Which European city's Christmas Market break would work best for you?

9 Nov 2013 11:00

The Yule gurus at Fred have compiled their top five 'best for' markets so see if there's one to tempt you

TV producers are dusting off copies of It's A Wonderful Life, Rudolph is rouging his nose... and Europe's Christmas markets are ready to provide some colourful festive fun.

Every Yuletide – especially in France, Germany and Eastern Europe – thousands of stalls are set up in cities to sell locally-produced crafts and gifts and seasonal food and drink.

New specialist tour operator Fred – part of the same group as the Fred Olsen cruise line – has launched its first Winter Breaks brochure.

It features 35 European city and Christmas market trips by rail and air and one by river to destinations including Germany, Austria, Poland, Hungary, Estonia, the Czech Republic and France.

The Yule gurus at Fred have compiled their top five "best for" markets... so see if there's one to tempt you to wrap up warm and bag some pressies.

You never know, there might even be some of the white stuff...

1: Best for first timers – Brussels

The Belgian capital's classy Grand Place and the Place St Catherine come alive with an array of stalls, and it's an excellent introduction to the Christmas market short-break concept. Helpfully, there are great chips, waffles and beer too. Fred has two nights by rail from London St Pancras starting at £239 per person.

2: Best for "off the beaten track" – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany

Each year, the narrow winding streets and historic squares of this charming medieval Bavarian town are transformed into a winter wonderland. The Reiterlesmarkt, which dates back to the 15th century, is acknowledged as one of Germany's most picturesque Christmas markets. Two nights by air and rail from £439.

3: Best for families – Dresden, Germany

An elves' house, Santa's grotto and a puppet theatre make the beautifully restored Saxony city's Striezelmarkt a great choice for families. Costumed stallholders and medieval re-enactments add to the friendly atmosphere.

Two nights by air from £419.

4: Best for foodies – Freiburg, Germany (one of Mirror Travel's favourite cities)

Close to the Swiss and French borders and located on the western edge of the beautiful Black Forest, it's a lively, youthful university city with a charming festive atmosphere, a fine selection of restaurants and some classy local wines to try.

And, of course, there's Black Forest gateau! Two nights by air and rail from £309.

5: Best for history and culture – Budapest, Hungary

Tear yourself away from the 100 wooden stalls at the Christmas fair in Vorosmarty Square and discover the Hungarian capital's wealth of historic sights and attractions.

These include the castle, parliament, the Chain Bridge across the River Danube and the extraordinary sight of the huge Communist-era statues at Memento Park. Two nights by air from £255.

fredholidays.co.uk 0808 250 7755.