It’s that magical time of the year when you’re dreaming of spending Christmas in a town that seems to have stepped out of the pages of a children’s storybook. The Christmas market has become a key part of Europe’s festive season. Both capital cities and smaller towns are joining the craze, with markets providing an opportunity for local craftsmen to sell their wares and for visitors to find unique gift inspiration.

Tallin, Estonia

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Nuremberg, Germany

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Valkenburg, Netherlands

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Riga, Latvia

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Leavenworth, Washington

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Rovaniemi, Lapland, Finland

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Bruges, Belgium

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Cologne, Germany

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Grindelwald, Switzerland

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