Barcelona is full of festive cheer and twinkling lights.
So, you’ve done all of the conventional Christmas markets like Prague, Cologne and Copenhagen… where to hunt for presents next?
For a festive shopping experience somewhere a little different, try one of these options around Europe, where you can just as easily shop for gifts and sip mulled wine.
Warning: may induce a spending spree!
Barcelona
Fira de Santa Llúcia is the most famous Christmas market in Barcelona, and it specialises in artisan crafts that have been locally produced, including jewellery and bags. You really can’t miss it when you walk through Cathedral Square and, if you choose to visit on 12th December, there’s even more reason to join in the fun, with special processions and performances celebrating Catalan culture. Once you’ve explored the shops, head inside the Cathedral and marvel at the Nativity scene in the cloisters. If you’re still in the mood for more shopping, walk to Plaza de Catalunya or Plaza de la Sagrada Familia for futher options; however, these markets are smaller.
Zagreb
Croatia shows off its best traditional presents for the whole family at the market in Ban Jelacic Square, Zagreb, with stallholders offering handmade nativity scenes, cards and trinkets throughout December. Here you can relish wandering through the stalls, go ice skating and pose next to the giant Christmas tree adorned with lights; for an extra-special treat, the kids will love riding the toy train that weaves its way on a scenic tour from the Main Square. If you visit on 13th December then you’ll also get to see a candlelit procession celebrating St. Lucia Day, which honours the patron saint of light on the day of the winter solstice.
Amsterdam's tree takes pride of place.
Amsterdam
Boasting a whopping 26 different markets and a permanent Christmas Palace, it seems unfair that Amsterdam gets pushed aside in favour of more traditional festive destinations when there’s so much to see – and buy - here. Start your bargain hunting at Leidseplein, where there’s an ice rink to keep the kids entertained, and Koningsplein. For something really unique, the Zeedijk has a Pink Christmas Market which is gay-friendly; meanwhile, the Bloemenmarkt is open all year round to sell fresh flowers, but it also gets a seasonal upgrade.
Palma
Majorca’s capital hosts a few popular markets and the Three Kings Fair, where you’ll find stallholders selling Christmassy gifts, such as decorations, toys and sweets. Placa España, Ramblas and Placa Major are the main places to go, but the surrounding streets are also worth a browse, as the whole city gets into the spirit until 6th January 2014. Other destinations on the island do organise their own events, but Palma undoubtedly has the biggest and best selection, plus you may get the chance to catch street performances held underneath the twinkling lights.
Have a magical Christmas in Lisbon.
Lisbon
The best place in Portugal to work your way through your present list is the Park of the Nations in Lisbon, where the annual Natalis fair is held, covering everything from art and textiles to fireworks and decorations, with proceeds from entrance fees going to charity. This year, Natalis takes place from 30th November to 8th December, so be quick if you want to experience Lisbon’s best seasonal gifts on display across 180 stalls. Look out for the culinary areas, where you can sample delicious treats to get you in the mood for December 25th!
However you like to do your festive shopping, there’s nothing like getting stuck into retail therapy abroad and buying quirky local gifts for your loved ones. Happy bargain hunting!
