German Christmas Markets – take a German course this December and enjoy some true Christmas cheer

Yes, times are hard and trips abroad aren’t at the top of everyone’s agenda, but with so many last-minute, low-cost airline and train deals, there are certainly affordable options to be had.

With the climate ever-changing and seasons seemingly overlapping into each other, the chances of stereotypical ‘Christmas’ weather around the festive season in the UK is even less likely than usual.  Germany around this time really does indulge the pre-Christmas child in you, you may not be lucky enough to get any snowfall, but its cold enough to feel like it’s on the way.

The bugbear of every Brit is the emergence of festive decorations and even worse, ‘Here it is, Merry Christmas’ from roughly 31st August every year. Given that everyone seems to detest the outrageously premature, and usually extremely tacky, nature of this occurrence, why not allow yourself a bit of traditional Christmas cheer, at an appropriate time of year?

Contrary to what some people may think, visiting a German Christmas market is not about getting all your Christmas shopping done in one fell swoop. Whilst some of the traditional items sold would suit certain friends or family members, there isn’t a big enough range to be able to buy for everyone…

No, visiting a Christmas market is all about soaking up the festive atmosphere and feasting on the edible Christmas market products. Bratwurst, potatoes, warm soups and stews, toffee apples, crepes and gingerbread delights..the list is endless. Wrap up warm, take a stroll around the markets and then head to a dimly-lit Bierhalle…the perfect way to spend a winter’s day.

The atmosphere at these Christmas markets really cannot fail to give you a festive glow. Or perhaps that’s just the gluhwein!

If you have more time at your disposal, why not take the opportunity to escape the onslaught of crazy last-minute shopping in the UK and combine your trip to the Christmas markets with a week-long German course. Courses are available throughout Germany, Austria and Switzerland, although the following cities have particularly impressive markets and would therefore make especially good destinations: Dresden, Munich, Heidelberg, Cologne, Freiburg, Berlin and Vienna.