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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
World

The best European Christmas markets

Vienna, Austria

The market: the night-time view of the Upper Belvedere Palace with the Christmas market in front of it is breathtaking. It may be smaller than most of the headliner Viennese markets but foodies will still be spoilt for choice.

The local speciality: a potato with melted raclette, pickles and Austrian cured ham will never disappoint.

The gift to take home: the palace’s art collection includes Klimt’s famous The Kiss: yours for £115 million. Alternatively the market itself is an art-themed souvenir heaven.

The hotel: designed by Sir Terence Conran, Das Triest is located in the trendy Freihaus Quarter and has a roof garden that’s worth braving the cold. There’s a New Year’s Eve party there if you fancy hanging around…

Copenhagen, Denmark

A large Christmas market in the town of Aarhus (Getty Images)

The market: the scent of roasted almonds, Danish doughnuts and mulled wine fills the air in the oh-so-twinkly Tivoli Gardens come December, where among the Christmas trees and fir garlands you will find a dizzying array of Scandi specialist stalls.

The local speciality: the roast pork sandwich from Bøfgrillen has become an essential part of any trip to Tivoli.

The gift to take home: this year sees the introduction of the Honey Cake Castle, where you can buy a honey cake heart and decorate it however you like.

A room at Hotel Sanders (Hotel Sanders)

The hotel: Londoners will love the modern townhouse feel of Hotel Sanders - created by designers Lind + Almond, it’s a little like Soho House with a splash of Danish design cool.

Paris, France

La Defense, Christmas market near the Grande Arche (Getty Images)

The market: no Christmas market in Paris is bigger than the relatively new offering in the business centre of La Défense. Stretched over 10,000 square metres, the festive village hosts more than 300 chalets displaying crafts and a huge variety of food stalls.

The local speciality: hunt down the huge hot plates of traditional sausage, peppers, tomato and cabbage.

The gift to take home: never mind the flaming Christmas pud: look for a truly traditional bûche de Noël that will delight chocolate fans back home.

Hôtel de Crillon (Hôtel de Crillon)

The hotel: moments from the Champs-Elysées, Hôtel de Crillon still has all the grand old-school Parisian charm you could wish for.

What To Pack

Skincare

Aesop Vienna travel kit, £50 (aesop.com)

Bag

Montblanc extreme leather backpack, £690 (montblanc.com)

Jumper

Kitri bobble sweater, £145 (kitristudio.com)

Accessories

Brora hat, £95; scarf, £139 (brora.co.uk)

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