Christmas Market Tours 2011

Posted on Friday, February 25, 2011

‘Tis the season to be jolly, so it’s time to wrap up warm and prepare for some festive fun. Why not do some shopping in European Christmas markets?

Picture the scene: sparkling Christmas lights adorning snowy trees; chestnuts roasting on an open fire and a warming glass of mulled wine to stave off the cold; little stalls selling everything from wooden toys to hand-crafted jewellery to Christmas panettone. Yes, it’s the time of year when all across Europe the Christmas markets are in full swing, and there’s no better place to pick out some unique gifts for your loved ones back home – or, indeed, a Christmas present for yourself! And, unlike the commercialised chaos of the shops back home, the bustling Christmas markets of a stunning European city like Prague, Munich or Vienna are guaranteed to leave you feeling festive not fraught.

The traditional Christmas market originates in Germany, where it is known as the Christkindlmarkt and held throughout the four weeks of Advent in celebration of Christmas. A Christmas market was held in Dresden as far back as 1434, and today its 60 stalls attract as many as two million visitors each year. You can visit this city yourself on a Trafaglar tour of Germany. These days you have a wide range of festive destinations to choose from on a tour of Europe, whether it’s a traditional Christkindlmarkt in its German homeland, or beyond to European cities as diverse as Krakow in Poland, Salzburg in Austria and Zurich in Switzerland. The perfect way to discover the joy of the traditional Christmas market is on the Trafalgar Christmas Markets of Austria, Germany and Switzerland European tour – endless inspiration for your Christmas shopping!

There’s no time quite like December to visit an enchanting European capital. Traditional Christmas markets tours offer the perfect seasonal shopping experience and are an ideal way to get yourself in the mood for Christmas. If you’ve never been to one before, we’re sure you’ll love them as much as we do – and if you have, then you’ll know what we’re talking about!

Koblenz Christmas Markets

Posted on Sunday, October 25, 2009

This is the town where the Rhine and Moselle rivers meet. The picturesque old quarter of Koblenz has over 130 festive wooden huts at its Christmas Market.  Sip a warm mug of gluhwein on a horse drawn carriage; have a go on the toboggan run or visit the life size Nativity scene.  The town hall courtyard provides an enchanting setting for the open-air Christmas concerts.

Mainz Christmas Markets

Posted on Saturday, October 17, 2009

St. Martin’s Cathedral in Mainz has been the historical backdrop for the St. Nicholas Market for more than 200 years.  More than 100 stalls present a range of arts, crafts, and culinary delights.  The air is filled with the scent of roasted almonds, gingerbread, hot chestnuts and mulled wine. See a lime wood carved nativity scene with life size figures and the 11 meter Christmas pyramid.

Heidelberg Christmas Markets

Posted on Thursday, October 08, 2009

Heidelberg's Christmas market are a blend of tradition and charm. It is held on seven squares in the old quarter and features a number of festive stalls and a Christmas pyramid.  There are long rows of food and a kiddie zone wit a carousel and other rides. Enjoy Christmas on ice and views of the festively illuminated castle at one of Germany’s prettiest ice rinks. Local shops also have Christmas displays and food.

Christmas Markets Cologne Germany

Posted on Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Christmas market here include over 160 beautiful wooden pavilions set against the backdrop of Cologne’s magnificent Cathedral. Watch craftsmen at work and enjoy all manner of delectable treats.  Neumarkt square hosts the city’s oldest Christmas market, while the one in Rudolfplatz focuses on the world of fairy tales.  The medieval Christmas Market on the banks of the Rhine offers entertainers, minstrels, and jesters.  Enjoy nativity exhibitions, concerts and a wide choice of Christmas shopping.