Three ways to do a European Christmas market from Alsager Nub News talks to Sara Dickenson, a local travel expert based in Alsager, Cheshire about Christmas Markets in Europe.

Every year, right about now, her phone starts pinging with the same question: "Sara, is it too late to do a Christmas market?"

Honestly? Not quite. But the good dates are disappearing fast, so if you've been daydreaming about mulled wine and twinkly wooden chalets, consider this your nudge.

Here are my three favourite ways to do it from right here on our doorstep, depending on how you like to travel.

1. Fly: Colmar, the fairytale one

If you've ever seen a Christmas market photo that looks like it belongs on a biscuit tin, chances are it was Colmar. Think half-timbered houses, little canals, and six small markets dotted through the old town, running from 23 November to 29 December.

The big news this year is that Jet2 has added Colmar to its Christmas markets programme from Manchester, so you can be there without going anywhere near London. EasyJet also flies Manchester to Basel, which is about an hour away.

Best for: couples, a girls' weekend, anyone after that postcard moment.

My tip: Colmar is small and it gets very busy at weekends. Go midweek if you can, and stay in the old town so you can wander back after dark when the lights are at their prettiest.

2. Eurostar: Brussels and Bruges, two for the price of one trip

Bruges often gets sold as a fly-to break, but the train is a great option. Hop on at Crewe or Stoke, head down to London, then it's under two hours on the Eurostar from St Pancras to Brussels. No airport queues, no liquids in little bags, and you arrive right in the city.

Brussels' Winter Wonders market runs from 27 November to 3 January, with a big ice rink, a Ferris wheel and a light show on the Grand Place. Bruges is about an hour away by local train, so you can base yourself in one and pop over to the other for the day.

Best for: families (a train with kids can be so much easier than navigating an airport) and anyone who'd rather not fly.

My tip: December weekend Eurostar fares climb quickly, so a Thursday to Sunday trip is often the sweet spot.

(Image: Sara Dickenson)

3. River cruise: four nights, several markets, one unpack

If the thought of dragging a suitcase over cobbles fills you with dread, this is the one for you.

My pick is Riviera Travel's Enchanting Rhine and Yuletide Markets cruise. It's four nights from Cologne on their newest ship, MS Riviera Resplendence, which only launched in 2025. You'll sail through the Rhine Gorge (glühwein in hand, obviously), with guided visits and Christmas markets in places like Rüdesheim, Bonn and Cologne itself.

Riviera is a British company and the reviews from their guests are consistently glowing. They also run solo departures, which is brilliant if you're travelling on your own and fed up of single supplements.

Best for: a treat for your parents, couples, solo travellers, anyone who wants to see a lot without doing any of the organising.

My tip: these sell out every year, and the earlier sailings go first. If this year's dates don't work, next year's are already on sale, and that's when you get the best choice of cabins.

So which one's for you?

"That's the bit I can help with," says Sara. "Send me a message with the number of people and roughly when you're free, and I'll come back to you with what's still available.

"Booking through me means no hassle and you know you'll be in the best place to suit your budget, and if anything goes wrong, you've got a real person here in Alsager on the end of the phone, not a call centre."

Sara Dickenson, Travel Counsellor Call: 01270 917091 Email: [email protected] Sara Dickenson, Travel Counsellor Call: 01270 917091 Email: [email protected]. The website is here

• Phone: 01270 917091
• Email: [email protected]
• Web: www.travelcounsellors.com/sara.dickenson

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