As Christmas in England tends to start in September and the weather is more likely to be grey and wet than glistening snow, it’s no wonder that more and more of us are taking a short trip abroad to visit the stunning markets that are held all over Europe. The magic of Christmas is still very much alive here, and gives us all an injection of Christmas spirit that seems to be sadly lacking these days.
One of my favourite Christmas market is in Prague. Ok, the snow isn’t guaranteed, but the little huts, the big trees and the never ending supply of Gluhwein certainly warms the cockles of your heart. This may sound like an exotic brand of toothpaste, but is in fact a warm, mulled Wine which is sold from a barrel on every street corner. Granted, some of it tasted like mouthwash but it is so cheap that you can try a few before finding the one you like the best. Sitting with a plastic cup underneath the huge tree in Wenceslas square is the stuff dreams are made of.
Germany has numerous Christmas markets, all vying against each other to be the biggest and the best. Little stalls sell some amazing items that you would never find at home. My advice is to take as few clothes as possible so there is plenty of room for gifts and duty frees! You will want to go mad but you still have to watch your weight. I’ve seen people at airports discarding toiletries, underwear and even their toothbrush in a valiant attempt not to pay the excess baggage charge.
If you get the chance to visit one of these markets, don’t think twice and have a few days in winter wonderland, you’ll love it!