Dreaming of Christmas markets in Europe, but don't have weeks to plan every stop? This book is a focused guide to Christmas lights, markets and long winter nights in 10 hand-picked cities, plus a festive bonus chapter in Greece.

Inside, you'll find clear, practical chapters on:

London - Lights, Markets & Long Nights Vienna - Imperial Squares & Spiced Punch Prague - Gothic Spires & Glühwein Steam Budapest - Basilica Lights & Herbal Heat Essen - Germany's Voted "Best Christmas Market" Strasbourg & Colmar - Alsace, the "Capital of Christmas" Brussels & Bruges - Grand-Place Glow & Canal Reflections Kraków - Old-World Market Around the Cloth Hall Zagreb - Advent in a Chain of Squares Tallinn - Medieval Fairy-Tale in the Snow

with a Bonus chapter: Trikala, Greece - "Ο Μύλος των Ξωτικών" (The Mill of the Elves).

Each chapter stays tightly focused on where to go, when to go, and what to expect if you are planning a short winter break or a long weekend built around Christmas markets and lights.

You'll find:

• The main Christmas markets and festive areas in each city, with what makes them special.
• Simple ways to link markets and streets into evening walks, so you see decorations, squares and views without backtracking.
• A sense of the atmosphere: busy or relaxed, more local or more touristy, and which times of day usually feel best.
• Typical prices and comfort tips: hot drinks, snacks, souvenirs, how cold it can feel, and where you can warm up nearby.
• Transport and access basics - metro, tram, bus or parking - to help you get close to the action efficiently.

Because Christmas markets and events change from year to year, every chapter includes a short list of official links you can trust: city or regional tourism sites, public transport, and the organisers of the main markets or parks. You get the structure and explanations here, and then you can quickly confirm current season dates, opening hours and updates directly from the official sources.

The bonus chapter on Trikala introduces "Ο Μύλος των Ξωτικών" (The Mill of the Elves), one of Greece's most charming seasonal attractions, with practical advice on how it works, what families can expect, and how to fit it into a wider Christmas or New Year trip.

This guide is for travellers who want to:

• Build a realistic Christmas itinerary around markets, lights and evening walks.
• Compare different cities and choose the ones that fit their style, budget and time.
• Rely on concise, organised information and official links, instead of endless random blog posts and conflicting opinions.

If your ideal winter escape is hot chocolate or mulled wine under glowing facades, festive music in historic squares and nights spent strolling from one illuminated market to the next, this book gives you a clear roadmap through ten European Christmas cities - plus one magical Greek bonus stop.