‘TRADITIONAL’ German Christmas markets seem to have colonised the towns and cities of Britain over the last decade but the real deal is just a short flight away.

Flybe has recently launched eight new routes from Cardiff Airport and Munich, one of the new destinations, offers everything you could ever want from a Christmas market.

The gothic town hall that flanks the wooden huts of the Marienplatz creates a spectacular setting for the Munich Christkindlmarkt, which runs from November 30 until Christmas Eve.

Selling predominantly Bavarian produce, it offers the festive forager any number of unique Christmas gifts and delectable treats for loved ones.

Concerts are played daily and you can look down on the sights of the market, well away from the hustle and bustle of the crowd, from the balconies of the spectacular town hall.

When darkness falls and the snow on the roofs of the market stalls begins to sparkle in a glowing sea of fairy lights, it is then that the atmosphere is at its most enchanting.

The 3,000 lights on the soaring Christmas tree, the market’s landmark, glitter against the romantic backdrop of the neogothic town hall.

Year after year, visitors from far and wide mingle with the Munich locals to join in the festive spirit and yuletide traditions celebrated since the 14th century.

One of the great pleasures of a visit to the Christkindlmarkt is the opportunity to enjoy its particular culinary delights.

There’s mulled wine and mead to give visitors that inner glow as well as freshly roasted almonds and chestnuts, tempting grilled sausages and Advent sweetmeats such as spicy Pfeffernüsse biscuits and Magenbrot cake.

The Kripperlmarkt is just a short walk away and specialises in all things nativity.

For something completely different, the Tollwood Market is an urban cultural festival offering a diverse range of international music, drama and cuisine.

With more than 20 different markets in Munich, there is something for everyone; from a medieval market with gospel choir, to the gay-friendly Pink Christmas Market, where wares are sold from pink and purple pagodas with added cabarets and shows.

Flybe also flies to Dusseldorf from Cardiff and the new network also includes flights between Cardiff and Cork, Dublin, Edinburgh, Faro, Glasgow, Jersey, Milan and Paris.