European Christmas Markets ??? - We've finally booked!

[Dimplenose]

Has anybody visited any really good Christmas Markets? I've been to a couple in the past and am trying to squeeze in a not too expensive trip this year after the schools break up.

Is it worth going as late as 20th December or do they start looking a bit run down by then?

 

[bronny]

I can't help with when to go but I can highly recommend the German Christmas markets. I lived in Germany years ago and they go all out at this time of year. The link below gives you some info.

http://www.germany-christmas-market.org.uk/

 

[torsie24]

I've been to Aachen which was lovely. Also I hear Prague's is really good.

 

[Jets fan]

Hi

I have been to one in Arras and it's such a lovely historic city. The town is 2 miles from the Vimy Ridge trenches and war graves.

We took the train from Folkestone to Calais and then drove for 50 mins and we were in Arras. It was a really simple journey.

http://www.northernfrance-tourism.com/tourisme/the-arras-christmas-market.html

Easy journey and lovely market.

Tina

 

[dolphingirl47]

Nuremberg is probably the ultimate Christmas Market, but Frankfurt and Mainz have lovely ones as well and the two cities are very close to each other so you could do both.

Corinna

 

[gemmybear83]

I went to Prague a few years ago and its was lovely, we went mid December for a long weekend. Its very cold though so wrap up warm!

 

[Chilly]

Well if you want to keep the cost down the one in Lincoln is lovely.

 

[jns]

There was a really nice one in Belfast last year don't know if its back again this time

 

[natalielongstaff]

I would love to take my mum to one of these will watch this thread with interest !

 

[Dimplenose]

I have been to a few and some have been a real disappointment (sadly, Claire, the year I went to Lincoln it was awful).

I'd love to go to Germany but was hoping that there might be somewhere in France or Belgium (other than Brussels - done that one and it was great) that is a shorter and cheaper journey as I have a problem with timing.

I've had a look at the Nuremburg website and it looks fabulous - but it closes on 23rd and I'd be there right at the tail end so am worried it might have got a bit shabby by then.

Thanks for all your replies, any more suggestions would be welcomed.

 

[Chilly]

I have been to a few and some have been a real disappointment (sadly, Claire, the year I went to Lincoln it was awful).

Sorry you didn't enjoy Lincoln, I always thought it was a lovely setting but I think the stalls have gone down hill.

 

[PoppyAnna]

I have been to a few and some have been a real disappointment (sadly, Claire, the year I went to Lincoln it was awful).

I'd love to go to Germany but was hoping that there might be somewhere in France or Belgium (other than Brussels - done that one and it was great) that is a shorter and cheaper journey as I have a problem with timing.

I've had a look at the Nuremburg website and it looks fabulous - but it closes on 23rd and I'd be there right at the tail end so am worried it might have got a bit shabby by then.

Thanks for all your replies, any more suggestions would be welcomed.

I went to Frankfurt some years ago and it was stunning.

I wonder if there is one in Brugge? It's a very pretty city and very close to travel to

 

[CustardTart]

I've been thinking about visiting one via Eurostar and am considering this one in Lille. Here's their official site...

 

[dolphingirl47]

I have been to a few and some have been a real disappointment (sadly, Claire, the year I went to Lincoln it was awful).

I'd love to go to Germany but was hoping that there might be somewhere in France or Belgium (other than Brussels - done that one and it was great) that is a shorter and cheaper journey as I have a problem with timing.

I've had a look at the Nuremburg website and it looks fabulous - but it closes on 23rd and I'd be there right at the tail end so am worried it might have got a bit shabby by then.

Thanks for all your replies, any more suggestions would be welcomed.

I have been to the Christmas Market at Nuremberg on the 23rd December before now and it was still truly magical.

Corinna

 

[Queenie]

Just wanted to say I live in Lincoln and there's been compaints lately about the state of the Christmas market the last few years. I know last year they really put an effort in and there was a huge amount of positive feedback that it had really upped it's game and was much better than the last few. Hopefully it will be the same this year. Last year was the first year I'd visited myself so I can't say whether it was a good one or not in comparison but I really loved it, took several hours to get around it and we went on the locals "quiet" night!

 

[Dimplenose]

It looks like we might be going to Germany after all. As I live so close to Heathrow it is just as quick to fly to Germany as to get to St. Pancras and then out to Belgium (it was so much easier for me when Eurostar trains went from Waterloo.)

Frankfurt is the main contender at the moment as the flight times fit in best with finishing work and getting out to the airport. How early do I need to check in for a European flight? I'm guessing 2 hours.

 

[tennisfan]

It looks like we might be going to Germany after all. As I live so close to Heathrow it is just as quick to fly to Germany as to get to St. Pancras and then out to Belgium (it was so much easier for me when Eurostar trains went from Waterloo.)

Frankfurt is the main contender at the moment as the flight times fit in best with finishing work and getting out to the airport. How early do I need to check in for a European flight? I'm guessing 2 hours.

Last time I flew it was 2 hours for Europe

 

[Dimplenose]

Thanks, I should be able to manage that.

 

[Dimplenose]

It's all booked now. We're off to Frankfurt - I can't wait. I'm more excited about this than about Christmas itself!!!

 

[natalielongstaff]

It's all booked now. We're off to Frankfurt - I can't wait. I'm more excited about this than about Christmas itself!!!

Have a great time Libby