Christmas Markets, anyone been?

BillScarab

I've not been to one abroad, but the ione in Birmingham is considered to be one of the best in the UK. They get a lot of traders coming over from Frankfurt for it.

http://www.birmingham.gov.uk/frankfurtchristmasmarket.bcc

kingston_toon

We visited quite a few in Germany last December, but my favourite by far was in Heidelberg. It's a really lovely small German city with a big castle overlooking from a hill, and a picturesque river running through it. The pedestrianised road through the old town is one of the longest in Europe, and the market winds its way all the way along, with clusters of stalls in each square and an ice rink at the far end. There's something magical about walking along at night when it's cold, and experiencing the sights, sounds and smells of the market. None in the UK even come close.

We also visited the markets in Stuttgart, Darmstadt, Frankfurt, Koblenz and Mainz but Heidelberg was the best!

Edinburghlass_2

I noticed an offer for the Christmas Markets in Bruges, lovely place to visit with or without a market.

http://www.brugesinfo.com/christmas-and-new-year.php

y0z2a

Copenhagen Christmas markets are lovely, but very expensive. I would stick elsewhere if you are looking for a bargain.

/y0z

shown73

For comparisons, try www.germany-christmas-market.org.uk Useful site for that sort of thing.

Quietmanc

BillScarab wrote: »

I've not been to one abroad, but the ione in Birmingham is considered to be one of the best in the UK. They get a lot of traders coming over from Frankfurt for it.

http://www.birmingham.gov.uk/frankfurtchristmasmarket.bcc

Been to Cologne and Aachen-both good Aachen had a nicer feel IMO.But definitely agree with BillScarab, Birmingham's has an authentic atmosphere,and all(I think) traders are German.

simpywimpy

I've been to the one is basel a couple of years ago and there are a few ones nearby if you hire a car in germany and france all within travelling distance.

I also believe there is a lovely one in Lille.

Try lastminute.com for swiss flights to basel/mulhouse or ryanair for flights to kalsruhe for some great markets near triere (sorry not sure of spelling)

Tarry

Ah yes, that's the one I went to now you say it Aachen

nuttywoman

shown73 wrote: »

For comparisons, try www.germany-christmas-market.org.uk Useful site for that sort of thing.

Thanks for the link, found Bamberg - my daughter lives there! trouble is its hard work trying to find a good deal to get over there.

MrsE_2

I've always fancied the Xmas markets in Germany.

Are there any good ones near any ports that can be reached from cross channel ferries?

We are in the south so could be good to "hop over".