‘Silver travellers’ enjoy festive cheer at Christmas markets
Christmas markets, whether experienced at home or abroad, have never been more popular.
And according to travel industry news, over 5 million ‘silver-travellers’ intend visiting a seasonal market this year.
It’s estimated that more than 500,000 adventurous over-50s will head abroad to discover what the rest of Europe has to offer this festive season, while a further 4.5 million Brits approaching retirement age will get into the festive spirit by enjoying a trip to a Christmas market on home soil.
For many, it seems a visit to a festive market offers the perfect way to shop for unique and quirky Christmas gifts while soaking up the local culture and seasonal atmosphere. And of course once the shopping is done, there’s the opportunity to warm up with a mug of mulled wine and some edible treats from the myriad food and drink stalls selling delicious local produce.
For those of you feeling tempted, here is a roundup of our top three Christmas markets to visit in 2012:
1. Berlin: Christmas Market at Kaiser Wilhelm
The market at Kaiser Wilhelm Gedächtniskirche is the biggest and most popular of Berlin’s Christmas markets receiving around 4 million visitors each year!
A traditional affair, travellers from far and wide come to experience simple seasonal pleasures such as roasted chestnuts and mulled wine. Customary stalls offer a huge array of beautiful handmade jewellery, toys, Christmas decorations and craft goods.
Where: Kaiser Wilhelm Gedächtniskirche, Berlin, Germany
When: 26 November - 1 January
2. Barcelona: Fira de Santa Llúcia
Dating back to 1786, Barcelona’s Christmas fair now extends to more than 300 stalls, with a large percentage selling decorations, mistletoe, poinsettias and Christmas trees.
This market has a distinctly Spanish flavour with authentic Catalan street cuisine on offer. Be sure to take a stroll through the square during the evening when the lights of the market glisten against the backdrop of the impressive Barcelona Cathedral.
Where: Pla de la Seu & Avenida de la Catedral, Barcelona, Spain
When: 26 November - 22 December
3. Birmingham: Frankfurt Christmas Market
The largest of its type outside of Germany, Birmingham’s Frankfurt-style market is a winter-wonderland delight, offering over 180 stalls set against the backdrop of the stunning Victoria Square.
Find weird and wonderful gift delights amongst the village of wooden chalets, and fill-up your senses with the tastes and smells of authentic pretzels, pastries, German sausage and beer.
The fairytale carousel is also great for keeping younger (and young-at-heart!) visitors entertained.
Venue: Victoria Square, New Street, Centenary Square & Chamberlain Square, Birmingham, UK
When: 15th November – 22 December
While the lure of the Christmas market is proving popular, it’s important for senior travellers to stay protected with adequate travel insurance.
Staysure provides a wide range of holiday insurance for the over-70s, with policies from leading providers that can be specifically tailored to meet your holiday needs. For more information and advice, visit: staysure.co.uk
