Europe's Festive Fairs

Planning for trips to Europe for the festive period will be well underway for holidaymakers this winter, but where are the best places to visit?

One of the most magical ways to enjoy a festive break overseas, especially for families, can be to look towards the Christmas markets found across the continent.

These originated in Germany, but have spread across the globe, and many of them offer fantastic and unique experiences that cannot often be found back home.

Kaiser Wilhelm Gedächtniskirche, Berlin, Germany

To experience the most authentic Christmas markets, or Christkindlmarkts, head to the original home of the phenomenon, Germany.

Almost every city in Germany celebrates the season with their own Christmas markets, but Berlin is their spiritual home. The city alone has more than 50 markets, ranging from the very small to the biggest of all, Kaiser Wilhelm Gedächtniskirche.

More than two million people flock to this market year after year to see the joys it has to offer. With traditional displays and stalls combined with over the top decorations - it really is the best way to see a Christmas market the way it was originally intended.

Mulled wine and chestnuts are, of course, on offer here, as well as the likes of toys, craft works, decorations and art.

For those who want something a little different, the Kaiser Wilhelm Gedächtniskirche also has an extensive jewellery section - something that cannot be found in every market.

Wenceslas Square, Prague, Czech Republic

This is another market that's ideal for families, with the focus as much on the entertainment on display as the sales of Christmas goods. The kids will never be bored when they visit Prague.

The wooden shacks that make up the rows of stalls are all centred around the city's massive and magnificently-illuminated Christmas tree.

As well as the range of Czech wares on offer, such as artwork and crafts and toys, there is also a traditional manger scene on display in the run up to Christmas.

What gives this particular market its most unique aspect is the mini zoo, where kids can go to meet some of the animals that made the Christmas story what it is.

For foodies, the market also offers a range of traditional Czech Christmas delights, such as honeyed gingerbread, vánocvka (a braided pastry with raisins), and vosí hnízda (biscuits laden with nuts and rum).

Vienna, Austria

Outside of Germany, there is no city that does Christmas markets quite like Vienna. Austria really embraces the festive period, and its magic centres around a vast array of these traditional markets.

The markets are as popular with locals as they are with visitors, and at this time of the year, you will find that they become the social hotspots, with people congregating to enjoy punch, mulled wine and spirits.

Which markets will you visit though? In truth, they are all so different that it can pay to do a little tour of the best Vienna has to offer.

For something fun centred around the traditional elements of Christmas, why not look at Rathausplatz? Meanwhile, those looking for something more upmarket will find exactly what they are looking for at Schönbrunn Palace.

Those looking for a quieter experience may want to take a little trip to Altwiener Christkindlmarkt, which is often a lot less populated with visitors than other markets, or Spittelberg market which offers very unique goods that cannot be found anywhere else in the city.