Christmas shopping on the Continent.

FOR a romantic - if chilly - setting and unusual ideas for Christmas gifts, it's hard to beat the Christmas markets in the most historic and attractive cities of northern Europe.

This Christmas, when we could be counting the pennies as recession takes hold, packages based on these markets are great value - as leading bus and coach operators such as National Express aim for a slice of the action.

National Express runs regular services to Brussels, Ghent, Lille, Antwerp and Cologne - and travellers to Flemish Belgium and the Netherlands can enjoy celebrations for Sinta Klaas around St Nicolas's Day on December 5.

Lead-in single fares for Eurolines services start at pounds 15 for Brussels and Lille, pounds 23 for Ghent, pounds 33 for Antwerp and pounds 49 to Cologne.

Accommodation by Octopus Travel via the Eurolines website, offers a choice of accommodation from hostels to five-star hotels. Hotel double rooms (for two sharing) start at pounds 52.25 for Brussels, pounds 58.50 for Cologne and pounds 69.25 for Lille.

DFDS Seaways offers four-night voyages to the Christmas market in picture-postcard Bruges, ex- Newcastle on December 7 and 13 from pounds 197. The package includes two nights on-board ship in ensuite cabin, two nights' B&B in a threestar Novotel hotel and coach transfers into Bruges.

Upmarket short-breaks specialist Kirker offers a three-night package in Copenhagen.

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Christmas market in Lille