It's that time of year again, when the mind drifts to thoughts of cosy nights around the fire, Christmas crackers and turkey with cranberry sauce.

Europe has a rich history of Christmas markets, all selling the traditional foods and crafts of the region along with the usual fare, from decorations and jewellery to mulled wine and gingerbread. Here are the best for getting ready for the celebrations - get your food, drink and presents sorted in the most gorgeous of settings.

GERMANY
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Berlin Nov 26- Dec 31: As befits the modern feel of Germany's thriving capital, the Christmas markets are more contemporary in look, feel and wares that those in the older cities around Germany. The most popular market, with around four million visitors a year, is at Wilhelm Gedächtniskirche.

Strasbourg's Christmas market

Its market, France's biggest, may be a bauble too far, but Strasbourg is still a festive treat, says Anthony Peregrine

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* Inghams is offering short breaks by air or Eurostar from £329 including two nights' four-star accommodation

Munich Nov 27 - Dec 24: Famous for its Oktoberfest but also for the seasonal market on its town sqare, the Marienplatz. Sample the fare and be sure to check out the local artisan products, including hand-crafted wooden nativity figures.

* Lastminute.com has four-star breaks starting at £124

Nuremberg Nov 28 - Dec 24: Nuremberg is the biggest and perhaps the best in Germany. It is a perfect tinselly treat. Gingerbread is a speciality of the region, so get your finest Hansel and Gretel garb on and feast on that and the speciality sausage - Nuremberger bratwursts.

* Leger Holidays is offering four days in Nuremberg including flights, accommodation and sightseeing from £299

Trier Nov 24 - Dec 22: Claiming to be Germany's oldest city with yet another historic Christmas market, this former Roman settlement on the Moselle ticks all then right boxes for a shopping break. It's not as big as those in the bigger cities but Trier boasts an impressive cathedral and Roman tower as well as an excellent selection of shops.

* Travelsphere has a four day tour from £189pp by coach, including 3 nights' accommodation and a stop in Luxembourg

Cologne Nov 28 - Dec 23: There are six Christmas markets in Cologne, the largest taking place at Neumarkt, with smaller ones including a medieval affair near the Lindt chocolate museum and one that takes place on a boat on the Rhine.

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