Dial up the cheer, because it’s the most wonderful time of the year! And when your hands long to be snuggled up in mittens and you’re fit to burst into carolling sing-song at the drop of Santa’s hat, there’s only one thing for it: a festive getaway.

So, get a load of these sparkling seven Christmas markets, which you can enjoy on a Jet2CityBreak! We’ve made a list of all the best places to coming to town – and yes, we checked it twice.

Here you have them: our four fabulous special destinations, which we only fly to during this season, plus the three thrilling classics that are at their most miraculous come yuletide. See and explore them yourself…

THE SPECIALS

Berlin

Top market: Bright-and-bold Berlin thrives in winter, where joy buzzes from frost-nipped faces that fill many a -platz. But over at the mighty Charlottenburg Palace, heated tents and stalls entice as an orchestra plays in the show of the commanding building.

Top bite: It wouldn’t be a Berlin break without a Currywurst! So piping-hot that your fingers feel warm through the bread it’s served in, this pork sausage is slathered with curried ketchup and pretty scrumptious.

Top souvenir: The city’s famous for its quirky Buddy Bears, which are life-sized, animal-shaped statues adorned in artsy paintwork. Don’t head home without a miniature version clad in Christmassy colourways.

Top tip: Creaking with culture, this cosmopolitan capital isn’t just a place for Christmas shoppers, but it’s a haven for history hunters too. The top spot? Well, the Reichstag, of course! Book a slot and get set for epic photo opps.

Copenhagen

Top market: The Danish capital, Copenhagen, is about as close to a fairytale setting as you can get. And that’s especially obvious at Nyhavn, where glittering lights line the stalls peppered along the pastel-popping waterfront.

Top bite: Forget the food – think drink when you’re here. You can’t beat a steaming glass of spiced gløgg, which is the helping of wholesome hygge that you deserve this season.

Top souvenir: Nothing spells merriment like unwrapping a box of the finest local marzipan, but we reckon there’s another must-purchase export in Denmark – a Hans Christian Andersen novel. Let your imagination run wild!

Top tip: Don’t pass up an opportunity to snap shots of all the Instagram-worthy landmarks in the city. Our favourite? The Little Mermaid statue, which is made from bronze and sits by the harbour.

Cologne

Top market: Follow the spikes of the imposing spires dominating the skyline and Cologne Cathedral Christmas Market will enchant you. A huge tree twinkles in the middle but it’s the artisanal wooden treasures that steal the handcrafted show.

Top bite: Thanks to the Chocolate Museum, we can safely say what comes up chomps in Cologne is the cocoa-based bliss. Take a tour then make the gift shop your taste buds’ top priority.

Top souvenir: That sweet smell luring you towards Germany this Christmas isn’t just eau de sugar on sale at the markets, it’s actual cologne. The clue’s in the name, so hunt down this season’s scent.

Top tip: Save an afternoon to learn about the traditional gnomes and what they symbolise at Old Town Market, before a good old-fashioned glide around the ice rink.

Vienna

Top market: Christmas Village on Maria Theresien Square is wood-clad and wonderfully whimsical, sandwiched between the Museum of Natural History and the Museum of Art. It’s all lit up in the most classically charming way.

Top bite: It wouldn’t be right to visit Vienna and not order a wedge of rich sachertorte. It’s a chocolate sponge filled with a thin layer of apricot jam and often plated with a dollop of whipped cream on the side. Naughty but nice.

Top souvenir: Mozart Balls AKA Mozartkugel are an edible souvenir well worth the space they’ll occupy in your hand luggage – if they last that long! The layered filling of pistachio, marzipan and nougat is encased in a hard chocolate coating.

Top tip: Getting from A to B is at its most magical when you ditch typical public transport in favour of hopping in a horse-drawn carriage. You’ll feel as Christmassy as a Dickens novel as you canter around the ornate streets.

THE CLASSICS

Prague

Top market: A terracotta-topped landscape crowned by the Astronomical Clock is Prague’s Old Town to a T – and that’s where you’ll find its most outstanding markets. Join in with the choir, order street food and browse the baubles.

Top bite: Roasted pork mopped up with doorstop-wedges of freshly baked bread is the essence of Czech must-try bites. But local pints of refreshing pilsner confirm that this capital has a licence to spill.

Top souvenir: Where better to buy an ornament with memories attached? If you’re away before you’ve put up your tree decs, you should consider an angel made of bohemian glass to hang when you’re home.

Top tip: Don’t resist the urge to sightsee – you might find that major marvels like Prague Castle are a touch less bustling while tourists are moseying around the markets. So go on – put your adventurer’s cap on!

Budapest

Top market: Bountiful Budapest might be impressive for ice skating but Vörösmarty Square Christmas Market is a shining example of nailed-it nativities. The giant fir tree is bound to steal your gaze too.

Top bite: Chowing down on chimney cake will be one of the smartest decisions you make in the Hungarian capital. The sweet, rolled dough is often simply sprinkled with cinnamon sugar for a festive flavour.

Top souvenir: Like to keep them on their toes when they’re opening their stockings? Budapest is renowned for its paprika, so you know what you’re sourcing for those budding chefs…

Top tip: Nothing warms the cockles and rests weary legs like a soothing dunk in hot springs. Head to one of the famous bathhouses for a soak in thermal waters with the grandest backdrop.

Krakow

Top market: Rynek Główny is the Polish city’s posterchild landmark, so it naturally hosts its own knockout Christmas market. As snowflakes flit to the floor, frosted gingerbread and delicate gifts and jewellery will draw you into Krakow’s captivating inner circle.

Top bite: If you aren’t into churros but can’t deny an homage to fromage, then prepare for grins as cheesy as the local dairy you can try! Filled dumplings known as pierogi are savoury essentials too.

Top souvenir: Call it a giveaway but Cloth Hall’s the place to be if you’re after knitwear. There are plenty of hand-stitched garments to purchase and keep you cosy on your jollies.

Top tip: Up for a day trip and a piste of the action? Once you’ve boxed off Krakow’s central seasonal scenes, it starts resembling snow globes if you venture out of the city to Zakopane, the ski resort.