Graz is well worth a visit over the festive period(Image: Getty Images)

Europe's 'underrated' city with six Christmas markets is just like Vienna - without the crowds

The city has a stunning medieval old town and is packed with baroque palaces

by · The Mirror

From Christmas shopping and wrapping presents to buying and preparing the turkey, the build-up to December 25 is often a busy time for many households. But with weeks still to go before the big day, there's still time to relax and enjoy visiting your local Christmas markets.

But while the UK is home to a wide range of markets, every year, millions of Brits flock to Europe to soak up the cosy charm of their Christmas markets, complete with towering trees, glittering handmade decorations... and, naturally, beer.

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

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.

As per the Austrian National Tourist Office, the festive charm kicks off with Graz's stellar Advent Market, hosted right in front of the imposing City Hall at Hauptplaz, running from November 18 through to Christmas Eve. Visitors get to bask in a quaint pop-up village brimming with stalls that dish out time-honoured crafts and scrumptious goodies.

Graz's yuletide speciality "Feuerzangenbowle", a fiery mix of wine and rum, promises to be a hit, while a vintage carousel offers giggles galore for the kids.

Graz is home to several Christmas markets( Image: Getty Images)

For those eager to soak up some history with their holiday spirit, Graz's oldest yule market awaits outside the Franciscan church in Old Town, and it's a tradition stretching from November 18 to December 24. This is the place to gaze at rural delights, revel in Punsch and traditional Austrian Gluhwein akin to mulled wine and indulge in some serious soul-soothing.

At the gateway to the church, little ones can marvel at living sheep in the nativity spectacle, whirl around on a carousel, and lust over toys.

The enchanting Glockenspiel square in Graz hosts a third Christmas market, adored by visitors. The market, running from November 18 to December 24, showcases a variety of arts and crafts, with local direct marketers and caterers offering Styrian delicacies.

A plethora of handicraft demonstrations invite people of all ages to join in.

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

The first of Graz's wonderful Christmas fayres is the Advent Market in front of the City Hall, Hauptplaz( Image: Getty Images)

For a breathtaking visual spectacle, Graz offers an Ice Nativity in the Landhaushof Courtyard in Herrengasse. This unique nativity scene, carved from 50 tons of crystal-clear ice and illuminated by LED lights, has been displayed annually since 1996 in the beautiful renaissance yard of Landhaushof.

The courtyard scene is open to the public from November 25 to January 6.

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