FUEL UP FOR YULE IN BERLIN

With almost 100 Christmas markets, Germany's capital is the place to awaken the festive spirit. Grab a glühwein and let OK! be your guide

- LARA KILNER

Treat yourself to a visit to Germany’s capital to immerse yourself in a generous sprinkling of festive spirit. Berlin has nigh on 100 Christmas markets to explore – yes, all in one city – with something for all tastes, from traditional to eco-friendly and Bavarian to Scandi. There are even Japanese-themed markets to explore. Get your holiday shopping done, see the sights and grab yourself a glühwein, with our pick of the top choices for a December weekend in this glorious snow-covered (here’s hoping!) city.

WEIHNACHTSZAUBER
Where: Bebelplatz
When: 27 November to 31 December

If you only do one Christmas market, you’d be hard pushed to make a better choice than this one. One of the city’s most popular, it is located in the central Mitte district, where it attracts a whopping 600,000 visitors each year. Set in a courtyard with the stunning backdrop of the State Opera House and Hotel de Rome, there are pop-up gourmet restaurants to enjoy (booking advised). Browse stalls selling everything from Neuburger rahmbrot (an Austrian open toasted sandwich with melted cheese – what’s not to love?) to fluffy shredded pancakes called kaiserschmarren, or emperor’s mess. There are performances from acrobats, dancers and singers, and arts and crafts stalls featuring glass-blowers, goldsmiths and candle makers. It all comes to a banging end on New Year’s Eve with DJ performances and a massive fireworks display.

LUCIA CHRISTMAS MARKET
Where: Kulturbrauerei
When: 27 November to 22 December