German Christmas Markets

The start of the festive season is soon upon us and where better to indulge in seasonal cheer than at a traditional German Christmas Market. This year, lastminute.com have called upon the experts who know all and everything there is to know about these markets…German natives themselves!

These experts have given us their top tips for the most festive drinks to the tastiest food, what to buy and where to go. To be sure you have the best possible experience, take note of these suggestions and book a lastminute.com festive getaway to one of the below recommended cities/markets this November and December.

What to drink

The traditional seasonal drink infused with oranges, cloves, cardamom and cinnamon, Red Mulled Wine cannot go a miss at the markets. Festive drinks also include Lumumba, the delicious hot chocolate drink with rum, Punch, a hot mixture of alcohol, spices lemon juice, sugar and water. As well as Eggnog, a combination of eggs, white wine, sugar, rum and cinnamon.

What to eat

For a hearty, traditional delicacies, The Bratwurst, Schupfnudeln, Tarte Flambée, and Chestnuts are a definite must. For more of a sweet treat, waffles, bonnet, baked apples, roasted almonds, candied apples, donuts and Gingerbread are a delicious indulgence.

What to buy

At the Christmas Markets, you will find an array of gifts, keepsakes and memoirs to buy, such as Christmas decorations and ornaments, homemade crafts, and confectionary. You will also find the German tradition of products made purely from honey including soaps, figurines, health products, candles and much more.

The best of the best – Germany

Berlin

The capital city offers a number of beautiful, traditional Christmas markets with delicious food and drink, and local musicians for an excellent way to get into the Christmas spirit. Top markets include the Berliner Weinachtszeit and the WeinachtsZauber

Berlin from £156pp: Price for a 2 night stay at the 4* Hotel Gendarm Nouvea on a room only basis. Price includes return flights from London Stansted departing 3rd December. Link

Düsseldorf

The Christmas Markets of Düsseldorf transform the city into a magical scene of festivities, and you can also find the Dome of Lights on Königsallee as well as the ice rink on Corneliusplatz.

Düsseldorf from £150pp: Price for a 2 night stay at the 4* Mercure Hotel Düsseldorf Neuss on a room only basis. Price includes return flights from London Stansted departing 3rd December. Link

Best of the Rest – European Cities

Budapest

The most quintessentially beautiful, oldest and traditional Christmas Market in Budapest is located on Vorosmarty Square in the city centre. From handmade gifts to live music, guests will be sure to leave feeling festive.

Budapest from £204pp: Price for a 2 night stay 5* Corinthia Hotel Budapest Superior on a room only basis. The price includes return flights from London Stansted departing 12th November. Link

Prague

The Christmas Markets in Prague are known to be the most impressive in the whole of the Czech Republic. Opening from 1st December to 6th January, the markets bring both locals and tourists together for some festive fun

Prague from £150pp: Price for a 2 night stay at the 5* Grandium Prague on a B&B basis. The price includes return flights from London Luton departing 10th December. Link

Krakow

Traditionally starting in the last week of November and lasting through to the end of December, the Christmas Markets in Krakow take place on the city’s central square, Rynek Glowny in the middle of the historic Old Town district.

Krakow from £68pp: Price for a 5* Holiday Inn Krakow City Centre on a room only basis. The price includes return flights from London Stansted departing 26th November. Link

Bruges

One if the most vibrant in Belgium, the entire old town of Bruges transforms into a magical winter wonderland, with fairy lights strung all over the town and Christmas trees dotted around. The Christmas Market and Ice Rink can be found on the main Market Square in the heart of the city.

Bruges from £149pp: Price for a 2 night stay at the 4* NH Brugge on a room only basis. The price includes return Eurostar from London St Pancras departing 4th December. Link

- THAT’S A ‘CHRISTMAS’ WRAP -

For Christmas Market weekend deals - https://www.lastminute.com/deals/christmas-markets.html

For all Christmas Hotel deals - https://www.lastminute.com/hotels/promos/christmas-markets.html

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