This December, how about treating yourself to a wintry weekend spent soaking up the seasonal vibes at one of Europe’s many Christmas markets? Whether you favour an event with all the festive bells, whistles, light and food, or lean more towards an eco-conscious atmosphere that celebrates local traders, one of these four markets is sure to be right up your alley.

FOR MEDIEVAL MERRIMENT: NUREMBERG

Taking place in the quaint Old Town of Nuremberg, the Christkindlesmarkt perfectly captures the wholesome essence of a Bavarian Christmas. With a strict ban on mass-produced goods, all vendors sell handmade crafts. Festive treats available include spiced speculoo biscuits and traditional Lebkuchen. Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt, 29 November 2019 – 24 December 2019

FOR CULTURAL CHRISTMAS VIBES: AMSTERDAM

At De Amsterdamsche Kerstmarkt, you can forget about commercial, festive tat. Browse the market stalls for original gifts, try delicacies like glühwein, and pick up some culture and flicks at the indy Ketelhuis Cinema. It’s totally family-friendly – so make sure you bring the kids along, too. De Amsterdamsche Kerstmarkt at Westergas, 20 December 2019 – 23 December 2019

FOR FOOD-FOCUSED FESTIVITIES: BUDAPEST

The Vorosmarty Square Christmas Market might have modern attractions like laser shows, but that doesn’t mean it’s lacking in Hungarian charm. Expect live folk music, plenty of handmade crafts, and best of all, a variety of national delicacies like sekler cake, goulash, and sour cherry pastries. Buda-ful! Vorosmarty Square Christmas Market, 8 November 2019 – 1 January 2020

FOR SEASONAL SUSTAINABILITY: BERLIN

A weekend festive fixture, Berlin’s Eco Christmas Market hosts artists and traders that all sell only ecological, organic, and Fair Trade products and foods. Perfect for that last-minute shop, browse through the chic designer items and stocking filler knick-knacks, before kicking back with a glass of mulled wine. Eco Christmas Market at Sophienstraße, 7-8, 14-15, 21-22 December