Self-Catering European Christmas Market Breaks from Holiday Lettings

by Shabana Adam | 13 November 2012

Berlin Christmas Market

Prague

The Prague Christmas Market is one of the most popular places to visit during the festive season. A key ingredient of the festive magic throughout the Czech Republic, the most impressive main markets are held at the Old Town Square and in Wenceslas Square (five minute walk apart), which are open daily in December. Visitors can soak up the festive atmosphere, and indulge in the holiday spirit whilst browsing stalls and enjoying delicious, hearty food and hot wine, surrounded by a Winter Wonderland setting.

Where to stay: No 46, Vinohrady Namesti MiruBeautiful 19^th century apartment just a ten minute stroll from Wenceslas Square. The owners, an interior designer and an interiors photographer, have designed the insides with real flair, from the antiques and luxurious furnishings to contemporary kitchen and state-of-the art bathroom design.

Sleeps up to four (two bedrooms). From 180 Euros per night, over Christmas.

For more information or to book, click here

York

With its picturesque setting and stunning theatrical lights, Yorkshire’s new winter wonderland and Christmas market welcomes visitors to the York Designer Outlet. Based on the outskirts of the beautiful city of York, and incorporating the award-winning ice rink, The Ice Factor, this Christmas market combines traditional touches like Santa’s Grotto with contemporary cool stuff to do like ice-skating. Here, you can get into the festive mood while shopping and making merry at the same time.

Where to stay: Apartment 1, Bootham, YorkThis lovely first floor apartment is set in a converted Georgian building with many original features including large sash windows and high ceilings. It also comes well equipped with flat screen TV, DVD and CD players and free Wifi. The apartment is located near Bootham Bar, the medieval gateway to the City of York and the spectacular York Minster.

Sleeps up to three (one bedroom), £550 per week in December 2012.

For more information or to book, click here

RomeRome isn’t the first place you think of when it comes to Christmas markets, but this is no ordinary festive event. There’s a lovely Christmas market on the city’s famous Piazza Navona, with unusual and quirky features like fortune-tellers. And when you want a bit of a sit-down, take a ride on the glitzy carousel or treat yourself to some yummy candy from one of the many candy stalls.

Where to stay: Erresei Apartment, near Campo de FioriBijou but perfectly formed, this stylish apartment is located in a traditional building in the centre of Rome not far from the Christmas Market. It comes complete with Wifi and double glazing for total peace and quiet, plus views over a pretty, internal courtyard.

Sleeps up to four (one bedroom). From 100 Euros per week over Christmas in December 2012.

For more information or to book, click here

Bath

The beautiful city of Bath has an equally beautiful Christmas Market with over 140 wooden chalets with gifts, drinks and food. For 18 days, the quaint streets and square between the stunning Bath Abbey and the internationally renowned Roman Baths are transformed into a Christmas shopper's haven. Beware, it only runs until 9^th December, so get yourself there quick.

Where to stay: Royal Crescent Courtyard, BathThis stylish and very elegant apartment is located at what must be Bath’s best address – the Royal Crescent, the famous Grade I listed building in the heart of the city with museums, galleries, restaurants and the Christmas Market on the doorstep.

Sleeps up to four (two bedrooms), £180 per night in December 2012.

For more information or to book, click here

Berlin

Experience the charm of Winter Magic in Germany’s capital at one of the many Christmas markets – Weihnachtsmärkte – in the city. Whether you prefer a contemplative and magical Christmas Market or a lively and urban one, this year Berlin offers you a choice of sixty Christmas Markets dotted along the large boulevards and squares as well as on the small side streets and even in several museums. One of our favourites is Gendarmenmarkt where you can discover vendor booths and unique Christmas gifts for the whole family.

Where to stay: Annamaria Apartment, KreuzbergThis is a bright and cosy apartment in Berlin’s buzzy and Kreuzberg area with many markets, shops and beautiful old buildings.