The best cities for Christmas shopping

From Selfridges to Liberty to Harrods, London is a shopper’s paradise. For trendy vintage gifts, head to Portobello Market, Covent Garden or Camden Market. As you stroll through the Camden Locks, you'll be spoiled for choice, surrounded by thousands of unique gift ideas. And if you still need more gifts, nearby Oxford Street, Regent Street and Carnaby Street will be sure to have what you’re looking for.

One of the UK’s most Christmassy cities, Edinburgh marks the festive season with shimmering fairy lights and one of the most authentic German-style Christmas markets outside of Germany. Add to this the ice rink, a Christmas tree maze, fairground rides and, against a backdrop of Edinburgh Castle, Santa Land in West Princes Street Gardens and it’s difficult to imagine anywhere better. Away from the Christmas market, head to Waverley Mall or Princes Street for high street stores, and George Street for designer boutiques. Meanwhile, nearby Rose Street and Thistle Street are great for impulse gift shopping in their eclectic, independent shops.

Home to some of the country’s very best retail spots, including the edgy and ultra-cool Northern Quarter, Manchester is a mecca for shoppers all year round. However, Christmastime is extra-special: not only are there more than 300 Christmas market stalls spread over multiple sites but the festive entertainment in the Cathedral Gardens – sleigh rides, traditional fairground attractions and, usually, an ice rink – is within an easy stroll of the Arndale Centre’s Grotto. Add to this the glamorous and creative window displays of the larger stores, such as Selfridges, and a Christmas trip to Manchester is the ideal way to keep the whole family happy.

Historic York knows how to make the most of Christmas. Warm up with some mulled wine while wandering between the Alpine-style chalets of the St Nicholas Christmas Fair before heading to the Shambles Market. Here, you’ll find independent traders selling everything from traditional Yorkshire handcrafts to quirky stocking-fillers you didn’t know you needed until the moment you saw them. The market also has its own food court where you can fuel up on a wide range of international street food. Alternatively, there’s the famous Bettys Café Tea Rooms, which also has a shop attached so you can take some of their tastiest treats home with you.

The Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market is a highlight of any seasonal shopping trip to the city. Located in Victoria Square and New Street, the market offers a tempting array of ornaments, toys and handcrafts as well as some classic German snacks and, of course, Glühwein. Carol singers and a carousel provide further entertainment but make sure you leave time to explore some of the city's shops. Bullring & Grand Central is Birmingham’s largest shopping complex, and it’s where you’ll find Selfridges as well as many familiar high street names. If Harvey Nichols is on your must-see list, head for the Mailbox or, if quirky, independent shops are more your thing, visit Digbeth in what was once the city's industrial centre.

Glitter, glamour and Christmas magic. New York City is the place for Christmas shopping, with the likes of Macy's and Bloomingdale's promising lots of attractive gift ideas and discounts. If you’re looking for gifts for kids, there’s also the iconic FAO Schwarz, the oldest toy store in the US. You can also buy unique gifts for the festivities from the fancy shops, boutiques and designer stores in the district of SoHo or in the East Village neighbourhood.

Where better to do your Christmas shopping than in the city of love and fashion? In Paris, you can shop in the most romantic district, Le Marais. The area consists of many narrow streets where you will find trendy, independent shops. Here you will find traditional French souvenirs and delicacies. If you’re looking for bigger brands, head to the city's most spectacular department store - the Galeries Lafayette. This five-storey shopping centre boasts an impressive glass dome that towers majestically above the heads of its customers. Treat yourself to a short break during your shopping trip here and take a moment to enjoy the extraordinary architecture in this unique shopping paradise.

Christmas shopping in Prague promises to be an unforgettable experience. In the beautiful historic city centre, there are various unique shops for every taste. The Czech Republic is known worldwide for its highly valuable crystal and glassware and it’s much more affordable to buy it here than in the UK, so definitely consider adding this to your Christmas gift ideas list. You will also find traditional Czech souvenirs on the famous Charles Bridge alongside artists and street musicians who will get you in the festive mood with Christmas songs.

Barcelona is one of Europe's best places to shop. The Maremagnum shopping mall is located directly on Barcelona's harbour and offers an incredible view of the sea during your shopping trip. In addition to countless boutiques and restaurants, there are also several small souvenir shops where you can look for traditional Christmas presents. If you're looking for a designer brand bargain, shop on Barcelona's biggest shopping street, which stretches from the La Rambla promenade to Diagonal Mar. You are guaranteed to find a great gift there.

Take a trip to the fairy tale city of Istanbul if you’re looking for unique Christmas presents for your loved ones. Here you will not only find gold and silver jewellery at reasonable prices, but also the finest leather and silk fabrics. Whether in a traditional Turkish bazaar or on the famous shopping street Istiklal Caddesi, in Istanbul you will be sure to find special gifts for your loved ones that you couldn’t find anywhere else in the world.

Milan is one of the most important fashion capitals in the world and, therefore, a must for trend-conscious gift hunters. In the city centre, the boutiques of the most famous designers are lined up around Via Montenapoleone. On Corso Buenos Aires, the largest and most famous shopping street, you will also find great shops and small boutiques with great gift ideas. If you want to find a bargain, head to the many outlet stores, such as the Outlet 2000 in and around Milan.