HISTORIC Prague and its cobble stoned Old Town Square is the perfect setting for a festive getaway in the Czech Republic, especially when the markets are there.
You will be able to browse the pretty stalls with a mulled wine in hand, tucking into roasted chestnuts, sweet pastries and ham roasted on a spit.
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Stay at the Botanique Hotel Prague in the Florenc neighbourhood, which is close to a metro station and a 20-minute walk from the Old Town Square.
The spacious rooms are inspired by nature, and the Botanique Bistro serves a daily-changing menu with favourites such as pork schnitzel and juicy beef burgers.
Three nights’ B&B costs from £197pp, including flights from Heathrow in November and 23kg luggage.
See britishairways.com.
BRUSSELS, BERLIN AND AMSTERDAM
WHY visit one market when you can tick off several in a single hit?
The train travel specialist Byway has a five-day package that will take you from London to Brussels, Berlin and Amsterdam.
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You will travel by Eurostar to the Belgium capital, where you can check into the Hygge Hotel.
Make sure you stock up on chocolate here as this region is famous for it.
Then catch the train to Berlin in Germany, a country famous for its Christmas markets, with row upon row of wooden huts dripping in fairy lights.
There are even fairground rides to enjoy.
Finally, you get to venture to Amsterdam, with its many canals and glittering ice village, before heading back to the UK the following day.
The five-day trip costs from £917pp, including all travel, accommodation and breakfast each morning.
See byway.travel.
COTSWOLDS
IT does not get more festive than a cosy winter staycation in the British countryside, with roaring log fires, frost-covered trees and lights twinkling in shop windows.
On this three-night Cotswolds trip with HF Holidays, you will get to enjoy the markets at the 300-year-old Blenheim Palace, which will be transformed into a winter wonder-land for the season.
And it is not just stalls to explore.
Dotted around the market are carol singers, while in the Great Hall at the stately home a huge Christmas tree will take pride of place.
Then, when you have stocked up on trinkets, you will be able to set out some guided winter walks along the winding lanes.
The Christmas Markets & Winter Walking in the Cotswolds trip costs from £419pp, including full-board accommodation at Harrington House, transport to and from the walks and a guide.
See hfholidays.co.uk or call 020 3974 8865.
TRENTO
IF you are after a rural break away from lots of tourists, and with a truly wintry atmosphere, then Trento is the place to head.
It is tucked away in the northern Italian mountains.
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Snow is common in these parts in winter, so pack warm clothing and get immersed in the festive spirit as you wander the markets.
Pick up a traditional param-pampoli from one of the stalls, if you dare.
It is a festive drink made with coffee, wine, grappa, honey and sugar, and served piping hot.
When it comes to grub, expect a mix of Austrian and Italian, with common dishes including mushroom, polenta and cheese.
Spend the weekend at the Everest Hotel, which has rooms available from 87 euros (£75) a night.
See hoteleverest.it for more details.
Flights from London to Milan Bergamo cost from £23.99 each way.
Check out easyjet.com.
VIENNA
YOU will have your pick in Austria’s capital, where there are Christmas markets aplenty.
Head to the one at Schonbrunn Palace if you are after a hand-crafted decoration to add to your tree.
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Or, if it is all about the food, then the Christmas Village on Maria Theresien Square has 40 stalls crammed full of culinary delights and other goodies.
For an overall experience, the Viennese Dream Christmas Market in front of the city hall takes the biscuit — and not just because of the kids’ Christmas cookie workshops.
There are also hot punches, candles and choir groups singing carols.
Check into the Hotel Schani Wien at the Belvedere Quartier, next to the central railway station, which is typically Viennese.
Three nights’ room-only costs from £258pp, including flights from Heathrow in December and 23kg luggage.
See britishairways.com for more details.
