TRAVEL: A European taste of Christmas

Cynics may scoff at the idea of a place being ‘magical’, but that’s probably because they haven’t paid a visit to Prague.

With its Gothic cathedrals, cobblestone streets and colourful townhouses, this fairytale capital of the Czech Republic provides the postcard-perfect setting for a Christmas market.

The heady smell of hot wine (svarak) and cinnamon-sweet pastries is unforgettable, while the artisan gifts for sale are a pleasing antidote to the usual plastic toys that fill department stores at this time of year. Bohemian crystal ornaments, handmade woolly scarves and sturdy, wooden toys are all worth buying.

There are several markets in the city, notably in Wenceslas Square and Namesti Republiky, but the most famous - and beautiful - stalls can be found in the Old Town Square. This is definitely the place to go for an authentic festive fix.

Once you’ve shopped, take time to soak up the city’s atmosphere. At night, the square is illuminated by strands of twinkling fairly lights, with entertainment provided by choir singers and traditional Czech dancers.

It’s hard not to be swept away by the romance of it all, especially as crowds gather around the Square’s impressive centrepiece: the towering Christmas tree. Decorated with hundreds of dazzling lights, it looks truly magnificent and would enchant even the most hardened Scrooge.

Market know-how

:: When: November 26, 2011 to January 8, 2012

:: Where to stay: Rooms at the Hilton Prague Hotel start at £123 per night. Visit www.hilton.co.uk/prague

:: Getting there: Easyjet fly from London and Bristol to Prague, from £53 return in December (including taxes). Visit www.easyjet.com

Copenhagen, Denmark

Those who fear the Christmas spirit may have been buried beneath a pile of tinsel and till receipts, might want to consider a trip to Copenhagen.

While there are plenty of opportunities to go shopping, the city has much more to offer than consumer pursuits.

Begin a festive journey at the Tivoli Gardens amusement park, which dates back to 1843. The quirky sights, including a Moorish palace and a late-19th century pantomime theatre, attract thousands of visitors each year.

Since 1994, the park has been open for Christmas, and for many Danes, a festive visit to Tivoli has become a tradition.

Alongside the kitsch, old-fashioned rides, seasonal attractions include ice sculptors, jovial elves, and a winter tableau with snow-covered pine trees. This year, the park will unveil a Russian city with a cathedral and 21m high tower.

Satisfied you’ve experienced a sufficient amount of culture, it’s time to turn your attention back to shopping. More than 70 decorated stalls can be found in Tivoli, selling a range of goodies including hand-blown glass balls, caramelised apples, steaming mulled wine and delicious Danish doughnuts.

Market know-how

:: When: November, 11, 2011 to December 29, 2011. Visit www.visitcopenhagen.com

:: Where to stay: Rooms at the Radisson Blu start at £160 per night (excluding breakfast). Visit www.radissonblu.com/royalhotel-copenhagen

:: Getting there: SAS fly from London and a range of regional departure points. Single fares start from £85 from Birmingham, £86 from Aberdeen and £63 from London Heathrow (including taxes). Call 0871 226 7760 or visit www.flysas.co.uk

Gothenburg, Sweden

Days may be short and dark during winter, but Sweden’s second city still manages to celebrate the festive season with an impressive light display.

From mid-November, a 3km Lane of Light will run through the city, stretching from the harbour to the Liseberg Amusement Park, home to Scandinavia’s biggest Christmas market.

Amid an epic display of 700 Christmas trees and five million dazzling lights, 80 rustic stalls will be selling traditional arts and crafts along with modern design-led pieces.

Marinated herring, marzipan pigs and spiced ‘glogg’ wine will all be on the menu, as will roasted reindeer meat served by indigenous Sami people from Lapland. Drinks, meanwhile, will be served from a bar made of blue ice.

Plan a visit on December 11 or 13 if you want to witness the city’s famous Lucia ‘Queen of Light’ coronation. Choral concerts will be held in candlelit churches throughout the city.

Market know-how

:: When: November 18-27, 2011, weekends only, then daily from November 30, 2011 to December 23, 2011. Entry costs 90 SEK (£8). Visit www.goteborg.com

:: Where to stay: Rooms at the family-friendly Hotell Liseberg Heden, within the amusement park, start from £56 per person based on four sharing a room, including breakfast and free entry to the Liseberg Christmas market

:: Getting there: SAS fly from London Heathrow to Gothenburg, from £63 (including taxes). Call 0871 226 7760 or visit www.flysas.co.uk