If you fancy travelling a little further afield for your Christmas shopping, Cologne Christmas markets are well worth the trip. There are several Christmas markets in Cologne, the largest of which are in the centre of the city near the magnificent cathedral and centred around an enormous Christmas tree. Cologne Christmas markets run from 21 November to 23 December 2022.
Get to Cologne in under 5hrs 30mins, door to door from St Pancras International. After a quick train change in Brussels, you’ll be sipping glühwein with the elves in no time.
For sheer Christmas magic, head to the angel-themed Markt der Engel to see the hundreds of brightly lit stars suspended above you, guaranteed to make you feel as if you’d wandered into the milky way.
Children will love Nikolausdorf (St Nicholas’ village) on Rudolfplatz with its life-sized crib, candyfloss sellers and backdrop of Hahnen gate, the 13th century gate that used to be part of the city walls in medieval times.
A great market for a family break or weekend shopping trip at 2 hrs 1 min from London.
Ideal for a day trip, you can be browsing Lille Christmas market in just 1 hr 30 mins from London.
The perfect place for a romantic Christmas break, and just 3 hrs 30 mins from London.
The oldest Christmas market in Europe and one of the prettiest.
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