Hi
<%user.firstname%>, Don here, your Travellers Club Secretary,
It’s not long until Christmas now so it’s time to start thinking about getting your shopping done so why not put the magic back into the holiday season, leave the crowded, over-priced shopping centres behind and head for a short festive break to a European Christmas Market.
Christmas markets are the perfect way to have that much needed retail therapy in these difficult times. You can put the credit card away and stop worrying about the Euro as nothing will cost anywhere near as much as it does on the high street at home. It will also give you the chance to experience and explore places you might not have even thought about before.
Here are a few ideas of the wonderful Christmas Markets in Europe available to you, for more information and ideas, including start and end dates, opening times and getting to the markets, follow the link to our main feature on the site here. |
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Father Christmas' reindeers are called Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner/Donder, Blitzen, and Rudolph. |
Holland Maastricht:
One of Holland’s oldest cities with a traditional Christmas market with all the trimmings and a 5 week winter wonderland. The centre of town turns into a shopping and entertainment occasion all revolving around the winter wonderland’s skating rink, palace of mirrors, giant Ferris wheel and the Venetian Grand carousel.
....For more information on Dutch markets click here |
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Belgium Antwerp:
In the town square you’ll find stalls selling a multitude of festive decorations, jewellery and sweets against the backdrop of Europe’s tallest gothic cathedral, with the numerous chances to warm up with a glass or two of mulled wine.
....For more information on Belgian markets click here
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The Christmas turkey was imported to France by the Jesuits and it is still known in some French dialects as a 'Jesuite'. |
France Calais:
This market is held annually, with 100’s of stalls selling arts, crafts and local specialities running from Theatre Square and along the main shopping streets of the city centre. This might be the perfect excuse to make Calais your destination rather than just passing through, you’ll also be able to visit the Town Hall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Church of Notre Dame dating back to the 13th Century or if you’re feeling energetic you could climb the 271 steps of the Calais Lighthouse for a chance to see the White Cliffs of Dover on a clear day.
....For more information on French markets click here
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Germany Dusseldorf:
Here you’ll have the choice of two main market areas, the market at Schadowplatz and the Nikolaus Market in Altstadt. After the 3 hour drive from the Hook of Holland you’ll be greeted by an amazing Christmas atmosphere with festively decorated shop windows and stalls lining the narrow, winding streets adorned with hand made crafts, gifts and delicious seasonal treats.
....For more information on German markets click here
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In 1843, the first Christmas card was created on the instructions of an Englishman, Sir Henry Cole. J.C. Horsley designed the card and sold 1000 copies in London. |
We’ve even more destinations in Europe to get you in the festive spirit, just follow the link to our site here. Carry on reading for some ideas a little closer to home with the UK Christmas Markets:
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Lincoln:
This is where German Christmas Markets in the UK first began in 1982 with 11 stalls; it has now grown to over 300 stalls filling the city to its limits. The market attracts over 150,000 visitors to sample its local produce of plum bread, poacher cheese and mince pies amongst the Christmas spirit, handmade gifts fun fair rides. |
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Manchester:
This is one of the biggest markets in the UK and is well worth a visit, you could wander the stalls whilst sipping Gluhwein from your very own china mug, or opt for a visit to the champagne bar whilst sampling the hog roast and award winning Lancashire Cheeses. You’ll find added extras at 2009’s market, with a crafts fair outside the Triangle Shopping Centre on Exchange Square and there’ll be a food market in Piccadilly Gardens the two weekends running up to Christmas for your chance to get prepared for your Christmas lunch. Once you’ve done all your shopping be sure to have a go on the outdoor skating rink. |
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Christmas crackers were invented by Thomas Smith. He had imported some French novelties to sell as Christmas gifts, but these were not popular until he wrapped them up and added a snapper. |
London, Oxford Street:
2009 will be the first year a Christmas Market will be held on Oxford Street, right in the heart of London, between Bond Street and Marble Arch tube stations. This is a magical alternative to high street shopping with lots of colourful wooden chalets offering Christmas gifts from across Europe, taking place under the West End Christmas Lights.
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Edinburgh:
2009 will be Edinburgh’s 10th annual German style Christmas market and it just keeps getting better, with three markets to choose from. On the mound precinct stallholders come from Frankfurt with their traditional food, drinks and gifts. At the traditional Highland Village Market near Edinburgh’s big wheel you’ll find Scotland’s finest, in particular whisky and cheese. And finally the fair trade Christmas fair for a mix of classic and contemporary gifts can be found on Castle Street and Princes Street. |
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In 1647, the English parliament passed a law that made Christmas illegal. Christmas festivities were banned by Puritan leader Oliver Cromwell, who considered feasting and revelry on what was supposed to be a holy day to be immoral. Anybody caught celebrating Christmas was arrested. The ban was lifted only when the Puritans lost power in 1660. |
Birmingham:
Millions of visitors return annually to Victoria Square and Upper New Street to experience the festive atmosphere and make their way through the 180 stalls, sampling the Gluhwein and traditional Bretzels in search of the perfect Christmas gifts. Amongst all the Christmas shopping, be sure to take in the views with a ride on the 60ft big wheel in Centenary Square and make a detour to see the work of the local artists at the craft fair from November the 19th in Chamberlain Square.
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To read the full feature on European and UK Christmas Markets for dates and opening times visit our site here.
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