It's the scent of mulled wine, the twinkle of bright festive lights, the sound of Mariah Carey, and the jeopardy of a few minutes on the ice rink. It can all only mean one thing.
Christmas market season has arrived.
A time of year we're well acquainted with here Edinburgh. The city does Christmas so well that visitors from all across the globe come here to experience it. And we love welcoming them through the airport.
However it's also a time many people hop on a plane from Edinburgh and experience the festivities on offer elsewhere. With access to some of Europe's most festive places, here are 12 of the best alternative Christmas markets if you're planning a trip away in the coming weeks.
🎄 Experience Brussels and Bruges, and jet to Belgium with Brussels Airlines.
If you're all about sweet treats you'll struggle to do better than Belgium. Few do Christmas markets like they do here. Fly direct to Brussels and you'll get to Bruges in around an hour on the train.
🎄 Fly to Zurich with Edelweiss.
A top choice if you picture yourself in the middle of a Christmas fairy tale. The lakeside setting, Swiss charm, beautiful stalls and traditional crafts make Zurich a favourite.
🎄 For traditional German markets head to Cologne with Eurowings.
Set against the amazing backdrop of Cologne Cathedral, this festive market comes with a particularly dramatic and picturesque setting. Try the Reibekuchen potato pancakes and a glass of the city's famous Kölsch beer.
🎄 An alternative festive treat - fly with easyJet to Basel.
A heady mix of Swiss, German, and French influences, you'll be spoilt for choice when browsing those stalls. A favourite among those seeking an alternative Christmas market experience - and a cracking city break to boot.
🎄 Plan a getaway to Copenhagen with easyJet, Norwegian, Ryanair and SAS.
Christmas markets Dane right. Copenhagen's offerings can be found at some of the city's best attractions - the Tivoli Gardens theme park (complete with access to vintage rides), Nyhavn, and in the King's New Square. Embrace the Danish hygge!
🎄 Prague - more than nine weekly flights each week with easyJet, Jet2.com and Ryanair.
Czech out Prague for your festive city break. Set in the enchanting Old Town Square, here you'll be able to explore one of the city's favourite landmarks while browsing stalls set in traditional Czech wooden huts. A great place to pick up some trdelník too - Prague's famous sweet dough pastries.
🎄 Head for the Hungarian capital! Fly to Budapest with Ryanair.
Head on down to the legendary Vörösmarty Square for Budapest's Christmas. Grab some Hungarian handicrafts and and piece of the chimney cake, and enjoy the awesome surroundings, including St Stephen's Basilica.
🎄 Fly to Krakow with easyJet and Ryanair.
Lap up some Polish holiday traditions and experience the Krakow's Christmas in the medieval Main Market Square. Explore charming wooden stalls with handcrafted goods, and fantastic food and drink, in one of the most popular city break destinations going.
🎄 New York, New York with United Airlines and Delta Air Lines.
This place just goes hand in hand with Christmas. Think ice skating, the Rockefeller Christmas tree, window displays on Fifth Avenue, the magic of Central Park in the snow, and, of course, the most festive of markets. Be sure to wrap up warm!
🎄 Bratislava bound with direct Ryanair flights - or combine it with a trip to Vienna a short bus ride away.
Bratislava's Christmas Market is unique for its blend of medieval Old Town streets, Slovak holiday traditions, and the warm aroma of local treats (including mulled wines). All set against the backdrop of Bratislava Castle and St. Martin's Cathedral.
🎄 Travel to Helsinki with Finnair and lap up some Christmas magic.
And what a way to Finnish! Finland is a country associated with the most wonderful time of the year and at it's festive markets you'll find warm berry filled pastries, traditional handicrafts, and a serene Nordic atmosphere.
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