Here are some of the very best places to visit around Europe to ignite your Christmas spirit!
1) Prague
This market runs from December 1st- 16th January. The market in Prague is in the old town square. There are 2 different markets and the other can be found on Wenceslas Square. You will find Nativity scenes, puppets and toys, gingerbread, and glass ornaments to name a few of the things on show.
This market runs from 9th November to 28th December. There are plenty of things to see including Father Christmas, a toboggan ride and ice sculptures. The gifts you can buy include Scandinavian style candles, silver ornaments and knitwear. Other Christmas markets can be found in the historic Nyhavn district, along the banks of the famous Nyhavn Canal. If that is not enough you can always go to the pubs for a winter drink to warm you up and get you in the spirit of Christmas!
This Market runs from 23rd November- December 23rd. It is located at Grote Market on the big square. There are many stalls to see including confectionary- Belgium is famous for chocolate of course and having been to Bruges this year I can vouch for the chocolates being the best I have ever eaten! Along with the chocolate, there is hot chocolate, waffles, a hobby and toy fair and ice skating.
This market runs from 24th November – 23rd December. It is in Skansen which is a tram ride from the city centre. There are traditionally made gifts, fur, hats, woollen mittens, candles and glass blowing. There is also a food market for the food lovers!
5) Reims
This market runs from 23rd November to 30th December. It is quite small with only 120 stalls. There are food stalls including cheese.
6) Krakow
This Market runs from 27th November- 26th December, dates to be confirmed. Set in the medieval market square. Stalls lined with crafts and ornaments. The market is small compared to some others in central Europe.
7) Strasbourg
The market runs from 24th November to 31st December. This is the oldest Christmas Market dating back to the 16th Century. The heart of it is around the cathedral. If you are in to music then there are 50 concerts at churches. There is also food and drink stalls including cake and wine.
8) Nuremberg
This market runs from 30th November – 24th December. This is the biggest in Germany. Stories about the Christmas tree, Mulled wine, Wurst and gingerbread and lebkuchen to try. This market caters for young children having carousels and fun activities.
9) Munich
This market runs from 26th November- 24th December. The Christmas market has daily appearances of Father Christmas from 4-6pm so will be great for the children. Check out Englischer Garten, beer garden.
10) Salzburg
This market runs from 22nd November – 26th December and is spoken about as the most charming Christmas market around. It has carol concerts, baked apples, reindeers and more. There is another market at Hellbrum Castle. Look out for the famous places from the film Sound of Music. If you are into skiing combine the trip with a session on the slope which are only 10km away.
Running from 15th November- 6th January. This is classed as the most romantic in Alstadt. It features medieval houses, ginger bread, wooden toys and ornaments. Look out for the trumpeters who play carols on the golden roof!
12) Angers - France
This market runs from 28th November- 27th December. There are many delicious things to eat and drink with hot mulled wine, nougat, and toffee apples. There are also carousels for the children and chic boutiques for the adults in nearby lanes. Check out 13th Century Fortess- Mason des Vin Co-op where you can get bubbly for around £5.
13) Hamburg
This market runs from 23rd November- 6th January. There are 15 different markets including sweets, cake, chocolate and more. There is also crafts and toys stalls. There is also Romantic Jungfernstieg which has up market food and gifts. Check out the fairy lights and antiques.
14) Stuttgart
This market runs from 25th November – 23rd December 2015. Dating back to 1692. There is spiced wine and fresh pine. There are around 300 stalls with handmade specialities such as black forest items and felted slippers, and real horse hair hair brushes. There are also free concerts on offer.
15) Bologna- Italy
This market runs from 17th November – 17th January alongside San Pietro Cathedral. Check out the Christmas decorations and mechanised nativity. For the food lovers there is a selection of good food: fruits, marzipan, citrus peel in chocolate and torrone a festive season nougat with nuts and honey.
16) St Gallen- Switzerland
This market runs from 26th November- 24th December. Get into the Christmas feel in this beautiful place with snow covered mountains. It is also host to Switzerland’s tallest Christmas tree. There is
carol singing at the market which you can listen to with a raclette melted swiss cheese. Take a walk to Beizli a little pub for a rum punch.
For more inspiration or to book your Christmas market getaway contact Travel Hotspot on 01284 619100 or nick@travelhotspot.co.uk www.travelhotspot.co.uk
