4 Christmas Market Destinations for ‘08
Christmas is upon us, and in the UK there are some fabulous markets to visit.
Each year, Christmas markets seem to be gaining in popularity, making the most of the festivities and reflecting the fun spirit of Christmas. Continental markets are also becoming more and more popular; we recommend visiting a German Christmas market to be bang on trend. But you don’t have to leave the country to sample some real German delights this year…
Cologne Christmas Market
Leeds
This year Leeds celebrates its traditional German Market ‘Christkindelmarkt’ from 14th November to 21st December. It is open every day from 10.30am and closes at 9pm (except Sundays when it closes at 8pm). You’ll be able to buy crafts, food and drink and there will be a festive carousel along with other small rides and attractions such as a live band. And, to top your Christmas shopping trip, there’ll also be a bar selling German beer.
There are some fantastic hotels to be found in British cities, and Leeds is no exception. You can stay at the well known ‘The Queens Hotel’ for around £110 per night - try Superbreak.com. Tourist board details can be found at www.Leeds.gov.uk.
Glasgow
For the fifth year, Argyle Street will present it’s delightful Christmas market, selling traditional Scottish gifts and crafts. There will also be European traders providing typical German and French fancies including ‘Bratwurst’ (German sausage) and German mulled wine.
The market is taking place over a month - 21st November to 21st December. Weekdays it opens at 10a.m. until 7p.m, Saturdays 9a.m. to 5p.m. and Sundays 11a.m. to 5p.m. You can find flights for as little as £60 return, with room only accommodation at the Brunswick Merchant Hotel for £50 a night (www.thomson.co.uk/editorial/hotel-only/hotel-only-deals.html).
See www.GlasgowGuide.com for more information on things to do and getting around town.
London
If wooden German-style chalets are your thing, your London Christmas shopping trip will not be complete without a pre-Christmas visit to Hyde Park. Here will be host to a most beautiful German Christmas market where you’ll find all manner of festive German specialties from 22nd November to 4th January (10p.m. to 10p.m. every day).
This market will have a big wheel and one of Europe’s largest outdoor ice-skating rinks, among other exciting displays and fairground rides - and what’s a Christmas market without a Santa Claus? He’ll be there to entertain the children too!
Mid-budget hotel such as the Thistle (Kensington) may charge around £109 for a standard room, taking into account that flights to London from main airports throughout the UK can be expensive at seasonal times of the year. See www.VisitLondon.com for comprehensive information and tourist advice, whilst www.LondonPass.com can save you money on entrance fees to other attractions.
Cologne
Cologne opens its doors for you to experience some genuine German history and culture from 28th November to 23rd December, opening daily between 11a.m. and 9p.m. There are 6 markets in total, one of which is held at the Cathedral - an amazing venue. With around 160 stalls selling food, mulled wine, beers, gifts and crafts you will experience fantastic surroundings as well as live music and Santa’s grotto. You may well need more than 12 days of Christmas to look around!
You can travel by rail and stay for two nights from as little as £199 (www.railbookers.com/breaks/germany/cologne/5675/2992).
Find out More
You can find out much more about any European and UK Christmas market at www.ChristmasMarkets.co.uk, which notes free parking, opening times etc.
Please remember that in most UK city locations, parking will be chargeable. So if you plan to drive, check to see that your chosen accommodation has ample parking, and that you situated conveniently to the chosen Christmas market on foot or taking a quick bus ride.
