Newmarket Launches Expanded 2010 Christmas Markets Programme

While most folks are still enjoying the summer sunshine, tour operator Newmarket Holidays is getting ready for Christmas, having launched a wide range of superb value breaks by coach and air to some of Europe's most popular festive markets.

There's no doubt that, over recent years, taking a pre-Christmas break to explore the shops and stalls of a colourful seasonal market has become the festive thing to do, whether simply to 'get in the Yuletide mood' with a slice of gingerbread cake or a warming mug of gluhwein, or to seek out unusual gifts for family and friends. This year, with Sterling stronger than it has been for some time against the Euro, Newmarket are expecting more customers than ever on their biggest festive markets programme yet.

In the past, three of the most popular holidays have seen travellers fly out the markets in the Rhine and Moselle German Valleys - where the Christmas markets tradition is said to have begun in the 12th Century - the German capital Berlin, which hosts some 50 different markets, or Bohemian gem Prague whose largest fair takes place - appropriately enough - in Wenceslas Square.

Other Christmas Markets breaks with flights take in the Christmas markets in Munich, Switzerland, the Italian Dolomites, Danish capital Copenhagen, the Channel Islands and even Barcelona, where traditional Christkindl charm is replaced by stylish shopping and Catalan-flavoured stalls.

All air-inclusive breaks include flights from a selection of regional airports, transfers, a choice of hotels and visits to the markets. Prices for the three-night breaks start at £239 for Prague from Stansted, and £269 for Berlin from Luton or the Rhine markets from Manchester.

By coach - worth considering if you're thinking of doing some serious shopping and are worried about baggage restrictions - Newmarket offers a host of Northern European Christmas Market breaks. Visit Lille and Bruges, the traditional fairs in the German Valleys, Strasbourg, Heidelberg or Dutch favourite Valkenburg – where the markets are held in illuminated caverns. With a two-day break to Lille and Bruges selling for as little as £89, and the six-day Lakes, Mountains and Christmas Markets tour for just £249, there are bargains to be had even before you reach the stalls and shops!

All Newmarket's coach trips include travel from local pick-up points (some supplements apply), hotel accommodation, transfers to the markets and the services of a tour manager. Most feature Channel crossings from Dover to Calais, but departures including overnight ferry crossings from Newcastle or Hull are available on some breaks.