Christmas Market Magic.

Dare I say it but Christmas is nearly upon us..only 8 weeks to go, and for me this is like music to my ears. I love Christmas and everything about it.  I have always loved Christmas from being very young but since having my little girl it’s even more magical now. Just sitting here thinking about it makes me feel all excited and I can’t wait to get into the Christmas spirit and start enjoying all the festivities.

Living in Manchester I love to go to the Christmas Markets. The markets arrive mid November and are always eagerly awaited. The city centre comes alive with Christmas and the markets are packed with people enjoying all the delicious foods on offer, the mulled wine, the traditional beers.  There are the little stalls with the handmade crafts and jewellery, great for presents. Last year for the first time we tried the Ice Skating, lots of fun and such a great atmosphere.

There are lots of Christmas Markets dotted around Europe, all as magical as each other.  A mini cruise at Christmas time gives you a chance to see one or more of the Christmas markets. What better way than to get into the Christmas spirit and do some of that all important Christmas shopping whilst enjoying the magic of the markets

Amsterdam is magical at Christmas time with over 26 markets spread right across the city. There are so many markets to choose from filled with Christmas trees and lights, mulled wine and hot chocolate, delicious foods to choose from, markets stalls , music and ice skating. I am lucky enough to be visiting Amsterdam in a few weeks and I really can’t wait to check out some of these markets and sample all they have to offer.

Bruges is one of the most beautiful settings for the Christmas markets. Visit Bruges from Zeebrugge on your mini cruise. The squares come alive with all the colourful lights, the markets and the ice rink. There is also a Snow and Ice Sculpture Festival to visit if you have the time. The photos speak for themselves  and I imagine the atmosphere is even more amazing.

For traditional Belgian themed markets Antwerp is the place to visit at Christmas time. There are hundreds of wooden chalets offering arts and crafts, delicious chocolates and sweets and of course not to forget all the festive flavours of the mulled wine. From the start of December one of the best ice skating rinks is set up overlooking the River Scheldt.

So whether it be Fred Olsen or Cruise and Maritime, or perhaps P&O or Cunard, there are still cabins available for your Christmas mini cruise.

P&O’s Oceana departs on the 13 Dec for 4 nights sailing to  Amsterdam and Zeebrugge or how about Fred Olsen’s Black Watch on the 18 Dec for 2 nights sailing to Zeebrugge and there are others to choose from.

If you would like more details on a Christmas markets mini cruise get in touch, there is still time to book your festive break.

As always drop me an email [email protected] or call me on 0330 303 8201.

Abbi x