As Christmas is literally around the corner, many European cities are preparing for the festivities by opening their Christmas markets. Historically part of the advent in Germany and Austria, it has now become part of the Christmas celebration in several cities around the world. While there are several Christmas markets around the world, the most exciting ones can be found in Vienna, Budapest, Berlin and Prague.

For the uninitiated, a Christmas market consists of several booths and stalls in the town square or other pedestrian zones selling food, drink and gifts. The food on sale includes sweets like ‘Gebrannte Mandeln' (candied, toasted almonds), gingerbread cookies and ‘Christstollen' or ‘Stollen' (a bread-like cake with pieces of candied fruit inside), while mulled wine (with or without a shot of brandy) and ‘Eierpunsch' (egg nog) are consumed to keep warm in the cold winter air.

In Vienna, the biggest Christmas market, Rathausplatz, is held in the square infront of the City Hall. Surrounded by the elaborately decorated trees in the park, it truly gives patrons the feel of a winter wonderland and offers several locations suitable for a souvenir photo. For most Viennese, Christmas Markets are not so much for shopping as for drinking, so it is a perfect opportunity to mix with the locals while sampling some of the local delicacies and mulled wine.

In Budapest the biggest Christmas market is held in Vorosmarty Square, where great emphasis is put on the quality of the handmade gifts on sale, being inspected by the Association of Hungarian Folk Artists. In addition, the quality of the entertainment has made it a truly exceptional Christmas market. This year it will be host to over 150 stage shows, including puppet theatre, folk dancing and folk music. Visitors can also make their own seasonal decorations in the heated marquee.

Berlin is host to over 50 Christmas markets, with the Gendarmenmarkt, held near the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church, being the most popular. Held in one of the most beautiful squares in Europe it is visited by over 4 million people every year. Berlin has a reputation for being home to young German artists, which means that in addition to traditional gifts and Christmas decorations, the fair offers unique jewellery, decorations, and artwork made by some of the most innovative artists around. The square is also surrounded by some of Berlin's most famous department stores, making it an excellent place to do some Christmas shopping.

In Prague the two main Christmas Markets are held at the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square. Here, visitors can sample local delicacies like corn on the cob and sausages, while local and international choirs and musical ensembles entertain them as they browse the market stalls. The goods on sale include Czech glass, scented candles, wooden toys, ceramic mugs and Christmas tree ornaments. The square also includes a Christmas tree shipped from the Sumava mountains in the South of the Czech Republic to make for a truly spectacular view against the gothic skyline.

So if you're looking to do some shopping while sampling some scrumptious festive food, a European city break to a Christmas market is the perfect way to enjoy the seasonal atmosphere of a continental Christmas.
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Adam Singleton is an online, freelance journalist and keen gardener. He lives in Scotland with his two dogs.