End-of-year celebrations are approaching, so it’s holiday- planning time! Why not take a break from the tropical heat and enjoy a White Christmas in Europe instead? One seasonal travel highlight is the traditional festive markets that are held in many European cities. We asked the team from British Airways to tell us about five of the best Christmas markets to visit.
#1 Nuremberg Christmas Markets
The Nuremberg Christmas Markets are held in the second-largest Bavarian city, in a town brimming with history, red-roof architecture and moreish pretzels. While in Nuremberg, make sure you visit the magnificent Nuremberg Castle. With British Airways’ direct flights from London Gatwick (LGW) to Nuremberg (NUE) operating from 30 November 2017 to 7 January 2018, travellers can connect to this fascinating destination in just over an hour.
#2 Vienna Christmas Markets
Situated in front of the gorgeous City Hall, the Vienna Christmas Markets feature festive fine-craft stalls, homey biscuit-making and carols. Just walking through the Christmas village of Belvedere Palace or ice-skating through City Hall Park will fill anyone with Christmas joy. It’s now super convenient to get to the city centre, too, with the new non-stop City Airport Train transporting tourists to the heart of Vienna in just 16 minutes.
#3 Prague Christmas Markets
The Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square in Prague have some of the best Christmas stalls in the region. While browsing the festive wares on sale, you can try the city’s famous hot sugar-coated pastries and wash them down with Czech pilsner beers. These Christmas markets pop up from 2 December and remain open until 6 January 2018.
#4 Budapest Christmas Markets
In central Vorosmarty Square, visitors can explore more than a hundred Christmas stalls selling unique, delicate hand-made gifts that are pre-checked for quality by Hungarian folk art experts. End your day with a tranquil evening cruise on the Danube or relax in the elegant open- air Edwardian hot baths at Szechenyi. The Christmas markets kick off in mid-November and stay open until the beginning of January 2018.
#5 Poland Christmas Markets
Held in one of Europe’s most beautiful medieval squares, Rynek Glowny is the best place to enjoy Christmas markets in Krakow. Savour Polish specialties such as grilled ewe’s cheese with cranberries, and vodka tea. The train from Krakow airport arrives at the city centre in 20 minutes.
Getting there
Travellers from Singapore can reach any of these destinations aboard British Airways’ revolutionary A380 – the quietest plane in the sky – and via the airline’s exclusive home at London Heathrow Terminal 5. To arrive feeling fully refreshed and ready to browse those markets, consider flying Club World business class; this allows you to sleep, relax or work in comfort and privacy, with a seat that transforms into a fully-flat bed, electronically-operated privacy screen, generous storage space and an extensive selection of fine food and wine.
Visit ba.com for more information about your next winter holiday.
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This article first appeared in the November 2017 edition of Expat Living. You can purchase a copy or subscribe so you never miss an issue!
