Christmas markets are the perfect way to kick off the festive season and combined with travel it makes everything that little bit more magical!

Booking.com, the global leader in connecting travellers with the widest choice of incredible places to stay has selected the best Christmas markets around the world according to thousands of traveller endorsements.

Prague Christmas Markets (20th November - 3rd January)

Prague is a magical destination all year round but at Christmas it is truly in its element! Set in the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square, visitors will be spoilt for choice when it comes to winter wonderland stalls, mouth-watering food and traditional handicrafts.  

Stay nearby at the historical Residence Agnes a four-star boutique hotel just 650 yards from the beautiful Old Town Square 

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Christmas City, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, US (21st November - 21st December)

For the ultimate Christmas experience head to Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. These Christmas markets attract over a million people each year who want to browse the adorable festive wooden huts selling delicious food, mulled wine and unique gift ideas.  

The Historic Hotel Bethlehem opened in 1922 features a unique ballroom decorated with murals showing the history of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, and is a great base to explore the area and indulge in some festive shopping.

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Tivoli Christmas market, Copenhagen (15th November - 3rd January)

‘Hygge’ is the Danish ritual of enjoying life’s simple pleasures, Tivoli Christmas Markets are the perfect place to get in the festive spirit. Immerse yourself amongst the delicious smells of traditional glögg and æbleskiver and relax in the cosy atmosphere. Visitors can browse over 50 Christmas stalls and enjoy the incredible illuminations which light up Tivoli Lake. And don’t forget to keep an eye out for the reindeer! 

Located in Copenhagen’s famous Tivoli Gardens, the Nimb Hotel is a stylish boutique hotel set in an impressive Moorish-style building which boasts beautiful views of Tivoli Park. The Nimb Brasserie serves seasonal Scandinavian and French cuisine and afterwards guests can get snug by the log fire in the bar.

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Christkindlesmarkt, Nuremberg, Germany (29th November - 24th December 2016)

The world’s oldest Christmas Market dates back to the 16th century. Come prepared to be enticed by the smells of mulled wine, roasted almonds and gingerbread in the air and soak up the atmosphere at this beautiful medieval Christmas city with more than 180 market stands. Take your pick from traditional Christmas ornaments including the local gold-foil angel, “Zwetschgenmännle” made of prunes. 

This four-star Hotel Drei Raben offers unique themed rooms which tell mythical stories about Nuremberg. Located just a three minute walk from the Lorenzkirche church and a five minute walk from the central railway station, it is conveniently located to explore the area.

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WinterFest Christmas markets, Hong Kong (29th November to 1st January)

Stay at: The Peninsula Hong Kong, a five star hotel with an old world charm on the edge of Victoria Harbour.

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Christmas Market, Bath, UK (24th November - 11th December)

Stay at: Hill House dates back to 1760 and is within easy access to the major sights.

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Vancouver Christmas market, Vancouver, Canada  (21 Nov to 24 Dec)

Stay at: Rosewood Hotel Georgia is within five minutes of the Robson Street Shopping District.

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Cologne Christmas markets, Cologne, Germany (23 Nov to 23 Dec)

Stay at: DASKöln a 10-minute walk from the Cologne Cathedral

Can you add a Christmas market to this list?