Christmas market breaks in northern Germany

The port city of Hamburg is the perfect place to base your stay in northern Germany. Not only does this Hanseatic hero have fantastic ferry links to Scandinavia, it’s also heaving with city life. Take a boat cruise on the Elbe River, Alter lakes or canals or take a stroll through the tall brick warehouses of the Speicherstadt.

Annual Christmas markets bring extra sparkle to Hamburg and offer something for everyone, like the romantic White Magic Market (Weisser Zauber) on the Jungfrausteig. You could also try something different altogether and visit the world’s first erotic Christmas market in the St Pauli quarter, named Santa Pauli for obvious reasons.

Hamburg Christmas Market dates:
27^th November – 23^rd December 2017

With frequent trains from Hamburg, why not take a day trip to the UNESCO World Heritage listed city of Lübeck. From the pointed towers of the city gate (Holstentor) to the 90 walkways and courtyards that are hidden around the city, exploring the picturesque beauty will keep in you in a constant state of awe.

Lübeck is a gorgeous setting for its Christmas market, where you keep an eye out and your taste buds ready for the local chocolate-coated marzipan sweets. The church bells of the Marienkirche, left where they fell after bombings during WWII, are also worth looking out for.

Lübeck Christmas Market dates:
27^th November – 30^th December 2017

Save a day for visiting the land of the lakes, Schwerin. Its beautiful 18^th and 19^th century architecture and lakeside trails are sure to delight you. The main highlight is undoubtedly Schwerin Castle, which you’ll find upon the Palace Island (Schlossinsel) in the middle of the city lake.

Schwerin holds one of the longest lasting Christmas markets in Germany. It features a 20 meter tall, decorated fir tree as well as a street of illustrated fairytales. These are also read aloud from a main stage and take you right back to your childhood.

Schwerin Christmas Market dates:
27^th November – 30^th December 2017

• Choose from 3, 4, 6 or 8 days of rail travel within 1 month.

• As soon as you're in Germany, hop on and off as many trains as you like using just one rail pass.

• You'll arrive at city centre locations just a few steps from the nearest Christmas market. Leave everyone else to battle it out for car parking spaces!