Christmas markets are not only healthy shopping, but also an atmosphere of fun and celebration with the sweet aromas of mulled wine and cinnamon. At these events, you can taste special winter drinks, attend fun festivals and admire unusual color installations.
And so that you don't miss the best Christmas markets 2018-2019, The Telegraph has compiled a list of European cities where they pass. This way you can choose a short tour ahead of time, which will give you not only pleasant shopping, but also the true spirit of Christmas.
10. Budapest, Hungary
The time of the fair is from November 9 to December 31, 2018.
Hungarians know a lot about delicious pies. And at local holiday fairs, a traditional pastry called Kurtyoshkalach (in translation - pipe kalach) is sold. It has a cylindrical shape and comes with various powders, most often with sugar and cinnamon.
Explore one of the oldest and most traditional fairs - the Budapest Christmas Market at Vörösmarty Square in the city center - as well as the Budapest Christmas Market near St.
Where to stay: Kempinski Hotel Corvinus Budapest 5 *. Convenient location located in the heart of Budapest. The rooms are bright and airy and decorated in classic cream and gold colors.
9. Prague, Czech Republic
The time of the fair is from December 1 to January 6.
Wenceslas Square is one of the best holiday markets in Europe. It is named after King Wenceslas Saint, famous for having ventured on a harsh winter journey to bring gifts to the poor for the feast of Saint Stephen (the first Christian martyr).
On the square you can buy sweets, Bohemian glassware, wooden toys, enjoy hot pancakes and taste Slovak honey beer. Although it is not included in list of the best light beer according to Roskachestvo, but still one of the most delicious in the world.
Where to stay: Alchymist Prague Castle Suites 5 *. This cozy 8-bed hotel offers an excellent location right below Prague Castle. Its noble and luxurious interior and tranquil ambiance create a perfect contrast to the bustling holiday atmosphere on the streets of Prague.
8. Dresden, Germany
The time of the fair is from November 28 to December 24.
Germans are known to love order, beer, sausages and holiday markets. And the oldest Christmas market in the country is located in Dresden, on Striezelmarkt. In 250 kiosks, where vendors from all over Saxony have gathered, you can buy handmade ceramics, beautiful fabrics, jewelry, local bread and cheese and delicious raisin and candied fruit muffins.
Where to stay: Innside Dresden 5 *. This hotel is located in the historic center of Dresden. It offers stylish décor and luxurious rooms with balconies overlooking the central atrium under a glass roof and interior walls inspired by the historic Neumark façades.
7. Frankfurt, Germany
The time of the fair is from November 26 to December 22.
If you are a fan of the work of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, then be sure to visit his homeland - Frankfurt am Main. And even if you're not a Goethe fan, visit Frankfurt at the end of November. Indeed, at this time, the famous and one of the oldest Christmas markets in Europe begins to work in the city. Here you can enjoy not only traditional Christmas things (Christmas tree decorations, toys, etc.), but also the whole range of German culinary arts - from mulled wine and beer to sausages and fresh, aromatic pastries.
Where to stay: Holiday Inn Frankfurt - Alte Oper 4 *. Conveniently located, just 15 minutes' walk from the city center, it is renowned for its friendly staff, delicious buffet breakfasts and clean, comfortable rooms. Just take your toothpaste and brushes with you, they are not in the rooms.
6. Bath, England
The time of the fair is from November 27 to December 14.
This small but very bright city is famous not only for its Roman baths, but also for its annual Christmas market, one of the best in the world. It takes place near the majestic Bath Abbey. Almost all of the goods on it are made by local suppliers.
The event sells ceramics and glassware, clothing, toys and household items, as well as food and drinks. When you're finally off shopping, head to the ice rink in nearby Royal Victoria Park, see the Roman Baths, or watch a performance at the Royal Theater.
Where to stay: No.15 Great Pulteney 4.5 *. This boutique hotel is located on the most beautiful street in Bath. It has only 28 rooms, but each of them is as comfortable as possible. Great breakfasts with unusual food combinations, a large selection of drinks in the bar and a pleasant atmosphere - what else do you need to fully enjoy your trip to England?
5. Lille, France
The time of the fair is from November 18 to December 30.
During the fair, more than 90 wooden chalets will hospitably open their doors, where you can get acquainted with a large number of examples of decorative and applied art from Russia, Canada and Poland, as well as enjoy sweet pastries, chocolate and other festive delicacies. All products at the Lille fair are handmade.
And if you arrive in Lille on November 18 exactly, you will see an unusual performance - the appearance of the Christmas Grandfather, Per-Noel. He climbs the high bell tower of the Chamber of Commerce and symbolically "falls" down. Don't worry, not a single Per-Noel was harmed in the introduction.
Where to stay: L'Hermitage Gantois 5 *. It began its "life" in the 15th century as a charitable hospice, and then became the first five-star hotel in Lille. It now boasts two restaurants, a spa and a bar that is as popular with locals as it is with visitors.
4. Glasgow, Scotland
The time of the fair is from November 14 to December 21.
The Christmas Market in Scotland's largest city takes place at St Enoch Square and George's central town square. There you will find adorable houses with Christmas paraphernalia and a huge range of goods and entertainment - from holiday gifts to fun parades, attractions, street food, scotch tape and hot drinks.
One of the best Christmas markets in the world presents not only works by Scottish craftsmen, but also artisans from Germany, Spain, France and even Russia.
Where to stay: Principal Blythswood Square Hotel 5 *. It was once the headquarters of the Royal Scottish Automobile Club. And now it is a luxurious hotel that retains the atmosphere of elitism.
3. Vienna, Austria
The time of the fair is from November 17 to December 26.
Christmas is stereotyped. And the Christmas market, which opens annually in front of the Vienna City Hall, is ready to offer you all almost all the stereotypical Christmas-related entertainment. Mulled wine? Yeah. Rink? Well, of course. A huge tree shining with lights? Peace and joy? Yes, yes and yes.
More than 25 Christmas markets appear in picturesque squares throughout the city.Their visitors enjoy hot punch, mulled wine, roasted chestnuts and other culinary delights. And countless kiosks sell Christmas decorations and gifts for all ages.
- The largest Christmas tree was installed on the Town Hall Square and can be seen already in mid-November.
- High quality Austrian products can be purchased at Stephansplatz.
- And the best prices for gifts, including handmade gifts, are at the fair in the Spittelberg area and at the oldest Winter Market in Vienna on Freyung Square
Where to stay: Hotel Rathaus Wein & Design 4 *. This establishment has managed to maintain a delicate balance between the original look of the building with its high ceilings, spiral staircase, the general atmosphere of antiquity and all the amenities that the 21st century provides, including ultra-modern furniture, air conditioning and free Wi-Fi.
2. Copenhagen, Denmark
The time of the fair is November 18 - January 31.
The city's largest holiday market takes place in the Tivoli Gardens, where over half a million lamps guarantee a magical Christmas setting after dusk.
Follow your nose to find shopping pavilions serving a variety of seasonal hot chocolate and mulled wine dishes, homemade donuts, and sugar-toasted almonds.
In the evening, a fountain show takes place in Tivoli - to the music from the ballet The Nutcracker, jets of water dance under laser beams.
The entrance to the park is paid - 99 Danish kroner, and it is better to purchase a ticket in advance on the park's website so as not to stand in line.
Where to stay: Sanders 5 *. This is a modern boutique hotel with luxurious rooms, a small cocktail bar and a convenient city center location.
1.Moscow, Russia
The time of the fair is from November 30 to February 28.
You don't need to leave Russia to visit one of the best Christmas markets in Europe. In the 2018-2019 season, about 70 holiday fairs will operate in Moscow.
At the end of November, almost at the very Kremlin wall, a GUM fair will open. In the wooden houses it will be possible to purchase scarves, felt boots, Russian-made boxes, delicious pancakes with caviar, gingerbread cookies, mulled wine and other goodies and usefulness.
And from December 12 to January 11, another popular New Year's fair will open at VDNKh. There will be toys, hats and accessories made of sheep wool. And the organizers promise to pamper guests with real culinary masterpieces.
Where to stay: Mini-hotel Tverskaya Loft 3 *. A small hotel 15 minutes walk from the Kremlin is designed for 10 rooms and is equipped with everything you need for a comfortable stay. There is also free internet and air conditioning and a safe. Accommodation with pets is provided. But smoking on the territory of the hotel is prohibited.