The festive lights are on, the weather is cold, the mulled wine is out and we’re all planning our trips to Instagrammable Christmas markets.
Lucky for us, the most beautiful Christmas market in Europe is right here in the UK, and no, it’s not in London.
Edinburgh has taken the crown, beating out the likes of Vienna and Prague, for it’s stunning backdrops of Edinburgh castle and the Princes Street Gardens.
But if you don’t feel like staying in the UK then the cheapest European Christmas market to visit is in Bratislava, Slovakia, just over two hours from London – more on that later though.
Edinburgh’s market stalls officially opened on November 15 and will run until January 4, with plenty of fairground rides, ice skating, a Polar Ice Bar and festive food offerings.
The research by Solopress found that the Scottish capital’s Christmas market had 2,738 TikTok posts and 55,304 Instagram hashtags, earning it an overall score of 9.11 out of 10 – more than any other European Christmas market. Although, London’s Winter Wonderland did follow behind in second place.
Other offerings at the Edinburgh Christmas market include a Christmas Tree Maze which opens on November 23, a ferris wheel and Santa’s grotto where little ones can meet the man himself along with his elves.
It won’t be cheap getting there from the capital though, with a return ticket to Edinburgh costing more than £150, then you’ll have to bag yourself some accommodation too before even spending a dime on festive goodies.
But, as we said, if you’re looking to turn your Christmas market trip into a mini-break rather than a staycation without breaking the bank, then we’ve also got you covered…
The cheapest Christmas markets in Europe for a mini-break
For the cheapest European Christmas market trip, look no further than the Slovakian capital, Bratislava.
Known for its cobblestone streets, sculptures and beer culture, Bratislava was found to have the lowest prices for a two-night package holiday for two people out of 14 European countries, at just £510 for a round trip.
The research by Post Office Travel Money took into account the cost of return flights, transfers, bed and breakfast accommodation, meals and market-bought refreshments.
Bratislava’s Christmas market has been held every year since 1993 from the end of November to December 23. In the main square you can find traditional food and beverages, as well as handmade Slovak gifts and a giant Christmas tree next to a stage where live music is played.
It also has an ice skating rink and there’s even a high possibility of snow in December if you want a white Christmas experience.
Practically tied with Bratislava was Vilnius, Lithuania, which will cost you £511 for a round trip to see the Christmas markets there.
While it may be over 2,000km away, this medieval town is less than three hours from London by plane, with flight prices starting at an incredibly reasonable £42 -cheaper than train tickets in the UK, where a one-way fare from London to Manchester will set you back £60 on Christmas week.
Prague, a popular Christmas market destination will cost you £606 for a trip to drink mulled wine and buy some festive goodies. The markets open there on November 30 and run until January 26, including on Christmas eve, Christmas day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
The main Christmas markets there are held in the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square, consisting of festively decorated wooden huts, stocked with handmade gifts including ceramics, jewellery, toys, and Christmas tree ornaments.
Food offerings include large roasted hams, barbecued sausages, dumplings and spicy gingerbread. Of course there’s beer too.
Budapest ranked at the sixth most affordable at £639, just behind Prague, while the popular Krakow ranked eighth and will cost you £678 for your round trip to Poland.
Krakow’s Christmas market is just a two hour flight from UK airports and it’s a 25-minute taxi from the airport to Krakow’s Main Square Rynek Główny, where the market is held.
You can wonder among the market stalls in one of the largest medieval squares in Europe with the backdrop of St Mary’s basilica. While there is a chance it will snow in Krakow in December, it’s obviously not guaranteed, so go there for the mulled wine and not the weather.
Cheapest Christmas markets in Europe for a mini-break
- Bratislava, Slovakia (£510)
- Vilnius, Lithuania (£511)
- Riga, Latvia (£546)
- Gdansk, Poland (£596)
- Prague, Czech Rep (£606)
- Budapest, Hungary (£639)
- Zagreb, Croatia (£649)
- Krakow, Poland (£678)
- Stockholm, Sweden (£737)
- Tallinn, Estonia (£749)
- Berlin, Germany (£885)
- Lille, France (£886)
- Vienna, Austria (£950)
- Copenhagen, Denmark (£989)
Another popular market proved to be pretty pricey at nearly double the cost of Bratislava, and that was Vienna. A round trip to see the festivities there will cost you an eye-watering £950.
Austria’s Christmas markets are an old-age tradition though, in fact, they date back to 1296. Covered in festive lights there’s the Viennese Dream Christmas market in front of the City Hall, and it boasts craft workshops for children where they can learn how to make cookies or candles.
There’s also the Christmas Village Belvedere Palace, which offers 40 stalls selling food, gifts and Christmas decorations. Similar offerings are at the Christmas Village on Maria Theresien Square too, so take your pick or explore all three.
Rounding out the list and taking the crown for the most expensive Christmas Market mini-break is Copenhagen. The capital of Denmark proved to be a little on the costly side for a short festive trip, setting you back about £989.
So, where will you be indulging in some Christmas fun?
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