Traveller’s Diary: 4 mesmerising Christmas markets to visit this year

ET Panache Travel offers you events in Luxury, Entertainment, Food, Sports, Music and Nightlife to experience around the world.

Christmas market in Vienna
When: Ongoing until January 6, 2019
Where: Vienna, Austria

Even if the festive glamour doesn't lure you, its hard not to love Vienna during Christmas. At major squares in the city, there is no escaping the well- decorated market stalls and an array of culinary delights. Located near the Museum of Natural History, the Christmas Village Maria-Theresien Platz sits amidst the stately Viennese buildings. From 27th till 31st December the place transforms into a New Years Eve Village. In the centre sits the huge Maria Theresa Monument among several stands which offer art work. If Schonbrunn Palace is on your sightseeing list, an afternoon visit during a weekday is perfect to enjoy the festive spirit. The palace is gorgeous and also scores high on live music. Watch out for the Austrian traditional crafts and the Christmas gifts here. Food connoisseurs can try the 
'Bauerngröstl’ (hearty type of hash) and cheese raclette to sweet Kaiserschmarren.

Christmas market of Berlin
When: Ongoing until December 30th, 2018
Where: Berlin, Germany
Alexanderplatz, often referred to as the central point of Berlin, has three Christmas markets within walking-distance of the station. On the square of Alexanderplatz itself you can enjoy some music, stalls and food. Walk about 400 meters in the direction of the Fernsehturm and you will find another Christmas market in front of the Roten Rathaus. The market is called Berliner Weihnachtszeit and the massive Ferris wheel (about 50 meters high) is its iconic feature. Beside the Ferris wheel lies a small farm with some animal figurines which the children can ride and feed.The Berliner Weihnachtszeit at Roten Rathaus is one of the most famous and also oldest Christmas markets in Berlin and attracts many visitors throughout the winter. The different stalls at this market are decorated in the style of the early 1900s, which gives the market a very unique and special look. In addition to the gigantic Ferris wheel and the unique stalls, the Berliner Weihnachtszeit also offers a large ice skating-ring. With a total area of 600 square meter, this is the largest of its kind in Berlin during Christmas.

Christmas markets of Prague
When: Ongoing (November 20, 2018 - January 6, 2019)
Where: Prague, Czech Republic
Visitors come from all over to experience the Christmas markets (vanocni trhy) in Prague. Some unique products that are available at the markets are Christmas ornaments and holiday decorations, traditional Czech Christmas cookies, tablecloths, Frankincense or the Czech Christmas potpourri called purpura. The Old Town Square Christmas market is the prettiest and busiest one in Prague. Little stalls are nestled around the Jan Hus statue and surrounded by centuries old Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture. The market is dominated by a Christmas tree, which is adorned with hundreds of lights and is lit every evening at dusk, usually around 5 pm. A stage is erected every year where Christmas concerts and short plays are performed in the open air. Apart from this one, there are a number of smaller markets scattered around town. Furthermore, you can taste some traditional Czech food, freshly whipped right in front of you. Czech Christmas carols add to the festive atmosphere. After dark as the lights go up, the markets are rendered even more beautiful.

Christmas celebrations in Singapore
When: All month long (December 2018)
Where: Singapore
At Orchard Road, Singapore you are sure to be left dazzled with all the Christmas fanfare. Apart from being well-lit as per the festive theme the famous zone on Orchard Road transforms every Christmas into a dazzling winter wonderland. Ring in the jolly season with pop up stores, extravagant lighting and decor, a bunch of activities and some captivating installations; the possibilities being endless. If youfre into independent, localdesigned or handmade goodies, the Public Garden Christmas Market is for you. It is one of the best markets for picking up unique gifts. You will find stalls that showcase everything from fashion to homewares and quirky gift items for children. Those ecoconscious souls can head to the Beach Road for a Green Christmas Popup that showcases local crafts, sustainability projects, all while tucking into authentic Swedish cuisine. After all the shopping has you tired, enjoy a scrumptious meal of Turkey flavoured with oriental spices.