Christmas Markets

The tradition of Christmas markets began in German and Austria, but nowadays cities in many other countries in Europe -- from Spain to Scandinavia, England to Eastern Europe -- also stage these markets, often in a charming setting.

The ambiance is picture-perfect: twinkling lights, the smell of gingerbread and roasted chestnuts, Christmas music playing...

Christmas markets make great outings with kids, and the shopping ops are huge of course, especially for items such as traditional foods and hand-made toys.

Our Guide for UK Travel has rounded up Christmas Markets All Over Europe, in the latest "blog carnival" in our Travel Channel.

*Photo: Bernhard Lang/Getty Images.

More Holiday Season festivities: Christmas trains, holiday lights, Christmas windows...

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