The 7 best Christmas markets in the world

Ever fancied a romantic walk on a city with snow-covered roofs and avenues that are bustling with charm and traditional food? It's also where you may find the best Christmas markets that make for a holiday goer's delight.

Salzburg, Austria

Talking about Christmas Markets in Europe, this city is a must. Scent of mulled wine and stalls with traditional Christmas knick-knacks, the Salzburg Christmas market is one of the most popular haunts. Said to go back as far as the 15th century, it's located at the foot of the Hohensalzburg fortress. The Oberndorf Christmas Market, a village north of Salzburg, is where the world's favourite Christmas carol, "Silent Night", was written.

Cologne, Germany

The German city offers eight Christmas markets with wooden pavilions that offer mulled wine and traditional foods - bratwurst, yeast dumplings with jam and vanilla sauce, crepes and chocolate. The city's Floating Christmas Market on the River Rhine has culinary fare from all over the world and there are choir performances in the City Hall. You will find the best Christmas markets in Germany here in Cologne, so do visit.

Covent Garden, UK

This one's a visual fantasy! With striking light installations and giant chandeliers, the whole area around the Covent Garden Piazza and Market Building is stunning. There are live performances and events, Yuletide treats and cake-making workshops. Prague, Czech Republic


Fairytale-like spires, cobbled streets, charming avenues, and stalls make for a pretty picture in this quaint city. A must buy are the bohemian-style jewellery and Trdelnik - the Czech equivalent of a cinnamon roll.
Strasbourg, France


This one has been held around the town's cathedral way back since 1570 and is the oldest in France. There are several different markets here with chalets selling everything from figurines to foods.

Copenhagen, Denmark

One of the best Christmas Markets in Germany is set in the Tivoli Gardens here. This market is almost like a winter wonderland with its lights and decorations, the concerts and the pantomime and ballet performances. There's kiddie fun in store too, with an ancient rollercoaster and pony rides.

Manchester, England


The chalet-lined streets here are packed with yuletide spirit - savoury treats and gifts like crafts and jewellry. You can sip on some hot chocolate as you wander about the stalls that sell homemade wares in Albert Square. A charming, bustling atmosphere all right!