Mulled wine, lights and a treasure trove of festive trinkets – we couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate the Christmas season that by visiting a winter market!
This week, we’re indulging our wanderlust ways with a roundup of the best ones to book a flight to this December.
Read on to discover some of our favourite festive gems…
Wander At Wolfgansee, Austria
Vienna and Salzburg are Christmas classics, but for those seeking something a little bit more unique, then get off the beaten track and take a visit to the stunning Wolfgansee Markets in the country’s lake district. Located just a 45-minutes from Salzburg Airport, this charming spot is perfect for a reindeer ready retail ramble. Not to mention, you can hop on a festive ferry with a mulled wine in hand and check out the villages of Strobl, St Wolfgana and St Gilgen whilst gazing at the snow-dusted mountains that surround the lake on route.
Roam In Rüdesheim on the Rhine, Germany
Home to Europe’s largest nativity scene, the Christmas Market of Nations in Rüdesheim on the Rhine is truly picture-perfect. With around 120 stands from 12 different countries you can buy priceless ornaments that can be handed down through the generations. Want to relax and indulge? Grab a glass of hot glühwein (mulled wine) and take a cable car ride over the vineyards. The perfect way to unwind after a hectic day shopping for festive goodies!
Mooch In Manchester, England
London may be the capital city but when it comes to Christmas, Manchester takes the crown. Head to Albert Square which acts as the holiday hub of the Northern city’s Christmas market, complete with stunning stalls offering hot chocolates and wonderful waffles. Pay a visit to Cathedral Gardens which offers a mythical beast themed ice village complete with ice bar, rink and grotto. The perfect backdrop for any festive feeling selfie!
Stroll At Sibiu, Romania
If you want to beat the crowds, then check out the Christmas offering at the magical, medieval Romanian city of Sibiu. A relatively undiscovered gem, head to their stunning central square know as Piata Mare which sets the scene for one of Eastern Europe’s largest festive markets with more than 100 vendors of food and crafts clustered under its Baroque, Art Nouveau and Renaissance buildings.
Ponder At Piazza Walther, Bolzano, Italy
For a more traditional take, pay a visit to beautiful Bolzano where the markets are brimming with heritage. With over 80 exhibitors, a mini market dedicated to the children and a feast including the likes of roasted pork and sweet fritters – yum! If you’re in need of a healthy dose of theatre, then check out the rustic recreation of the nativity underneath the main Christmas tree, complete with the Holy Family, cow and donkey. It will have you in the spirit in no time!
Now you know where to go, pack your passport and get ready to stamp it with tidings of joy!
