European Christmas Markets

Prague Christmas Markets - 28 November 2009 to 01 January 2010
Prague's Christmas markets are like a winter wonderland in the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square. You'll need to wrap up warm for the chilly weather but this simply adds to the atmosphere of the surroundings. The markets consist of rows of brightly decorated wooden huts selling Czech handicrafts, hot food like corn on the cob, sausages and warm drinks including svarene vino (hot wine). 

• Opening hours: Mon – Fri 9am – 7pm, Sat – Sun  9am – 8pm

Krakow Christmas Markets - 01 November 2009 to 23 December 2009
The Gothic churches, Baroque palaces and frequent snowfall provide the perfect backdrop for a festive fairyland market in Rynek Glowny square, krakow. Look out for the beautiful arrangements on the flower stalls, the street musicians, and the mistletoe. 

• Opening hours:  Not available 

Bratislava Christmas Markets - 27 November 2009 to 23 December 2009
Bratislava's Christmas Market is held in the main square in the pedestrianised zone. It is noted for its excellent value of goods. Bratislava also has less of a commercial feel than some markets.
You will find stalls selling traditional dolls, ceramics, bags and scarves. Partake in potato crepes, with the filling of your choice and sweet honey wine.  

• Opening hours:  Not available

Riga Christmas Markets - 29 November 2009  to 2nd December 2008
Riga's Christmas market lays claim to the first ever Christmas tree - at the market here in 1050. Latvia's capital is littered with beautiful Art Nouveau buildings, which come alive in winter. Tented bars fill with the aroma of hot wine, piparkukas gingerbread biscuits and hot, potent Latvian Black Balsams and Blackcurrant.

• Opening hours:  Usually 10am - 8pm

Tallinn Christmas Markets - 29 November 2009 to 07 January 2010
The annual Christmas Market turns the historic Old Town into a Christmas shopper's paradise. The Town Hall Square is transformed into a festive market place with the centrepiece being the huge Christmas tree, with Father Christmas's house nestled under its massive branches. Amidst the many stalls selling everything from traditional foods and drinks to locally-made handicrafts, choirs and musicians keep crowds entertained with regular performances of seasonal music and singing. Tallinn is a beautiful medieval city; with its gorgeous buildings and cute cobbled streets it's like entering a fairytale. Wander around the old town and experience fantastic restaurants, museums and more.

 • Opening hours:  Not available

Stockholm Christmas Markets - 28 November 2009  to 31 December 2009
The Skansen Christmas Market, situated on Djurgarden island, is one of the biggest in Sweden. Visitors can enjoy music, admire craft products in the Town Quarter, sample glogg - the traditional Swedish Christmas drink, and even join in the dancing around the Christmas tree. For the full shopping experience, walk down Drottninggatan - one of Stockholm's longest pedestrian streets which glitters with Christmas lights and decorations.

• Opening hours: Not available
• Outdoor ice skating rink