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Christmas Unwrapped Festive Travel, Days Out & Attractions


Markets merry and bright


There’s no better way to get into the festive spirit than with a market and these are the very best. Words: Katie Sipp-Hurley


Heinzels Winter Fairytale, Cologne, Germany Every year, visitors fl ock to Cologne during the festive season to experience its many Christmas markets. Among them, Heinzels Winter Fairytale market might just be the sweetest. Expect all the usual German favourites, but with a whimsical twist inspired by the city’s famed Heinzelmännchen: legendary house elves said to take care of locals’ housework while they sleep. Celebrating traditional craftsmanship, the market brings together artisans from across Europe, from woodcarvers to blacksmiths to confectioners and ice-sculptors. With its ornate decorations and intricate detail, it’s little wonder this market is regarded as one of the prettiest and most exquisitely dressed in Europe, as if built by the elves themselves. heinzels-wintermaerchen.de


Old Town Square, Prague, Czech Republic T anks to its fairytale architecture and gothic attractions, Prague already feels Christmassy year-round. But the city is especially striking


A CRACKING DAY OUT AT LONGLEAT/LLOYD WINTERS


during winter, when markets fi ll the air with music, and its gothic spires, medieval facades and cobblestone squares glow beneath strings of twinkling lights. From 29 November 2025 to 6 January 2026, against the backdrop of some of Prague’s most enchanting landmarks, the Old Town Square Christmas Market — one of two Christmas markets the city hosts each year — will feature live performances, a towering Christmas tree, a glittering observation bridge and countless stalls selling food, drink and handmade trinkets. praguetouristinformation.com


Bath Christmas Market, Bath, UK With the aromas of Belgian chocolate crepes and mulled wine in the air, a wander through Bath’s historic city centre between 27 November to 14 December 2025 is enough to make anyone fall in love with the city. Lauded as one of the UK’s most beloved festive markets, the Bath Christmas Market marks its 25th year this winter — a celebration perfectly suited to its cobbled Georgian streets and famously friendly atmosphere. bathchristmasmarket.co.uk


Promotional Content • Saturday 15th November 2025 HOW DO IT: BATH


Housed in a historic building on Queen Square, The Francis Hotel Bath, a collection of seven Georgian townhouses, makes a fi tting base from which to explore Bath. Its 18th- century bones — high ceilings, grand windows and elaborate mouldings — are brought sharply into the present by the revamped decor’s modern accents and furnishings. A seven-minute stroll from the


hotel takes you to Bath’s Christmas market, where you’ll also fi nd some of the city’s most historic landmarks. Wander through the meandering levels of the Roman Baths museum to explore the thermal springs. From there, make your way back


past the hotel to The Jane Austen Centre, where an actor retells the story of the author’s life and works. After a day of exploring, head


back to The Francis for dinner at Emberwood, the hotel’s brasserie. Here, the hearth steals the show: in the far corner, a natural fl ame crackles away smoking Wagyu bavette and grass-fed southwest sirloin steaks. Finish with anything that catches your eye from the dessert trolley. francishotel.com


PRAGUE OFFERS ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL MARKETS IN THE WORLD / GETTY


TREATS FROM THE CHRISTMAS MARKET / GETTY


Enjoy a Historic Christmas


Join us for worship, special events, new visitor activities, and the historic Christmas Market


Kids Go FREE*


*Visitor entry. T&Cs apply


CELEBRATE THE FESTIVE PERIOD WITH US!


Whatever festive gathering you’re planning, celebrate the magic of Christmas with us. Enjoy the famous San Carlo atmosphere & flamboyant service, and induldge in our most luxurious menu to date.


canterbury-cathedral.org Charity no. 1206913


BAR | RISTORANTE ITALIANO


Artist visualisation, created by R3NDER


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