The festive season isn’t complete without a trip to the Christmas Markets.

The Christmas cheer fills the air and creates the most magical festive atmosphere. We’ve put together a few of our favourites and some top tips for taking a trip to the Christmas markets this Christmas.

Whether you visit Christmas markets in the UK or abroad you’re sure to have an amazing time, the Christmas markets we’ve picked out are the bigger markets. However, there are tons of amazing smaller local Christmas Markets up and down the country and abroad that are just as wonderful.

First off, if you’re not a fan of crowds definitely don’t visit on a weekend as they get super busy! The best time to visit would be a weekday, book a day off work and have a festive filled fun day out. Soak up the enchanting atmosphere and wander around the array of fantastic stalls, from handmade soaps, artisan alcohols and quirky jewellery there’s a stall for pretty much everything.

The Christmas markets originated from Germany, so no matter which you decide to visit you’ll have a variety of classic German Christmas tasty treats to try. No trip is complete with a mug of Glühwein (mulled wine) and a classic bratwurst.

Most markets have a mug deposit and it’s usually around £3, if you return your mug you get your deposit back and they clean and reuse them. We love that here as it saves lots of plastic or polystyrene waste. The mug designs usually change every year, we personally like to keep one as a little memento for the memories, the designs are obviously Christmas themed so you can reuse them throughout the festive period at home

You could even have a go at making your own mulled wine, perfect for when you’re snuggled up watching your favourite Christmas movie. Apple strudel, Stollen, Currywurst are some of the other popular German delicious delicacies you can find at most markets.

As time has gone on more influence of different European cultures has emerged into the markets, from delicious Dutch mini pancakes to Spanish Cinnamon Churros and Raclette which is said to originate from Switzerland and France there’s tons to try!

Bigger markets tend to be a little pricier than smaller local markets, so make sure you bring your wallet or purse.

In the UK our top 4 favourite Christmas markets have to be Manchester, Birmingham, Chester and London. These locations have tons to do once you’ve explored the markets, packed full of culture and city sights you’ll have an amazing day out.

If you’re a festive fanatic like everyone here at WeRChristmas you might want to book a Christmas getaway. This is a perfect way for all you that have bitten by the travel bug to explore new countries at the very best time of year.

Our top 4 favourites in Europe are Salzburg – Austria, Berlin – Germany, Strasbourg – France and Prague – Czech Republic.

A little bit about each one…

Salzburg is located in the northern Alps so you’re almost guaranteed a white Christmas if you visit. The largest of the markets is held on Cathedral Square with a huge twinkling Christmas tree right in the middle, perfect for those holiday snaps! Why not try some skiing or snowboarding whilst there, the picture perfect towns and villages will take your breath away?.

Berlin is known for it’s gorgeous Christmas markets and exciting nightlife especially in the festive season. It’s the place to be for a truly magical experience, the Christmas markets originated in Germany and it’s fair to say they go all out. The air in the centre of Berlin is filled full of delicious smelling food and drink, you’ll want to bottle it up and take it home! Alexanderplatz hosts the largest of the markets, with a Christmas pyramid with over 5,000 lights in the centre.

Strasbourg self-proclaims they’re the “capital of Christmas” and with good reason. Placed throughout the picturesque Alsatian town, each market has it’s own individual feel, a guest country is invited each year to display it’s Christmas wares in one area. We can’t wait to find out who will be this year. The largest traditional markets are nestled under the Cathedral which was once the worlds tallest building.

Prague is the place for all the booze lovers out there, being the birthplace of ‘Good King Wenceslaus’ it’s fitting for tons of yuletide cheer. You’ll find there’s 2 main markets in Prague, one found in the Old town Square and the other Wenceslaus square named after the good king himself. Mulled wine and Czech beers galore you’re sure to make many memories in Prague. A gigantic gleaming Christmas tree can be found next to the St.Nicolas Church, they even have a stable with animals for those visiting with families!

Let us know in the comments which is your favourite Christmas markets, make sure to tag us in all your amazing photos on social media!