10 magical tours to the world's best Christmas markets
There's no denying that it has started to feel a touch more wintry this week and thoughts are starting to turn (yes, already) to Christmas. If you can't wait to get out, load up on goodies and blow the budget, here are some of the ultimate festive shopping trips from across the globe.
1. Twinkle in Toronto
Sprawled across the cobbled streets of the Distillery Historic District, Toronto’s Christmas market is dazzling and features twinkly stalls from some of the most creative craftspeople in Canada. There are also plenty of restaurants and bars on-site, so you can combat shopping fatigue with a mug of eggnog before taking a turn around the towering Christmas tree.
From £579 for four days, including return flights and three nights’ accommodation. Departures throughout Nov and Dec. First Class Holidays (0161 888 5606; fcholidays.com).
2. Ho ho ho in Hong Kong
It may not seem the most festive of places, but Hong Kong pulls out all the stops when it comes to Christmas. Link’s Stanley Plaza, on the picturesque waterfront on the south side of Hong Kong, is transformed into an impressive market in December. Inspired by Finnish festivities, it features a 20ft-tall Joulupukki (“yule goat”), a life-size wooden tree house crammed with elves, and dazzling light shows. More than 80 stalls offer Finnish and local delicacies, handicrafts and festive gifts.
From £6,299 for six days, including flights from London and five nights’ accommodation on a room-only basis. Departures from Dec 7-13. Travelbag (020 3139 7026; travelbag.co.uk).
3. Get festive in Guernsey
For some Christmas magic closer to home, consider Guernsey. There will be bijou street markets in St Peter Port’s historic square, traditional carol services, Christmas shopping in coastal Herm and plenty of pantos. The craft market sells locally made gifts, including soaps, hampers, hand-crafted jewellery and Victorian-style wooden children’s toys, perfect for stashing under the tree.
From £199 for four nights, including B&B accommodation and return flights from London. Departures Nov 1-Dec 20. FlyGuernsey (01621 734555; flyguernsey.com).
4. History in Strasbourg
Founded in 1570, Strasbourg’s Christmas market is one of the largest and oldest in Europe. Spread across 12 areas of the city, its centrepiece is a 100ft-tall Nordic pine. There’s also an ice rink, a Christmas village festooned with miles of twinkly lights and some 300 stalls, selling everything from pastries and glühwein to handmade gifts and festive decorations. Those in the know head to the Market of Christmas Treats on Place d’Austerlitz for regional wines, foie gras and the finest Alsace beers.
From £449 full-board, based on two sharing an en suite cabin, including return coach travel from the UK and ferry crossing from Dover. Departures Dec 5 and 8. The River Cruise Line (01858 435655; rivercruiseline.co.uk).
5. Full song in Salzburg
Here in Mozart’s home city – dominated by its historic castle and the towering Berchtesgaden Alps – Christmas markets are sprinkled with the sound of music. You’ll find choral singing from the cathedral steps, “Turmblasen” wind instrument bands in Residenz Square, and resplendent nativity scenes in the Residenz courtyard, plus other performances all across the city. It’s magical.
From £667 for three nights, including flights, private car transfers and accommodation with breakfast. Departures Nov 23-Dec 26. Kirker Holidays (020 7593 1899; kirkerholidays.com).
6. Get balletic in Baden Baden
This escorted tour not only takes in the snug Christmas markets of Baden Baden – against the backdrop of the snow-dusted Black Forest – but also includes three ballet performances (Swan Lake, The Four Seasons and Ballet Gala), and a visit to the opulent Residenzschloss Rastatt – one of the oldest baroque residences in the Upper Rhine Valley.
From £2,175 for five days, including flights, transfers, visits, guides, ballet, two lunches and one dinner. Departing Dec 24-28. Travel for the Arts (020 8799 8350; travelforthearts.com).
7. Take to the ice in Oslo
The Spikersuppa Christmas market – one of many in the city – is home to a glittering ice rink from which visitors can view iconic sights including the National Theatre and the grand, yellow-brick Parliament building. There are more than 100 stalls selling everything from Norwegian knitwear to traditional Christmas sweets. A glass of glogg (Norway’s mulled wine) will help keep the coastal chill at bay.
From £475 for four days, including accommodation and breakfast but excluding flights. Departures Dec 1-23. Magnetic North Travel (01664 400 103; magneticnorthtravel.com).
8. Christmas on the Rhine
Experience Christmas markets in Germany and France on this festive riverboat cruise, which glides along the Rhine from Basel to Cologne. There will be plenty of time to explore the fairy-lit markets along the way, but expect lots of on-board Christmassy action too – including a tree-decorating party, a traditional European Christmas dinner with all the trimmings (including lashings of glühwein) and some cosy cookie-making demonstrations.
From £2,060 for eight days, including all meals, accommodation and flights. Departures on Nov 25, Dec 2 and Dec 9. Tauck (0800 810 8020; tauck.co.uk).
9. See Moscow in the snow
Embrace the romance of Christmas by travelling from St Petersburg to Moscow on a high-speed train, taking in Russia’s soul-stirring snowy landscapes as they whizz past your window. Explore the 400 light installations that illuminate Moscow for its annual light festival before trawling the Christmas markets, filled with the scent of mulled wine, warm gingerbread and caviar-filled crêpes.
From £1,325 for seven days, including tickets for the high-speed train, daily breakfast, two dinners, six nights’ accommodation and all on-trip transportation. Flights are not included. Departures throughout December and January 2019. Trafalgar (0800 533 5619; trafalgar.com).
10. Get crafty in Krakow
The snow-cloaked Christmas market at Krakow is surely one of Europe’s prettiest, and this trip takes the already festive city up another festive notch. Highlights include a guided walk through Krakow, a visit to the Rynek Underground Museum, vodka tasting, a Chopin concert and a tour of a working Christmas decoration workshop. There you will have the opportunity to craft your very own Christmas bauble or a traditional wooden ornament.
From £1,110 for six days, including return flights from London, five nights’ accommodation and most meals. Departures Dec 10-15. One Traveller (01760 614844; onetraveller.co.uk).
