Lucerne Christmas Market

Tucked into Franziskanerplatz in Lucerne's old town, the Lozärner Wiehnachtsmärt is now in its 18th year, and Time Out has named it one of Europe's ten most beautiful Christmas markets. About 70 stalls gather around the Franziskanerbrunnen fountain, which is crowned by an Advent wreath more than three metres across.

Between the stalls you'll find gifts and crafts, and plenty to eat and drink: mulled wine and punch, raclette, wood-fired bread and Nidlezältli, Lucerne's creamy caramel sweets. The market's collectable mug gets a new design every year, so many visitors keep one as a souvenir.

There's music most days on the stage by the fountain, with choirs, brass bands and ensembles, and concerts and services in the nearby churches. On 9 December an Advent story is told for children and grown-ups, and children's choirs perform during the season.

Getting there: walk from Lucerne station over the Kapellbrücke and along Bahnhofstrasse, or take the bus to Pilatusplatz, about 100 metres away. There are several car parks nearby.