Top 5 European Christmas Markets
1. Sofia
Sofia’s Christmas Market, referred to as Kolidariya or Koledaria, is held in Borisova Gradina Park and runs from the end November until early January, taking in the Eastern Orthodox Christmas on January 7.
Eating & Drinking: Try the delicious German sausages will keep you going as you browse the traditional handicrafts on offer. Try a tipple of greyana rakiya –a traditional grape brandy popular across Bulgaria.
Shopping: Rose Oil is one of Bulgaria’s most famous exports and just happens to be one of the hottest products at the moment, so stock up for a beauty boost.
Places to visit: The Boyana Church. This UNESCO World Heritage site is located on the outskirts of Sofia and dates back to the 10th century. The site hosts one of the most significant collections of medieval art anywhere in the world.
2. Paris
Festive markets have become an essential festive event during the Christmas season in Paris. They are held all over the capital –in Place Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Place de la Nation on the Avenue des Champs-Elysées and in Place du Trocadéro.
Eating & Drinking: My 2 favourites! Bûche de Noël – A traditional French dessert served at Christmas. Piernik – the traditional Polish gingerbread cake served at Christmas. Kir Royale – THE French cocktail – crème de cassis topped withChampagne
Shopping: Freshly baked cakes and biscuits from the Christmas markets. These can be given as gifts at Christmas, although they’ll probably be eaten before you get them home. (but that's allowed)
Places to visit: A day trip to Chateaux Vaux Le Vicomte – This 17th centurychâteau, an inspiration for the even grander Versailles, really decks the halls at Christmas time. Decorations inside bring the season alive while lights on the outside brilliantly illuminate the entire place. Look for the eight-metre tall tree inside the Grand Salon, decorated with over 5,000 baubles and balls.
3. Budapest
Budapest’s famous Vörösmarty Square is transformed into a festive market placefrom the end of November with the start of the Christmas Fair. There is a wide range of shopping and eating options, live jazz, folk and world musictakes place on two huge stages, plus there are weekend puppets shows for the kids.
Eating & Drinking: Mezeskalacs – this is a traditional spiced honey cookies glazed with red icing and colourful designs and of course Mulled wine or ‘forralt bor’ as it’s known in Hungary.
Shopping: The traditional embroidery or lacework make an unusual souvenir or gift.
Places to visit: It is a must to see the Budapest Nutcracker Ballet in the Hungarian State Opera House, take a boat down the Danube to see the city from another angle, take a dip in the Szechenyi Thermal Baths or go for a skate at the Budapest City Park Ice Rink.
4. Bucharest
Two Christmas markets take place from the end of November at UniversitatiiSquare and one in Cismigiu Par – plus a cookies and sweets fair from December 5 – 7 at Sala Palatului.
Eating & Drinking: Carnati – garlicky pork sausages, cozonac – a panettone-style cake or traditional ‘salata de boeuf’ – a moulded vegetable and chicken salad which, misleadingly, doesn’t contain any beef (funny enough) Tuica – a delicious plum brandy famous in Romania.
Shopping: Stunning hand painted ceramics – perfect for serving up a Christmas feast back home.
Places to visit: Bucharest’s new Santa Klaus Kingdom, where children can meet the man himself before having fun on one of the many attractions within, which include an indoor ski slope, skating rink, climbing wall and carousel.
5.Warsaw
Traditionally festivities peak on Christmas Eve – known as Wigilia – when families get together to sing carols, exchange gifts and feast on a 12-course menu, featuring dishes including jellied carp. If that isn’t your thing, there are plenty of treats on offer. Warsaw hosts not one but three main Christmas markets – in the Old Town, Castle Square and Palace of Culture and Science. They all open on November 27 and run until Boxing Day.
Eating & Drinking: Piernik – the traditional Polish gingerbread cake served at Christmas which is delicious Mulled beer – yes, hot beer. Spiced and then sweetened with honey it’s a staple tipple during the festive season in Poland.
Shopping: Poland is famed for its artisans producing elaborate traditional blown glass Christmas ornaments. What better souvenir to take home and hang from your tree to remember your trip.
Places to Visit: Lazienki Park, also known as the Royal Baths Park – a short tram or bus ride from the city centre, enjoy the open spaces whilst marvelling at the stunning Palace on the Water.