Christmas markets...

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Chrisbassett

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Thinking of taking the family over to Germany for the Christmas markets and some festive cheer (and shopping I suppose!), but only ever been to Frankfurt at that time of year.

Any experience of other cities out there? Munich sounds nice, Berlin might be too big and maybe better in summer?
 
maverick

maverick

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Lille Xmas market in France , very easy to get to , use the tunnel than it's a short trip from there .
The Place Rihour area of Lille comes alive at Christmas-time and transforms into a real winter wonderland. The market is home to over 80 wooden chalets and stalls offering all manner of festive goodies and culinary delights. Father Christmas makes regular appearances and there is a funfair. The market is great for the Eurostar link.
For a stunning view of this artistic and historic city, why not take a trip on the 50 metre high Big Wheel situated on the Grand Place or if you prefer to keep your feet firmly on the ground, why not shop till you drop in the 3900 shops in the city.
Things you may want to know:
Number of stalls: 80 approximately
Coach parking: Yes
Closest ferry port: Calais
Closest airports: Lille
Tourist information: lilletourism.com
 
zagatoes30

zagatoes30

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We've been to Lille before and we were surprised how nice it was and getting there on the Eurostar was a doodle as well.
 
conaero

conaero

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Bruge in Belgium is about the only thing in that country worth going to see, if I were going to take the family to one, it would be that one.
 
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dem maser

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will book this for next year.....liking Lille, easy Eurostar link....where to stay?? will be on here in a year booking this...Mrs loves markets etc....
 
Contigo

Contigo

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I've done Cologne, Manchester, Edinburgh, Frankfurt and Nuremberg. All good in their own way.
 
outrun

outrun

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Berlin Xmas market is great. Also has a skating rink and amusements etc for the kids. Berlin itself is a fantastic city and one of my favourites. My older sister has lived there for 20 years so it's somewhere I visit 2 or 3 times a year at least.
 
StuartW

StuartW

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Or if you want to stay on these shores, Lincoln is good and we even had a Red Arrows & Vulcan fly past during last year's, right over the cathedral - very impressive!
 
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Mr.Cambio

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Vienna and Salzburg for Christmas..And you'll be thanking your old good friend for the memories :))


(I need some Sachertorte...)
 
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Chrisbassett

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We went to Vienna for Christmas & new year about 5 years ago, Nikos, had an amazing time. Saw an opera, Christmas carols and went to the New Years Eve ball and the firework display. Just feels too much with the nipper, we need to make it all more daytime & evening centred...but maybe again in 5 years!
 
Moz1000

Moz1000

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I've done Nuremburg and it was very enjoyable, with lots of Glühwein, wurst, and things to look at and buy. If anything put me off it was lines of Japanese visitors hand-in-hand walking around like a train with no start and no end. Bizarre!
 
GeoffCapes

GeoffCapes

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dem maser said:
will book this for next year.....liking Lille, easy Eurostar link....where to stay?? will be on here in a year booking this...Mrs loves markets etc....
Click to expand...

Don't stay in the Novotel. Apparently it's 4 star. 4 star my ****! I've stayed in better Haven holiday caravans!
Other than than. Lille is quite nice.
 
TridentTested

TridentTested

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zagatoes30 said:
We've been to Lille before and we were surprised how nice it was and getting there on the Eurostar was a doodle as well.
Click to expand...

It's also a pleasure to drive to as well and, although admittedly not very Chrismassy, in this centenary year the fields of Ypres (Ieper) would be a poignant stop.
 
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Chrisbassett

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So, Salzburg it is! Off on the 13th for a few days, using Airbnb for a lovely flat right in the centre of town. Really hope the place is covered in snow.
 
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