Ten of the best Christmas Markets in Europe, with flights from just £17
If the smell of mulled wine, the lure of ancient buildings and delicious continental food make you feel all festive, then a short break to the Christmas Markets of Europe could be right up your street.
With row upon row of stalls and chalets offering unique Christmas gifts, family-friendly attractions and even the occasional ice rink, some of the biggest and best Christmas markets are just a short flight away from the UK. Twinkling lights, carol singers and even Santa himself all add to the gleeful seasonal atmosphere, and savvy shoppers could save on their next visit if they book in advance.
As summer draws to a close, it's never too early to be thinking about festive frolics in some of the most iconic markets in Europe. To help you choose which one to try first, we've compiled a list of the most popular markets and winter festivities.
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From the Bavarian charm of Germany to the Scandinavian hygge and chunky jumpers of Copenhagen, all of these shopping havens offer the perfect start to the festive season.
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And for anyone who doesn't want to travel too far, there are even some great Christmas days out to be had closer to home.
Berlin, Germany
The Gendarmenmarkt in Berlin (Getty)The capital city of Berlin is home to some incredible architecture and a vibrant nightlife scene, as well as more than 100 festive markets that take place every year.
From November until January, the best Christmas markets to visit in Berlin include the Gendarmenmarkt (Bebelplatz) with its gorgeous decorations, food and entertainment, the traditional market and funfair at Alexanderplatz and the world-famous Spandau Market complete with its market stalls and renaissance fair.
Berlin is also home to a “British” market in St George’s Episcopal Church, where visitors will feel right at home with mince pies and bagpipes.
How to get there: Easyjet offers flights from Manchester to Berling for as little as £16.99 in November.
Munich, Germany
The famous Christkindlmarkt in Munich (Getty)Christmas markets don't come much more traditional than those found in the Bavarian city of Munich.
The Christkindlmarkt in Marienplatz Square has roots dating back to the 14th century and now offers a heady mix of traditional crafts, decorations, food and drink. There is also a Himmelswerkstatt workshop for children aged six to twelve, and the famous Krampuslauf (Krampus run).
Munich is also home to the Viktualienmarkt (food market) as well as the "Eiszauber" at the Karlsplatz-Stachus - Bavaria's largest mobile ice arena.
How to get there: Once again, Easyjet offers the cheapest flights with prices starting from £26.99 in November.
Prague, Czech Republic
The Christmas Market in Old Town Square is one of the best in the world (Getty)Prague is a modern-day city with an ancient past and one of the most romantic places to spend the festive season.
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Home to one of Europe’s best-loved Christmas markets, visitors come to explore the toy town beauty of Old Town Square complete with a real-life nativity scene, carol-singing choirs and a huge bedazzled Christmas tree.
The Wenceslas Square market is another big attraction for visitors to the city in December, with its craft stalls, food and one-of-a-kind discoveries.
How to get there: Ryanair offers the cheapest flights with prices starting from £54 in November.
Brussels, Belgium
The winter festival in Brussels stretches across the city (Getty)Famous for chocolate and beer, Brussels is also home to an incredible winter festival.
With over 200 chalets to browse during your visit, you can buy everything from Christmas gifts to food and decorations at the annual Brussels Winter Wonders event, a 2 km-long stretch of snow-dusted market bars, stalls and entertainment that takes place on and around the Grand-Place, Bourse, Place Sainte-Catherine and Marché ux Poissons.
How to get there: Ryanair offers the cheapest flights with prices starting from £21 in November.
Hamburg, Germany
The Christmas market scene in Hamburg is iconic (Getty)Hamburg's historical Christmas market is held in front of the iconic City Hall and is one of the most amazing Christmas market destinations in Europe, if not the world.
From the main market at Rathausplatz to the Christmas market festivities in Saint Pauli, the city comes to life during the festive season as the air is filled with the scent of mulled wine. With many different stalls and traders to choose from, the Christmas markets in Hamburg offer an incredible array of tempting treats and high-quality gifts, as well as a visit from the real Santa Claus and a dedicated market just for dogs.
How to get there: Ryanair offers the cheapest flights with prices starting from £49 in November.
Vienna, Austria
"Happy Christmas" from a traditional market in Vienna (Getty)Very little feels more Christmassy than a dusting of snow and an ancient palace or two.
During the festive season, the capital of Austria is transformed into a world-famous winter wonderland with traditional Viennese Christmas markets being held at City Hall and the Schönbrunn Palace, as well as the Christmas villages at Belvedere Palace, Maria-Theresien Platz and the former general hospital.
How to get there: Jet2 offers the cheapest flights with prices starting from £77 in November.
Krakow, Poland
The pretty Christmas market at Rynek Glowny (Getty)This stunning Polish Christmas market is one of the oldest in the world.
Sprawling across Krakow's huge public square, the short days and cold nights are the perfect excuse to warm up with mulled wine and indulge in some hearty Polish food at the main market in Rynek Glowny. Save space in your case to bring home some truly beautiful hand-painted decorations, as well as unique Christmas gifts and lots of traditional food and wine.
How to get there: Wizz Air offers the cheapest flights with prices starting from £26.99 in November.
Cologne, Germany
Explore the famous Christmas Market that sits in front of the iconic Cologne Cathedral (Getty)Cologne is home to one of the most popular Christmas markets in the world.
The city is home to several markets that welcome guests across the festive season, the largest of which is held in the town square in front of the iconic cathedral. Markt der Engel is a magical winter wonderland with twinkling lights suspended overhead like stars, while the Nikolausdorf is aimed at kids, and tells the story of the real St Nick. There is something for everyone in Cologne, from delicious sweet treats to handmade decorations, and there is also an incredible outdoor ice-skating rink on Heumarkt.
How to get there: Ryanair offers the cheapest flights with prices starting from £21.99 in November.
Copenhagen, Denmark
The pretty Christmas markets of Copenhagen (Getty)Find hygge perfection in the festive markets of Copenhagen.
Soak up the Christmas spirit in Copenhagen and browse the many different markets that sell decorations, wooden toys, decorations, chunky jumpers and incredible food. But it's the Christmas market at Tivoli Gardens that many visitors come to see, with its Ferris wheel and ice skating rink.
How to get there: easyJet offers the cheapest flights with prices starting from £26.99 in November.
London
The Christmas-themed funfair in Hyde Park (Getty)Enjoy all the festive frivolities closer to home.
Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park is one of the UK's most popular tourist attractions, and it's easier to get to for Brits who would rather spend money on gifts and gluhwein than airfares.
As well as a full-size funfair, there is a Bavarian-style market full of baubles, food and drink to be enjoyed, and there are additional markets to be explored at the Southbank Centre and Leicester Square.
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