As the Halloween mid-term draws to a close, it means only one thing.. Christmas is on the way!
Now we're not saying it's time to start putting up the decorations, but it's definitely time to plan a short trip away. There are some amazing Christmas Markets beginning in the next few weeks , and what’s even better is they are all accessible from your door step when you fly from Cork Airport!
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
The Amsterdam Museum Square (Museumplein) is the heart of all Christmas events in Amsterdam. The large square is transformed into an Amsterdam Christmas Village. The pond at Museum Square becomes a popular ice rink. You can rent ice skates here and try the most popular Dutch winter sports for yourself. There is even a miniature version of the Skinny Bridge when you can skate under.
Around the pond, stalls are set up for a christmas market. You can buy your Christmas presents, original souvenirs, food and drinks. The market stalls offer the best of seasonal treats from Holland, Germany and Belgium, like mulled wine, pancakes and sausages. The Markets take place from December 17th until December 30th 2017.
Manchester, United Kingdom
Launched in 1999 as just a single site in St Ann’s Square, the markets are now a sprawling and hugely popular festive attraction that attract millions of visitors each year. Manchester's main Christmas Market is based in Albert Square, in front of Manchester Town Hall.
Manchester's Christmas Markets are beginning on the 10th of November and running until the 20th of December 2017. The main market is open daily from 10am - 9pm. Other market locations include Market Street, St.Ann's Square and Cathedral Gardens. The opening hours for these vary depending on the location.
Paris, France
For over a month, the Christmas market on the esplanade at La Défense makes the heart of the district come alive. The Christmas Village is the biggest, most authentic one in Ile-de-France. Children and grownups alike will enjoy this truly enchanting seasonal event.
Extending over 10,000 m², the opportunities to find stocking fillers are ample - with the influx of artisans from all corners of the globe, selling everything from traditional tin toys, to intricate handblown decorations, and even festive fashion accessories. The Christmas Village is open from the 19th of November until the 27th of December 2017.
Newcastle, United Kingdom
Relax and enjoy this wonderful six day a week shopping experience away from the usual hassles. Pick up something a little different at Newcastle's oldest market, with a fantastic array of local shops selling all things Christmassy from turkey to tinsel, calendars to sprouts.
The International Christmas Market will take place at Grey’s Monument, Grey Street and Grainger Street. The market will be held from 11 December to 17 December 2017 inclusive. Open 9am to 5.30pm Monday to Saturday, with special Sunday openings in December (11am to 4pm).
Bristol, United Kingdom
Bristol's Christmas Market is located in the pedestrianised area of Broadmead in Bristol Shopping Quarter where visitors can expect a magical winter atmosphere. You can expect to find a host of chalets where you can buy authentic arts, crafts, gifts, and, of course, mouth-watering food and drinks.
The Market will open daily from 10am-8pm, from the 10th of November up to and including Christmas Eve 2017. It will be open daily from 10 November up to and including Christmas Eve. The opening night, Friday the 10th of November, coincides with the spectacular light-switch on event in Cabot Circus. Father Christmas will arrive and there will be live music and entertainment.
Wrocław, Poland
During the winter holidays, Wroclaw, Poland’s 4th largest city, seduces visitors with a delightful Christmas market that dates back to the 16th century. The streets are adorned with bright decorations; the Old Town oozes energy and good vibes; and Christmas carols resound in the Rynek, a square that evokes the city’s diversity, with its Hungarian, German, and Italian influences.
Wroclaw was named the European Capital of Culture in 2016, so expect to discover a city full of history and events, with a unique architecture and an impressive cultural life. This year the market is taking place from the 17th of November to the 22nd of December.
Edinburgh, Scotland
The Christmas Market will once again return to East Princes St Gardens for a whole host of bespoke and traditional Christmas items! The traditional and romantic Christmas Market in the heart of the City of Edinburgh offers a unique shopping experience for every visitor with its fair of crafters, artists, gift shops and gastronomic surprises.
The market is opening at 1pm on the 18th of November until the 6th of January 2018. It is open daily from 10am-10pm. As if that's not enough, you can find more Christmas stalls a short walk away on George Street.
Cardiff, Wales
The Cardiff Christmas Market will return to the pedestrian streets of Cardiff City Centre in St John Street, Working Street, Hills Street, Trinity Street and the Hayes. There will be a truly unique selection of artwork and crafts, with more than 200 exhibitors taking part in 85 wooden stalls over 44 days.
There will be an exciting and eclectic mix of both new and returning exhibitors, most of whom are small Welsh businesses, whose products cannot be found in any high street shops. Market goers can also spoil themselves with seasonal food and alcohol, and there will be street entertainment. The market will begin on the 9th of November and run until the 23rd of December.
