Best Christmas shopping breaks for 2015
Christmas shopping doesn't have to be a chore. Hop on a flight and make a holiday of it, visiting traditional Christmas markets, browsing designer boutiques and picking up delicious foodie surprises for an indulgent treat before the big day.
Whether you fancy a short trip to Europe to buy traditional gifts for your loved ones, or would like to explore somewhere exotic where you can soak up a new culture along the way, Christmas shopping can be an unforgettable experience when you know where to go.
We've picked some of our favourite cities for a Christmas shopping trip, starting with shopaholic's paradise New York (pictured above)...
See also: The UK's best Christmas destinations 2015
New York City, USA
The Christmas city from films, New York is one of the most magical places for a festive shopping break. From its Christmas markets (try Union Square Holiday Market or Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park), to its world-famous department stores - Saks Fifth Avenue, Macy's and Barneys - there's something for everyone in New York. Discover Brooklyn's boutiques with a stroll along Atlantic Avenue, before finding vintage housewares at Collier West, stylish men's threads at Hollander & Lexer and Middle Eastern delicacies at Sahadi's. Don't miss ice skating at The Rink at Rockefeller Center with the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree as a backdrop, or iconic song-and-dance extravaganza the Radio City Christmas Spectacular. Complete your weekend of shopping with a stay at luxury hotel The Knickerbocker from £225 per night for a double room.
Istanbul, Turkey
Istanbul is an incredible destination for shopping - now more than ever given the strength of the pound against the Turkish lira. Christmas shoppers can buy jewellery, homeware, leather goods and textiles in the Grand Bazaar, while in the neighbouring Spice Bazaar, there is Turkish delight, nuts, spices, tea and Turkish coffee. Hit the back streets of Beyoglu for antiques and under-the-radar Turkish designers, or Istiklal Caddesi, the city's pedestrianized answer to Oxford Street, for the international high street brands, as well as the likes of Pasabahce (kitchenware), Mavi Jeans and department store Mudo. Atlasglobal offers return flights to Istanbul from Luton for as little as £129, including 25kg luggage, when you book by 20 November. Stay in Vault Karakoy, located in one of the city's hippest neighbourhoods, from €164 per night in a classic double room with breakfast.
See also: Will it be a white Christmas 2015?
Bologna, Italy
Visit underrated Bologna, the capital of Italy's foodie region Emilia Romagna, for a festive shopping break with a difference. The Fiera di Natale market in the San Pietro Cathedral piazza and Antica Fiera di Santa Lucia market in the cloisters of Santa Maria dei Servi church are two of the best places to pick up gifts and treats in the city. For foodies, the Il Quadrilatero area offers parmesan from nearby Reggio Emilia, locally-produced balsamic vinegar, Parma ham and a range of preserves and sauces. World-renowned fashion brands La Perla and Furla were also born in Bologna and there are plenty of designer shops in the city, such as Max Mara and Dolce & Gabbana. Once you're shopped out, enjoy a hearty tagliatelle al ragu Bolognese in a cosy local restaurant and soak up the atmosphere with a stroll through the central squares. Homestay.com offers accommodation at a trendy loft apartment, just a short train ride from the centre of Bologna, complete with its own Jacuzzi, for just £22 per night.
Cologne, Germany
For a truly traditional Christmas shopping break in Europe, head for Cologne, home to the finest German Christmas market of all, which is set on the banks of the Rhine River with the startling backdrop of the Cologne Cathedral. Throughout December, the German city transforms into a nostalgic winter wonderland, with seven markets offering unbeatable Christmas shopping. At the cathedral Christmas market, you'll find hundreds of wooden huts selling all sorts of craftsmanship, gifts, food and drink. Visitors can also enjoy outdoor ice skating, incredible baked fish, traditional gluwein and bratwurst. Full Circle Travel offers a three-night holiday to Cologne from £350 per person, including flights, accommodation at Steigenberger Grandhotel in a double/twin room and breakfast each morning, based on a 7 December departure.
Reykjavik, Iceland
Christmas is a lovely time of year to visit Reykjavik, when you can soak up the festive atmosphere and shop until late. Downtown has shops, cafes and the kitsch Little Christmas Shop for you to pick up handmade decorations and Icelandic folklore figurines. The annual Christmas market in Reykjavik's Ingólfstorg Square kicks off at the beginning of December and lasts until January. It takes the shape of a delightful Christmas village, complete with quaint log-houses, market-tents and snow-dusted Christmas trees. Also known as Yule Town, the charming market offers an abundance of gifts, traditional sweets, homemade wine and plenty of Christmas music. Just a short five-minute walk away, you can stay at the modern Kvosin Downtown Hotel, set on a pretty square close to the charming old town and the National Museum. Discover the World offers rooms from £134 per night based on two sharing on a B&B basis.
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