Classic European Christmas markets on a budget

TravelSupermarket has put together a list of markets in Europe, and there’s something for everyone!

Tradition - Nuremberg

Nuremberg is one of the continent's oldest markets. Christkind launches the market each year in late November and the 180 stalls are concentrated in the central part of the city around the Hauptmarkt Square. The wooden stalls are covered in red and white cloth and it’s known as the ‘Little Town from wood and cloth’. The atmosphere is wonderful with a children’s market containing wooden toys and rides and characters. The market is known for traditional German treats such as gingerbread, Stollen, and arts and crafts gifts including beautiful tree decorations and handmade ornaments for the home. You’ll find no modern mass produced fayre as is the case in many cities now and there are awards for the best designed stalls as well as the best gluhwein and snack foods.

When: Runs 27 Nov to 24 Dec

How: Fly to Nuremberg from the UK with Germanwings and Ryanair. Fares from £27.99 one way. 2 nights in a central three star hotel from £67.00 a night including breakfast

Big city - Vienna

Vienna is a capital city with a wonderful setting for one of the oldest markets in Europe, with the tradition going back to as early as the 13th century. Held on the square in front of the Rathaus, or town hall, it’s a great place to come for festive fun. All the usual produce and gifts are on offer and of course the city is packed with musicians playing seasonal music al fresco as the crowds meander the locale wrapped up and supping hot drinks and snacks.

And with the city offering the stunning Schoenbrunn Palace, the Lipizzaner horses and of course those wonderful coffee houses with sacher torte chocolate cakes, it makes a great city break and market combination.

When: Runs 13 Nov to 26 Dec

How: Fly to Vienna from the UK with British Airways, Austrian and easyJet. Fares from £35.99 one way. 2 nights in a central three star hotel from £60.00 a night including breakfast.

Sheer scale – Cologne

At the heart of Rhineland Westphalia sits the German city of Cologne. Known by many for its vast and impressive cathedral with those soaring twin spires, the arrival of Advent in late November brings one of the largest collections of Christmas market stalls in Europe spread over seven separate locations in the compact city centre.

Packed into timbered huts are a huge range of gifts from hand blown tree decorations to gingerbread in many forms, nativity figurines, seasonal wreaths, wooden toys and of course lots of German sausage, chocolate and marzipan sweets. Enjoy gluhwein and currywurst from the many food and drink stalls and retire to a bierkeller in the Altstadt at the end of the day.

When: Runs 23 Nov to 23 Dec

How: Fly to Cologne from the UK with Germanwings and easyJet. Fares from £39.99 one way. 2 nights in a central three star hotel from £59.00 a night including breakfast

Stunning setting - Salzburg

Think Salzburg is all Sound of Music and Mozart? Well you would be correct, however at Christmas time the stunning old town sandwiched between the river and the hill top castle is home to a beautiful Christmas market. Set in the squares around Salzburg cathedral are the usual stalls of gifts and food as well as locally made knitwear and baked apples, the Austrians are not known for strudel for nothing. Channel your inner Maria and sing your way around this beautiful little city.

When: Runs 19 Nov to 26 Dec

How: Fly to Salzburg from the UK with British Airways, easyJet and Ryanair. Fares from £25.99 one way. 2 nights in a central three star hotel from £76.00 a night including breakfast

Fabulous food – Brussels

The Winter Wonders Christmas markets in Brussels are the place to go to stock up on festive food goodies. From cheeses to meats, patisseries to wines and of course Belgian chocolate and beers you can buy a myriad of hand crafted and locally produced tasty goods. And as its Christmas there is also plenty of gingerbread, sweets and of course the usual gifts on offer.

When you’ve filled those shopping bags, take a spin on the ice rink or Ferris wheel or watch the light show at the Grand Palace.

When: Runs 27 Nov to 03 Jan

How: Fly to Brussels from the UK with Brussels Airlines, British Airways,

Ryanair and easyJet. Fares from £14.39 one way. 2 nights in a central three star hotel from £62.00 a night including breakfast.

Prices subject to change and availability. Room prices based on two people sharing.