Indulge in the charm of alternative European Christmas markets without breaking the bank. From unique handcrafted gifts to delectable treats, these hidden gems offer an authentic holiday experience at a fraction of the cost.
There is no better way to get that festive feeling than with a warming cup of Glühwein (mulled wine), while you explore the adorable knick-knacks of a European Christmas market.
However, they can often be a costly event. A cup of mulled wine at the Berlin Christmas market can set you back five euros, plus another three if you’d like to keep the mug as a memento. And staying closer to home isn’t always the answer – it’s no secret that UK Christmas markets are also amongst some of the most expensive in Europe. You’ll need to fork out around £25 for a beer and a bratwurst if they pay the Manchester Christmas markets a visit this year.
If you’re keen to plan a festive getaway but are a little strapped for cash, some of the ‘lesser known’ European Christmas markets can end up costing a fraction of the price, and can often be far less busy than those in the UK.
In need of some inspiration? We have worked with the team at eurochange to research some of the best alternative Christmas markets across Europe, as well as pricing up the cheapest flights from the UK and the average cost of a hotel. We have also looked at the cities with the best exchange rates, so you know where you’ll get the best deal.
Laura Evans-Fisk, head of digital & engagement at eurochange comments: “The research shows the Christmas Market in Wroclaw, Poland is one of the best European Christmas markets to visit, if you’re looking for the best value for money and a truly authentic experience. A three-course meal for two will also only cost £39, so it’s a perfect romantic getaway or trip with friends.
“You can get accommodation for less than £15pp, per night, and food and drinks are very affordable. For example, a mulled wine will cost you less than £2, which is pretty much unheard of in the UK!”
1. Wroclaw, Poland
Cheapest direct UK flights: £29 flights from Luton, £39 return from London Stansted, £54 return flights from Manchester, £57 return flights from Liverpool (per person)
Cheapest accommodation price: £29 per night based on two adults sharing
Christmas market entry: Free
Currency and exchange rate: Polish zloty (£1 = 4.84 zloty)
Total trip cost (based on the cheapest options for two nights) for two people: £87
Wroclaw is regarded as one of the best and most beautiful Christmas markets in Poland. It is an idyllic, real life winter wonderland, scattered across the city. Located in the Rynek Marquet Square, Place Solny, Świdnicka Street and Oławska Street, there are plenty of stalls to enjoy, selling gorgeous handmade crafts from independent businesses, to delicious treats.
It’s incredibly reasonably priced too, with a mulled wine costing only 15 PLN (£3.10) plus a 15 PLN deposit for the mug. But if you don’t fancy the mug, there are plenty of restaurants and bars surrounding the markets, where you can find a warming cup of mulled wine for just 9 PLN (£1.86).
2. Sibiu, Romania
Cheapest direct UK flights: £44 return from London Luton (per person)
Cheapest accommodation price: £23 per night based on two adults sharing
Christmas market entry: Free
Currency and exchange rate: Romanian leu (£1 = 5.53 leu)
Total trip cost (based on the cheapest options for two nights) for two people: £111
Sibiu is Romania’s most popular Christmas market destination, even ahead of the capital, Bucharest. Romanians flock to visit this Transalvanian winter celebration, known as ‘The Fair In Sibiu’, which takes place from 15th November 2024 until December 26th 2024.
Sibiu has a combined heritage of Hungarian, Romanian and German, which gives the town its rich, unique culture – unlike anywhere else in Transylvania. Located in the historic old town, Piața Mare, these markets are beautifully decorated with thousands of fairy lights and festive trinkets.
And the best part is, it’s incredibly cheap. A cup of mulled wine will cost between five and 10 leu (just £1.76). Make sure you try out the tasty local specialities too, including Kürtőskalács (spit cakes) and cozonac (sweet bread).
3. Innsbruck, Austria
Cheapest direct UK flights: £43 return flights to Vienna from London Gatwick, £81 return flights to Vienna from Edinburgh, return flights to Vienna from Manchester from £81.
Vienna to Innsbruck train from £21 (per person)
Cheapest accommodation price: £86 per night based on two adults sharing
Christmas market entry: Free
Currency and exchange rate: euro (£1 = €1.17)
Total trip cost (based on the cheapest options for two nights) for two people: £214
Nothing will give you the ‘festive feels’ like roaming the streets of Innsbruck in the run up to Christmas. The aroma of freshly made Kiachln (piping hot doughnuts laced with Sauerkraut) and the sound of Christmas carols are guaranteed to get you in the festive spirit.
Fairy lights give the medieval alleys a magical glow, and in front of the city’s famous ‘Golden Roof’, you will find the Christmas markets. Visitors can also wander across to Innsbruck’s main shopping street, Maria-Theresien Straße, where there are even more chalets offering tasty snacks and handmade crafts.
4. Tallinn, Estonia
Cheapest direct UK flights: £61 return flights to Tallinn from London Luton (per person)
Cheapest accommodation: £29 per night based on two adults sharing
Christmas market entry: Free
Currency and exchange rate: euro (£1 = €1.17)
Total trip cost (based on the cheapest options for two nights) for two people: £151
Tallinn Christmas market is a real-life fairytale in the heart of Estonia’s capital. You can sample local delicacies including black pudding, sour cabbage, gingerbread and warming festive tipples from as little as 1-2 euros, making it one of the cheapest and most authentic Christmas markets in Europe.
The real star of the show is the incredible market Christmas tree, which has been set up every year in the Town Hall Square since 1441, making it the first ever Christmas tree to be put on display in Europe.
5. Zagreb, Croatia
Cheapest direct UK flights: £71 return from London Stansted (per person)
Accommodation from : £26 per night based on two adults sharing
Christmas market entry: Free
Currency and exchange rate: euro (£1 = €1.17)
Total trip cost (based on the cheapest options for two nights) for two people: £175
Croatia is perhaps not the first country that comes to mind when we think of a ‘festive’ location, but Zagreb’s Christmas market should not be underestimated. Zagreb has been voted the best Christmas market three years in a row, and visitors will soon learn why.
Also known as ‘Advent Zagreb’, the city truly comes to life during the festive season. Not only with an epic Christmas market, but with a rich programme of music and art exhibitions, and an impressive ice-skating rink in King Tromislav Square.
6. Strasbourg, France
Cheapest direct UK flights: £80 return flights to Strasbourg from London Gatwick (per person)
Cheapest accommodation: £29 per night based on two adults sharing
Christmas market entry: Free
Currency and exchange rate: euro (£1 = €1.17)
Total trip cost (based on the cheapest options for two nights) for two people: £189
A wonderful hybrid of French and German cultures, Strasbourg is a quaint city that truly comes to life over the festive period. Known to the French as the ‘capital of Christmas’, Strasbourg’s Christkindelsmärik is France’s oldest Christmas market, and has now been running for four centuries.
The town’s streets are scattered with over 300 adorable chalets and twinkling lights, offering tasty local Alsacian delicacies such as Bredele (traditional Christmas biscuits) and Berawecka, a traditional Christmas fruit cake.
