DESTINATIONS — EUROPE
boasts the lion’s share of classic examples, ranging from medieval- themed markets in Dresden to small but traditional ones in Frankfurt, both favourites of Fred Holidays UK sales manager Lawrence Peachey. For something unusual, Peachey suggests the scented tree decorations in the off-the-beaten-track market at Wartburg Castle, near Eisenach; or, for families, the Ferris wheel and fairy tale forest at Leipzig, where little ones can come face-to- face with Santa himself.
Those who
want to tick off the most famous markets can tour the major stops on Trafalgar’s German Christmas Markets winter tour, which visits the country’s oldest market, Striezelmarkt in Dresden,
along with the most famous in Nuremburg, Erfurt, historic Weimar and Leipzig (from £1,185 for the eight-day trip).
Austria is the next step in the
festive market heartland, with capital Vienna playing host to 20 Christmas markets, although Osprey Holidays reservations consultant Ross Merchant recommends one in particular. He says: “Rathausplatz, or City Hall Square, is where you will find the best hot festive punch to warm you up!” A two-night break with flights from Gatwick and four- star accommodation costs from £270.
Traditional Germany and Austria remain best-sellers
for city-break specialist Cresta, but its festive programme also reaches farther afield to the likes of Copenhagen, where Father
Christmas sits in the charming Pantomime Theatre amid a Scandinavian-inspired market; and Estonian capital Tallinn, where kids will be captivated by a herd of reindeer and a mini zoo. Prague is the most popular Christmas market for Newmarket Holidays amid a programme that stretches from Barcelona to Salzburg via Berlin and the Black Forest. The four-day break focuses on the Old Town and Wenceslas Square, with time to explore smaller markets dotted around the city and an excursion to Dresden. Prices start at £309 including flights from eight UK airports. Or for anyone inspired by
Abta’s recent Travel Convention in Slovenia, Balkan Holidays has introduced breaks to Ljubljana this year. Its two markets – St Nicholas Fair in early December and the town centre all month – are packed with wooden toys and handicrafts, plus the aromas of mulled wine,
warm honey schnapps and roasted chestnuts. Three nights’ B&B starts at £290 departing December 11 from Stansted.
l WATER Whether they’re addicted to gingerbread or simply can’t get their
9 October 2014 —
travelweekly.co.uk • 75
FAST FACT Christmas
markets tours make up to three of The
River Cruise Line’s top-five festive best-sellers
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