Mariah Carey is defrosting and the supermarkets have already decked their aisles – whether you think it’s too early or not, Christmas is fast approaching. Of course that means very soon, cities across the UK and Europe will be adorned with twinkling lights, and lined with cosy chalets selling everything from mince pies and mulled wines to trinkets and pretty souvenirs.
Europe’s Christmas markets are notoriously pretty, and typically run from early to mid-November through to the Christmas period itself, meaning there’s ample opportunity to book in a weekend break, or even a mid-week getaway. The best part is that you don’t need to break the bank; there are still plenty of beautiful Christmas market destinations where you can find cheap flights this December, especially if you’re able to travel midweek in early December.
We take a look at eight of Europe’s Christmas markets with flights under £100pp..
1. Strasbourg, France
Strasbourg’s Christmas market is regularly tipped as one of the world’s most beautiful, and given its medieval buildings, cobbled streets and traditional stalls, it’s not difficult to see why. This year the main action runs from November 27 to December 24, with heaps of wooden chalets serving up mulled wine, French cheese and baked goods, beautiful gifts and souvenirs, and ample festive cheer that wouldn’t look out of place in a Hallmark film. While it’s a popular Christmas destination there are still deals to be found; for example, easyJet offers flights from £54 each way from London in early December.
(Image: Getty)
3. Prague, Czechia
Prague’s iconic markets are back in its Old Town from November 28, and set to run through to January 6, 2027. The main action is split across the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square, which is where you’ll find the huge Christmas tree, an open-air stage with live performances, an ice rink, and locals selling everything from delicious food and drink to handcrafted Christmas decorations. To get there on a budget, one option is to fly with Wizz Air which has Prague flights from £40 each way based on travel between Dec 8-11.
(Image: Getty)
4. Krakow, Poland
From November 27 through to January 6, 2027, the city’s Old Town transforms into a Christmas wonderland packed with around 80 beautiful, traditional stalls, as well as a huge Christmas tree, twinkling lights and plenty of hearty food and mulled wine. The main market sits on Rynek Główny in the Old Town, but there are also plenty of candlelight concerts in the area, and Polish shops serving up traditional fare. If you’re tempted to visit, Ryanair has flights from £56 each way from the UK, based on a Dec 8 departure.
(Image: Getty)
5. Berlin, Germany
Arguably the most famous of all of Europe’s Christmas market destinations, Berlin has become a must-visit for festive fans from around the world. The sheer size means that the markets have been divided up across various destinations including Charlottenburg Palace, Landsberger, the botanic gardens and Potsdamer Platz. The majority of markets open early this month, but almost all of them are open to the public by November 23. Expect everything from local artisans selling their handcrafted goods, food stalls offering up classic Bratwurst alongside mulled wine and baked goods, live music and shows, and even medieval-inspired entertainment on historic streets. The good news is that you can still visit on budget, as easyJet has flights from £69 each way in early December, if you fly mid-week.
(Image: Getty)
