Christmas markets have been popping up both across the country and in Europe as a whole, and while there are plenty of options within the UK, many Brits are planning to jet off for a winter getaway. While it’s certainly fun visiting these markets, they can often be somewhat overcrowded, which may detract from the magic of the trip for some.
Maren Schullerus, GetYourGuide’s German Market Expert, has visited over 60 Christmas markets around the world, and is now revealing the secrets for a perfect getaway – including the best times to beat the crowds. For the best timing, she says: “The best time to visit a Christmas Market and beat the crowds is on a weekday, mid-December at around 4pm. The kids are usually still in school, and it’s dark early, so it feels Christmassy.”
And if you’re looking for a less crowded option, or a market for a romantic getaway, Maren recommended the Santa Pauli Christmas Market in Hamburg, which caters specifically to an “adults-only” crowd with entertainment that includes a Bauble Burlesque show.
She also advised against falling for tourist traps while visiting these markets, such as learning how to identify if something is truly handmade or if it’s been shipped from a factory.
Maren says: “When it comes to souvenir buying, there’s a few indicators that the person has made it themselves, as opposed to it being shipped from a factory.
“Three tips: Look for stalls that won’t let you photograph their crafts, look for tradespeople that can tell you how they made it and make sure you’re allowed to pick it up and have a look before you buy it.”
Whatever market you opt to visit, ensure that you a wrapped up warmly, as depending on where you are, temperatures could drop to -15C°. If you’re visiting somewhere particularly chilly, Maren recommends purchasing pocket warmers to keep your hands warm.
Make sure to bring both your card and some cash when visiting, as some market stalls only accept cash, and the ATMs at these markets usually charge a fee for withdrawals.
And if you’re concerned about the dreaded mulled-wine hangover, Maren advises: “Look for the ‘Winzer-Glühwein.’ This is real wine from your local wineries. Stands usually state clearly that they are ‘Winzers’ (winemakers). You’ll get the tastier Glühwein options without the headache.”
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
