Edinburgh
Wrap up tight for a visit to the not-too-far afield Edinburgh Christmas Market, considered one of the UK’s finest. Held in the East Princes Street Gardens, the festive offering here has everything your festive hearts could desire, from authentic food stalls and beer houses to handmade crafts and decorations.
After you’ve been duly filled with hot cocoa, head for the sky in the enormous Ferris wheel, which will give you a bird’s-eye view of not only the marketplace but the entire city.
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The market is just part of the city's Christmas programme, however. There's also a whole host of concerts taking place and this year one of the highlights is sure to be La Clique Noël, a mixture of cabaret, new burlesque, circus and contemporary vaudeville and featuring the fire-eating, sword-swallowing Heather Holliday, the remarkable Bernie Dieter as MC and aerialist Stephen Williams, with more acts to be announced soon.
Taking place from November 16th to January 5th from 10am to10pm, we recommend getting there bright and early for the best look at the attractions before the crowds descend. edinburghschristmas.com
Berlin
The origins of Christmas markets, or as they are known in Germany, the Christkindlmarkt and Weihnachtsmarkt, all began with the Bavarians, so for those who want the real deal, the Berliner Weinachtszeit is the only way to go. Located behind the city’s Alexanderplatz, this market is bursting with character.
Taking place from November 26th to December 30th, expect craftsmen and traders selling their goods, organ players on the streets providing the entertainment, traditional German treats and beverages and a life-size crib outside St Mary’s Church, all of which is surrounded by the only round ice rink of its kind, more than 600m wide. You can warm up afterwards in one of the large, heated tents around the rink with a glass of Glühwein.
For little ones, Santa Claus comes three times a day to the market – complete with his reindeer team and an angel in tow, he flies through the Berlin air in his sleigh, and he'll be delighted to take a photo with visitors in his cabin at the foot of a giant Christmas tree. berlinerweihnachtszeit.de
Copenhagen
Fast becoming one of the world’s most celebrated markets, the Tivoli Gardens’ Christmas market offers visitors an insight into the Nordic way of celebrating the festive season.
From mid-November throughout December, the historic garden is decorated with an impressive 500,000 lights, along with snow-capped trees, cosy cabins, 43 restaurants and more than 60 stalls.
Those with shopping lists will be suitably satiated by the shops full of woolly knitwear and wooden decorations, while roasted almonds and freshly-made doughnuts are just some of the treats worth tasting.
Children will love the old-fashioned carousels and train that runs right past Santa's grotto, and he's available for visits all day. This is definitely one to visit after nightfall to truly experience the twinkling magic of the lights and fountains in all their glory here, in the heart of Copenhagen. tivoligardens.com
Belfast
The award-winning Christmas market in Belfast City Hall Gardens has earned its stripes over the past 14 years, being named one of airline Flybe’s Ten of the Best Christmas Markets in the UK and Europe in 2017.
Pay a visit to this year’s market, which takes place from November 17th to December 22nd, and see why Belfast is rated so highly: this continental Christmas market is bursting with the best of international traders selling their local specialities, from Australian meats and fresh French breads and pastries to specially-crafted decorations and homewares.
There are also plenty of local traders, showcasing the best in Northern Irish produce, so for those who want a traditional experience without having to get on a flight, Belfast is just the ticket. Its onsite Buddy Scheme is in place to help visitors who need extra assistance or who would prefer to visit the market when it's less noisy and busy, while groups are welcome to enjoy an exploratory tour of the market's highlights and hidden gems from Mondays to Wednesdays. visitbelfast.com
Wroclaw
Discover Wroclaw, Poland’s ‘new Krakow’, a stunning city visit in the run-up to Christmas. The Unesco World Heritage site on the Oder River with its colourful townhouses surrounds the vast Market Square, which is taken over each November and December for its very own winter wonderland.
The fair features all the usual attractions as well as the ‘Bajkowy Lasek’, a fairy tale forest where animatronic characters behind glass tell the story of local festive tradition and scenes from famous fairy tales.
Meanwhile, adults can pass the time sampling the incredible foods, everything from German sausages and dozens of flavoured hot wines, grilled ‘oscypek’– a sheep’s cheese from the Polish mountains – churros, crepes, chestnuts, pork knuckle, kebabs and pretty Wroclaw gingerbread houses.
New features this year include handmade ceramics from Ukraine, handmade Christmas decorations made with environmentally friendly materials, traditional carvings, cases and musical instruments all the way from Thailand, as well as a stand where you can order a hand-painted bauble with wishes or dedication, a personal horseshoe made by a real blacksmith as a lucky charm and a commemorative coin made by genuine mint masters. wroclaw.pl
Christmas happenings closer to home
Wild lights at Dublin Zoo
The Festival of Light returns to Dublin Zoo this year with an entirely new cast of illuminated giant silk lanterns celebrating the wonders of life aquatic. There'll be giant squid and polar bears, penguins, colossal blue whales and dainty seahorses. Experience traditional Chinese performers and enjoy a craft market with an array of Asian food from November 1st to January 6th. dublinzoo.ie
Wonderland at Westport House
Enjoy a magical family Christmas experience at Westport House's Winter Wonderland this year, where there'll be story-telling, face-painting, crafting and a Santa Express Train to transport festive visitors across the specially decorated estate. Tickets start from €15, running from select dates from November 24th to December 23rd. westporthouse.ie
Dining in Dromoland Castle
Indulge in a special festive afternoon tea at the 16th-century castle overlooking Lough Dromoland in Co Clare this November. Created by executive head chef David McCann, the freshly made treats will be seasonally themed and cost from €47.50 per person. Afterwards, take home some of its very own produce like Walled Garden Mix Berry or Old-Fashioned Marmalade, available from the pantry. dromoland.ie
Handmade in Dublin
On November 28th, Block T in Smithfield hosts an intimate Christmas decoration-making workshop. Create your own keepsakes using the copper foil technique of stained glass and leave with something you'll keep for Christmases to come. Visit Eventbrite.ie for more. Meanwhile, at the Hugh Lane Gallery, adults are welcome to print bespoke Christmas cards using embossing techniques. Led by artist Janine Davidson on December 8th, tickets are €20. hughlane.ie
Christmas at the Botanic Gardens
Visit the national gardens and enjoy a visit with Santa, giant wreaths and a selection of seasonal goodies at the festive market, all to the sounds of a live choir. This is a spectacular setting to enjoy the lead-up to Christmas, with events throughout December to be announced. botanicgarden.ie
