It's the 10th anniversary of the Christmas market in Hungary

1. Brussels, Belgium
British tour operators voted it ‘Europe’s most original Christmas market’, and it certainly lives up to the accolade. You can have your photo taken by the Ferrero Rocher ice sculpture, or take a skate on the 60-metre ice rink, and the 48-metre-high Big Wheel is a spectacular sight when night falls, illuminated by 18,000 lights. Kids will love the two roundabouts and the friendly ice dinosaur monster in the Black Tower. Brass bands and weekend DJs provide an exceptional and varied musical delight, while the 240 chalets offer many gastronomic pleasures such as waffles, gingerbread and of course, the reason you went, Belgian chocolates.
27 November to 3 January

2. Budapest, Hungary
It’s the market’s 10th anniversary, so expect much celebration. Featuring almost 150 cottage-style colourful stalls, all the products are handmade with a quality guarantee from the Hungarian Society of Folk Arts. You must try the traditional Hungarian honey cookies, strudel, goulash and the kürtös kalács – hollow, cylinder-shaped pastries with different coatings. The square hosts daily music on an outdoor stage, with folk, dance and puppet theatre. Father Christmas is popping in on the 6 and 7 December and on the 21 to 23 December a little Bethlehem arrives with live animals. The famous Gerbeaud Confectionery shop features a huge advent calendar in its shop front, make sure you get there for 5pm to see the latest window open – it’s also one of the best places for a coffee and slice of Hungarian cake.
20 November to 29 December

3. Copenhagen, Denmark
The ever-popular market in Copenhagen’s famed historic amusement park, Tivoli Gardens offers a yuletide paradise for the whole family. Tiffany’s head designer dictated the artful hanging of nearly four miles of lights while 1,800 more strands are draped on the lakeside willows. Be sure to sample the glögg, a hot and spicy drink made from red wine laden with raisins, almonds, cinnamon sticks, and cloves, steeped in aquavit or schnapps. Follow with æbleskiver – round, pan-fried cakes served with sugar and jam. The beautifully decorated Christmas stalls offer all manner of sweetmeats, Danish specialties, handicrafts, and seasonal gifts. The indoor Christmas town Nissekøbing (Pixieville) with hundreds of mechanical pixies busily preparing for the holidays ensures this is a fantastic market for the children, and the breathtaking light show on the Tivoli Lake is not to be missed.
20 November to 30 December

4. Lincoln, England
Lincoln brought the first traditional German Christmas market to the UK, and continues to grow every year. There is nowhere more beautiful for a Christmas extravaganza; the contemporary cathedral city is perfect to invoke that festive feeling. Walk the cobbles between the impressive Norman castle and magnificent gothic cathedral to enjoy the 300 stalls nestled within the medieval square and surrounding area. Lincolnshire Larder at the Lawn showcases the traditional and fresh county fayre, and there is a treasure trove of beautiful, handcrafted and unique Christmas presents in the chalets.
3 to 6 December

5. Salzburg, Austria
Held in the picturesque Cathedral with the Hohensalzburg Fortress for a backdrop, Salzburg market is a magnificent medieval destination for your Christmas shopping spree. The stunning surrounding churches and twinkling decorations light up the festive outdoor concerts. Mooch around with a mulled wine or hot chocolate and take in the carved wooden animals, knitted socks, traditional decorations and tasty confectionary. With nativity plays, and choral performances abound, as well as carriage rides, ice skating, and hand-painted egg ornaments the kids are guaranteed to be entertained.
20 November to 26 December