Christmas is fast approaching!  It is a magical time of the year… but it can also mean a lot of stress and headaches trying to find the perfect gifts – especially if left until the last minute.  Don’t add to the headaches by neglecting to take out travel insurance for your trips(ski insurance if you are planning any skating, etc.).

Why not take a trip and visit some of the wonderful, festive Christmas Markets this year.  You’ll be sure to pick up some unusual gifts, many of which will be unique and handmade.  You could see a new city by taking in a short weekend break, book into a nice hotel, have a spa treatment, try the local cuisine, and really enjoy the experience.  

You might take a trip to North American Christmas Markets, pick up some bargains, and then head to one of the many fantastic ski resorts!

Let the twinkling lights, music and Christmassy atmosphere work their way into your heart and mind once more. Forget mooching about in the shopping malls in your hometown or battling your way through the high street shops.  Go somewhere different!  Join in with the carol singing, try the local cuisine, and let the child in you emerge once more! Take along your favorite person and make your Christmas shopping an experience to remember.

The above is only a small selection of the Christmas Markets held throughout Europe and the world.  To search for more Christmas Markets visit: www.christmasmarkets.com.

Bath, England
If you’ve never visited the historic and beautiful Georgian city of Bath then maybe this is the time to do it!  Bath holds a Christmas Market each year from the end of November through to the first week of December.   Browse the more 100 magical wooden chalets filled with Christmas fare. The market takes place in the lively area between the Abbey and the Roman Baths   For more information visit: Click Here

Berlin, Germany
Berlin is host to dozens of Christmas Markets from the last week of November through to the second week of December. Some of the most popular include the market outside the Charlottenburg Castle, a market on Potsdamer Platz (which features a toboggan run, legoland and Sony Centre), the classic market on the Gendarmenmarkt, and a new market hosted by staff of several embassies close to the Brandenburg Gate.   For more information: Click Here .

Bethlehem
How about a trip to Bethlehem for your Christmas Market fun?  Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, USA that is!  It is known as the ‘Christmas City’ in North America.   The Market is held every year in Bethlehem’s historic downtown district.  There are carriage rides and the Christkindlmarkt – which has stalls of handmade crafts and gifts.  You will also find plenty of Christmas music as well as German and Austrian food and cheer.  There are liquid firework displays every half hour.  Held from the end of November through to December.  For more information visit: www.christmascity.org.

Bruges, Belgium
Bruges is a favourite amongst Christmas Markets, and throughout the year, with its festive atmosphere and beautiful historic surroundings. The Christmas Market is held in the Market Square and runs from late November through early January (shops and ice rink close Christmas Day).  There is also ice skating in the Square available through January 6. Visit:  Brugeinfo.com

Brussels, Belgium
Brussels has a large annual European Christmas Market in the Place St. Catherine, as well as many smaller markets scattered throughout the surrounding areas.  Pick up some locally made arts and crafts, Belgian chocolates and marzipan and other festive treats. The market runs from the end of November through the end of December.  Visit: WinterWonders 

Budapest, Hungary
Budapest is a famously popular destination for Christmas Market fans.  The place comes alive, especially in Vörösmarty Square where most of the action takes place.  Pick up some craft items made by folk artists and try some Hungarian cuisine.  The The Market dates run from around November 20 through the end of December.  Visit: www.budapestinfo.hu.

Cologne, Germany
Cologne’s Christmas Markets are held in several different locations between late November and December 23.  The market at Cologne Cathedral attracts visitors year after year to admire the festive decorations and beautiful sight of the cathedral as a backdrop.  You will find a Medieval Market and Chocolate Museum, and temporary ice skating rink on Heumarkt.  Visit: www.colognechristmasmarket.co.uk.  For more information about Cologne and other Christmas Markets throughout Germany, visit: www.germany-christmas-market.org.uk

Frankfurt, Germany
Held between the last week of November and December 22, the Christmas market is located in the city centre at Roemerberg, Paulsplatz and Mainkai (quay).  The setting is beautiful, the decorations amazing, and the Christmas tree huge!  Visit:  www.frankfurt-tourismus,de

Lille, France
The Christmas market in Lille is held between mid November through the end of December.  It is convenient for those wishing to travel from London via the Eurostar (www.eurostar.com). The annual Christmas Market is located in Place Rihour in the centre of the town.  There is plenty to keep the children happy with a Ferris Wheel as well as stalls, local crafts and cuisine. For information visit:  www.christmasmarkets.com.

Lincoln, England
Held for a few consecutive days in early December, historic Lincoln's Christmas market is set against the backdrop of the magnificent 12th century cathedral and Norman Castle. Go back in time as you browse the stalls on the cobble stone square among the timber-framed houses amid traders dressed in Victorian costume.  Enjoy some mulled wine, mince pies and roasted chestnuts. For more information visit:  www.lincoln.gov.uk.

London, England
London hosts many events and activities at Christmas – and what a place to be during the festive season!  Once the Christmas lights are switched on in the West End shoppers can enjoy the atmosphere and browse the many famous shops and Christmas markets, including Covent Garden and many other markets in various locations throughout London.   For more information click on: www.viewlondon.co.uk 

Munich, Germany
Munich is always popular with its Christmas Market located in the heart of the old town of the city.  There are several different locations to browse between the end of November and December 24, but you will be sure to find some unusual gifts and stocking stuffers there.  For more information visit:  Munich Christmas Market .

Portsmouth, England
A Christmas Market will be held in historic Portsmouth from 30 November to 2 December. Have a Victorian experience at Fagin’s Tavern and browse over 100 stalls offering Christmas goodies.  An admission fee is charged, but includes many events, such as the historic ships and the Royal Navy Museum. For more information visit: Christmas Festival.

Prague, Czech Republic
Prague’s Christmas Market is a favorite, located in the Gothic Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square between the end of November and January 1st.  The huge Christmas tree is always a main feature as well as the many brightly lit stalls.  There are several smaller markets throughout the city also.  Click Here.

Vienna, Austria
Vienna attracts plenty of visitors to its Christmas Market held in front of the City Hall between November 18 and December 26.  It is a great place for Christmas shopping and for admiring the lit-up Schoenbrunn Palace.  For more information click here.