The best markets in the world for your Christmas shopping

You don’t need to go to Europe to get into the Christmas spirit! There are markets all across Australia celebrating the festive season. A standout destination is Martin Place in Sydney, where a giant tree has been lit up alongside the Martin Place Christmas Markets. Expect stalls full of gifts, treats and delicious food. The markets take place every Thursday, Friday and Saturday in December until Christmas.

We all know that New York does Christmas well – all you need to do is watch Elf, Scrooged or Miracle On 34th Street. It also does a great festive market. Head to Union Square, where you’ll find a holiday market featuring more than 100 wooden huts selling handmade gifts, as well as delicious bratwurst and mulled wine.

Afterwards, make your way further uptown to check out the giant Christmas tree and ice-skating at Rockefeller Center, walk in a winter wonderland in Central Park and peruse window displays on Fifth Avenue.

Of course, it’s obligatory to line up for Santa at Macy’s and the city also comes alive with big production shows galore. On Christmas Day, don’t miss the world-famous Harlem Gospel Choir performing at Sony Hall.

There’s good reason why Tivoli Gardens are so renowned. This spectacular 181-year-old amusement park has incredible gardens in a kaleidoscope of colours, as well as quirky architecture and, of course, rides. And at Christmas, Tivoli is at its most spectacular.

Decorations and lights add to the festive spirit, fairy lights are strewn on the trees and there’s an ice-skating rink. Tivoli is where Walt Disney got his inspiration for Disneyland. Another fan? Danish author Hans Christian Andersen – his statue is just across the road looking longingly at Tivoli.

Be sure to visit the Lakrids licorice store, but be warned – you’ll want to take home a crate of the Salt & Caramel!

Europe is renowned for its array of festive markets and some of the best are along the Danube. Take the Vienna Christmas markets, for example – the Magic of Advent Market (aka the Viennese Dream Market) at Rathausplatz, in front of the City Hall, features more than 100 stalls lit up with festoon lights. You can wander while sipping on mulled wine and the kids can take part in cookie-making classes.

A visit here is part of Avalon Waterways’ nine-day Christmastime on the Danube with Prague extension cruise. You’ll also get to visit the Christmas markets of Passau and Nuremberg, and in Prague, you can enjoy the markets, as well as seeing the beautifully decorated tree in Old Town.

London really lights up in the holiday season. Expect dazzling displays of pretty lights, as well as Christmas bells and baubles in Covent Garden. The whole area, including the Piazza, Market Building, Neal’s Yard, Seven Dials and surrounding streets, is adorned in Yuletide cheer. There are also mulled wine stations and festive-themed photo opportunities.

Another festive fave in the capital? A drink at Claridge’s. Every year, this iconic London hotel receives a Christmas makeover from a world-famous designer.

Fancy seeing some of the best Christmas markets from a luxury barge? You can on European Waterways’ 12-person Panache on the Marne-Rhine Canal.

A highlight is visiting Strasbourg’s Christkindelsmärik, where you can fossick through 300 stalls housed in wooden chalets, gaze at the giant tree and take in the aromas of chestnuts roasting. There’s also a visit to the Musée du Chocolat, where seasonal sweet treats are made. Add to this the market of Haguenau, known for its 15m-long nativity scene.

Back onboard the barge, a warming seasonal tipple and four-course dinner awaits. Delish!