Bruges, Berlin & Prague Hotels: Find Unique Christmas Gifts in Czech Markets

Take a trip to Bruges in the Flemish region of Belgium where the cobbled streets, historic buildings and passing horse-drawn carriages create an ambience perfect for some yuletide shopping. Located in the charming medieval surroundings of the main square, the market is beautifully decorated with sparkling colourful lights and contains a great selection of stalls offering handcrafted ornaments, toys, decorations, clothes, jewellery, perfumes and luxury foods. The city is also well known for its high quality lace, which is offered at many of the stalls. The square has an ice-rink at its centre during the festive period which helps create a lively, buzzing atmosphere. Warm ghluwein (festive herbal wine) is served to make sure you stay cosy in the winter weather. The square is lined with various bars and restaurants where you can take a break from browsing the stalls to sample the local beer or even retire for an evening meal. Bruges is known for it's beer and dozens of rich dark ales are brewed especially for the Christmas season, so beer connoisseurs will be spoilt for choice. Shops are open seven days a week during Christmas season but will be closed, along with the ice-rink, on Christmas day. A day out to this picturesque city is the perfect way to get you in the Christmas spirit before retiring to any of the lovely Bruges hotels nearby.

A smaller Bruges Christmas market can be found on Simon Stevinplein Square where you can find a similar array of chocolates or handmade crafts alongside a special Christmas Hobby and Toy Fair. Be sure to try the freshly made Belgian waffles, which are sold on the square. Bruges is a gorgeous setting for any winter break, take a stroll amidst its scenic canal system to find out why it is known at the' Venice of the north'. The Bruges Christmas markets are open from 24th November to 31st December.

WeihnachtsZauber Gendarmenmarket in Berlin is one of the oldest and most famous Christmas markets. The market consists not only of stalls but also of exhibitions and live showcases to keep you entertained as you make your way through. Top chefs give live demonstrations to help give you some new ideas for dishes to serve when you entertain family or friends this year. Samples of various culinary delicacies and spiced wines are on offer to make sure you stay warm and merry as you get your shopping done. Choirs and bands perform various classical, jazz and gospel pieces at the Weltbrunnen fountain every weekend, providing the perfect backdrop and yuletide atmosphere. Painters, photographers, designers and sculptors exhibit their work on eye-catching displays. Children will love the exhibitions, which recreate the various stories and images of Christmas through pictures, animation and performance. Gendarmenmarket is open from 22nd November to 31st December and is located close to many Berlin hotels.

Prague's Christmas markets start on 29th November and run daily until 1st January, the city has a long tradition of Christmas celebrations and festivals. Old Town Square is the most popular of the city's markets due to the attractive location and giant Christmas tree, which stands proud at the square's centre. The decorated wooden huts enclose stalls that offer crafts including carved toys, Czech delicacies, glass figurines, scarves and ornaments. Street performers and choirs are on hand to raise spirits and lighten the mood. Mulled wine is on offer and the smell of warm cinnamon wafts through the winter air, giving the place a very festive feel. Christmas Eve is a day of abstinence for the Czechs and most people abstain from eating meat and feast on fried carp instead. Fishmongers bring vast amounts of carp to the city so you'll have plenty of chances to try this wonderful traditional Czech delicacy. Christmas is the most important festival in the Czech calendar and lengthy public holidays result in many people taking to the streets to celebrate. In the current economic climate, there are some fantastic deal on Prague hotels, so now is your chance to grab a bargain.