The top Christmas markets in Europe

If there is one thing that makes European countries particularly popular during winter, it is their Christmas markets. The events generate a unique festive atmosphere that visitors will remember for many years to come.

Markets are held in destinations all over the continent - from major cities to quaint, quiet villages - meaning travellers have plenty of experiences to choose from.

Lille - Place Rihour

Lille's Christmas market is an ideal option for families taking winter breaks, as it is easy to reach from the UK and features plenty of appearances by Santa Claus. The man of the moment will pose for photos with visitors and also descend from the 80-metre-high belfry at the city's Chamber of Commerce on December 19th. There will be plenty of opportunities to sample traditional French fare and buy all manner of arts and crafts during Lille's Christmas market, which will open on November 18th this year.

Travellers planning to visit the fair can take ferries to Dunkerque from Dover with Norfolkline or use the Dover to Calais ferry route served by P&O Ferries and Seafrance. LD Lines provides another alternative with its Dover to Boulogne ferry link. Lille is located close to France's border with Belgium, meaning winter holidaymakers also have the option of taking ferries to Zeebrugge and driving to the city.

Belfast - City Hall

The grounds of Belfast's City Hall will once again be brought to life with a variety of stunning sights and sounds this winter when the continental Christmas market takes place. From November 17th to December 19th, there will be dozens of stalls set up in the heart of the city, selling decorations, crafts and culinary delicacies associated with various destinations in Europe. The highlights of the event include a stand that invites visitors to try cheeses from Holland, France, Ireland and other destinations and a stall selling fine Delft china.

People based in Scotland can reach Northern Ireland via the Belfast to Stranraer ferry service provided by Stena Line. Those coming from England can travel on the Liverpool to Belfast ferry route with Norfolkline Irish Sea, while the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company provides ferries to Belfast from Douglas. Ferries to Larne, which is just outside Belfast, are available from Cairnryan with P&O Ferries and from Fleetwood with Stena Line.

Strasbourg - Place de la Cathedrale

Strasbourg's Christmas market has a proud history, tracing its roots all the way back to 1570. Based around Place de la Cathedrale and Place Broglie, the event will begin welcoming visitors from November 28th this year. The atmosphere of the market is strengthened by the smell of spicy cakes, pastries and hot wine that hangs in the air. Visitors might be tempted to try some of the local specialties, such as small biscuits known as 'bredele'. Dozens of stalls are set up in the heart of Strasbourg, selling items including handcrafted toys, jewellery and ceramics.

The Dover to Calais ferry route served by P&O Ferries and Seafrance could once again come in handy for people planning to visit Strasbourg, along with the Dunkerque and Boulogne ferry services provided by Norfolkline and LD Lines from Dover. Travellers can also use the Ramsgate to Ostend ferry link offered by TransEuropa Ferries or take ferries to Zeebrugge from Rosyth with Norfolkline or from Hull with P&O Ferries. Strasbourg is located on the border between France and Germany, meaning holidaymakers can drive south through Belgium to reach the city.

Dublin - George's Dock

The 12 Days of Christmas Market at George's Dock in the Docklands area of Dublin is one of the highlights of the Irish capital's festive celebrations. The event, which will run from December 12th to 23rd this year, promises to offer gifts to suit all tastes. Everything from craft jewellery and beauty products to glassware and seasonal decorations will be sold at the market. Younger visitors will be kept occupied by a carousel and other fairground attractions, as well as face painting and the opportunity to meet Father Christmas. Adults might be more interested in tucking into some mince pies and sipping mulled wine or hot cocoa while enjoying live music provided by a brass band.

Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries operate crossings on the Holyhead to Dublin ferry route, with Stena Line also offering ferries to Dun Laoghaire, just outside the capital city, from Holyhead. Another option for travellers is the Liverpool to Dublin ferry link, which is served by P&O Ferries and Norfolkline Irish Sea.

Dordrecht - Grote Kerk
Dordrecht is a city in the province of South Holland, not far from Rotterdam. Every year, the destination hosts a Christmas market that is thought to be the country's largest, featuring more than 300 stalls. The historic city centre and the Grote Kerk are transformed into winter wonderlands during the event, with several attractions opened and live music performed. Visitors can see Christmas trees, nativity scenes and other seasonal sights as they browse through the market, which features dozens of covered food stalls and stands selling presents and souvenirs.

The easiest way to reach Dordrecht is by sailing on the Hull to Rotterdam ferry route served by P&O Ferries and making the short journey to the city. DFDS Seaways also provides access to Holland with its Newcastle to Amsterdam ferry service, while people based in the south can take ferries to Hook of Holland from Harwich with Stena Line.

Posted by Mark Robinson