7 affordable Christmas markets in Europe to visit this winter

Doesn’t scream anything Christmas just like advent calendar chocolate for breakfast every morning—or, if you’re in the travel mood, visit one of Europe’s holiday markets.

Although it is a little scary that 2024 is almost over Christmas markets With just weeks (and some even days) until the lights are turned on, there’s nothing better than sipping mulled wine amidst fairy lights to the classic tunes of the season.

Here in Londonwe are spoiled for choice with Winter Wonderland, Christmas by the River and Winterville. Throw in the wider UK and Europe and it can be difficult to decide which one to visit.

You will make a trip to Manchester? perhaps Poland, Germanyand let’s not forget about Norway.

The possibilities are endless, so you’ll be faced with the daunting task of narrowing down your list.

If you’re one of the many in this particular pickle, let us help with our list of the 7 most affordable Christmas markets in Europe (so you’ll have plenty of money left over for presents).

Sarende, Albania

From December 6, 2024 to January 2, 2025, the Saranda market is open on the city embankment and hosts a number of festival events. From ice skating to arts and crafts, tasty treats and live music, stroll the streets and get into the Christmas spirit.

Ideal for those who are not quite ready for negative temperatures, the average temperature in the city in December is 13°C, with plenty of sun. If you’re still not sold, the availability of this marketplace might interest you.

With return flights from £27 from 7-8 December (checked 29 October) and hotel stays from £16, this is the best option for those flying from London.

Riga, Latvia

However, taking into account the cost of transport, accommodation and the market prices themselves Post office travel money the report claims that Riga is the most affordable Christmas market in 2024.

A favorite of many for its medieval town square, you can stroll through the maze-like market, buying handmade knitwear, gingerbread and the local delicacy piragi, also known as a bacon bun. Then just a 15-minute walk away is a smaller market created specifically for young families.

From 29 November to 2 January, the markets are less than three hours by plane from London – and if you fly on 7 December, return on 8 December, you can get tickets for as little as £51 (checked 29 October) .

As for accommodation, hotel stays start from just £25 per night.

Poznań, Poland

If you want to visit the best Christmas market in Poland, look no further than Poznań. Located opposite the train station and the historic town square, this event is known for its extraordinary light display consisting of over 43,000 LED lights and an impressive 16-metre Christmas tree.

From November 19 to December 23, be sure to pack warm clothes as the average temperature is only 3°C, or head to the mulled wine and hot cocoa stalls.

Just a two-hour flight from London, you can visit the markets on 7 December and fly home on 8 December for £59 return, while hotel stays in Poznan start from just £36 for one night (checked 29 October).

Bratislava, Slovakia

This might be the most romantic Christmas market you’ll ever walk through, so if you’re allergic to love, stay away. If you’re ready to put your trust in the Hallmark experience, this is what you need.

As well as the market being affordable, with flights from £54 (from London on 7 December, return the next day) and hotel stays from £42, the town square is transformed into a dreamy ice rink and the avenues are festively decorated. and the streets are filled with aromatic local delicacies.

From November 23rd to December 23rd, the average high for the month is a freezing 4°C, so it’s the perfect time to don a new hat and scarf.

Budapest, Hungary

Budapest’s markets, known as the Basilica of Advent, have earned this title European best destination The best Christmas market in three years, and they live up to the motto “Where Love Takes Your Hand” for a reason.

From November 15 to January 1, you can stroll through the Hungarian capital, admire and purchase the works of almost 100 domestic craft exhibitors. In addition, why not enjoy traditional Hungarian dishes, go ice skating or try many other festive activities?

From 7-8 December with return flights from £61 and hotels from £35 for one night, Budapest is your oyster.

Stockholm, Sweden

Established as far back as 1837, Stockholm’s Old Town Christmas Market, Gamla Stan, is the oldest in the country and still inspired by its medieval origins. With local delicacies like mulled wine and Swedish Christmas sausages, you’ll need stretchy pants to get through.

From November 17 to December 23, there are twinkling fairy lights, warming fires and cafes that will make you want to snuggle up and not go out.

If you’re flying from London for the short two hours and 20 minutes, flights start from £58 on December 7 and return on December 8, with hotel accommodation starting at £46 for one night.

Krakow, Poland

Running from November 29th to January 1st, Krakow’s markets are some of the largest in Europe, and you won’t want to miss them. Immerse yourself in Polish culture by trying dishes such as pierogi (dumplings), kielbasa (sausage) and oszypek (smoked sheep’s milk cheese), or locally produced mulled wine.

As for shopping, there are plenty of handmade gifts, and the holiday market even offers a Christmas Nativity Scene Contest held on the first Thursday of December, where you can see all kinds of creative nativity scenes.

For those coming from London, fly out on 7 December and return on 8 December from £72 and book a hotel room from just £40.

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