Explore the magical Christmas markets of Europe with special offers from talkholiday

PRETTY soon the shops will be starting to fill up with their annual festive treasure, tempting us in with from the cold to spend our hard earned cash.

I have vowed that this year, I won’t be battling with the crowds on the high street or the shopping centres. This year I have promised myself a shopping trip with a difference…I’m planning on escaping the December madness and hoping to get myself into the Christmas spirit by taking a short break to one of Europe’s fairytale cities to raid the Christmas markets.

The idea of browsing round pretty market stalls selling unique handcrafted goods, lush continental bakery and wines, whilst a nice string quartet plays in the background was enough to make my mind up. Now all I have to do is decide where to go. I thought I’d share with you, some of the best offers around right now…you never know we might bump into each other over a glass of mulled wine and a candy cane!

As well as seeing some of Europe’s most fascinating cities, you’ll be able to snap up some great bargains.

Impress your loved ones and your friends with unique, imaginative pressies from foreign shores. Imagine the look on their faces on Christmas morning when they don’t get socks and bubble bath…or maybe they will, but they will be fancier ones than they would have received.

You’ll be able to bring the magical atmosphere of your trip back into your home on the big day when your family unwrap the wonderful gifts. You’ll also have some nice stories to tell after dinner.

talkholiday the social travel network has some of the best trips around and like me, you could be heading on a fairytale journey to the Continent. Have a look at these stunning places where you can combine a relaxing break with your Christmas shopping duties…Sound good? Go for it… you’ll come back refreshed and ready to tackle Christmas with a nice warm glow.