november-2010

Discover the Magic of Germany’s
Best Christmas Markets
Visiting a traditional German Christmas
market is one of the best ways to get into the
festive spirit and the perfect opportunity to
hunt out unique gifts for those hard to buy for
friends and relatives.
We have compiled the defi nitive guide to
Germany’s best Christmas markets where
you can enjoy the warm, festive atmosphere
amid traditional surroundings and truly
celebrate Christmas in style.
BERLIN’S MITTE MARKET
Berlin’s Mitte district plays host to one of the
most spectacular markets on the German
Yuletide calendar, and is often described as the
capital of the traditional Christmas markets.
More than 150 handicraft stalls fi ll the
streets offering an array of local crafts and toys
as well as mouth-watering German treats such
as baked cinnamon stars, Glühwein (mulled
wine) and delicious roasted almonds.
Let the kids hop aboard the traditional
German train, which winds its way through
the fairytale forest beneath the sparkling
Christmas tree. Adrenaline junkies can also get
their fi x as the market offers several high speed
rides and the famous 40m high ferris wheel.
The market runs every day throughout
December and there is no need to be a
Christmas scrooge as, unlike other German
markets, the Mitte market has no entrance fee!
easyJet fl ies to Berlin from Bristol, Glasgow,
Liverpool, Gatwick & Luton. Prices this winter
start from £25.99*
MUNICH’S CHRISTKINDLMARKT
Munich’s Christmas market is one of the oldest
in Germany with roots going back to the 14th
century. The market is held in the heart of
Munich’s Old Town and offers shoppers 160
traditionally decorated stalls selling wood
carvings, bee's wax candles and chimney
sweeps made of plums and almonds.
The Town Hall hosts a ‘Heavenly Workshop’
for children aged between six and 12 where
they can bake Christmas cookies and dress-up
as beautiful angels with sparkling gowns and
Gossamer wings.
Visitors can also watch the free Christmas
concert every day at 5.30pm on the balcony of
this majestic building.
easyJet fl ies to Munich from Edinburgh,
Gatwick, Stansted and Manchester. Prices
this winter start from £29.99*
HAMBURG’S CHRISTMAS
MARKET CIRCUS
Hamburg’s busiest Christmas market is
located in Town Hall Square, in front of the
‘Rathaus’ (Town Hall). Hosted by Roncali’s
Circus, mulled wine is dispensed by a variety of
circus acts amongst the numerous stalls.
Festivities include a weekly Christmas
parade and a thrice nightly fl yby of Santa Claus
in his sleigh.
Anchored at the Jungfernstieg promenade
is a fairytale ship that will capture the
imagination of young and old alike – taking
the whole family on a magical festive journey.
Amongst the various craftsmen offering
their goods are; wood carvers, silversmiths,
bakers and potters. With its impressive array
of stalls and activities, Hamburg’s Christmas
market is an experience you’ll never forget.
easyJet fl ies to Hamburg from Gatwick,
Luton and Manchester. Prices this winter start
from £27.99*
COLOGNE’S CHRISTMAS SEVEN
The cathedral city of Cologne hosts seven
Christmas Markets, attracting over two million
NEWS | UK
visitors each year.
Outside the Cathedral is the main market
where the largest Christmas tree in Rhineland
towers over 160 beautifully designed wooden
pavilions from which many a ‘sweet treat’ can
be enjoyed.
The young particularly enjoy the Alter Markt
with a nostalgic children’s roundabout, puppet
theatre, Santa’s grotto and many toy stands.
Traditionalists may prefer a visit to the
oldest of all Cologne’s Christmas Markets,
Neumarkt. The stalls are bedecked with
decorative plates celebrating the traditions of
the markets throughout the years.
easyJet fl ies to Cologne from Edinburgh and
Gatwick. Prices this winter start from £25.99*
DORTMUND’S MEGA MARKET
Reputedly boasting the largest Christmas
market in the world, Dortmund is notorious
for its extravagance. The central Christmas
tree is 45 metres tall, made up of 1,700
individual fi r trees and adorned with more than
13,000 lights.
Alongside the usual array of wood carvings,
Christmas decorations and mulled wine, there
is a festive show performed by the Alter Markt
Theatre Company every day and a puppet or
magic show to keep the children happy.
The market is made up of over 300
stalls, which offer a wide range of traditional
Christmas goodies and mouth watering
traditional German dishes such as Westphalian
grilled ham and Bratwurst.
easyJet fi les to Dortmund from Luton. Prices
this winter start from £24.99*
*All Prices are single inc. taxes and correct
as at 5 October 2010. Available to book
now for travel between 31 October 2010 and
26 March 2011.
15 TH BIRTHDAY ISSUE | TRAVELLER | 187