Here are the 5 best cities for Christmas shopping

The Christmas season is great: we decorate our house, light candles and bake cookies; The streets are sparkling, cinnamon smells everywhere, and we drink mulled wine at the Christmas markets. It is a time of contemplation where we enjoy relaxed moments.
But the Advent season is not always characterized by comfort for everyone. If you don’t finish your gift shopping on time, you will end up in a queue every year. You don’t have to worry about what to get your mom, sister or best friend. If you want to stay thoughtful, it’s best to start planning a month in advance, determine who you want to give something to, and think about what should happen.

With the shopping list, you can go shopping later. Of course, there are many shopping centers in this country. But a short city trip to one of these places brings diversity and an even wider range of gifts to November’s daily life.

Paris

Paris is romantic any time of the year. The Avenue des Champs-Élysées shines with Christmas splendor, the Eiffel Tower is like an oversized sparkler, Christmas markets can be found everywhere. But let’s get back to the main topic: Buying gifts in the city of love is definitely not a cheap job. Big luxury brands are at home here. Galeries Lafayette is the go-to place for big wallets, but those on a smaller budget can find inexpensive stores as well, as in the trendy Marais neighborhood. There are cute boutiques displaying extraordinary one-off items. Rue de Rivoli is full of affordable stores like Zara and H&M. The Westfield Forum des Halles shopping center is also worth a visit.

London

The heart of shopaholics in London beats faster. Because in no other city is the choice in every price segment as wide as in the British metropolis. Whether luxury or alternative – everyone will find something here. And that goes for Christmas gifts, too. Oxford Street is undoubtedly the most important address for shopping in London with its huge selection of brands such as Primark and Topshop, but designers such as Louis Vuitton are also talismans here. You can spend a lot of time in Harrods mall. If you’re looking for vintage stuff, Camden Market is the best place to go. During the Advent season, you should also give the Christmas markets a chance, where you can enjoy mulled wine while choosing handmade products.

Prague

Some may not have this city on their radar for Christmas shopping, but a trip to Prague during the Christmas season is definitely worth it. Because here you will find illuminated palaces and towers, winding streets with holiday decorations and various Christmas markets. It is much more enjoyable to shop for souvenirs in such an environment. Crystal and wooden toys are among the Czech capital’s classics, but you can also find a lot in fashion, books and music. There is good shopping around Wenceslas Square. If you’re looking for luxury designers, you’ll find these brands along Pariser Strasse.

Copenhagen

When you think of Christmas shopping, most people don’t immediately think of Copenhagen. But Denmark’s capital is definitely a shopper’s paradise – it’s also where you’ll find the longest and oldest shopping street in the world. Shops of all price segments can be found on Promenade Strøget; from luxury brands to larger department stores and affordable fashion chains. In the trendy Latinerkvarter district, individual boutiques with unusual gifts are lined up door to door. The Læderstræde or Østerbro district has romantic streets with small boutiques. But open your eyes and enjoy: the streets of Copenhagen are magnificently decorated. Things take a particularly magical turn at Tivoli, the city’s own amusement park, where Christmas lights illuminate the entire city.

Milan

There’s something going on in Milan all year – but the best time to explore Italy’s hottest city is after Christmas. Christmas in Milan officially begins on December 7, the day of the city’s patron saint, Sant’Ambrogio. For 500 years, the Milanese have been taking four days off to ring Christmas just right. The name of the market is «Oh Beige! O Beige! » In the Milanese dialect “How beautiful! How beautiful!” refers to the happy reactions of children when they see beautiful gifts.
Here you will find gifts for every budget: masterfully printed books, handmade toys, beautiful flower arrangements, crafts made of copper, brass and wood, and traditional necklaces made of smoked chestnut.

But aside from the Christmas market, Milan is a paradise for the trend-conscious: shoes, bags, delicacies and everything an Italian shopper heart desires. Galleria Vittorio Emanuele shopping gallery offers the perfect shopping experience for every design lover. But not only luxury awaits here! The city is full of Italian boutiques, shops and Christmas markets, where you can buy mulled wine as well as last-minute gifts.