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Amsterdam’s annual Christmas market in Dam Square is a popular tourist attraction
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas across Europe, as the annual festive markets open once more.
And what better way to get into the festive spirit than by wandering among snow-dusted log cabins while the smell of mulled wine and the sound of Christmas carols fills the air?
So, if you’d like to swap the stress of the high street for a walk in a winter wonderland, take a look at our pick of the best Christmas market break offers around…
WHERE: Amsterdam, Netherlands
WHY: Brighten up the long, dark nights with a trip to Amsterdam, which not only hosts several markets but the city’s magical Light Festival (November 30 to January 21).
Check out the market stalls of Leidseplein (open from now until January 10) where you can warm up on a crisp winter’s evening with some sugary oliebollen (a Dutch version of doughnuts) and a glass of glühwein.
Or get your skates on and head to the Ice Village on Museumplein, where you’ll find a huge ice rink (opens today until February 4) set in front of the impressively grand Rijksmuseum. The 20-metre high Christmas tree in Dam Square, which features more than 40,000 energy-saving LED lights, is also worth a look.
HOW: Travel Republic (020 8974 7200, travelrepublic.co.uk) is offering three nights at the four-star Hampshire Hotel – The Manor Amsterdam on a room-only basis from £201pp, based on two adults sharing and flying from Liverpool on December 5.
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Set beneath an 18-metre-high Christmas tree and a huge Ferris wheel on Place Rihour in Lille, France
WHERE: Lille, France
WHY: At just under 1 hour 30 minutes away from London by train, the pretty city of Lille is the perfect destination for a festive last-minute shopping spree. Set beneath an 18-metre-high Christmas tree and an enormous Ferris wheel on Place Rihour, the city’s Christmas Market (November 27 to December 26) features around 80 stalls selling arts, crafts and French delicacies. The highlight of the annual festivities takes place on the Saturday before Christmas, when Father Christmas performs a spectacular fall from the Chamber of Commerce’s 80-metre-high belfry!
HOW: Lastminute.com offers two nights at the four-star Novotel Suites Gare Lille Europe from just £199pp (room only). Offer includes return travel via Eurostar from London’s St Pancras Station and is based on a departure date of December 8. Subject to availability.
ALAMY
Vienna’s Christmas market, held in Rathauspark, features more than 150 stalls
WHERE: Vienna, Austria
WHY: With the aroma of maroni (roasted chestnuts), baked hams and chocolatey Sachertorte infusing the air, you can’t help but get swept up in the seasonal spirit of Vienna at Christmastime. The Viennese Christmas Market (opens today until December 30) boasts the spectacular backdrop of the City Hall and features more than 150 stalls selling everything from handicrafts to freshly baked vanillekipferl (crescent-shaped biscuits). There are also activities for children taking place inside the City Hall, such as candle-making and baking cookies. In the adjoining Rathauspark, visitors can enjoy carousel rides and admire the park’s enchanting illuminations.
HOW: Subject to availability, British Airways (0344 493 0125, ba.com) offers two nights at the five-star Hilton Vienna on a room-only basis from £195pp (based on two sharing).
This includes return flights from London Heathrow, departing on December 3. Other dates are available.
ALAMY
Estonia’s market in Town Hall Square, Tallinn is one of Europe’s most picturesque festive events
WHERE: Tallinn, Estonia
WHY: Taking place in the medieval Town Hall Square, the Tallinn Christmas Market (opens today until January 7) is one of Europe’s most picturesque festive events. Celebrations take place around the huge Christmas tree as part of a tradition that dates back to 1441. Children will love the fairground rides and meeting Santa Claus, who regularly appears in the square on his reindeer sleigh. Meanwhile, adults can indulge in Estonian culinary delights, including sauerkraut and sausages, while enjoying a wide variety of daily live entertainment, such as carol singers and folk dancers.
HOW: Kirker Holidays (kirkerholidays.com) offers seasonal three-night packages to Tallinn from £628pp (two sharing). This price is based on a B&B stay at the four-star Hotel Schlössle and includes flights (from London, regional departures available on request), transfers, Kirker Guide Notes to restaurants, museums and sightseeing, and the services of the Kirker concierge.
ALAMY
Prague’s medieval architecture provides the perfect festive setting
WHERE: Prague, Czech Republic
WHY: Prague’s medieval architecture provides the perfect fairy-tale backdrop for a magical wintery getaway. The main markets take place in Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square (December 2 to January 6), just a few minutes’ walk from each other, and feature stalls selling traditional wooden toys, lace, decorations and Czech foods such as trdelník (sugary pastries), beers and medovina (warm honey liquor). The impressive nativity scene in Old Town Square, featuring real animals, is an annual highlight.
HOW: easyJet Holidays (020 3499 5232, easyjet.com/holidays) offers three nights at the five-star Hilton Prague on a room-only basis from £215pp, including flights from London Stansted on December 4. Other dates are available.
