Christmas markets

By Sayeh Woodman — Christmas is nearly upon us and what a perfect opportunity it is to squeeze in a city break before the end of 2016, or even better, make a magical Christmas market short break!

Imagine crisp, cold air, bright winter sky, the sound of Christmas music, twinkling lights and snow underfoot.

Breathe in the aroma of festivity, baked apples and cinnamon biscuits.

This type of short break has the unbearable; ultimate enchanted festive feeling, starting the Christmas season off perfectly.

With so many European cities transforming into a snow globe break of perfection, you won’t be disappointed, no matter where your pre-Christmas adventure takes you.

Where will you go, that’s the question, with such choices?

Christmas markets are popular all over the world, but in the UK we are spoiled for choice with Christmas festivities filling the streets of Manchester, Exeter Nottingham, Lincoln, Leeds and York to name but a few in the UK.

My personal preference is to travel a bit further — or a bit closer in your case living in Muscat, for the ultimate Christmas market experience.

Some of the most famous markets can be found in Vienna,  Austria, Cologne and Berlin in Germany, Brussels in Belgium and Basel in Switzerland.

There are too many wonderful places to list, but all are full of heart warming charm, steeped in history and lined with excellent stalls offering beautiful gifts, perfect for some unique gift shopping and historic sightseeing.

In addition, European Christmas markets are so easy to travel to by land, rail or air and are perfect for a short escape.

It really doesn’t have to be costing.

And though it is a cooler time of year for you in Muscat, lets face it, experiencing the real cold weather, well, it would be quite exciting!

Traditionally Christmas markets run during the four weeks of advent, many closing on Christmas Eve.

So you still have plenty of time to brew and think about it.

Can’t believe it’s December already, and only a few weeks left till Christmas — that’s an excited panic and realisation there!   Be sure to check the dates for availability of when you go and last minute deals.

You can grab good late bargain deals, or Christmas market packages.

I went to my first Christmas market on November 24th here in the UK.

It was magical and heart warming.

It was also great to see peculiar and odd gifts, that you wouldn’t necessarily find in local shops or on the Internet.

I have another one booked in, for the last week, in the run up to Christmas, which will be nice, in London.

However, I’m extremely thrilled to say that I’ve got an extra special Christmas market to look forward to in Berlin.

Can’t wait to be faced with all that traditional authentic gingerbread and festive spirit!

Very excited!

— sayehwoodman@outlook.com