The New Christmas Shopping Breaks
November 8, 2010 Expert Guides
With less than 50 days to go until the big day, Christmas chaos has officially begun. But if the thought of flashing lights and tinny carols in your local shopping centre fills you with dread, consider combining your festive shopping with a quick getaway. The German Christmas markets are very popular, as are those in other European destinations, but head somewhere different and you could get much more for your money. Some of the best Christmas Shopping spots are places you would least expect. Here’s our guide to savvy Christmas market holidays:
Welcoming rooms at the Secret Garden - this one's called Fragrant Thyme
Krakow: Enjoy traditional Christmas shopping outside of the Euro zone in this charming Polish city. A walled old town with medieval buildings and cobbled streets really set the festive scene. The magnificent Cloth Hall in the main square is packed with stalls selling beautiful amber jewellery and bargain wood and leather goods. Outside, from the beginning of December, you’ll find the Christmas markets with their twinkling lights, decorations, mulled wine and hot food. You’re highly likely to get a large helping of snow in Poland at this time of year. Don’t miss The Barbican or Wawel Castle, both of which look like they’re out of a fairy tale. There’s plenty to do in the city, but for breathtaking wintry scenes, head to stunning Zakopane in the nearby Tatra Mountains. The award-winning Secret Garden Hostel has comfortable private rooms, a great location and an excellent reputation. As the name suggests, there’s a pretty garden but at this time of year, you’ll probably prefer to keep cosy your room, which will have a quirky garden-themed name to go with its contemporary decor.
- 3 nights bed & breakfast at The Secret Garden on 28th November from £165 including Liverpool flights and transfers. Click here or call 0800 408 4131. Price is per person and based on two sharing.
Inside the stunning Riad Moullaoud
Marrakech: This Morrocan gem is home to a distinct bohemian aesthetic like nowhere else on earth. Haggle in the world famous souks for gorgeous presents like metal and glass lanterns, leather slippers and colourful cushion covers. We love Marrakech because it is so exotic, but it can be reached from the UK in less than four hours. Forget standard hotels and stay in a riad, a traditional house designed to be a haven of tranquility in the busy bazaars. Most have roof terraces and / or central courtyards – perfect for chilling out after a hard day shopping. Morocco is a Muslim country and doesn’t celebrate Christmas, but what it lacks in snow and Christmas trees, it more than makes up for in wonderful experiences and unique gifts.
Built in 1940, the 5* Riad Moullaoud was renovated in 2006. Expect excellent service and luxury accommodation decorated in traditional local style.
- 3 nights bed and breakfast at Riad Moullaoud with flights from Gatwick from£189 per person, based on two sharing. Click here or call 0800 408 4131.
The roof terrace at the Erboy
Istanbul: This east-meets-west city has been home to bustling markets since ancient times. These days, it’s a cool city break destination with terrific architecture, great food and plenty of places to shop. Like Marrakech, Christmas isn’t celebrated in Turkey, but you will still find a good haul of festive gifts at bargain prices. Highlights include the covered Grand Bazaar, which boasts over 4000 stalls, the Egyptian Spice Market and plenty of modern shops and boutiques. The 3* Erboy Hotel has an excellent reputation and is located in the middle of the Old Town. Enjoy dinner on the rooftop terrace, which boasts amazing views of the Istanbul skyline.
- 3 nights bed and breakfast at the Erboy Hotel from £195 per person based on two sharing and including Luton flights. Click here or call 0800 408 4131.
Manchester's famousChristmas Markets
Manchester: If your budget doesn’t stretch to a trip abroad for your Christmas shopping, consider heading to a different city in the UK. With the renovated Arndale, the out-of-town Trafford Centre and boutiques of the trendy Northern Quarter, Manchester is always a retail mecca. At Christmas time, the shopping credentials of this northern city get even better, with the arrival of its award-winning Christmas markets. European-style chalets sell traditional Christmas crafts and European delicacies. and the hot gluhwein is legendary. You’re more likely to get rain than snow here, but it certainly feels very festive. Stay in a modern city apartment and you won’t have far to carry your shopping home. Manchester Central on Princess Street is a contemporary, serviced apartment building just a short walk away from the main Christmas Markets site.
- Spend a Saturday night at Manchester Central apartments from £43 each, based on two sharing a studio.
All holidays bookable through Hays Travel Ltd. Prices are correct at the time of blogging but subject to availability and change. Other departure airports, dates, durations and accommodation available. For more information, search the Hays Travel website or call 0800 408 4131.
Istanbul's Grand Bazaar
