From New York to Japan, the best Xmas Markets

If you can beat the snow, Christmas markets are ideal for some festive cheer. They’re usually in great holiday destinations and are both cheap and fun.

British currency firm ICE has rounded up the best places to go Christmas shopping as part of a guide to the holiday season:

Medieval Moodiness
Where: Tallinn Christmas Market, Estonia; until January 9
It may not be the longest running Christmas Market in Europe but Estonia's capital city Tallinn, has some very festive history. The beautiful Town Hall Square is said to be the site of the world's first Christmas tree circa 1441. This combined with a stunning backdrop of well preserved historic buildings (the Old Town is a Unesco World Heritage Site) and its medieval atmosphere, makes it a top choice to soak up some old Estonian Christmas charm.
This year there will be 64 wooden stalls selling curiosities such as felt hats, sea-grass animals and beautiful hand-sewn quilts plus tasty fresh grilled meats, cakes and the sweet but potent local brew, Vana Tallinn.

Ascend to the Alps
Where: Montreux Noël Christmas Market, Switzerland, to December 24
One of the most beautiful Christmas markets is situated on the shores of Lake Geneva and features 150 artisans and merchants in festively-decorated chalets. Glorious panoramic views of Lake Geneva and the Alps can be enjoyed from the Christmas village in the mountains, located in the village of Caux above Montreux.
Also not to be missed is the cog-wheel train ascent to visit Santa Claus in his house perched high above Montreux at an altitude of 2042 metres in Rochers de Naye where you will experience more awe-inspiring views both from the mountain station and along the spectacular ride to the top of the mountain.

Fun at the Fair
Where: Tivoli Christmas Market, Denmark, until December 29
Visitors to this market have the opportunity to combine a little excitement with their shopping as Copenhagen's annual Christmas Market takes place in Tivoli Gardens, Europe's oldest amusement park. Many of the park's famous rides are open for business during the Christmas season including the world's tallest swing carousel. For shopping, there are up to 60 brightly decorated stalls selling locally produced goods such as wooden pixies and Copenhagen porcelain.
It is almost essential to visit Tivoli after dark as it transforms into a winter wonderland with 10,000 metres of white lights illuminating the park.

Oriental Christmas
Where: Sapporo Christmas Market, Japan; until December 24
If you fancy something a little more exotic, head to Japan for the German Christmas Market in Sapporo. Initially established in 2002, the event was initiated to commemorate the 30th anniversary of sister-city affiliation between Sapporo and Munich. Sapporo's market really brings Christmas to Japan with a number of stalls selling gifts, decorations and foods.
At the same time the winter "Sapporo White Illumination" will be going on in Odori Park where the streets, trees and artistic objects are decorated with over 300,000 colourful lights, very Japanese and fascinating viewing.

Shopping State of Mind
Where: Holiday Market at Columbus Circle, New York City, USA; until December 24
If you're serious about shopping then of course you can't look past New York City. The European themed Holiday Market at Columbus Circle (SW entrance to Central Park) is packed full of merry red and white stalls selling all kinds of gifts from traditional decorations to organic jewellery.
While in the city you can also take advantage of the Christmas shopping season in the big department stores and enjoy their elaborately decorated windows.

Blue Peter in Budapest
Where: Visited by over 600 thousand people, the Christmas Market in Budapest's Vörösmarty Square is one of the city's highlights of the year. The market is considered to be one of the most entertaining with more than 150 shows of theatre, music and dances. Children are especially catered for with daily puppet theatre performances, a heated craft tent, a story telling Nativity and visits by Santa Claus.
Shopping is also fantastic with over 100 wooden pavilions offering special gifts and unique hand-crafted Hungarian objects approved by the Association of Hungarian Folk Artists.

Got Lille Time
Where: Lille Christmas Market, France; until December 30
Only 80 minutes from the UK is the Lille Christmas Market where a colourful scene full of lights and festive spirit awaits. The market is held in the centre of town in the Place Rihour which becomes packed-full with over 80 chalets selling everything from French delicacies, decorations, jewellery, gifts and toys.
Highlights include the huge Ferris wheel erected in the main square and Father Christmas dramatically descending from the chamber of Commerce's 80 metre-high Belfry on the 19th December to hand out sweets.
 

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