Is there anything better to get you in a festive mood than a Christmas market? They bring together everything that is best about the time of the year. Great food and drink, local handicrafts and a warm atmosphere. And because they are often outside, they are one of the most accessible activities you can enjoy this time of year.
But while we’ve seen a rise in the number of the markets over recent years, they’re not all created equal. And at a time of year when time and money is at a premium, you don’t want to be wasting either. So, to help you out, here is Quingo Scooters guide to the very best and most accessible Christmas markets out there.
Christkindlesmarkt, Nuremberg
Nuremberg is home to the Christmas market to end all Christmas markets. Germany is synonymous with Christmas markets, and you are spoiled for choice right across the country. But this is beautiful market in the city’s Hauptmarkt is the real deal.
It’s been around since at least the 17th century, but it could be far older. It is rich in tradition, from the Christkind parade that kicks it off, to the stalls themselves. These are packed with plenty of local delicacies and handicrafts. The space between them is also easily navigable on your scooter.
If you’re looking for a souvenir, then we recommend you find a rauschgoldengel. These golden angel decorations are the symbol of Christmas here. And while you’re hunting for one, buy yourself a Nuremberg sausage to keep you going!
For more information on how to get around Nuremberg, head to the city’s official site here.
Vánoční trhy, Old Town Square, Prague
Truly one of our favourite destinations on the planet, we’ve featured a getaway in the Czech capital before in Accessible Getaways Abroad: Accessible Prague.
Prague is great at any time of the year, and although it can get seriously cold, it’s well worth heading there for Christmas. Of course, expect plenty of crowds – this is Prague after all, and the Old Town Square is busy 365 days a year. But don’t let that put you off.
Prepare for a sensory overload. This is one of the most beautiful squares in Europe, and when the Christmas market is running it is a riot of light, colour, sights and smells. You can buy anything here, from ceramics to wooden handicrafts. There is even a stable with a real live donkey!
If you’re feeling peckish, try some pastries (trdelník) or roasted hams (pražská šunka). And of course, there is always plenty of great Czech beer or warm mulled wine on hand to wash it all down.
St Nicholas Fair, York
Something a little closer to home now, and a market in one of the UK’s most beautiful and historic cities. York’s St Nicholas Fair is a traditional Christmas market that is full of local Yorkshire delicacies from local producers. It recently won an award for Best Large Speciality Market, and we think it’s well deserved.
Once again, you’re surrounded by the smell of mulled wine and warm mince pies as you browse the stalls. But what makes York so special is the stunning medieval surroundings. It’s hard to imagine a more Christmassy setting. And if the market isn’t enough, you could also head to The Grand Hotel on Station Rise to have Afternoon Tea in The Grand Boardroom (with Christmas carols!). There are accessible lifts to all floors.
St Nicholas Fair is fully accessible and runs through to 22nd December.
The Christmas village, Hafnarfjörður
We can’t talk about Christmas markets without mentioning this very special town in Iceland. It might not be one of the biggest Christmas markets, but we love it for its uniquely Icelandic atmosphere. Hafnarfjörður is now Iceland’s third largest town and is close enough to central Reykjavik to be easily accessible. It truly comes to life around Christmas, when it opens its own Christmas village in the old town.
This must be one of the few Christmas markets where you can relax in a geothermal pool before heading off to browse the stalls. These feature plenty of traditional Icelandic crafts, as well as lots of local delicacies to keep you going. We recommend the delicious laufabrauð flatbreads, or some tasty piparkökur ginger snaps.
The market is only 20 minutes by bus from the centre of Reykjavik and is completely accessible to all.
Did you know?
Dresden holds the record for the oldest official Christmas market – they first held one there way back in 1434!
Travelling with scooters
The great news for those of you travelling abroad is that Quingo Scooters are all approved for air travel by IATA so you won’t have any problems taking them on the plane. That said, it is always well worth getting in touch directly with any train, bus and airlines you want to use just to double check their rules on scooters before you go. For more handy tips on travelling with your scooter by air, take a look at our page here.
Share your accessible getaways abroad with us
Do you have any accessible getaways abroad recommendations? In Europe or perhaps further afield? If you do, we’d love to hear from you, so drop us a line and we’ll feature them.
About Quingo Scooters
The Quingo Scooter range features six models to suit your needs and budget. New models are now available from just £22/week on our new contract hire scheme which includes all servicing and maintenance, Insurance, Roadside Recovery, Call Outs and Consumables including Batteries and Tyres. For more information on this or the latest Quingo Scooter range, please visit our website. Alternatively, if you have any Service questions you can always contact us or call customer services on 01582 430 900.
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All Quingo Personal Mobility Vehicles are provided by Forever Active, the UK’s exclusive distributor. Forever Active is a trading name of Advantage Marketing Corporation Limited (AMC). AMC Limited is an appointed representative of First Senior Insurance Services Ltd which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. First Senior Insurance Services FSA Register number is 30847
