BERLIN
Winter World, 30 Oct 2010 - 2 Jan 2011
Berlin's Potsdamer Platz invites visitors to enjoy a taste of the Alps in central Berlin and get into the spirit while singing along to German Christmas carols as part of the festivals many Christmas concerts. Visitors can also enjoy the experience of skating and sledging in the city centre, before warming up with a glass of traditional glühwein at one of the many glittering Christmas markets.
Christmas Markets, 24 Nov 2010 - 6 Jan 2011
Of the 60+ markets to choose from, the best Christmas markets include Gendarmenmarkt, Opernpalais, Rotes Rathaus, Gedächtniskirche, and Charlottenburg. For those determined to seek out the full-on, ultra-traditional Christmas market experience, then head for Spandau. Easily accessible by public transport, the vast Spandau Christmas Market spills out into the whole of the Old Town and is just in 20-30 minutes from the city centre.
We love… The cinnamon smell of warming Glühwein
British Midland International (bmi) offers flights to Berlin from £99 return, including all taxes and charges with five flights daily to the city’s Tegel airport from London Heathrow. Book online at www.flybmi.com. Passengers enjoy full service benefits such as free checked baggage to a total weight of 20kg, allocated seating and a complimentary food and full bar service throughout the day.
VIENNA
Christmas Markets, 13 Nov - 26 Dec 2010
Running for over 700 years, every Christmas the Rathausplatz square blossoms with trees, twinkling lights and decorations, and fills with traditional wooden huts housing stalls.
We love… The traditional Viennese Christmas treats like glazed fruits and baked apples & all the wooden handicraft stocking fillers.
Rathauspark, 13 November - 24 December 2010
Giant candles adorn the trees and children can ride ponies, the miniature railway or an old-fashioned merry-go-round. The city will also be home to international touring choirs during the last three weekends of the advent season.
We love… The present-making and cookie-baking workshops for the kids!
British Midland International (bmi) flies to Vienna twice daily from London Heathrow from £99 return, including taxes and charges. Book online at flybmi.com. Passengers enjoy full service benefits such as free checked baggage to a total weight of 20kg, allocated seating and a complimentary food and full bar service throughout the day.
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