WHEN it comes to Christmas markets, there are so many to choose from in the UK let alone Europe.
If you’re struggling to pick which you want to visit, one expert has named his top five across Europe.
Scott Lindsay, Cruise Experience Manager at TUI River Cruises has shared his top list of Christmas Markets Brits must visit this festive season.
Strasbourg Christmas Market
Complete with its own “Singing Christmas Tree”, ‘Christkindelsmarik’ in Strasbourg is one of Europe’s oldest and most iconic Christmas markets.
Scott revealed that this festive market is for those who really love Christmas.
He said: “During the festive season, local choirs perform live French and German Christmas carols from platforms nestled within the tree’s branches.
“The local carollers sing rich Alsatian heritage songs and allow the tree to come to life as it becomes a living concert stage for passers by to enjoy and watch.”
Colmar Christmas Market
You’ll find Colmar off the edge of Strasbourg. It’s a pretty town with multi-coloured timber houses and winding streets.
Colmar is famously known for being the inspiration behind Disney’s ‘Beauty and the Beast’ – even visitors have said the small town looks like its from a movie.
The narrow cobbled streets run either side of idyllic canals, all lined with pink cottages and cosy historical taverns.
One TripAdvisor reviewer said it was a “photographer’s dream” adding: “It’s like walking into Disney movie. The whole region is! I literally gasped walking around beautiful corner after corner.”
Scott stated: “Colmar’s Christmas Market is located in the historic city centre of Colmar and includes illuminated canals and fully decorated medieval buildings. A hidden gem not to miss!”
It’s in Colmar where you can get a unique mulled wine that’s actually white, rather than the classic red, made from Vin Chaud.
Rüdesheim ‘Christmas Market of Nations’
This festive market is based in the wine and brandy making German town of Rüdesheim.
Scott said: “This Christmas Market of Nations is known for selling over 20 different countries local cuisines across six continents from Hungarian Lángos to Spanish Paella.”
He added that it’s perfect for those who are indecisive when it comes to different foods.
Those who love a festive tipple will love Rüdesheim Coffee, a traditional hot drink made with locally distilled brandy, topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of chocolate – according to Scott it’s “a must-try”.
Cologne Christmas Market
Scott’s number one must-visit which should be at the top of everyone’s festive list this year is the Cologne Christmas Market.
First and foremost, Cologne packs a punch when it comes to variety and choice.
Scott said: “Brits can spend a whole week in the city spending each day at one of seven different Christmas markets, from the famous ‘Weihenactsmarkts am Kolner Dom’ to the special Market of Angels.”
When it comes to the main event, don’t miss the ‘Weihnachtsmarkt am Kölner Dom’, which has a “stunningly beautiful sky of fairy lights”.
For those looking for a lesser-known Christmas market, Cologne’s Harbour Christmas Market, sells maritime themed memorabilia and fresh festive fish.
Scott encouraged those who wanted a more alternative experience in the city to check out ‘Markt der Engel’ or ‘Market of Angels’ Christmas market on Neumarkt.
The festive market is filled with real-life golden angels who walk freely around the market, and of course there are places where you can pick up a warm mulled wine.
For more Christmas, here’s a full list of London’s best Christmas lights and when they will be switched on this year.