If you are interested in a coach holiday to a German Christmas Market this year, the following destinations are some of the markets available.

Altotting Christmas Market Bernkastel Christmas Market Celle Christmas Market Freiburg Christmas Market Nuremberg Christmas Market

Baden Baden Christmas Market Bonn Christmas Market Cologne Christmas Market Magic Moments Christmas Market

Berlin Christmas Market Bremem Christmas Dusseldorf Christmas Market Munich Christmas Market

If you are interested in a coach holiday to a Christmas Market this year, the following video illustrates a typical Christmas Market in Germany

Altotting has not only been one of the most significant cultural and historical centres in Bavaria for more than 1,200 years, but it is also visited by innumerable pilgrims each year. Art treasures of world renown can be found around the expansive, baroque chapel square. Just before Christmas, a unique, homey atmosphere prevails in the town centre. With its magnificently illuminated streets and large selection of specialized stores, Altotting provides an appropriate setting for shopping just before Christmas. Altotting's refined gastronomy, rich in tradition, invites visitors to dine in comfort. Situated in the spacious chapel square, which is a pedestrian only zone, it has ranked among the most beautiful Christmas markets in Germany for 40 years already. A musical highlight is the annual Great Christmas Concert.Back to destination list

The internationally acclaimed spa and festival city will have a very special atmosphere with its Baden-Baden Christkindelsmarkt, against the commandingly picturesque backdrop of the Kurhaus and the colonnades lit up by thousands of lights over the Advent period in the heart of the festively decorated old town. The Baden-Baden Christmas Market is not only a good meeting point, but also a place to celebrate the pre-Christmas period where people can get together and enjoy a glass of gl�hwein or punch. A variety of choirs, orchestras and bands will be performing twice daily on the stage in front of the Kurhaus to put the visitors from around the world in the Christmas mood. More than 50 beautifully decorated stands ranging from crafts and toys to artistic Tiffany products and wood carvings will be offering an extensive array of products. A living creche with lambs, sheep and a shepherd will be one of the special attractions in Baden-Baden at Christmas: without doubt the bleating of the sheep and the scent of fresh hay will quickly draw visitors to the idyllic nativity scene around the life-sized manger in front of the Kurhaus and is bound to attract not just the younger among the visitors. Back to destination list

Around the end of November until the beginning of January, Berlin will leave you spoilt for choice with its Christmas markets. With over 50 in the city alone there truly is something for everyone. The Kaiser Wilhelm Gedachtniskirche Christmas market is the biggest and gets around 4 million visitors per year. Set in the backdrop of the World War II damaged memorial church you can expect to find a small village of wooden huts selling everything from Artwork, decorations and jewellery; to wines, foods, and delicious roasted almonds. The market is right by the Kurfarstendamm, filled with even more shops. The shopping won't stop until you say so! Need somewhere to entertain the children? Try the Alexanderplatz. This market offers fair rides, a merry-go-round and a near by ice rink to entertain the little ones. Alternatively the Potsdamer Platz Christmas Market features a nearby Winter World where you can enjoy skating, and an amazing toboggan run. There may also be concerts, carousels and entertainment beautifully lit by fairy lights. The Spandau Christmas Market is sure to leave you hearing a choir of angels. Expect up to 400 stalls on a weekend and 200 on a weekday. What better way to get into the spirit of then with a nativity scene using real live animals. There's also Chanukkah (Hanukkah) Christmas Market at the Jewish Museum, Christmas Magic Market at Gendarmenmarkt and so much more. After a hard day�s shopping there�s the Berlin nightlife to enjoy. Oh what fun it is to visit Berlins Christmas Markets. View Berlin christmas markets | Back to destination list

One of the most favoured Christmas market destinations of the Moselle is Bernkastel traditional Christmas market. Known as the medieval 'town of vines and wines' it transforms into a picturesque winter wonderland in the run up to Christmas. Bernkastel holds a number of festive events alongside its Christmas market. Usually on the first Saturday in December 100 swimmers carrying burning torches leave from the harbour in Kues, which are followed by oarsmen in decorated skiffs. Standing under an illuminated wreath in a boat, the archbishop of St Nicholas 'Friend of all children' - follows. Arriving in Bernkastel, St Nicholas hands out chocolate gifts to all the children. Back to destination list

Bonn is the former capital of Germany and 19th largest city. Located about 20 kilometres south of Cologne the impressive illuminated fa�ades on Munsterplatz and its neighbouring streets are the festive backdrop for Bonn's Christmas market. From 1 December the beautiful old town hall is transformed into an enormous Advent calendar, with one more window being lit up each day. There are Christmas concerts and a daily programme of events to enjoy. Christmas shopping calls for Christmas markets, and Bonn has just the right atmosphere and the right spirit to go with them. Shop at Mansterplatz, Bottlerplatz Windeckstrasse, Friedensplatz and Vivatsgasse where you'll find everything from ingredients for special recipes to various art and craft items. You'll also find mulled wine, hot mead and chestnuts. Purchase beeswax candles directly from the bee-keeper. While you shop in this illuminated environment, classical symphonies play in the background. What's more, there is a 280-square-meter ice rink at Friedensplatz�a huge hit amongst one and all. Back to destination list

Between the end of November and shortly before Christmas day in December, in front of the 600 year old town hall you will find the Bremen Christmas Market. There are around 160 stalls set up on the historic market square selling everything from traditional handmade handicraft goods to roasted almonds, gingerbread and Glahwein. Nibble on baked apples and cinnamon stars while strolling along wood fire and torch lit paths to find medieval style taverns. Theres festive entertainment in the style of fairytale theatre performances and Christmas exhibition; look out for the nativity play. All this accompanied by the soft background music of Christmas carols. Be sure to head down to the River Weser where there are festive maritime attractions. Bremen Christmas Market is sure to leave you in good cheer. Back to destination list

The superb half-timbered facades around Celle's Christmas market in the heart of the historical old quarter are brought to life by Christmas illuminations and a 10 meter high Christmas tree which shows the way to the Market, inviting visitors to step in to a magical world of Christmas. Under the tree you will find a manger scene with 14cm to 1 meter high figurines. Among the 50 wooden houses gathered at the middle of the old town of Celle, you will find beautiful objects made of glass, Christmas decorations, toys, candles, various articles made of wood and ceramic and many other gift ideas, or perhaps something to bring the feeling of Christmas into your home. The pleasant smell of almond, of delicious warm wine, of savouries freshly baked pastries among other delicacies and sweet things saturate and float through the air at the Christmas market. For the children, the magic of the market doesn't stop there. A carousel and further attractions offered by the Cellie Kinderclub, allow our young visitors to play and create crafts, such as mobiles. On the 6th of December, Santa Klaus doesn't forget to fulfill his tasks as he strolls through the streets, his hands full of presents to distribute among the children. A special program with many events related to Christmas is offered while the market takes place and contributes to making the atmosphere even more cheerful. During the week ends you may enjoy open air concerts at the marketplace, or perhaps a choral and organ concert in the church adjacent to the market. All these magical events invite you to stay and make your travel to another world a true wonderland. Back to destination list

A trip to Dusseldorf in Advent is a very special experience. From November 17 to December 23, the Christmas market is presented with individual themes at different places in the lively city centre. All around Konigsallee, Gustaf-Grundgens-Platz with its new ice-skating rink and several other imaginative theme worlds invite to tours of discovery. During almost five weeks, more than 250 festively decorated huts transform the city into a winter tale for the whole family. The 450 square metres ice rink on Gustaf-Grundgens-Platz has its premiere this year and is free of charge for all. Christmas fun on skates is guaranteed against the background of the attractive architecture of the Schauspielhaus (playhouse). Just as magical a setting for the Christmas market is Dusseldorf's town hall on Marktplatz. Beneath Dusseldorf's landmark, the equestrian statue of the prince-elector Jan Wellem, metal smiths, glassblowers and candle makers offer their hand-made wares. The Engelchenmarkt (little angels market) on Heinrich-Hein-Platz is distinguished by its Art-Nouveau setting. The market on Flinger Strasse, linking Marktplatz and Heinrich-Heine-Platz, has huts modelled after historic Dusseldorf town houses. The traditional Gluhwwein pyramid serving spiced hot wine has become a distinctive, popular meeting point over the years. At the Sternchenmarkt (little stars market) on Stadtbruckchen square, giant crystals and sparkling stars on sky-blue stalls create a dreamy winter landscape. On Schadowplatz, the Christmas market is especially family-friendly and lively, with a merry-go-round and a puppet theatre in a heated tent to make the little ones happy. Around Schadowstrasse, there are stalls offering arts and crafts, snacks and Christmas drinks and another merry-go-round for the children.
Tip: A stroll along world-famous Konigsallee is a must. The giant chestnut trees along the boulevard sparkle with thousands of lights, radiating a wonderful Christmas atmosphere. View Dusseldorf christmas market coach holidays | Back to destination list

Freisburg's Christmas market is in the heart of the old city centre, which is filled yearly with visitors young and old fascinated by the traditional crafts and gifts on display. The scent of mulled wine and mouth watering bratwurst, gingerbread cakes and hot chestnuts will fill your nostrils as you meander through the network of stalls, admiring potential gifts for loved ones. Freisburg Christmas market offers a wealth of gift ideas such as pottery, puppets, candles, jewellery, tree ornaments and much more. You will also be able to watch the traditional art of glass blowing and candles being made to order from real beeswax. At the Kartoffelmarkt children will also be able to bake their own Christmas biscuits and in Franziskanergasse make their own candles. In the town hall square, feel free to enjoy the harmonious sounds and sermons at St Martin's Church throughout the Advent period. Nobody will leave Freisburg's Christmas market dissatisfied. Back to destination list

Europa-Park is the second most popular theme park in Europe and Germany's largest. During the Christmas season it holds its winter programme: Magic Moments. The theme park is adorned with sparkling fairy lights and decorated fir trees and has plenty of family friendly winter rides and activities as well as a children's area (Children's World). Europa Park is divided into fourteen different themed areas which has over 100 rides in total and holds shows and parades daily. Each theme is of a European country or region, which is reflected in the rides. Thrilling rides such as the Euro-Mir and rollercoaster in the dark Eurosat, to a sense baffling ride of illusions - Cassandra�s Curse, Europa-Park�s variety will not disappoint. During the winter additional activities are on offer, such as racing down snow ramps in snow tubes, ice skating, sleigh ride snow flake and much more. On top of that, you can also enjoy a visit to the Christmas market there. Whether young or old, there is plenty to do at Europa-Park during the Christmas season as it is truly a winter wonderland. Back to destination list

Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt is one of Germany's oldest and most famous. The Friday before the first Sunday of Advent is an opening ceremony conducted by the Christmas Angel. As she opens her market the solemn prologue is spoken from the gallery of Our Lady's Church. Festooned with red and white cloth, the 180 or so stall market attracts over two million visitors each year. The stalls contain a variety of traditional Christmassy and Nuremberg speciality goods: Christmas tree angels, ornaments and candles, toys, arts and crafts products, Nuremberg spicy gingerbread, fruit loaves, bakery goods and sweets. Popular Nuremberg souvenirs are the Nuremberg Plum People, which are little figurines made from prunes, figs and walnuts held by toothpicks dressed up in various ways. There are plenty of stalls with refreshments available, such as Nuremberg sausages, mulled wine and other delicious food. In addition, there is an international district of stalls of sister cities and associated regions, from Europe to Asia to the Americas. Younger visitors will enjoy the Kinderweihnacht - the Children�s Christmas Market, with a number of child friendly activities like the steam powered merry go round. Nuremberg Christkindlemarkt prides itself in being traditionally authentic by keeping an eye on the products stalls offer, not allowing plastic fig garland decorations and non-stop taped Christmas carousels or muzaks. The market stall holders also compete for the most beautifully designed stall, where the City presents gold, silver and bronze awards for the most beautiful stalls. Visiting Nuremberg�s Christkindlemarkt will truly be an experience! To avoid the hustle and bustle of the crowds, take a leisurely visit during the week as opposed to the weekend. Back to destination list

Christmas Markets	Austria Christmas Markets	German Christmas Markets
Belgium Christmas Markets	France Christmas Markets	Holland Christmas Markets
Luxembourg Christmas Markets	Prague Christmas Markets	Brussels Christmas Market
Cologne Christmas Markets	Berlin Christmas Markets	Munich Christmas Market
London Christmas Markets	Birmingham Christmas Market	Manchester Christmas Market

Stay safe overseas � know before you go

Whatever your reason for travelling abroad, you're sure to want a trouble free trip. Many of the things that often go wrong for travellers can be prevented or made less stressful by taking a few simple precautions. So it makes sense to spend a little time getting prepared before you travel � you could save yourself a lot of problems later on.

With this in mind, we are working with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) to help British nationals stay safe abroad. The FCO website (www.fco.gov.uk/travel) offers straightforward travel advice, top tips and up to date country information to help you plan your holiday.

Tips include:

• Make sure you have valid travel insurance, even if you're only planning a short trip.
• Visit your GP at least 6 weeks before you travel to get any vaccinations you might need.
• Read up on your destination, including local laws and customs.
• Make photocopies of your passport, visas and insurance details and leave a copy with a relative or friend at home.
• Register with the FCO�s LOCATE service to tell them where you are travelling to so the embassy and crisis staff can provide better assistance in an emergency such as a tsunami or terrorist attack.

You can also find handy checklists to use before you set off and whilst you are away. Plus it is worth reading up on what the local British Consulate can do to help you if you run into problems abroad - and what they cannot do.

For all this and more information, visit the FCO website: www.fco.gov.uk/travel. Or if you prefer, call the 24 hour FCO travel advice line on 0845 850 2829