Christmas markets!

One thing I love about festive season is the Christmas markets.

I live near Manchester where the markets are fantastic and always wondered about venturing a little further afield! I love all the stalls with weird and wonderful items to purchase. Last year I came home with nougat, some candles, a wooden bike, a woolly hat and some cheese. It does tend to be more expensive than purchasing in a supermarket, I guess the novelty is too much for the public to resist. My favourite purchase was nettle flavour cheese!

Treating yourself is what Christmas is all about so not to be missed is the hog roast with stuffing washed down with a cup of mulled wine. Then off to the pub for a couple more affordable drinks!

My parents went to Germany last year and thoroughly enjoyed it. They visited a place called Koblenz where the markets looked fantastic and it looked even more festive because it was thick with snow!

This coming weekend I am going to Bruges with work for our annual conference. It will be my first trip to the city and hope I will get the opportunity to explore the highlights and sample the markets. The Queen Mary 2 departs from Southampton on 12 December for 3 nights calling at Zeebrugge where you can visit Brussels or Bruges.

Cruising is a brilliant way to explore these European destinations and the Christmas market cruses are getting much more popular.  Cunard feature 4 special Christmas markets cruise sailings before Christmas, Fred Olsen have 1 departure and Cruse and Maritime voyages also have 2 sailings.

When the prices start from just £229 it is very affordable too!

What do you think of the Christmas markets?

Have you ever visited Bruges during the festive period?

Get in touch!

I will let you know how my trip goes!

Rosie xx