Experience the European markets at Christmas

The Frankfurt Christmas Market in Birmingham, England. Photo / Getty Images

We look at some of the most magical European Christmas markets.

UK
Frankfurt Christmas Market, Birmingham

You might not expect to find a traditional German Christmas market in the UK, but England's second city boasts the largest of its kind outside Germany or Austria. Held in Victoria Square from mid-November to December 24, it features more than 120 stalls selling wooden decorations, hand-crafted leatherwork, toys, jewellery and more. And there's plenty of traditional treats to tempt your tastebuds — think preztels, schnitzel and bratwurst, washed down with mulled wine, weissbier or hot chocolate.

DENMARK
Tivoli Gardens, Copenhagen

The original inspiration for Disneyland, this historic theme park is a destination that's popular year round. However, it really comes alive in December, when the gardens are decorated with more than 500,000 fairy lights and its famous Christmas markets open for business. You'll be sure to find the true meaning of hygge here as you try the Danish delicacies on offer, such as aebleskiver, small pancake puffs topped with powdered sugar.

Copenhagen's Tivoli Gardens lights up for Christmas. Photo / Getty Images

GERMANY
Medieval Christmas market, Munich

You'll feel like you've stepped back in time at this unique Christmas market with its historical theme. Here you'll find Renaissance characters, fire shows, gluhwine in heavy, hand-potted goblets, and more. Vendors in costume sell medieval wares, reflecting the origins of Christmas markets in the Middle Ages. On weekends you can immerse yourself in the experience even more, with free musical performances played on medieval instruments.

A stall at the Medieval Christmas market ( Mittelaltermarkt) in Munich. Photo / Getty Images

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