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

Enjoy searching for unique Christmas gifts, indulge in mouth-watering local food stalls and sing along with carol singers whilst soaking up the surrounding culture and twinkling lights.

Booking.com, the global leader in connecting travellers with the widest choice of incredible places to stay, invites travellers to feel festive at a selection of the best Christmas markets around the world according to thousands of traveller endorsements.

Prague Christmas Markets (20^th November – 3^rd January)

Prague is a magical destination all year round but at Christmas it is truly in its element! The perfect destination for those seeking history, architecture and culture – as well as a spot of Christmas shopping. 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. The top international nationalities that booked Prague stays last year during this time were Germany, Italy and UK.

The historical Residence Agnes is a four-star boutique hotel which boasts a fantastic central location, just 650 yards from the beautiful Old Town Square – the perfect base for a spot of Christmas shopping! Guests can browse the selection of first class restaurants within walking distance as well as indulge in the hotels delicious buffet breakfast – ideal for fuelling up ahead of a day strolling the streets.

Residence Agnes – http://www.booking.com/hotel/cz/residence-agnes.en-gb.html

Christmas City, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, US (21^st November – 21^st 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 top nationalities (after the USA) that were booking on these dates last year were China, Taiwan and Italy.

The Historic Hotel Bethlehem has been standing since 1922 and features a unique ballroom decorated with murals showing the history of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. The hotel is full of character, offering elegant rooms and a beautifully designed restaurant serving fine cuisine. This is a great base to explore the area and indulge in some festive shopping.

Historic Hotel Bethlehem –  http://www.booking.com/hotel/us/historic-bethlehem.en-gb.html

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

Home to the concept of ‘Hygge’ – 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! UK, Swedish and Italians were the top nationalities booking this destination during this time last year (after the Danish).

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. Guests can relax after a busy day at the Christmas markets in their cosy rooms with four poster beds, fireplace and free standing bathtub. The Nimb Brasserie serves seasonal Scandinavian and French cuisine and afterwards guests can get snug by the log fire in the bar.

Nimb Hotel – http://www.booking.com/hotel/dk/nimb.en-gb.html

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

The glittering skyscrapers of Hong Kong make for the perfect back drop to this magical winter wonderland. There are several markets to choose from – North Statue Square being the largest and if you fancy some fake snow as well as festive shopping and delicious food, try Hong Kong Disneyland – not just for kids! The top nationalities that booked during these dates were China, Singapore and Thailand.

 If you’re seeking something a little more luxurious for your Christmas getaway, look no further than the Peninsula Hong Kong, a five star hotel with an old world charm on the edge of Victoria Harbour. Guests can relax in the roman-style indoor pool in the day and take in the breath taking views at the rooftop restaurant by night. It’s the perfect location for travellers wanting to explore the Christmas Markets – and Victoria Harbour is close by with majestic views, especially at night when the lights of Hong Kong illuminate the water.

The Peninsula Hong Kong – http://www.booking.com/hotel/hk/the-peninsula-hong-kong.en-gb.html

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

The world’s oldest Christmas Market, dating back to the 16^th Century is definitely one to visit. Be 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 was popular with those from Austria, UK and Italy last year who booked a visit during these dates.

This four-star design and theme hotel offers either imaginatively designed, stylish rooms or 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.

Hotel Drei Raben – http://www.booking.com/hotel/de/hoteldreiraben.en-gb.html

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

The UK’s biggest Christmas markets are set in the beautiful historical city of Bath, boasting over 150 festive huts selling locally made food and handmade gifts. Visitors are in for a truly festive experience as these award winning markets transform the city centre into a magical Christmas shopper’s paradise. The top nationalities that booked a trip during these dates last year, after the UK were Australia, USA and China.

Located in the historic city of Bath, Hill House is set amongst Belvedere Terrace which dates back to 1760. Each individually decorated room is a beautiful retreat after a busy day exploring the Christmas markets. Guests can enjoy the communal aspect of the large breakfast table in the breakfast room, which was once the vintners shop. The house is located within a five minute walk of the Bath Assembly Rooms and the famous historical Roman Baths are less than a mile away.

Hill House – http://www.booking.com/hotel/gb/hill-house.en-gb.html

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

One of North America’s most authentic Christmas markets, you’ll find colourful décor, unique gifts, family entertainment, tasty food and an enchanting atmosphere. It’s a great place to take the kids with plenty of activities and Vancouver’s only Christmas carousel. After Canada, this was popular with USA, Australia and the UK last year who booked a trip here during this time.

Just across the road from the Vancouver Art Gallery, the Rosewood Hotel Georgia offers guests an indoor saltwater pool, gym and spa. Ideally located within five minutes of the Robson Street Shopping District, guests can come back and relax in the beautifully decorated rooms before tucking into some local delights at the Bel Café and sampling cocktails in the 1927 Prohibition bar.

Rosewood Hotel Georgia – http://www.booking.com/hotel/ca/rosewood-georgia.en-gb.html

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

Germany has so many Christmas markets to choose from – for when it comes to sizzling sausages, mulled wine, Gemütlichkeit (winter cheer) and gingerbread, they are the best places to be. Cologne cathedral is the stunning backstop to these Christmas markets giving them a gothic and fairy-tale quality. The top nationalities after Germany that booked a getaway here during this time last year were the Netherlands, Belgium and the UK.

Just a 10-minute walk from the Cologne Cathedral, Christmas markets and Main Train Station, this aparthotel offers modern-style accommodation with designer style furniture. Restaurants, cafés, and supermarkets are all within 350 yards of DASKöln and guests can enjoy exploring the city‘s nearby pedestrianised shopping area. The Cologne Opera House is a two-minute walk from the aparthotel and the Cologne Trade Fair is less than two miles away.

DASKöln – http://www.booking.com/hotel/de/daskapln.en-gb.html