Rollercoasters and Roast Almonds – European Christmas Markets

For those seeking some festive fun in the run up to Christmas, a short break with bmi regional to one of Europe’s best Christmas Markets is just what Santa would ask for. With one-way fares to cities in Germany from only £79 per person – including 20kg checked baggage (ideal for all those gift purchases) – Christmas comes early for travellers from Bristol.

Historical Christmas Market – Town Hall Square and Fleet Island, Hamburg:

The prettiest of Hamburg’s markets is held at the Town Hall. Bursting with history, tradition and a proud Hanseatic heritage, all hosted by the renowned Circus Roncalli, this is the city in which to discover lovingly decorated stalls, warm punch served by clowns and entertainment from circus artistes.

Every day at 4pm, 6pm and 8pm Father Christmas flies in on his reindeer sleigh above the roofs of the Christmas Market cottages, telling the story of Rudolph the red nosed reindeer. The market runs from 25 November to 23 December 2013; flights with bmi regional from Bristol to Hamburg start from £90 per person one way.

Munich Christmas Market – Marienplatz, Munich:

Originally named ‘Nicholas Market’ and with a heritage stretching back to the fourteenth century, Munich is famous for offering some of the most unusual Christmas gifts around such as wood carvings from Oberammergau, gingerbread from Nuremberg and elegant glassware from the Bavarian Forest.

Enjoy the daily Christmas Market concert performed from the balcony of Munich town hall. The market runs from 25 November to 24 December 2013; flights with bmi regional from Bristol to Munich start from: £79 per person one way.

Frankfurt Christmas Market – Romerberg Square, Paulsplatz and Mainkai:

With over 600 years’ history, Frankfurt Christmas Market is one of the oldest and most popular in Germany and across Europe. Indulge in arts and crafts and savour seasonal food and drink from over 200 stalls set against the beautiful backdrop of Romerberg market place and St Paul’s church.

Surrounding the 30-metre-high Christmas tree is a wealth of festive fun. Entertainment includes concerts, trumpet fanfares from the balcony of St. Nicholas’s Church and bell ringing from the church carillon. The market runs from 27 November to 22 December 2013; flights with bmi regional from Bristol to Frankfurt start from: £79 per person one way.