Get that festive feeling a little early this year with our Christmas market breaks in Europe. Weave through illuminated stalls to soak up the atmosphere and pick up an authentic gift or two.Visit time-honored Christmas markets, like Schnbrunn Palaces in Vienna, with its 13th-century roots, or the fairy tale medieval market squares in Prague. The wares are local and the backdrops impressive a giant advent calendar on the front of the iconic Gerbaud caf marks out Budapests market in the historic Vrsmarty Square, while the landmarks and statues of Berlins Gendarmenmarkt are transformed by peaked white tents and an enormous, sparkling tree for its yearly Weihnachtszauber.We have hand picked some of our favourite Christmas markets around Europe which are sure to get you in the festive spirit!
Amsterdam –
Amsterdam pulls out all the stops when it comes to spreading festive cheer. From old-school Dickensian markets that hark back to the Victorian era to hip food festivals inside former factory buildings, theres a Christmas market for every type of Christmas shopper. Most of the markets take place in the centre, but if you venture a little further youll find plenty more glitter and baubles in Haarlem, Lelystad and Keukenhof.
To experience a real-life winter wonderland, make your way over to the ice-rinks on Leidesplein and Museumplein where theres a village of wooden chalets waiting to serve you hearty festive food and hand-warming drinks.
Cologne
With over 160 fairy-lit wooden huts and one colossal Christmas tree (the largest Christmas tree in the Rhineland area, no less) Cologne is a Christmas destination to be reckoned with. Its angelic carol singers, Glhwein (mulled wine) and roasted chestnuts will leave you with a warm, fuzzy glow, while the cute puppet theatre and traditional Santas grotto would melt even the grinchiest of hearts.
Prague
Pragues Christmas markets are a feast for both the eyes and the belly. Prepare to indulge in traditional barbecued sausages, Trdelnk pastries, mulled wine and hot chocolate, before falling for the charms of wooden huts dotted throughout the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square. Stock-up on beautifully crafted gifts including embroidered lace, wooden toys, Christmas tree decorations and cute traditionally-dressed dolls.
Munich
Munichs Christmas market tradition can be traced back to the Nicholas Market which first took place at the citys Frauenkirche in 1642. Look forward to tucking into tasty treats such as Lebkuchen (traditional gingerbread) and grilled bratwurst and picking up hand-crafted souvenirs including Cristmas tree baubles and wooden and ceramic nativity figurines. The gay Christmas Market on Stephansplatz is a fun recent addition pink Christmas trees and drag-queen carol singers are the order of the day here.
Brussels
Stalls filled with swirling snow-globes, scented candles and mouth-watering chocolates stretch on for two whole kilometres in Brussels. The atmosphere all around the market is just as amazing. Once youve got your shopping done and dusted, check out the famous light and sound show, cheer on the traditional Christmas Parade or get your skates on and take to the ice.
For more info on the wide variation of offers we have on Christmas Market trips visit –http://goo.gl/3csnww
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