Shop Till You Drop at the Best Christmas Markets in Europe

18 November 2009

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Christmas is a magical time of year, but sometimes shopping for all those presents gets the best of all of us. Why not avoid the hustle and bustle of the high street this festive season, and replace the stress with carols, mulled wine and the magical atmosphere of some of the best Christmas markets in Europe?

If you travel by train you'll not only avoid traffic jams and the hunt for an over-priced car park, but you'll arrive in the centre of your destination, just walking distance away from everything you need.

UK Markets

Hyde Park's Winter Wonderland, London

Meet with family, friends or colleagues in Hyde Park this Christmas and celebrate at London's Winter Wonderland. This German-style Christmas Market is made up of wooden chalets selling festive goods and culinary specialities. Take a stroll and enjoy the festive atmosphere with a glass of "Glühwein" (German Mulled Wine) or have a go on Europe's largest outdoor ice rink.

Oxford Christmas Market, Oxford

The Oxford Christmas Market is another German-style Christmas Market which takes place in the heart of the city at Oxford Castle, and includes a range of stalls selling mainly handmade and fair-trade products, hot mulled wine, gingerbread and seasonal local food. Local choirs and brass bands perform Christmas carols, and the small Victorian carousel will keep the children entertained.

A Victorian Festival of Christmas, Portsmouth

Experience Christmases past at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard as the Victorian Festival of Christmas magically transports you back into a Dickensian-style era of snowy white streets with a festive fairground and seasonal carols. Hearty food is on the menu including much-loved roasted chestnuts and mulled wine. Entertainment includes parlour games, a bawdy Music Hall, a nativity farm and a traditional 'green' Santa.

Continental Markets

Lille's Month Long Christmas Market, France

Visitors to this market quickly get into the festive spirit. Held in the Place Rihour in the centre of town, the whole square is taken over by stalls selling arts and crafts and local cuisine. There's entertainment for children in the shape of a theatre and games and a chance to sample traditional French Christmas delicacies.

Brussels Winter Wonderland, Belgium

Each December the European Christmas Market sets up in Brussels' Grand Place, one of the most stunning market squares in the whole of Europe. Hundreds of stalls are erected selling novel gift items from around the world. In addition to the Christmas Market, the ice skating rink offers fun for all, alongside an illuminated Big Wheel and Merry-go-Rounds.

It doesn't matter if you're visiting one of the traditional markets on the continent or somewhere a little closer to home in the UK. You can still treat yourself to a festive day out and keep an eye on your budget by booking online in advance on thetrainline.com.

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