The Tallest Christmas Tree in Europe

Yes this little city in Poland which we lovingly refer to as Wroclaw is staking a new claim to raise its status on the European map... The capital of Lower Silesia would like to boast the tallest Christmas tree in the whole of Europe!

Ok, technically it's not a tree, but rather a towering metal spire designed by Professor Stanislaw Hempel and erected in 1948 to commemorate the Restored Lands Exhibition of the same year - but it's illuminated with Christmas lights and it's got a star on top so what the hell, it's close enough to get our vote!

If you fancy paying homage to the tree (who knows, maybe Santa left you a present at the bottom of it?) then you'll need to head over East to the Hala Stulecia (aka Hala Ludowa) where not only will you see the 96 metre tall 'tree', but until the 23rd December you'll also find a festive Christmas market, a Christmas crib with some live donkeys et al. courtesy of Wroclaw's zoo and a vast 1,000 metre-squared ice rink for that seasonal spin you've been craving. The latter will stay open right through until February.

Whilst you're at the markets be sure to get your hands on some grzaniec (spiced fruit wine) and baked apples, two of the culinary specialities without which Polish Christmas is incomplete.