Plan ahead if you fancy checking out the best of what Europe's Christmas markets offer

One thing you will need to plan in advance is a trip to a Christmas market, particularly if you're heading out of the UK.

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Visiting one of Europe's long-established Christmas markets can really commence your festive season, as you stroll the streets with a mulled wine, snack on gingerbread and kick off your shopping.

Some of the best include:

Dresden, Germany, November 26-December 24

If you like Christmas markets with a side of tradition then Desden's Striezelmarkt should be right up there. Dating back to 1434, it's Germany's oldest, and takes place each year in Altmarkt square in the heart of the city.

With 240 stands, it's also home to the largest Erzgebirge Christmas pyramid in the world, a traditional wooden structure over 14 metres tall, displaying hand-carved figures and scenes. And don't leave without trying the stollen.