Christmas Markets
It's that magical time of year again! 
Please note; these dates are for Christmas 2011 and will be updated each year as soon as they become available.
Put the magic back into the holiday season, leave the crowded, over-priced shopping centres behind and head for a short festive break to a European Christmas Market. These markets are almost everywhere now but the oldest and most authentic can be found in Germany and Austria. Set amongst amazing scenery with the smell of roasting chestnuts, spiced gingerbread and mulled wine, on the many wooden stalls with red and white striped awnings, you’ll find unique, hand crafted gifts for everyone.
Christmas markets are the perfect way to have that much needed retail therapy in these difficult times. You can put the credit card away and stop worrying about the Euro as nothing will cost anywhere near as much as it does on the high street at home. It will also give you the chance to experience and explore places you might not have even thought about before. Most markets are on from the last week of November up until a day or two before Christmas, with some of the big city markets running through till New Year. They are normally open daily until 9pm, but it is always advised to double check the dates and opening times of the smaller markets. We’re going to give you ideas of the main markets that are just a short ferry, train or airplane ride away and then we’ll give you an idea of those well worth a visit in the UK.
Holland
Holland has a great selection of Christmas markets full of local food specialities and hand painted seasonal ornaments. During the winter The Harwich to the Hook of Holland ferry has two sailings in each direction; one during the day and one overnight. Harwich on the coast of Essex is a 90 minute drive from London. Once at the Hook of Holland you are in easy reach of locations in Holland, Belgium, France and the western side of Germany.
Maastricht
Winter Wonderland from 2nd December to 8th January; One of Holland’s oldest cities with a traditional Christmas market with all the trimmings and a 5 week winter wonderland. The centre of town turns into a shopping and entertainment occasion all revolving around the winter wonderland’s skating rink, palace of mirrors, giant Ferris wheel and the Venetian Grand carousel.
Velvet Market, Valkenburg
18th November to 23rd December; This magical little town built around a ruined castle holds its annual Christmas market underneath the town in beautifully lit old quarry tunnels and caves, selling an array of ornaments, crafts and delicious treats.
Belgium
Brussels
25th November to 1st January; Being only a two hour drive from the Hook of Holland and easily reached by Eurostar, this market is one of the most impressive and closest to the UK. This very popular market is held in Place Sainte Catherine in the historic heart of the city, a little village is created from wooden chalet stalls and a big wheel and skating rink.
Antwerp
10th to 8th January; In the town square you’ll find stalls selling a multitude of festive decorations, jewellery and sweets against the backdrop of Europe’s tallest gothic cathedral, with the numerous chances to warm up with a glass or two of mulled wine.
France
Lille
19th November to 30th December; This is one of the largest and most traditional markets and is particularly popular with UK holidaymakers wanting to get into the festive spirit as the journey by Eurostar can take as little as 80 minutes. Held in the centre of town with a big wheel and views of the ancient city, you’ll find all sorts of arts and crafts with the chance to sample local cuisine. They also do their best to entertain the children with theatre acts and games, with a special appearance and chance to meet Santa Claus.
Paris - Champs Elysées
19th December to 2nd January; This is the largest Christmas markets within Paris's city limts. It is a truly magical experience to stand at the beginning of the Champs Elysées and look down towards the Arc de Triomphe admiring the 100's of Christmas lights and traditional little market stalls lining each side of the road. As you begin to wonder down you will be spoilt for choice as you admire all the fantastic handmade gifts and delicious smelling treats.
Germany
Germany’s markets always set the standard for the festive season.
Dusseldorf
17th November to 23rd December, closed Sunday 20th November; Here you’ll have the choice of two main market areas, the market at Schadowplatz and the Nikolaus Market in Altstadt. After the 3 hour drive from the Hook of Holland you’ll be greeted by an amazing Christmas atmosphere with festively decorated shop windows and stalls lining the narrow, winding streets adorned with hand made crafts, gifts and delicious seasonal treats.
Nuremberg
25th November to 24th December; It is opened at 5.30pm on the first Advent Sunday by the Christmas angel and is considered to be the most famous Christmas market in Germany expecting to attract over 2 million visitors from all over the world by Christmas Eve. Known as the ‘Little Town from Wood and Cloth’ with its 180 wooden stools with red and white striped awnings on Main Market Square, you’ll find Christmas tree ornaments and candles as well as arts and crafts with a constant flow of refreshments of Nuremberg sausages and mugs of mulled wine. You won’t find any tacky goods for sale here and market holders compete for the ‘most beautiful and tasteful’ stall design and with its high demand as a picturesque backdrop for TV productions it is well worth a visit.
Cologne
Most markets run from 21st November to 23rd December. Floating Christmas Market starts on 24th November and Cologne Medieval Market starts on 25th November; Germany’s 4th largest city plays host to seven Christmas Markets, lighting up the Old Town and the Square in front of Cologne Cathedral, attracting over 2 million visitors every year. ‘The Dom’ Cathedral is one of the greatest Gothic buildings in Europe, so this imposing backdrop adds to the amazing festive atmosphere. The four main markets are at Cologne Cathedral, Alter Market, Neumarkt and Rudolfplatz. With plenty of places to visit, including art galleries, the Romanesque Churches, an abundance of entertainment including a variety of Christmas concerts, a huge temporary ice rink and not to mention all the Christmas shopping, Cologne makes an excellent choice for a festive Christmas break.
Austria
Vienna
19th November to 26th December; Vienna has been having Christmas markets since the 13th century; this now vast market is held in the Rathausplatz, the market square in front of the neo-Gothic City Hall, with stalls selling everything from traditional wooden toys to woollen hats. After exploring all it has to offer, it is worth taking a stroll through the nearby Rathaus Park which is turned into an enchanting winter wonderland, with carousel rides and even a ‘post office in the clouds’.
Innsbruck
15th November to 6th January; What makes this Christmas Market in Innsbruck’s Old Town so special is its location; perched high in the Alps every view has an amazing backdrop of snow covered mountains, so this would be a perfect location for a winter ski break and Christmas shopping trip. The whole city gets involved in this magical event, they even turn a whole storey of a building into a giant advent calendar with windows opening for every new day, this is a perfect place to take the kids.
Czech Republic
Prague
November 20th to 8th January
You can’t help but get in the Christmas spirit with the market being held in Wenceslas Square and Old Town Square. You’ll find all sorts of fantastic stocking filler treats with nativity scenes, folk bands and choirs adding to the atmosphere.
Denmark
Copenhagen
11th November to 29th December; Set in the beautiful scenery of the Capital’s Tivoli Gardens with a spectacular lighting display, surrounded by a great choice of restaurants and shopping among the 70 chalet style stalls, with daily appearances from Father Christmas, not to mention a ‘Pixie ville’. Be sure to sample the local speciality ‘Glogg’, a hot and spicy red wine based drink, traditionally served with pan fried cakes and jam.
The best of British Christmas Markets
Bath
24th November to 11th December; Although inspired by the German Christmas markets, this is a very British Christmas market, over 100 stalls selling all sorts from handmade confectionary to exceptional jewellery. This is definitely one for the whole family, with carol services, a stilt walking snow queen and stalls raising money for different charities every day. The Christmas atmosphere running for half a mile from the Abbey to the Roman Baths can’t be missed.
Lincoln
1st December to 4th December; This is where German Christmas Markets in the UK first began in 1982 with 11 stalls; it has now grown to over 300 stalls filling the city to its limits. The market attracts over 150,000 visitors to sample its local produce of plum bread, poacher cheese and mince pies amongst the Christmas spirit, handmade gifts and fun fair rides.
Southbank Centre, London
18th November to 24th December; 60 wooden chalets lining the banks of the Thames with seasonal treats and festivities for all ages. Stroll along Queens Walk from the Southbank Centre to the London Eye choosing gifts and sampling the traditional food and drink before a ride on the carousel.
Manchester
Albert Square 17th November to 22nd December 10am - 9pm, Brazennose Street 17th to 21st December 10am - 7.30pm (8pm Dec), St Ann’s Square 17th November to 22nd December 10am - 7.30pm (8pm Dec), Exchange Square/Street 17th November to 21st December 10am - 7.30pm (8pm Dec), New Cathedral Street 17th November to 21st December 10am - 7.30pm (8pm Dec), The Triangle 17th November to 21st December 10am - 7pm; This is one of the biggest markets in the UK and is well worth a visit, you could wander the stalls whilst sipping Gluhwein from your very own china mug, or opt for a visit to the champagne bar whilst sampling the hog roast and award winning Lancashire Cheeses. You’ll find added extras at the market, with a crafts fair outside the Triangle Shopping Centre on Exchange Square and there’ll be a food market in Piccadilly Gardens the two weekends running up to Christmas for your chance to get prepared for your Christmas lunch. Once you’ve done all your shopping be sure to have a go on the outdoor skating rink.
Edinburgh
24th November to 24th December; Edinburgh’s annual German style Christmas market and it just keeps getting better, with three markets to choose from. On the mound precinct stallholders come from Frankfurt with their traditional food, drinks and gifts. At the traditional Highland Village Market near Edinburgh’s big wheel you’ll find Scotland’s finest, in particular whisky and cheese. And finally the fair trade Christmas fair for a mix of classic and contemporary gifts can be found on Castle Street and Princes Street. If you're thinking of staying in Edinburgh for your New Year's celebrations then you wont be disappointed. It's four day festival is at the heart of the World's New Year's Eve celebrations, follow this link for more information and to book tickets for Edinburgh's Hogmanay.
Frankfurt Christmas Market, Birmingham
17th November to 23rd December 10am - 9pm; Millions of visitors return annually to Victoria Square and Upper New Street to experience the festive atmosphere and make their way through the 180 stalls, sampling the Gluhwein and traditional Bretzels in search of the perfect Christmas gifts. Amongst all the Christmas shopping, be sure to take in the views with a ride on the 60ft big wheel in Centenary Square and make a detour to see the work of the local artists at the craft fair from November the 17th in Chamberlain Square
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