Festive fairs
Frankfurt, Germany
The German city is usually dismissed as a boring business city. However, come Christmas, it is transformed into a magical space – specifically in the historic quarter around Romerburg and Paulsplatz, where a huge Christmas market is set up. The market has a long history – in the 14th century, mystery plays were already being performed in the area. Nowadays, it has grown to attract millions of visitors – all eager to sample the market’s specialities, including marzipan and quetschemannchen, which are figures made of prunes and nuts. This is probably the best Christmas market in Europe – such is the expertise of the organisers that they have also organised traditional Christmas markets in Manchester, Leeds and Nottingham.
Salzburg, Austria
The hometown of The Sound of Music – and Mozart – puts on a show at Christmas, with pretty little market stalls, renditions of Silent Night and plenty of fairy lights. The focus at this market is quality rather than quantity – so most stalls feature handmade Christmas gifts rather than mass-produced ones. And given the musical heritage, there are free concerts every day.
Prague, Czech Republic
The old town square in...