Top Christmas Destination

HAVING been named the world’s number one Christmas city, #Helsinki is more than ready for another festive holiday season. The unique appeal of the Finnish capital is obvious also during the Christmas season, the warm atmosphere, fun activities, stunning nature and other Christmas elements are described in detail on the MyHelsinki.fi website. 

Helsinki has been highlighted as a top destination this Christmas by numerous international media outlets, The Guardian listed Helsinki has one of Europe’s best Christmas getaway destinations. Christmas in Helsinki is a mix of new and old traditions. A Christmas atmosphere is guaranteed all the way from late November through to Epiphany at the start of the New Year. The holiday season is rounded off by the popular Lux Helsinki light festival, which presents brilliant light art throughout the city centre from 5 to 9 January 2019.

The most anticipated architectural grand opening of the year takes place around Finnish Independence Day at the start of December, when the internationally acclaimed Helsinki Central Library Oodi opens to the public. The grand opening programme includes dance, music and theatre performances over two days on 5 and 6 December.

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Christmas market cruises in demand

A huge demand for Christmas market cruises in 2017 has prompted European river cruise line, Riviera Travel, to expand its yuletide cruise offering in 2018 by 167 per cent and add a new and longer festive season cruise in eastern Europe. 

As one of Europe’s major river cruise operators, Riviera Travel increased the number of its first-ever Christmas market cruises in December, 2017, from six to nine to meet burgeoning demand but will offer a total of 16 sailings across four of its five-star river ships in December, 2018.

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Leipzig Christmas market a family event

LEIPZIG Christmas market dates all the way back to 1458. Open from November 28 through December 23, its six areas are set in chime with the fascinating historical scenery of the Leipzig city centre. With more than 250 twinkling stalls embedded harmoniously in the historic centre, #Leipzig #Christmas market is not only one of the oldest but also one of the most popular and largest Christmas markets in #Germany. Visitors are offered a multitude of festive delights; they can indulge in numerous culinary specialties or explore the city’s traditional medieval market.

Traditionally, the main area of the Christmas market is Marktplatz (market square) where visitors can marvel at a Saxon spruce Christmas tree of at least 20 metres height, and enjoy a wide variety of performances at the market square stage. On Augustusplatz square a 38-metre-high Ferris wheel offers seasonal views from a lofty height. The Finnish village on Augustusplatz has become a classic over the years. The enticing scent of smoked salmon and fruity Glögi – a mulled wine made from berries – draws visitors to the Scandinavian tents and stalls.

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Christmas Market

CELEBRATING its 10th anniversary this year Winchester's Christmas market – which runs until December 20 – attracts more than 350,000 visitors each year, and is recognized as one of the best in Europe. 

Inspired by traditional German markets, the wooden stalls surround an open-air ice rink in the shadow of Winchester Cathedral.

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Christmas Markets in Berlin

#BERLIN celebrates winter in its own unique style: Christmas shopping on the festively lit Kurfürstendamm, sipping mulled wine in the historical setting of the Gendarmenmarkt, or skiing on the grounds of former Tempelhof Airport. Those seeking relaxation will find it in the spa and wellness areas offered by many hotels, while numerous restaurants offer reinterpreted regional cuisine. Or for something completely different, snuggle under the covers of the BettBike as you tour the city.

Try one of these for a unique experience in Berlin in the run up to Christmas.

Christmas Market at Gendarmenmarkt 21 November to 31 December 2016. The Konzerthaus and the French Cathedral are lit up in bright light with a small tent city built in between. Handicrafts of the noblest kind are sold here, including hand carved cribs, mouth-blown glassware or replicas of historical steam engines. You can see the craftspeople busy in their work whilst enjoying a glass of mulled wine.

Christmas market at the Rotes Rathaus 21 November to 29 December 2016

Visitors can experience the long tradition of Berlin's Christmas markets up close. Puppeteers, storytellers, and children's carousels take Berliners and tourists back to former times. Facades with original images of the old town houses show how everything used to be at one time in Berlin.

Potsdamer Platz  4 November 2016 to 1 January 2017

It is all about winter sports: Whether hurtling down Europe’s largest mobile toboggan run, skating on the ice rink for free or joining a curling competition – fun times for young and old are guaranteed. Free iceskating lessons are available for children ages four to seven. Live music at the Schmankerl-Hüttn creates authentic après-ski atmosphere, while visitors can indulge in Austrian delicacies.

Christmas market on Alte Potsdamer Straße from 21 November to 26 December 2016

Lovingly decorated market stalls with handicrafts and culinary treats while crafts market will help put visitors into a festive mood with some seasonal crafting.

Lucia Christmas market in the historic Kulturbrauerei 21 November to 22 December 2016 

The market is named after Lucia, the bringer of light, who is especially revered in Sweden. Even the sounds are Nordic: music from Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden helps spread a festive cheer. To get another perspective on the festive bustle, take a ride on the nostalgic chairoplane.

Holy.Shit.Shopping at Kraftwerk Berlin on 3 and 4 December 2016

Young Berlin designers gather and present their latest fashion, matching jewellery and fancy artistic works. Anyone looking for a special gift will surely find something adequate – astonished faces are guaranteed on Christmas Eve. Well-known DJs will once again be bringing the beats this year.

21st Eco Christmas Market on Sophienstraße in Mitte, more than 50 traders offer their treats, textiles and art for sale.

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Christmas in … Bristol

BRISTOL’S German Christmas market in Broadmead is already open, as is At-Bristol's open-air ice rink in Millennium Square.

The market runs until December 22, while from November 28 to January 6, the SS Great Britain becomes a Dickensian wonderland, and Clifton, with its many boutiques and independent shops, has a 50ft Christmas tree.

Music events include Carols by Candlelight in Bristol Cathedral on December 18.

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Christmas & New Year in … Edinburgh

The Scottish Market, St Andrew Square, until January 4 – The Scottish Market is a winter showcase of some of the best craft, food, and drink the country has to offer. The treats available include locally-produced sausages, fresh seafood, Scottish brewed craft beers, and unique chocolate alongside crafted jewellery, woodwork, and the best Scottish accessories. 

European Christmas Market, East Princes Street Gardens, until January 4 – The traditional and romantic Christmas market in the heart of the city offers a unique shopping experience, with crafters, artists, and gift shops.

St Andrew Square and East Princes Street Garden's Ice Rink, until January 4 – Glide all the way round the Melville Monument on this circular rink.

Virgin Money Street of Light, November 30-December 24 – The Royal Mile will be transformed when an installation of 60,000 bulbs illuminates the Virgin Money Street of Light, from the City Chambers to the Tron Kirk. A free light show synchronized to music from #Edinburgh choirs will run twice a day.

Hogmanay, December 30-January 1 – The world's biggest New Year festival presents 3-days of free and ticketed events at the home of #Hogmanay. The street party welcomes more than 75,000 revellers to bring in the new year beneath the backdrop of Edinburgh Castle. Four stages feature the best alternative, traditional, and party music.

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Picture Credit: Edinburgh Christmas, Princes St Gardens, Dec 2014 by alljengi from Edinburgh - Edinburgh Christmas, Princes St Gardens, Dec 2014. Licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons 

Christmas in St Albans …

THE ANCIENT market town of St Albans – 20 minutes by train from London – has created a walled Christmas village for its Christmas Market, which opened on November 26 and runs until December 20. 

It’s in the Vintry Garden, in the old quarter of the town and in the shadow of the 11th century St Albans Cathedral … and close to what is claimed to be oldest pub in England, Ye Olde Fighting Cocks.  

… and Henley on Thames

The town’s Christmas festival on December 4 runs from 4pm to 10pm. The town centre streets close to traffic, fairground rides appear, shops stay open and stalls offer mulled wine, mince pies, and seasonal goodies. The evening starts with a children's lantern parade and the Christmas tree lights switch on, accompanied by carol singing in the market place.

Henley Symphony Orchestra gives two family-focused performances at Christ Church Centre on December 13. The first at 4pm invites children aged 2-6, (younger siblings welcome) to experience a live orchestra and learn a little about the instruments with audience participation. The evening concert for families starts at 6.30pm and will be followed by mulled wine and mince pies.

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Italy’s top Xmas markets

CITALIA’S travel experts have chosen their top pick of the Italian Christmas markets for an affordable pre-Christmas get-away

Italy’s #Christmas markets – ‘Mercatino di Natale’ – are smaller and more intimate than the famous German markets that make their way to the UK. Many feature elaborate nativity scenes made by local craftsmen, while hosting stalls offering regional seasonal food and drink, as well as locally made products and gift items.  

The markets often run during the advent period and some remain open right through to Epiphany, since Christmas in #Italy is traditionally celebrated from December 24 to January 6.

Milan – Piazza Castello
Milan is home to several Christmas Markets, but Oh Bej! Oh Bej! (How Beautiful! How Beautiful!) is one of the longest running, dating back to at least 1510. The market bustles with activity, as locals and tourists meander around the 350+ stalls selling handicrafts, antiques, clothing, toys, Christmas gifts, and festive foods. It runs for just one weekend at the beginning of December, this year December 4-7. December.

 Merano – River Passirio
Visit one of Citalia’s newest destinations, Merano in South Tyrol, between November 27 and January 6 to experience the town’s unique Christmas market located on the banks of the River Passirio.

Rome – Piazza Navona
Among the fountains in the Piazza Navona, the square turns into a multi-coloured Christmas Market, with stalls and booths filled with chocolates and traditional Christmas gifts. Between November 26 and January 6, there are street artists, acrobats, and Christmas music. 

Bolzano – Piazza Walther

Set against the backdrop of the Rosengarten Dolomites, Bolzano hosts Italy’s biggest Christmas Market. Wooden huts filled with traditional gifts and decorated with garlands, lamps, and candles line the streets in the medieval town. The runs from November 29 to January 6.

Florence – Piazza Santa Croce
Florence flourishes with Christmas cheer and a huge market inspired by the tradition of the German city of Heidelberg. More than 50 huts and stalls selling Italian and German delicacies, decorations, and handicrafts fill one of the most beautiful squares of the city, Santa Croce. December 2-20.

Citalia can arrange hotel packages in all of these locations – www.citalia.com

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Picture Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/31039095@N02/5262101186">Christmas in Florence | Natale Fiorentino 2010</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/">, http://www.flickr.com/photos/87690240@N03/15481788014">Vatican city, Rome, Italy</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/">(license)

Christmas in … Portsmouth

Dockyard delights November 27-29, 10am-6pm, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard – Explore the snow-covered Victorian streets of the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. A Christmas maze, Fagin's Tavern, and 150 stalls for gifts. Adult £16, child (5-15) £14, family £46, under 5s free. Tickets include entry to the Dockyard's attractions including The Mary Rose, HMS Victory, and the newly-opened HMS M.33. 

Bratwurst & Gluhwein to December 24, Commercial Road –Mulled wine and a Bratwurst at the city's Bavarian Market.  The chalets sell a wide range of seasonal gifts. 

Christmas at the Castle December 11-13, 10am-11pm, Southsea Castle – Organized by the team behind the city's successful Victorious Festival, the event comprises live music, sing-alongs, seasonal cheer, food and gifts plus a giant free yuletide slide. Adults £6 on Friday and £10 Sat/Sun. Child (5-15) £5, under 5s £1.

Last Night of the Christmas Proms December 21, 7pm, Portsmouth Guildhall – Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra are guaranteed to get you in to the festive spirit with a second act consisting entirely of toe-tapping Christmas favourites. From £14.75 per ticket.

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Christmas in … Eastbourne

THIS December will see #Eastbourne in Sussex celebrating its 700th #Christmas by turning the Town Hall’s Grade II listed clock tower into a ‘Neon Noel’ historical luminale show.

The first projection of its kind on the south coast entails a light and audio show being projected onto the tower every evening from December 4 through to the 13th.

And Eastbourne’s bandstand will be home to a traditional Christmas market (December 9-13), where shoppers can buy hand-crafted festive gifts.

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Cornwall’s winter warmers

A Cornish Christmas at Pendennis Castle, Falmouth – December 5-6: Fireside tales, music and dancing, craft and gift stalls, and Father Christmas in the castle keep.

Padstow Christmas Festival, Padstow Harbour, December 3 -6: 40 chefs (and 45,000 visitors) celebrate food, drink, and Christmas! 

Rogue Theatre presents Winter Wood, Tehidy Woods, Portreath –December 11-30: Shows with live music, festive stories, free hot chocolate, face painting, and the opportunity to make traditional winter decorations to take home.

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Frohe Weihnachten*

BMI REGIONAL presents its pick of the best #Christmas markets in #Germany …

Munich, Marienplatz: From November 27 to December 24, Marienplatz in Munich offers unusual Christmas gifts, such as wood carvings from Oberammergau, gingerbread from Nuremberg, and glassware from Bavaria. bmi regional one-way fares from Bristol to Munich start from £81.

Hamburg, Town Hall Square and Fleet Island: The prettiest and largest of Hamburg’s nine markets is held at the Town Hall where bakers from Aachen and woodcarvers from Tyrol offer treats and stocking-fillers. Highlights include punch served by clowns, and circus acts. Santa Claus shows up three times a day at the Town Hall from November 23 to December 23, and each Saturday in Advent features a festive parade. bmi regional one-way fares from Bristol to Hamburg start from £91.

Frankfurt, Romerberg Square, Paulsplatz, and Mainkai:Frankfurt’s Christmas Market is one of the oldest and most popular in Germany and is a showcase for arts and crafts, and seasonal food and drink. With more than 200 stalls in the Romerberg market place and St Paul’s church, entertainment includes concerts, trumpet fanfares from the balcony of St. Nicholas’s Church and bell-ringing from the church carillon. The market runs from November 25 to December 22.bmi regional one-way fares from Bristol to Frankfurt start from £81 per person.

Dusseldorf: From November 19to December 23, there are Christmas-themed attractions in seven locations throughout the city, all within easy walking distance of each other. More than 200 stalls will be selling festive treats from handicrafts and decorations to mulled wine and Reibekuchen (potato pancakes). The market on Gustaf-Gründgens-Platz will have an ice rink and vintage merry-go-round. bmi regional one-way fares from Bristol to Dusseldorf from £79.

*Happy Christmas in German

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Picture Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/45968460@N03/5289233331">Merry Christmas!</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/2.0/">(license)

Sterling's strength boosts UK travellers' Xmas markets spending power

THE INCREASED purchasing power of the pound against the euro and other European currencies is giving British travellers up to 13% more spending power this winter over last year. 

The calculation comes from the latest analysis by Post Office Travel Money which identified #Budapest as the best value for a #Christmasmarkets break.


At £405 for a weekend break for two – comprising return flights, B&B accommodation, airport-city centre transfers, two evening meals for two with wine, coffee, festive drinks and snacks at the Christmas Markets – Budapest has overtaken its Eastern European rivals to become this year’s bargain choice.

This makes the Hungarian capital more than a third cheaper than Vienna (£653), the highest-priced city surveyed.

However, Prague remains cheapest of 12 Christmas Market favourites when it comes to meals, snacks and drinks for a two-day break, as well as travel to and from the airport. At under £72 for these items, Prague is 11.7% cheaper than Budapest and prices are almost two-thirds lower than in Stockholm (£207). When accommodation and flights are added to the barometer, Prague come second to Budapest with a total cost of £458.

The good value available to UK visitors has been boosted by sterling starting to rise in value against European currencies in the past two weeks. The strong pound means visitors to all 12 of the cities surveyed will have greater spending power than last year – almost 12% more in eurozone destinations, rising to 13.7% extra in Budapest.

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Picture Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/11946969@N00/11381802236">Christkindlmarkt</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/2.0/">(license), http://www.flickr.com/photos/38218238@N03/14953777085">Budapest at Night - Chain Bridge</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/2.0/">(license)

Xmas Fair

FLAMBARDS in Helston, #Cornwall, will host its first #ChristmasCraftFair on December 5-6. Featuring local crafters and businesses, festive stalls will be on the cobbled streets of the indoor Victorian Village, Britain in the Blitz, and in the centre’s entertainment venue. 

Organizer Kate Pearson says: ‘We are looking forward to hosting our first Christmas Fair at #Flambards. With so many high quality stallholders all in one place (and under cover) there will be lots for visitors to enjoy. There will be affordable, excellent quality goods, locally produced foods, and a festive feel in a great location.’ 

Christmas music will be provided by the Helston Town Band.

Entrance to the Christmas Fair is £1 per person – which includes entry to the Victorian Village and Britain in the Blitz, and parking.

www.flambards.co.uk 


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Picture Credit: Flambards

Germany’s top attractions

WHEN thousands of international visitors from 40 countries have voted online to decide Germany's Top 100 attractions, South-West #Germany took the No l spot, and had a total of five in the top 11. 

Here are three of them:

Europa-Park – Germany’s largest theme park – in Baden-Württemberg was voted the best attraction. Visitors in December will see thousands of Christmas trees throughout its 13 European-themed areas. 

With eight Michelin stars, the Black Forest village of Baiersbronn claims to be Germany's culinary capital.

Baden-Württemberg has 60 palaces, castles, and monasteries, many of which are become backdrops for traditional Christmas markets, one of the best of which is at Schloss Bruchsal.

There are bonfires, plus guides who lead tours of the 18th century palace. 

There are daily flights to Stuttgart Airport from Birmingham, London Heathrow, and Gatwick, and frequent flights from Manchester and London Stansted. 

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Christmas is coming!

THERE are hundreds of Christmas markets in Europe. Here are some of the biggest and best: 

Berlin … The home of more than 60 Christmas markets from the middle of November to end of December every year, Berlin has to be on this list. A favorite is the one at Charlottenburg Palace, lit up by lights. The market has a great mixture of art crafts, food, and drinks. 

Stuttgart … Stuttgart's inner city hosts the city's Christmas market, or Weihnachtmarkt, which was established in 1692. Shop for Christmas tree decorations, toys, woodcraft, candles, and lambskin. A friendly market with a dedicated area for the children.

London … London hosts many different Christmas markets all around the city, but Covent Garden is one of a kind. The decorating begins at the beginning of November and over the next two months, the piazza is lit up by 150,000 pealights and a giant silver reindeer. Expect antiques, arts and crafts, pictures, and clothes.

York … York's St. Nicholas Fayre is one of UK's favourite Christmas markets. You’ll find entertainers, arts and crafts, tasty treats, and hot mulled wine.

Gothenburg … With millions of Christmas lights, Liseberg Christmas market glows. Choose between homemade sweets, roasted almonds, hot chocolate and other delicacies for the Christmas table. Visit the arts and crafts area for Scandinavian designs.

Lille … Lille in Northern France has one of Europe's best Christmas markets.
Take a trip on the Ferris Wheel with a view over the market and the city.

Tallinn … A traditional Christmas market in the town hall square. Since 1441, the Christmas tree has been set up in the square, making it one of the earliest evidence of decorated trees for the Yuletide season. Wood decorations, hand-knitted jumpers, and other arts and crafts.

Prague … Prague has one of Europe's most popular Christmas markets, on the Old Town Square. It offers traditional Czech handcraft, Christmas ornaments, holiday decorations, Czech sweets, clothes, handmade wooden toys, plus concerts and plays.

Strasbourg … Strasbourg hosts one of the oldest Christmas markets in Europe. It was first held in 1570 and now has more than 300 stalls at 11 locations in the city centre. The main area is around the cathedral.

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Picture Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/32029534@N00/11330847766">swift like a rainbow : christmas ornaments on a tree, san francisco (2013)</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/2.0/">(license)