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To market, to market
Most parts of Europe begin their Christmas markets this weekend and continue
on until Christmas Eve. Ten of the best Crimbo destinations are:
1. Cologne in northern Germany. The city of Cologne (Koln to the locals)
boasts four big Christmas markets — at the impressive gothic Cologne
Cathedral, on the Alter Markt, on the Neumarkt and on the Rudolfplatz.
Fly with Germanwings. Hotels in early December from around £20.
2. Vienna has stalls on almost every street corner crammed with potential
stocking fillers. You’ll also have the added benefit of being in
one of Europe’s most beautiful cities, with mulled wine and Teutonic
snacks (wurst, schnitzel etc) on tap the whole time. The biggest market
is the Christkindlmarkt at the City Hall. Fly with Ryanair, Hotels from
£30.
3. Tivoli in the heart of Copenhagen is crammed with trees, pressies,
elves, Santas, and stalls groaning under the weight of Christmas goodies.
The Tivoli Lights, invented by the Tiffany head designer, are worth the
journey themselves. Ryanair, SAS. Hotels from around £40.
4. Krakow is already freezing cold, so you could get some White Christmas
shopping. The Polish city’s Christmas Market is held in the immense
Rynek Glowny central square in the Old Town. Crimbo decorations, confectionary,
choccies. There’s a huge variety of hot food stands and various
entertainers, buskers and carol singers are on hand to give it that special
Christmas atmosphere. Ryanair; Hotels from £15.
5. Baden Baden, in the Black Forest, is a captivating place any time of
the year; at Christmas it is enchanting. The Christkindelsmarkt is held
in the town square, with thousands of lights, performers, Christmas goodies
and hot food on offer. Germanwings to Karlsruhe-Baden Baden. Hotels from
£50.
6. Budapest sights look even more spectacular at Christmas time particularly
as the snow fills up the city. The splendidly impressive Royal Palace,
the Géllert Hill Citadel, the ancient Chain Bridge and the white,
fairytale towers of the Fisherman’s Bastion towering over the river
— all are lit up and shimmer in the icy reflection of the Danube.
The Christmas market on Vorosmarty Square is considered one of the best
in Europe, with high quality folk art and craft products. Fly with easyJet.
Hotels from £15.
7. Prague. More than any other European city Prague has kept its medieval
street pattern. Indeed, if you’re in possession of a 13th century
map of the area, you’ll have no need to go splashing out on a new
one. Instead you can keep your money for the markets — some of the
most extensive in Europe. Most are held in the Old Town Square and Wenceslas
Square. Fly with easyJet. Hotel rooms from £14.
8. Stockholm. Sweden’s capital glitters at this time of the year.
A white Christmas is very likely and nowhere better to see it than this
city which is one-third woodland and park. The most popular Christmas
market is held in the plaza of Gamla Stan — Swedish sweeties, reindeer
meat, Advent candles, folk arts, Swedish cuisine. Rooms from £45;
Fly with Ryanair from Stansted.
9. Munich. Germany’s most beautiful city where the spirit of Middle
Europe thrives in its coffee shops and beer cellars. The traditional Christmas
market is held on Marienplatz in the heart of the city, with the popular
Kripperlmarkt a short walk away on the Rindermarkt. Fly with easyJet,
Germanwings, hotels from £30.
10. Salzburg. The jewel of Teutonic tourism, Salzburg’s unique combination
of musical heritage, scenic Alpine landscape and architectural wealth
has led to its reputation as one of the world’s greatest cities.
And that’s before you even consider its confectionery gift to the
world, the chocolate delicacy known, almost inevitably, as Mozartkügel.
You’ll find plenty of it at the many markets around the cathedral
and surrounding squares. Fly with Ryanair, hotels from £30.
For hotel bookings in all these destinations try:
www.centralr.com
www.lastminute.com
www.1800hotels.ie |
