Christmas market mini-breaks in Europe

The Christmas countdown has begun, which means it's the perfect excuse for a mini-break to visit one of Europe's best Christmas markets and do some festive shopping.

With a plethora of wonderfully atmospheric markets across the continent, you can choose from big cities, mountains and even lakeside destinations for a magical Christmas shopping break.

Warm apple cider and mulled wine, fun ice skating and carol singing around the tree are some of the best ways to get you in the festive spirit on a Christmas market mini-break.

From the enchanting architecture in Cologne to the quaint and cobbled streets of Strasbourg, we've picked some of the best Christmas market mini-breaks for 2014...

Cologne, Germany (24 November - 23 December 2014)

Striking Cologne is a wonderful place to soak up the festive cheer in no time when you catch the Eurostar (just over four hours, via Brussels). Enjoy the currywurst, glühwein and pretzels on offer, while browsing the seven Christmas markets in this enchanting city, with the largest set against the backdrop of Cologne's magnificent gothic Cathedral and the tallest Christmas tree in the Rhineland. Eurostar offers return tickets from London to Cologne from £89.

colorful candlelights at strasbourg christmas market

Strasbourg, France (28 November - 31 December 2014)

Strasbourg boasts the oldest Christmas market in France dating back to the 1570s. It is also Europe's largest, with 300 chalets spread over 11 sites. In the 'capital of Christmas,' visitors can ramble through the city's narrow, historic streets and squares to discover Christmas concerts, shows, activities and exhibitions. At the Christmas market, you will find arts and crafts, food and typical Alsatian Christmas decorations. A trip to Strasbourg also offers the chance to take an atmospheric tour at night with the watchman or visit Strasbourg's impressive gothic cathedral for a Christmas service. Hilton Strasbourg offers stays for £212 per room per night.

Copenhagen, Denmark (15 November - 23 December 2014)

Denmark's picturesque capital city boasts one of Europe's most iconic Christmas markets at the world-famous Tivoli Gardens. The gardens provide a beautiful backdrop with colourful stores selling traditional handicrafts and festive food and drink such as apple dumplings and glogg, a warming Scandinavian mulled wine, as well as a spectacular light show over the beautiful Tivoli Lake. Visitors can also explore Christmas markets in the Nyhavn district along the banks of the famous Nyhavn canal as well as in Christiania, the city's bohemian district. WEXAS Travel offers a five-night stay at 71 Nyhavn from £485 per person, including return flights and a Christmas at Tivoli Garden Tour (valid from 14 November to 30 December 2014).

Innsbruck, Austria (15 November 2014 - 6 January 2015)

For a Christmas market break the kids will love, head for Innsbruck's family market, which has a petting zoo and big carousel. You can take the Hungerburg funicular to a unique Christmas market which boasts spectacular views of the snow-capped mountains and Innsbruck city while browsing the market stalls for a huge range of gifts and culinary delights. Inghams offers three-night Christmas market breaks in Innsbruck from £499 per person, including a stay at the four-star Hotel Mondschein, return flights from London and a day trip to Rattenberg and Kufstein.

Amsterdam, Holland (30 November - 21 December 2014)

At Christmas, all of Amsterdam's markets have a festive flavour. The Sunday Markets have become quite the institution with the Funky Sinterklaas Market (30 November) and the Funky Xmas Market (14 December). The Flower Market or floating Bloemenmarkt is the place to pick up your Christmas tree or smaller quirky plant goodies. The main Christmas market can be found at either end of the Leidsestraat with many festive stalls and alongside you can find the Christmas Palace – a unique emporium of merry gift and decoration ideas. You can reach Amsterdam by train in four hours and 40 minutes from London. Catch the Eurostar to Brussels and change onto a high speed Thalys service to Amsterdam. Fares start at £117 standard class return.

Are you taking a Christmas market trip to Europe this winter? Tell us what you have planned below.