Take a City Break with a Christmas Market

With Christmas just around the corner, its a great time to take a City Break with a Christmas Market.

We have some great offers available to the following cities.

Barcelona in Spain - this year sees the 225th anniversary of the Fira de Santa Lucia and comprises more than 270 stands from which you can purchase gifts including lights, baubles, candles, decorations, etc.   

Bruges in Belgium - a medieval setting, the market is around an open-air ice rink.  The market comprises around 30 stalls, but with lots of other things to see and do in Bruges, this city makes a welcome break. 

Brussels in Belgium - located by the illuminated Grand Place with around 240 stalls selling local specialities including decorations, gifts and Christmas seasonal food and drink.  Don't forget to take a look at the towering Christmas tree and listen to the many choirs and Christmas concerts. 

Cologne in Germany - start at the illuminated Gothic Cathedral and visit the various Christmas markets on Neumarkt, Alter Markt, Fairytale Christmas Market, Floating Market, Medieval Market and the Cologne Harbour Market right in front of the famous Chocolate Museum.

Prague in Czech Republic - a few Christmas markets to choose from, all within a few minutes' walk of each other.  The most popular ones are in Wenceslas Square and the Old Town.  Listen to street performers, carol singers and orchestras as they take to the streets.  Buy some interesting stocking fillers as well as sampling some traditional foods.

Vienna in Austria - the festive markets date back to the 13th century and Vienna now has 25 Christmas markets.  One of the highlights is the "Magic of Advent" which is at the Vienna Christmas market in City Hall Square.  Up to 150 decorated stalls sell everything from decorations and traditional handicrafts to gingerbread hearts and berry punch.

Take a look at some of our Christmas City Breaks and decide which Christmas Market is for you.

Hot Chocolate and Viennese Whirls

With half term coming up in the UK, a Vienna city break may be the ideal short getaway. 

Vienna has plenty to offer for children to do and whilst the glories of Vienna's great architectural gem, the Schobrunn Palace, may have limited appeal for them, in the Palace's museum children can have plenty of hands on experience include dressing up as royals.   The gardens include a maze dating from the early 18th century and a more modern labyrinth including bouncing boards and a giant kaleidoscope.

Among the other child-friendly attractions, Vienna Zoo is probably the most famous.  It is home to Fu Hu, the baby panda born last summer and just one of the impressive range of creatures on show.  When energy or attention flags, regular servings of the city's finest hot chocolate and cakes will work like magic for parents and children alike.

In the western area of the city, the 4 star Kavalier Hotel is a short ride by tram or underground to the city centre.  The rooms are well-equipped and spacious and there is a good restaurant and a sauna.

The price of £199 per person is based on 2 sharing for 2 nights' accommodation with breakfast and includes return flights from London Gatwick on the 21 February.