Its the most wonderful time of the year! And nothing says Christmas like taking a trip round a European Christmas market., wrapped up in a big coat, with a steamy cup of mulled wine in hand - especially if it's laced with run.
This years Christmas markets across the continent are likely to be even more joyful. While Covid may have put a dampener on last year's Christmas season, this year Europe's seasonal markets are set to be back in full, festive swing - for the first time in three years. And from budget-conscious coach breaks to lavish, all-stops-pulled-out trips to luxury accomodation, there's a magical festive market break to make everyone's Christmas wishes come true. Here we pick out the best trips for every budget, with plenty of tips from us, the experts!
KRAKOW, POLAND Krakow looks like a fairytale all year round, so it's no surprise that the city's Christmas market is among the prettiest in Europe. You can stroll around the stalls in the 13th-century main square, nibbling on kielbasa sausage and gingerbread before washing it down with a cup of mulled wine. Krakow is famous for its amber, and there will be plenty of opportunity to make this part of your Christmas shopping - either for yourself or a loved one. The city also hosts an annual nativity competition - look out for colourful displays in shops and public places.
BOOK IT - Enquire today about our 2-night stay, with flights from Luton, from £136
BATH, ENGLAND While continental Europe might be considered the birthplace of Christmas markets, the UK also has its fair share of big-hitting pop-up winter wonderlands. Birmingham, Edinburgh and Manchester are obvious choices, but the historic city of Bath makes a great setting for a festive market too. Dozens of traders set up shop in chalet-style stalls across the city, while the stunning Bath Abbey providing an impressive backdrop. Beyond the market, visitors can sightsee the Roman baths that gave the city its name, or head further afield to places such as Bristol, Stonehenge or Cheddar Gorge. BOOK IT - Enquire today about our 2-day break from £99
LILLE, FRANCE Just a short trip across the Channel, foodie hotspots Lille has been a popular destination with UK travellers. Its Christmas market is just a 10-minute walk from the main station and, as one of Frances's smaller markets, it is fairly easy to navigate. Traders from around 90 stalls offer you festive souvenirs and warming food and drink, there are pony rides for the kids and, on Friday nights, live concerts too. A massive Christmas tree dominates the market and makes for a great picture, while those who want a bird's eye view of the city can have a spin on the Ferris wheel.
BOOK IT - Enquire today about our 2-night stay in Lille from £299, including Eurostar tickets.
RIGA, LATIVA In Latvia, Christmas markets are seen as a place for the local community to come together to celebrate - and Riga, with its tight-knit maze of stalls, is a good place to start. Festive markets here promise something unique. Visitors can expect to sample local traditional delicacies, such as grey peas and bacon, and in terms of shopping, the markets are a change for traders to sell specialist items, including handmade wooden goods, furs and knitted socks. Be sure to take in the many colourful Christmas trees around the capital city - it is said the tradition of decorating trees began in Latvia over 500 years ago. BOOK IT - Enquire today about out 3-night trip to Riga from £374 including accomodation in the Old Town.
PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC One of Europe's premier Christmas market cities, Prague comes alive during the winter months. The two main markets are just a five-minute walk from each other - in the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square - with others taking place in Republic Square, Kampa Island, Havel's market and by the castle. The markets are full of brightly decorated wooden huts, where traders sell festive ceramics, glassware, puppets and decorative lace. When it comes to food, dumplings, ham and sausage are always a popular choice, but you'll also spot trdelnik, a sugar and walnut-covered pastry. More adventurous travellers can also try the traditional Czech Christmas fish soup. BOOK IT - Enquire today about our 3-night city break from £640
THE DOLOMITES, ITALY Despite its strong Christian heritage, Italy might not be the first place you think of when it comes to a Christmas market. But up in the mountainous north, you'll find many towns that have cultural influences from Austria and Switzerland. Places such as Merano, Bressanone and Bolzano all have quaint markets situated in picturesque squares, where visitors can sample mulled wine and gingerbread snacks. The scenery is also a highlight. Where better to get into the festive spirit than in the middle of a beautiful mountain range surrounded by snow-covered peaks ad breathtaking panoramas?
BOOK IT - Enquire today about our 7-day trip to the Italian Dolomites from £609 including three evening meals and an optional excursion to the Grand Dolomite region.
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