Pick from one of Europe’s glittering Christmas Markets, where you can spend your hours browsing market stalls for local crafts and decorations, handmade toys and other unique gifts. Soak up the jovial atmosphere between the wooden huts and warm your bones by sampling delicious festive foods and traditional hot beverages
Chestnuts roasting at an open fire, the scent of mulled wine wafting, twinkling lights, red noses, cosy coats and lots of Christmas crafts – this can only mean one thing – Travel Department’s Christmas Markets are back and are already booking well for November and December.
The lead-up to Christmas is a truly magical time, soak up the jovial atmosphere and combine a fabulous holiday with your Christmas shopping.
Travel Department has a host of fantastic European city destinations for you to kick off the Christmas spirit in style. Each city offers something distinctively magical to get visitors feeling the Christmas cheer and you can stock up on Christmas gifts, soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the culture of some of Europe’s favourite cities. From Budapest to Bruges, Vienna to Vilnius, Lake Garda to Transylvania, Prague, Krakow, Riga, Cologne, Budapest and Munich and closer to home Belfast- so many Christmas market destinations to try!
Travel Department’s European Christmas Market trips include return flights, transfers and accommodation as well as a selection of fantastic, guided city tours with professional, friendly and knowledgeable local guides.
Vienna’s Christmas Markets
Take in the sights and sounds of this historic city with a half-day guided tour, including a visit to the stunning Schönbrunn Palace, the Ringstrasse, the Vienna State Opera House, and much more. There will also be plenty of free time to explore the city at your own pace, visiting Vienna’s Christmas markets, experience the famous Viennese coffee houses and enjoy delicious coffee and cake and your guide will be happy to provide recommendations!
Explore the beautiful markets at your own pace, where the smell of roasted chestnuts and mulled wine will fill the senses as you peruse the countless stalls and soak up the festive atmosphere.
Prices start from €619pp for a 3-night break and include accommodation at the 4-star Parkhotel Schonburg on a B&B basis, return flights from Dublin, transfers, guided city tour and all taxes & charges, with flights departing 25th November and 2nd and 9th December 2022
For more information Vienna Christmas Markets Holiday | Travel Department
In Bruges!
Enjoy a fantastic city break holiday to Bruges and soak up the wonderful festive atmosphere at the traditional markets in the city. With a rich array of cultural and historical sites, as well as a charming atmosphere and friendly locals, Bruges is the perfect place to spend a few days away. Enjoy a guided walking tour of this Gothic city to explore some of its most famous landmarks (some made famous by the movie of the same title!) – Market Square, Bruges Town Hall, the Saint Saviour Cathedral, and the Basilica of the Holy Blood, home to the relic of Christ’s blood, with an expert, local guide. You’ll have plenty of free time to soak up the city’s festive atmosphere as you wander medieval, cobbled streets, enjoy a Belgian chocolate or beer or pick up wonderful souvenirs at the various Christmas market stalls.
Prices start from €499pp for 3 nights including return flights from Dublin, staying at the 4-star Academie Hotel on a B&B basis, transfers, guided city tour and all taxes & charges, with flights departing 29th November and 6th December 2022.
For more information Bruges Christmas Market City Break – Guided Group Holiday (traveldepartment.com)
Lake Garda, Venice and Verona – Christmas Markets Holiday
A Lake Garda winter holiday, where you’ll be surrounded by a scenic mountain backdrop and combined with the Christmas festivities, is truly a magical experience in Italy.
Travel to Lake Garda renowned for its magnificent landscape rich culture and intriguing past. History enthusiasts will enjoy exploring the quaint medieval villages that dot the lake and there are many attractions of both historical and cultural significance to visit in the region. On this fantastic 5-night holiday, you’ll have plenty of time to soak up the relaxing, tranquil atmosphere of Lake Garda and enjoy full day excursions to explore the enchanting warren of canals and squares that make up the city of Venice and the charming UNESCO World Heritage Site of Verona, where you can enjoy shopping at the cities’ wonderful Christmas markets.
Prices start from €659p for 5 nights including return flights from Dublin, staying at the 4-star Grand Hotel Liberty on a B&B basis, transfers, guided tours and all taxes & charges, with flights departing 17th and 27th November 2022
For more information Christmas Getaway to Lake Garda, Venice & Verona Christmas Markets (traveldepartment.com)
Prague Christmas Markets
Discover the ‘city of a hundred spires’ and join Travel Department on a 3-night city break to the Czech capital. Prague is a magical city of bridges, cathedrals, gold tipped towers and church spires; and it looks even more spectacular in winter time. You’ll enjoy a guided walking tour of Prague, soak up the festive atmosphere, browse the stalls, enjoy Christmas carols, hearty food and mulled wine and have plenty of free time to explore Prague independently or go Christmas shopping at the fabulous Christmas Markets.
Prices start from €369p for 3 nights including return flights from Dublin, accommodation on a B&B basis, transfers, guided tours and all taxes & charges, with flights departing 25th November and 2nd December 2022
For more information Prague Christmas Markets Holiday | Travel Department
Check out Christmas Markets & Guided Tours 2022 | Travel Department for more information, all Christmas Market destinations and travel blog
