SHOPPING AND SUNSHINE
Germany is renowned for sensational Christmas markets. You’ll experience one of the country’s most famous and oldest festive markets in Nuremberg, where the abundance of bratwurst, brass bands and spiced beer will put you in seasonal good spirits. Neighbouring Belgium has a host of pretty city markets too, and a scenic river cruise is an excellent way to tour several of them. The River Cruise Line’s 8-day trip along Belgium’s waterways (departing December 20, prices from £799 including return travel from the UK) will take in the festive chalets and stalls of Christmas markets in Antwerp, Hasselt and Ghent, plus excursions to Bruges and an intriguing underground market in the caves beneath Valkenburg in the Netherlands. RIVERCRUISELINE.CO.UK
If winter sunshine beckons then Madeira’s subtropical climate could suit. Prestige Holidays is offering 7-nights B&B plus Christmas Eve gala meal at Quinta das Vistas, a hilltop manor house close to the island’s capital, Funchal (departing 19 December, prices from £1,058 including flights and transfers). WWW.PRESTIGEHOLIDAYS.CO.UK