The European Christmas Market taking TikTok by storm

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Share a selfie by the Christmas tree in Poland this year (Image: Getty)
Share a selfie by the Christmas tree in Poland this year (Image: Getty)

Step into a world of festive delights early this year by taking yourself off to explore some of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Europe.

Row upon row of pop-up stalls festooned with fairy lights will draw you into a charming winter wonderland, while the warming aroma of mulled wine and Christmas spices permeates the air. Europe is home to hundreds of Christmas markets that draw huge crowds every year, but one destination, in particular, is proving to be as popular as it is breathtaking, with visitors taking to social media to share the magic.

The Polish city of Krakow is just a two-and-a-half-hour flight time from the UK, and TikTokkers are showing videos of the magical pre-Christmas shopping extravaganza as the sign they need to visit Krakow this Christmas.

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Krakow Christmas Market is one the largest and best-loved markets in Poland. Located on the Rynek Glowny, a 13th-century square in the centre of the old town, the market becomes a central feature of the city at Christmas time, filling the streets between the famous Cloth Hall and the imposing St Mary’s Basilica.

Snap up £12.99 flights to one of the best Christmas markets in the world qhiqqhidtdiurinvSnap up £12.99 flights to one of the best Christmas markets in the world

The square is a popular meeting place for tourists and locals, and during the weekends and evenings before Christmas, the atmosphere becomes electric as visitors embrace the Christmas spirit with aplomb.

Merchants set up timber huts across the square selling ornate crystal decoration, seasonal wares and some incredible Polish food including Oscypak smoked cheese, tasty perogies and hot drinks made with vodka to help stave off the cold winter air.

Lifestyle influencer Maddison Wood shared a video of her previous visit to Krakow, and so far over 3.2 million viewers have watched her montage of snowy shopping days in Square.

Her followers have been sharing her love for the ancient city with fellow traveller "B" saying: "Krakow is one of the nicest places I’ve been. It’s so clean and cheap but stunning places! Literally freezing though."

Another travelling TikTokker called "Loz" added "I spent 4 days between Xmas and New Year here and it was unreal! Never a place I’d thought to go but defo one of my fave trips!"

It's not just the Christmas Markets that are attracting Brits this winter. The uber-cool city has a young, trendy vibe and The Old Town and Kazimierz are packed with fantastic basement bars and beer gardens. Krakow can also offer much better value for money than some cities in Germany and Austria, and given the low winter temperatures there is always a good chance of snow.

When does the Krakow Christmas market take place?

This year, the market opens on November 24, 2023, and runs until January 1, 2024. Opening hours vary but most stalls are open from lunchtime until early evening.

The city also opens its very own ice rink in December called Ice Park Jordana which is located in the east of the city. Of course, anyone looking to experience the incredible culture and history of the country can take a day trip to the Wieliczka Salt Mine, Auschwitz or to the mountains at Zakopane.

The European Christmas Market taking TikTok by stormKrakow Christmas Market in Rynek Glowny (Getty)

How to visit the Krakow Christmas Markets for £99

Deal site Wowcher has slashed the price of two-night breaks to the Krakow Christmas Market to the bargain price of £99 per person for selected dates between October 20 and December 30, 2023.

Including return flights from London City, London Gatwick, London Heathrow, London Luton, London Southend and London Stansted Airports, visitors can walk in a winter wonderland at the Krakow Christmas Markets and enjoy two nights at the four-star Krakow Hotel Ester.

Wowcher launches Disneyland Paris Christmas breaks from £199Wowcher launches Disneyland Paris Christmas breaks from £199

Festive fans who want to spend longer in the beautiful medieval city with its magical ambience can upgrade to a three or four-night stay for a little more.

Booking with Wowcher is easy and travellers just need to follow these simple steps:

  • Christmas market destinations are based on two adults sharing, and therefore customers must purchase two vouchers to qualify for the £99pp.
  • Purchase your vouchers and complete the transaction.
  • Wait to receive a code to your email account.
  • Contact the merchant to redeem your booking.

Buyers will receive confirmation via phone or email from the travel merchant, advising them of the details of their destination and giving them the opportunity to upgrade for extra if they wish to.

The deal will run until November, 25 and full terms and conditions can be found here.

Wowcher is also offering a "Christmas Market Mystery Holiday: NYC, Chicago, Lapland and more" deal where lucky travellers could be in with the chance to win a weekend in the USA, Canada or Europe for just £99.

Laura Mckenna

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