No place does Christmas quite like Germany, with lebkuchen and glühwein and twinkling lights taking up the fairy-tale like medieval town squares each winter. Cologne is no different, with four big markets popping up each Christmas. The biggest is the Cologne Cathedral Christmas Market, in front of the landmark cathedral which dates back to the 13th century. There are more than 100 stage performances throughout the festival, including Christmas swing music, sing-along concerts, and gospel.
Frankfurt, Germany
Frankfurt’s festive market can be traced back to 1393, making it one of the oldest Christmas markets in Germany – and it’s certainly one of the most popular too with approximately three million visitors each year. People come here for the fairytale-like backdrop of Römerberg, the beautiful cobbled town square, and St Paul’s Church, hot apple wine, historic carousel and a 30-metre-high Christmas tree.
Where to stay:
Gekko House, a 128-room hotel in the heart of Frankfurt’s up-and-coming Gallus district.
Athanasios Gioumpasis/Getty Images
Annecy, FranceWhen: From the last week of November to the first week of JanuaryWhere: Around old town AnnecyWebsite: annecy-town.com
There’s not much more magical than Christmas in the Alps, with the snow-topped mountains in the background and the scents of tartiflette, gingerbread and other potato and cheese based Alpine treats wafting in the crisp air. The beautiful old town is turned into a chalet-dotted winter village each Christmas, with vendors selling food, crafts, decorations and toys while a central Alpine village with bars and band stands is deal for whiling a way a few hours with some local mulled wine.