gillian57
member
Reged: 15/06/2008
Posts: 183
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I rashly volunteered to research a trip to a Christmas market for myself and 3 friends this December. I have tried google and there are hundreds. So, this is my idea of market research! In the past we have been to Bath and York and one of our number has been to Nuremberg. Anyone got any other recommendations please????
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brandyqueen
member
Reged: 01/04/2008
Posts: 1228
Loc: essex
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How about Lille? easy to reach by train (eurostar) can be done in a day. Brandyqueen x
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Bluebell35
member
Reged: 25/03/2008
Posts: 411
Loc: Kent
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I went to Brussels christmas market last year. We went on eurostar and booked the whole package through them. We got a bargain price for 2 nights in a great hotel and return travel. Check out their web site to see what they are offering.
Bluebell35xx
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whitleybay
member
Reged: 09/08/2008
Posts: 576
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I have been to Lille and to Lincoln. Of the two I think I preferred Lille. We went on Eurostar and stayed in an aparthotel which was great.
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mcdizzy
member
Reged: 13/01/2008
Posts: 98
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Have been to both Lincoln and Cologne several times, loved them both.
Cologne was easy to get to by plane and a short train ride into the city, about 6 markets around the city to look at, each a bit different. Great atmosphere. Tip: go midweek as the weekends get very busy.
Lincoln, has a couple of nice bits with hand made gifts or something a bit different but also has a lot of the usual market stall stuff. Great atmosphere though with bands playing and you also have the shopping areas to explore. Again I'd go on the opening night which i think is the Thursday and stay for Friday, as the Sat/Sun is just too busy for me, you can hardly move as you walk around!
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Kimberley
member
Reged: 14/07/2008
Posts: 594
Loc: KENT
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The only Christmas Market I have been is in Krakow, Poland, I thought it was lovely, it was held in the main square and had a great atmosphere, the freezing cold weather all added to it !!! Lost of different Christmas decorations, arts and crafts, culinary delights and mulled wine !
Kim x
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gillian57
member
Reged: 15/06/2008
Posts: 183
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Thanks everyone - friends will be impressed!!
I think France is beckoning as so easy.......
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Mollymandy
member
Reged: 01/08/2008
Posts: 771
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Birmingham Christmas Market is really good and bigger than a lot of those in Germany. Nuremburg is very very crowded although the town itself is beautiful.
Even my OH who spent over 25 years in Germany thought that Birmingham was one of the best he had visited - however, not the most exciting places for a week-end away! Doesnt quite have the cache.
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Sella_Vee
member
Reged: 03/04/2008
Posts: 830
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Birmingham Christmas market lacks the atmosphere of the German ones but has the advantage of very good "ordinary" shopping - and the floozie in the jacuzzi! You could also go to the Hippodrome and see the Birmingham Royal Ballet in the Nutcracker.
I found Lincoln OK, but I wouldn't hurry back. I believe there's one in Nottingham now.
The first German one I went to was Heidelberg, and it was so romantic, a bit like being in a Christmas card, but if you're going with friends that's probably not important. Cologne was very busy, and full of Brits, but there were masses of stalls. Dusseldorf was OK, not my favourite. The last one we went to was Vienna. The city was very interesting but I wasn't as impressed with the market stalls.
If you live down south the eurostar options have got to be worth a look.
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gillian57
member
Reged: 15/06/2008
Posts: 183
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I'm intrigued by Birmingham. Not somewhere I would have thought of but Mollymandy is a good ambassador for it! Only an hour and a half from London and I have never spent any real time there as normally am going to attend a meeting so just arrive, go to meeting, go home.
Many thanks for everyones help. Very impressed with the knowledge of Christmas Markets.
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shootingstar
member
Reged: 05/03/2006
Posts: 269
Loc: South Northants
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Munich is brilliant - especially in the snow. Easyjet flies there so you can get a bargain if you book well enough in advance. Lovely city, lots of shops and very easy to get around on public transport.
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My lovely picture has gone - new one as soon as I can get Photobucket to behave.
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Anne62
member
Reged: 28/05/2007
Posts: 268
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Manchester is very good too.
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leljay27
member
Reged: 31/07/2008
Posts: 62
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I have been to Birmingham, and also found it good fun. Its better to go later in the day, as all the Christmas lights add to the atmosphere. If you like Chinese food Chung Ying Garden, near the Hippodrome is good, especially their Dim Sum.
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Mollymandy
member
Reged: 01/08/2008
Posts: 771
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Birmingham is a 100% better these days since the new Bull ring development - even got a Harvey Nicks and a brilliant Selfridges. I know it lacks the atmosphere of southern Germany, but no flight delays through snow, fog, and no awful rate of exchange for the Euro.
Have to admit I was sceptical, but was really pleasantly surprised... lots of Gluwein and Bratties...yum. It is only about 45 minutes on the train for us and by far the best way to go - only 5 minutes walk from New Street Station (I know, a truly horrible station, but awaiting redevelopment thankfully).
This hotel is only a couple of minutes from the market and is really nice.
http://www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk/burlington/
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Mollymandy
member
Reged: 01/08/2008
Posts: 771
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Have to agree with Kimberley - Krakow is absolutely beautiful although didnt visit the Christmas market. Think that Ryanair fly there?
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gillian57
member
Reged: 15/06/2008
Posts: 183
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Thanks again everyone. Someone at work mentioned Lille or Lyon as well but the hotels don't look that great. Anyone got any recommendations for a hotel? Still intrigued by Birmingham by the way!
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whitleybay
member
Reged: 09/08/2008
Posts: 576
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When we went to Lille we stayed in the Citadines Aparhotel which was very central. It means you have a bedroom, bathroom, sitting area and small kitchenette. Worked for us. 
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