MARKET RESEARCH

Europe does Christmas festivities like no place else. Here's LAUREN TAYLOR'S pick of the best

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EVERY year it seems to be December before you know it, with reminders of Christmas everywhere.

To get into the spirit early, visiting one of Europe's long-established Christmas markets can really kick off your festive season.

Try these winter wonderlands in late November and throughout December.

DRESDEN, GERMANY

November 26-December 24

In eastern Germany, close to the Czech border, is the city of Dresden - known for sights such as the Baroque Zwinger Palace, the gothic church Frauenkirche and the Semperoper opera house.

If you like Christmas markets with a side of tradition. Dresden'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 home to the largest Erzgebirge Christmas pyramid in the world, a traditional wooden structure over 45ft tall, displaying hand-carved figures and scenes. And don't leave without trying the stollen.

Close by is another gem, Dresden's Medieval Christmas Market at Stallhof - one of the only originally preserved jousting sites in the world, complete with knights as well as festive and craft stalls.

■Where to stay: a&o Hotel Dresden Hauptbahnhof, with its rooftop terrace and views of the old town, has a twin room from £26 per person (based on two sharing). aohostels.com

ARRAS, HAUTS-DE-FRANCE

November 28-December 30