While we’ve only just stepped into November, people are already snapping up their panto tickets and deciding which Christmas markets they’ll be hitting.

Ireland is home to some truly stunning ones, from our very own Galway Christmas Market on Eyre Square to Dublin Castle, but mainland Europe really steals the show when it comes to the festive season.

One Christmas market consistently tops the list as Europe’s best – Budapest in Hungary, as voted by European Best Destinations.

Before my holiday there last year, I had seen pictures of towering  Christmas trees, ice-skating rinks, and crowds of people exploring brightly lit stalls – I was completely enchanted before even setting foot there.

However, I’m sorry to say that it was somewhat disappointing. This is not a criticism of Budapest, reports Galway Beo.

It’s an extraordinary city filled with culture, stunning architecture, incredibly friendly locals, and some of the best food I’ve ever tasted.

But when it came to the Christmas markets, I fear I set my hopes too high. Instead of a bustling ice rink, I found myself stepping over soggy cardboard scattered across the ground.

Rather than a wealth of stalls overflowing with festive items and gifts, I came across a handful of stalls dotted around the square, with most not selling anything particularly festive.

And instead of weaving through crowds of fellow market-goers, I saw groups of stall workers lounging on metal barrels, puffing away at their cigarettes.

Honestly, I estimate there were fewer than 20 other people present, which is understandable considering many of the stalls remained shut despite the market supposedly opening two hours earlier.

I’m inclined to cut them some slack. A visit during the evening might have provided a better experience, or perhaps if the weather wasn’t drizzling, or maybe later in December.

However, it’s worth mentioning that my visit was at the beginning of December and the markets were set to open in mid-November. Moreover, the weather wasn’t exactly pouring – it was more of a mist or drizzle.

If someone were to seek my advice, I’d recommend skipping the Christmas markets or perhaps just making a brief visit to say you’ve been.

Instead, I suggest people head straight for the Central Market Hall – it’s indoors, offers a broader range of items to buy, has multiple levels and plenty of excellent places to eat or grab a drink right outside.