Christmas Markets

A short break in the weeks before Christmas gives the chance to visit the traditional Christmas markets of Germany. The aroma of mulled wine and gingerbread hang in the air and the traditional crafts on sale remind us of how the season used to be.

Cologne Cologne offers a choice of seven Christmas markets, including one on board a river boat on the Rhine. And in your time in the city, you might also visit the cathedral and the chocolate museum. (Coach or rail travel are possible to this destination).

Rhine and Moselle Valleys The half-timbered houses of the small towns along these rivers are a perfect backdrop for their Christmas Markets, while you are in easy reach of some larger towns, too – Koblenz, Trier and Mainz are all well worth a visit. You might also find time to call in on a wine maker to sample their wares. (Coach or rail travel are possible to this destination)

Berlin Berlin is transformed in the run-up to Christmas each year having no fewer than sixty Christmas markets! You may enjoy the craft demonstrations in Gendarmenmarkt, the nostalgic market at the Opera House with its crib housing live animals, or the largest of all at Spandau, with up to four hundred stalls operating at weekends. And, of course, the German capital offers its museums, art galleries and historical monuments for your non-market moments.

Krakow The huge market square (Europe’s biggest) is the setting for Krakow’s magical Christmas Market. Wooden stands sell a wide range of Christmas decorations and sweets as well as other goodies. And open-air eateries offer hearty meals and mulled wine. Plus there are additional attractions such as shows, folk dances and carol concerts.