DESTINATIONS CHRISTMAS MARKETS | FESTIVE BREAKS operator operator ASK THE


Claire Dutton,


trade sales manager, Just Go! Holidays


“When it comes to Christmas markets there’s a huge breadth


of options to promote. UK cities such as Bath, York and Edinburgh host their own markets for those who don’t want to travel abroad or perhaps have less time. In Europe, Germany is the home


of traditional Christmas markets. But there are many other


destinations that should also be considered such as Vienna, Bruges and Arras. Whether in the UK or abroad, Christmas


Krakow


BATH, ENGLAND JUST GO! HOLIDAYS While continental Europe might be considered the birthplace of Christmas markets, the UK also has its fair share of big-hitting pop-up winter wonderlands. Birmingham, Edinburgh and Manchester are obvious choices, but the historic city of Bath makes a great setting for a festive market too. Dozens of traders set up shop in chalet-style stalls across the city, with the stunning Bath Abbey providing an impressive backdrop. Beyond the market, visitors can sightsee at the Roman baths that gave the city its name, or head farther afield to


places such as Bristol, Stonehenge or Cheddar Gorge. Book it: Just Go! Holidays offers a two-day coach break to Bath and Oxford from £99. justgoholidays.com


LILLE, FRANCE RAILBOOKERS Just a short hop across the Channel, foodie hotspot Lille has long been a popular destination with UK travellers. Its Christmas market is just a 10-minute walk from the main station and, as one of France’s smaller markets, it is fairly easy to navigate. Traders from around 90 stalls offer clients festive


souvenirs and warming food and drink, there are pony rides for the kids and, on Friday nights, live concerts too. A massive Christmas tree dominates the market and makes for a great picture, while those who want a bird’s-


eye view of the city can have a spin on the Ferris wheel. Book it: Railbookers offers a two-night stay in Lille from £299, including Eurostar tickets. railbookers.co.uk


² travelweekly.co.uk 20 OCTOBER 2022


market trips are all about soaking up the festive atmosphere. The beauty of a coach break is that travel into the heart of the city is organised for customers, so all they need to focus on is where


to get their first glühwein. These breaks are often an impulse


purchase so agents should get them on their social channels and into their windows.”


Bath


37


PICTURE: Polish Tourism Organisation


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60