Five ski and festive breaks to brighten up the winter

The schools are back and thoughts now turn to Christmas and winter breaks. For some, this means only one thing – winter sports – while others just want to shop, with Christmas markets being the big draw. 

The latter type of break is a growth area, as are Lapland adventures, which have mushroomed in recent years. Whatever your client’s preferences, there are plenty of options to choose from. Here are some ideas.

Christmas markets 

Christmas sees some cities unfairly overlooked as short breaks reap the attention seasonal markets bring. The likes of Cologne and Vienna have long had the Christmas lantern shone on them, but others are just as enticing and provide better value for money. 

“One of our favourites is Riga, a less commercial, more traditional and more intimate option for those wanting to explore a city where the very first Christmas trees were decorated,” says Phillipa Butcher, Newmarket Holidays product manager. “Then there’s the Italian Dolomites, very traditional and the Italian Christmas capital; plus Edinburgh for those wanting an option closer to home.”

Her advice is to establish if clients are interested in larger markets offering lots for tourists or the less well-known traditional options, as these can be an opportunity to explore a new city or an old favourite at a different time of year. 

Book it: Newmarket Holidays offers three nights with breakfast in Riga from £396pp, with flights from five UK airports. The price includes a city tour and services of a tour manager. newmarketholidays.co.uk