Fly with easyJet to find the best Xmas presents ever

With the disappointing summer of 2007 behind us, it’s time to look ahead to the Christmas festivities. In many families ‘relaxing and unwinding’ are not the first words that spring to mind when thinking of Christmas Day.

Online purchases and mail order presents seem to be all we have time for, so why not hand pick a trip that will bring the magic of Christmas right to your front door as you return from a European Christmas market with gifts to inspire the whole family.

easyJet has identified the best Christmas shopping markets across Europe, which can help you decide where to purchase that unique Christmas gift.

Munich – 1 - 23 December 2007
Traditional Christmas markets in Munich can be visually stunning. As the crisp white snow falls around you, stroll through the enchanting stalls, stop to sip mulled wine and warm yourself by the nearest almond-roasting fire. There are many markets in Munich, however Christkindlmarkt in the Marienplatz is probably the most famous. From the 1st December - 23rd December you can experience the heart-warming festivities and rummage around the hundreds of stalls for that perfect individual gift.

easyJet flies to Munich from Edinburgh and London Stansted with prices from £22.99 one-way (incl. taxes).

Hamburg - 26 November - 23 December 2007
There are over 2,500 Christmas markets across Germany and Hamburg is home to one of the biggest and best in the country. With its many magnificent squares the city is bursting with Christmas treats from 26 November – 23 December between 10am and 9pm. Located opposite the impressive town hall, the prettiest of these is hosted by Roncalli’s Circus, and the smell is unforgettable, as various nuts are roasted over an open fire and candy stirred to perfection. Toys and crafts are hand-made on site, and circus artistes serve the punch! A visit to Hamburg in the weeks before Christmas is an experience you’ll never forget and would convert anyone with a ‘Bah Humbug’ attitude to the festivities.

easyJet flies to Hamburg from London Luton with prices from £20.99 one-way (incl. taxes).

Cologne-Boon - 26 November - 23 December 2007
The enchantment of Christmas really comes alive in Cologne; mulled wine, delicacies and Christmas trinkets are favourites at its picturesque market. Situated in the old town, the market has easy access to the surrounding shops, cafés and bars for that well earned break when you ‘shop till you drop’. Don’t forget this is where you can also sample the delicious Kölsch (the famous local beer). For something completely different why not try the nautical Christmas market situated onboard the KD ship "MS Wappen von Mainz”, moored directly alongside the Rheinpromenade.

easyJet flies to Cologne from London Luton with prices from £22.99 one-way (incl. taxes).

Berlin - 26 November - 23 December 2007
There are many markets across Germany, however Kaiser Wilhelm Gedachtniskirche is perhaps the most popular with more than four million visitors a year. Musicians and artists offer a selection of traditional and modern gifts and entertainment, making it a perfect destination to experience Christmas shopping at ease. There are markets across the city, so wherever you go in Berlin it will be full of Christmas cheer.

easyJet flies to Berlin from Belfast, Bristol, Glasgow, Liverpool, London Gatwick and London Luton with prices from £19.99 one-way (incl. taxes).

Dortmund - 22 November - 23 December 2007
If you are going to do it, do it in style! Dortmund has the world’s largest Christmas tree with more than 13,000 lights and the market is filled with more than 300 stalls all jam-packed with traditional treats. Carved wooden items from the Erzgebirge Mountains, blue-printed articles and pottery from Lusatia and intricate handmade lace ensure this festival is one for the whole family to enjoy.

easyJet flies to Dortmund from Edinburgh and London Luton with prices from £20.99 one-way (incl. taxes).

Prague - 1 December 2007 - 1 January 2008
Prague has one of the most traditional European markets, offering handmade crafts and traditional gifts from all over the Czech Republic. Fine amber jewellery from the Baltic coast and wooden slippers from the highlands makes Prague a perfect destination for that stocking filler that will have them guessing for hours. Your pound will stretch a long way and you can’t fail to get excited about the amount of bargains you’ll bring home.

easyJet flies to Prague from Belfast, Bristol, East Midlands, London Gatwick, London Stansted, Newcastle and with prices from £17.99 one-way (incl. taxes)

Rome - 30 November 2007 - 6 January 2008
Unforgettable nativity scenes, Santa Claus and Christmas goodies are just a few of the delights on offer in Rome this December. The beautiful surroundings of the Piazza Navona are host to this world renowned Christmas market. Visiting the market also provides you with the opportunity to see some of Rome's famous and spectacular fountains including the Fountains of the Moor and the Fountain of Neptune, which stand at the northern end of the square. Certainly one of Rome's more worthwhile sights, even in winter! The friendly atmosphere and traditional hospitality will keep you returning year after year. In addition visit the Piazza San Pietro to admire the prestigious nativity scene and one of the most beautiful Christmas trees in Italy.

easyJet flies to Rome from Belfast, Bristol, East Midlands, London Gatwick and Newcastle with prices from £19.99 one-way (incl. taxes).

Venice - 2 December - 23 December 2007
This large Christmas market, open from 2 - 24 December, is held in Campo Santo Stefano, a bustling area next to the Guggenheim Museum, Palazzo Grassi and Gallerie dell'Accademia. Stalls offer a variety of gifts including ceramics, dolls, Christmas ornaments, Murano Doc glass, custom jewellery, masks, aquarelles, handmade soap and quality traditional sweets.

easyJet flies to Venice from Belfast, Bristol, East Midlands and London Gatwick, with prices from £17.99 one-way (incl. taxes).

Basel - 24 November - 23 December 2007
The traditional Basel Christmas Market opens from 6.30pm every day at the Marktplatz in the town centre, throughout December. Hundreds of fairy lights bring a magical feel to the marketplace and with the smell of roasting chestnuts and home made sweets, visitors can experience traditional culture at its best. Beautiful hand-made arts and crafts are available to bring a European feel to your Christmas gifts for your friends and family.

easyJet flies to Basel from Liverpool, London Luton and London Stansted with prices from £19.99 one-way (incl. taxes).

Geneva - 30 November - 23 December 2007
Surrounded by the snow-capped Alps, Geneva is a place of enchantment and tradition during the festive season. The smell of gingerbread draws the crowds to one of Switzerland’s most impressive Christmas markets in the Place de la Fusterie, throughout December. Gift hunters won’t go home empty-handed, as chalets are crammed with colourful trinkets and crafted wooden toys that make perfect stocking fillers. For those with a sweet tooth, there are plenty of buttery St Nicholas pastries, hand-made chocolates and spiced gingerbread men with hot Gluehwein to keep you warm as you wander the stalls.

easyJet flies to Geneva from Belfast, Birmingham, Bournemouth, Bristol, Edinburgh, East Midlands, Glasgow, Liverpool, London Gatwick, London Luton, London Stansted, Newcastle, with prices from £19.99 one-way (incl.taxes).

Zurich - 28 November - 24 December 2007
Europe's largest indoor Christmas market is in Zurich's main railway station and its underground mall. The mile long walk, Bahnhofstrasse, is covered with 20,640 Christmas lights to the station, where a tree with more than 5,000 crystal ornaments stands in the main hall. Zurich is not only Switzerland’s banking and financial centre, it’s a shopper’s dream. Christmas here is truly a magical time for children and little ones can find all sorts of special festive activities to ensure everyone truly feels the Christmas spirit.

easyJet flies to Zurich from London Luton with prices from £22.99 one-way (incl. taxes).

Budapest - 25 November 2007 - 1 January 2008
Six years on and the Budapest Christmas Market is fast becoming one of the most eagerly anticipated events on the Hungarian calendar. Right in the heart of Pest, Vorosmarty Square is brought to life with more than 100 stalls. There are traditional handicrafts and an outdoor stage, offering 150 different shows, acts and concerts, including a puppet theatre, folk bands and folk dancing. The festival runs for more than a month, giving everyone the chance to experience this wonderful celebration. There are Christmas treats to eat and drink, like honey cake and mulled wine, lángos (fried dough), pastry horns, strudels, and barbecued meat. Definitely one for your ‘to do’ list this Christmas.

easyJet flies to Budapest from London Gatwick and London Luton with prices from £22.99 one-way (incl. taxes).

Amsterdam - 7 December - 26 December 2007
Christmas markets in Amsterdam are bursting with colour and excitement. The city’s market culture dates back to the early 18th century with the first stall set up in the Jewish Quarter in 1783. Amsterdam market is full of traditional trinkets and handcrafted treats for that perfect, yet unusual, Christmas gift. Local choirs add to the atmosphere by serenading the shoppers with Christmas carols.

easyJet flies to Amsterdam from Belfast, Bristol, Edinburgh, Liverpool, London Gatwick, London Luton and London Stansted, with prices from £17.99 one-way (incl. taxes).

Krakow - 28 November - 26 December 2007
Christmas carols in the air and the smell of roasted nuts being turned on an open fire make up the magic that surrounds the festivities in Krakow. The busiest market, and a local favourite, is located at Rynek Glowny, one of the largest medieval squares in Europe, with an array of colourful stalls selling carved wooden boxes, lace, handmade sweaters, leather goods, glassware and hand made amber jewellery.

easyJet flies to Krakow from Belfast, Bristol, Bournemouth, Edinburgh, Liverpool, London Luton, London Gatwick and Newcastle with prices from £19.99 one-way (incl. taxes.

Warsaw - 1 December - 23 December 2007
Warsaw is home to Europe’s largest Christmas tree and is central to the atmospheric celebrations. Around two million lights create a warm and welcoming atmosphere as shoppers bustle amongst the magical market and indulge in the festivities.

easyJet flies to Warsaw from London Luton and Bristol with prices from £19.99 one-way (incl. taxes).

Grenoble - 30 November - 23 December 2007
Bargain hunters will love to delve into the delights of this traditional Grenoble Christmas market. You can stock up on foie gras, magret de canard and delicious marzipan cakes, along with plenty of local wine. The Place Victor Hugo is the central point of the market with plenty of stalls selling unusual crafts, artwork and Christmas decorations, and don't forget to try a piping hot vin chaud (hot, spiced wine). Grenoble has finely-crafted toys, sculptures, ceramics, jewellery and santons (tiny figurines for the crèche) on offer, not to mention a wonderful festive atmosphere!

easyJet flies to Grenoble from Bristol, Birmingham, Bournemouth, London Luton and London Gatwick with prices from £19.99 one-way (incl. taxes).

Paris - 23 December - 28 December 2007
Christmas in Paris is truly spectacular. Over 250 Christmas trees are planted on the Champs-Elysees roundabout. The two most impressive and traditional markets are La Defense and Les Halles, open late November until end December. Les Halles is in the city centre and offers wonderfully decorated streets and stalls packed with festive fare. Free concerts are held in the city’s churches during the Festival d’Art Sacré, in the weeks up to Christmas.

easyJet flies to Paris Charles de Gaulle from Belfast, Bristol, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Liverpool, London Luton, Newcastle with prices from £19.99 one-way (inc. taxes).

Barcelona - 1 December - 24 December 2007
In the Gothic quarter you'll find 'The Little Market of Santa Lucia', open from 1 December – 24 December, where you can buy handicrafts, gifts and turron, the traditional Spanish Christmas sweet. If you're there on 28 December, you'll also experience the Spanish version of April Fools’ Day, when the streets will be full of musicians, other entertainers and artists.

easyJet flies to Barcelona from Belfast, Bristol, Liverpool, London Gatwick, London Luton, London Stansted and Newcastle with prices from £17.99 one-way (incl. taxes).