Walkable European city with six Christmas markets is 'underrated' alternative to Vienna

With Christmas just around the corner, Europe once again beckons millions of Brits with its enchanting Christmas markets, towering trees, glittering handmade decorations and, naturally, beer.

But beyond the well-known Christmas markets of Munich, Cologne, Salzburg and Budapest, there's another European city that offers a captivating yuletide experience. Graz, Austria's second-largest city after Vienna, promises a unique Christmas atmosphere for those who venture there.

As the historic heart of the Stygia region, it boasts two world heritage sites; the old town, reputedly the largest medieval district in Europe, and Eggenberg Palace, reports MyLondon.

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According to the Austrian National Tourist Office, Graz's festive season kicks off with the Advent Market in front of City Hall, Hauptplaz, running from November 18 to December 24. This market features a charming array of stalls selling traditional crafts and tasty treats.

The local Christmas speciality is "Feuerzangenbowle", a fiery mix of wine and rum. A traditional carousel will keep the little ones amused.

Graz's oldest Christmas market is situated in the Old Town, outside the Franciscan church, and also runs from November 18 to December 24. Visitors can sample farm-produced delicacies, sip on Punsch and traditional Austrian Gluhwein - a type of mulled wine - for a cosy winter warmer.

At the church entrance, children can enjoy a nativity scene featuring real sheep, a carousel, and toys.

The Glockenspiel square in Graz hosts a third Christmas market, adored by visitors. It offers a variety of arts and crafts, with local direct marketers and caterers providing Styrian delicacies.

A plethora of handicraft demonstrations invite people of all ages to join in. The market is open from November 18 to December 24.

Mariahilferplatz transforms into WonderLEND for the fourth Christmas market, offering an alternative festive experience complete with a big wheel and curling rink. Visitors can peruse market stalls to the rhythm of Indie music, from November 18 to December 23.

For a visually stunning experience, Graz offers an Ice Nativity in the Landhaushof Courtyard in Herrengasse. This features life-sized figures illuminated in LED lights.

Since 1996, this unique nativity scene, carved from 50 tons of crystal-clear ice, has been displayed annually in the Landhaushof, a beautiful renaissance yard in Graz. The courtyard scene is accessible to the public from November 25 to January 6.

The Arts and Crafts Market on Farberplatz Square is the sixth Christmas market, running from November 24 to December 23. It showcases handmade goods crafted from materials such as cloth, clay, wood, metal, paper, wax, and glass.