Europe is packed with beautiful Christmas markets but if you only add one city to the bucket list, Berlin is up there as the must-visit.

I decided to put its reputation to the test as the European holiday hotspot, just a two-hour flight away from the UK, was the perfect last-minute weekend break for a Christmassy vacation. It didn't disappoint.

During my three-night stay, I was able to explore numerous Christmas markets, including the gorgeous WeihnachtsZauber Gendarmenmarkt (running till December 31). Here, for as little as two euros, I gained access to one of the Capital's most beautiful squares.

Surrounded by stunning architecture - of the German and French Cathedrals, as well as the magnificent Konzerthaus (concert hall) - the Gendarmenmarkt encapsulated a buzzy and festive atmosphere, especially when I caught sight of magical characters prancing around the stalls.

When perusing the sparkly white tents, I saw artisan crafts, such as woolly hats, decorative ornaments, and exquisite handmade jewellery; but, me being me, I fell in love with a simple stick drawing of a couple holding hands in Berlin - and I bought it.

While getting my fix of Christmas shopping, performers sang and danced on the stage in front of the grand concert hall, which just added to the merry mood.

Then there was the mulled wine, of course, with the option for a vodka-infused glühwein - although, I stayed with the classic spiced red vino.

Served in a festive embellished mug, which you could take home, mine is now sitting pretty in the kitchen cupboard as a reminder of my time at the WeihnachtsZauber Gendarmenmarkt.

Elsewhere in the rather brutalist city of Berlin, twinkly stars danced across the reconstructed Berlin City Palace, which houses the Humboldt Forum - a museum dedicated to history, art and culture (which is well worth a visit!).

Inside the museum, there's an interactive exhibition called Berlin Global, which invites visitors to answer thought-provoking questions around the themes of freedom, boundaries, connection, and revolution.

If you engage with the process, a wristband (given at the start of the exhibition) will track your given answers and tell you what you value most in life (I'll keep mine a secret).

Just outside in the courtyard of the palace there's more Christmas huts where I treated myself to a lovely hot chocolate with whipped cream and a delicious chocolate-filled crepe bulked out with yummy banana slices.

With this Christmas market open until December 31, there's plenty to see, gifts to buy, and culture to soak up in the complex city of Berlin.

Additional Christmas markets worth seeing include: Lucia Christmas Market at Kulturbrauerei (runs till December 22); the Christmas market outside the Prussian Charlottenburg Palace (opened till December 28); and Christmas market on Breitscheidplatz, which is ongoing till January 4.

easyJet holidays offers three nights at the five-star Hilton Berlin on a room-only basis for £236 per person, including flights from Southend on February 6, 2026. Find out more and book on easyjet.com/holidays.