenever (gin).

Copenhagen boasts three Christmas markets, including one at the zoo and Bakken amusement park, but the ultimate hygge Christmas experience lies at the historic Tivoli Gardens. From now until 31 December the iconic gardens are bedecked with 70,000 baubles. Sixty stalls sell knitted and leather clothing plus other festive items, and you can even meet Santa Claus and his reindeer. You'll be able to marvel at the floating Christmas tree on the Tivoli Lake, as well as the iconic tree in front of Tivoli Concert hall.

Bratislava's main Christmas market (until 23 December) takes place on Hlavne Namestie (Main Square) and spills into the surrounding streets, where you'll find huts selling decorated enamelware, frosted baubles and wooden toys. Treat yourself to regional Slovak food and drink, such as pulled poppyseed strudel pastries and little cups of hriato (which roughly translates to 'warming'). It's a curious mix of honey, bacon and brandy, which Slovaks usually enjoy during yuletide.

Sweden’s largest Christmas market takes place at Liseberg amusement park (until 7 January) and is a swish affair, where millions of fairy lights – powered by Liseberg’s very own wind turbine – glimmer above. Timber-framed huts sell classy gifts and grub – for instance, tuck into julbord, a Scandi smorgasbord of hot and cold dishes including pickled herring, pates and desserts.

Set along the shoreline of Lake Geneva, Montreux’s Christmas market (until 24 December) features over 150 lit chalets selling gifts from across the Alps. Board the big wheel for picture-perfect views over the lake, and along the promenade you might spot Santa Claus on his flying sleigh as he hovers above the town's Freddie Mercury statue. Kids can also take part in candle-making and cookie-baking workshops.

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Riga’s Christmas market (3 December to 8 January) is held in the Old Town Square and offers locally made hats, mittens and clothes to keep you warm in the Baltic wind. Plus, there’s plenty to get hands-on with; make gingerbread or festive scented soap, take pony rides, or be entertained by gleeful gnomes while you shop. Munch on sausages and karstvīns (mulled wine) to complete the Latvian experience.

Bath’s Christmas market (until 10 December) is one of the best in England, giving you the chance to support small and sustainable businesses that take over 150 twinkling stalls. You'll be tempted by high-quality yarn, artisanal gins, snappy accessories and hand-blown glass Christmas ornaments. Once you've shopped 'til you've dropped, gone ice-skating at Bath on Ice and enjoyed some festive street theatre, treat yourself to a mince pie or two.

Strasbourg's first Christmas market took place in 1570 and this year's edition (until 24 December) will feature more than 300 stalls. Spread across the city's many squares, you can buy nativity-inspired figurines, dainty trinkets and pretty notebooks. In fact, Strasbourg considers itself the 'capital of Christmas', with a giant tree towering above Place Kleber. Since you’re in the heart of the Alsace region, try unique French-German cuisine like Tarte Flambée, pretzels and mulled wine.

Freiburg’s city centre is bathed in festive light as its famous Christmas market returns (until 23 December). Its 120-plus decorated stalls peddle homeware, individually designed pieces and cool textiles. Kids can enjoy a cookie-making class, while adults can try their hands at creating festive candles in a workshop. If you get peckish, try Lange Rote (grilled sausages), a Freiburg speciality. 

Zagreb's award-winning Christmas markets (2 December to 7 January) are spread across the city, and to get between them you can board a festive tram driven by Father Christmas himself. Among the souvenirs are hand-carved wooden toys made in the Hrvatsko Zagorje region in northern Croatia – the UNESCO-listed craft was honed in the 19th century and takes many forms (whistles, cars, spinning dolls), and no two toys are the same. Another unique buy is a licitar (pictured), a red heart-shaped gingerbread cookie originating in the 13th century which serves as a symbol of the Croatian capital. Meanwhile, food stalls sell kobasice (homemade pork sausages), fritule (sugar-powdered dough balls) and rakija (brandy).

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Northwest England's Manchester Christmas market is on now until 21 December, with over 225 stalls spread across the city centre bringing festive cheer in the run-up to Christmas. Piccadilly Gardens is temporarily transformed into the 'Winter Gardens', where the 13-foot-tall (4m) Manchester Windmill stands proudly above the market's bar. Festive-themed streets sell tweed hats and English cheese, while you can refuel on pancakes, Korean hot dogs and continental ales. Don't miss the Christmas lights trail, complete with walk-through giant baubles.

With fairy lights ribboning overhead, glows of warm orange permeating from the market stalls and festive trees lit up all around, it's no wonder Budapest is often lauded as one of Europe’s most beautiful Christmas markets. The two main markets on Vorosmarty Square (until 31 December) and in front of St Stephen’s Basilica (until 31 January) sell hand-embroidered baubles, fragrant spice hangings and sheepskin rugs. Try traditional Langos (a deep-fried flat dough topped with garlic, sour cream and cheese), listen to free concerts and check out the amazing light display projected against the basilica.

Basel’s Christmas market (until 23 December) is one of the most attractive in Europe, with a decked-up Christmas tree at the centre of Munsterplatz, an illuminated 43-foot (13m) Christmas pyramid on Barfusserplatz and 155 rustic wooden chalets to pick your way through. You’ll easily find last-minute gift inspiration: baubles shaped like the Roche Tower, traditional cookie moulds and other classic Christmassy items. Try Basel Lackerli (the local take on gingerbread) and let the kids run free in the fairy-tale forest.

First taking place in the late 15th century, Salzburg's Christmas market is one of the world's oldest. Fast forward to today, and its Dom and Residenzplatz Square markets (until 1 January) feature 95 stalls selling quality items like hand-knitted socks, ornate dolls and candles. You’ll be captivated by traditional Turmblasen – wind music performed high above the square – as well as brass bands, free daily concerts and the chance to join in a weekly festive singalong.

Barcelona’s Christmas markets may not feature snow or ice-cold temperatures, but its Fira de Santa Llucia market (until 23 December) has been enjoyed by winter crowds for centuries. Held behind the imposing Barcelona Cathedral, across the market's 287 stands you’ll find festive decorations, nativity figures (including the pooping Caganer, a humorous Catalan addition to the nativity scene), zambombas (friction drums) and artificial plants. On selected dates there are also dance performances and a festive parade.

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Bruges is another belter of a Christmas market, on until 7 January. It’s a smaller, more old-fashioned affair than nearby Brussels – no fairground attractions here – and the main action takes place on Grote Markt flanked by stunning medieval architecture. Twinkling chalets surround the ice rink, and there’s even more festive shopping on Simon Stevinplein. Don't forget to sink your teeth into Belgian frites, waffles or a slice of yule log.

Bolzano is Italy’s ‘Christmas capital’ with a dazzling market (until 6 January) spreading festive cheer. Its northeastern location not far from the Austrian border is reflected across its 80-something stalls, where you’ll find German-influenced South Tyrolean gifts and authentic Loden garments. Channel the Italian-Alpine feel with local zelten cake, strudel and speck (lightly smoked ham).

You’ll be greeted by an angelic Christkind (the traditional Christimas gift-bearer in Germany) and told to embrace childlike joy as you enter Nuremberg’s Christmas market (until 24 December) on Hauptmarkt. Stroll through vibrantly-lit lanes as you browse 180 stalls selling scented soaps, commemorative mulled wine vessels and fine wooden lanterns. There’s a strong focus on sustainability – reusable cups are one of several eco-conscious policies – and plenty of chances to taste regional specialities, from Franconian carp and wine to Lebkuchen, a gingerbread-like biscuit.

Birmingham plays host to the largest authentic German market outside Germany and Austria. This year's event is on until 24 December, where some 180 stalls take over New Street and Victoria Square (pictured). Mooch through stalls selling crystal lamps and hand-crafted woodware while you feast on pretzels and weissbier (wheat beer), among many other tempting choices.

Way back in 1441, Tallinn was the first European city to put a Christmas tree on display, at the heart of its Town Hall Square. The Estonian capital's star-shaped Christmas market (until 7 January) promises a full festive experience, with snow-covered chalets selling all manner of stocking fillers from knitted socks to local handicrafts. Once Santa Claus has dished out the sweets, treat yourself to seasonal favourites like frosted gingerbread cookies and hot chocolate. Don't forget to look out for the staff dressed up in traditional Estonian folk costume!

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