CHRISTMAS MARKETS
European Xmas markets are as popular as an Only F ools
and Horses Xmas special, and it’s never too early to get clients in a festive mood, says Anna Maria Espsäter
drink markets, there are more European Christmas break recommendations than ever to pass on to clients looking for an atmospheric seasonal break. There are coach trips, rail trips, fl y and drive, or simply fl ight and hotel packages to choose from. Traditionally, Germany is still the place to be in the run-up to Christmas and the country continues to offer some of the best markets to choose from.
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Most German towns and cities really get into the Christmas spirit and some of the settings, such as the markets right next to Cologne cathedral – the 'Dom' – are truly spectacular. Rothenburg, offered by Dertour for
the fi rst time this season, is transformed into a winter wonderland and the town’s Christmas market – known as the ‘Reiterlesmarkt’ – dates back to the 15th century and is one of the oldest in Germany. Its famous Christmas Shop –
ith many more countries now featuring arts and crafts, as well as food and
Käthe Wohlfahrt – houses the world’s largest collection of traditional German Christmas ornaments
But the options elsewhere for creating packages abound. Throughout the Scandinavian countries Christmas markets have long-standing traditions and cities such as Oslo, Trondheim, Helsinki, Stockholm and Gothenburg usually provide at the very least a dusting of snow for the season. Oslo will feature two Christmas markets in unusual locations this year – one at the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History, or Norsk Folkemuseum (
www.folkemuseet.no) and another at the Hadeland Glassworks (www.
hadeland-glassverk.no) in a scenic location an hour from the capital. Further north, in Trondheim, the main square will be taken over by Christmas for nine days (December 7-16), with a supporting ‘Christmas culture’ programme with theatre, concerts and literature in a Christmas setting (www.
julemarkedet-trondheim.no).
There are numerous other options right across Europe – the Benelux countries, France, the Baltic States, Austria, Poland, Czech Republic and Croatia, to mention a few. Tallinn in Estonia is holding no less than fi ve different market events, including the old town’s traditional market running right through from November 26 to January 8. Holland has numerous markets in lovely settings, such as the unique Valkenburg Velvet Cave market, which is staged inside a cave.
Zagreb, in Croatia, also celebrates the Advent season over the four Sundays running up to Christmas, with several Advent markets across the city. The UK has also jumped on the Christmas markets bandwagon, with several new towns each year laying on Yuletide treats of some kind.
Top from left: Christmas bells in Frankfurt; Snowy street scene in Tallinn, Estonia; Rothenburg, Germany; Opposite page: The annual market in Bruges, Belgium
Choose carefully… “Choose the destination that best suits
your particular clients' requirements; every destination has its own take on Christmas markets”
GEMMA SMITH, PRODUCT MANAGER RAMBLERS WORLDWIDE HOLIDAYS
Book early…
“Agents should encourage folk to book early as lots of our Xmas market tours are booked as soon as the winter/festive brochure comes out”
HAROLD BURKE, SALES DIRECTOR, GRAND UK HOLIDAYS New options…
“These holidays are popular with our repeat customers so if an agent has a regular client who enjoys coach holidays then they should flag up new options.” HAROLD BURKE, SALES DIRECTOR, GRAND UK HOLIDAYS
18 September/October 2012 •
www.sellinglonghaul.com
thedeal Going local
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Across Europe, some of the best markets are the small and local ones. Contact regional tourist boards for details
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KEUTE/JOCHEN
VISIT ESTONIA/JAAK NILSON
© ANDREW COWIN
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