The Cheapest Christmas Market Breaks
It’s hard not to be enchanted by Christmas markets in Europe. A visit is something to look forward to as the days turn darker, and there’s oodles of charm in the twinkling lights and rows of wooden huts selling their handmade gifts. Throw in music, entertainment, mulled wine, sweet treats, plus a new city to explore in the day, and it’s no wonder thousands of Brits make a beeline for Europe in December.
With purse strings at their tightest, it’s worth knowing that some capital cities offer fabulous value during Christmas market season. Post Office Travel Money have totted up the costs of a two-night stay in some of Europe’s biggest capitals. They’ve accounted for flights or train rides, plus transfers, meals and festive treats like mulled wine and cakes. Here’s a closer look at the five that offer the best bang for your buck this Christmas.
Bratislava, Slovakia
The Slovakian capital is officially the cheapest Christmas market break for Brits, totalling £510.09 for a weekend away. That’s nearly half the price of the most expensive destination: Copenhagen in Denmark, where it costs £989 for the same experience.
Thanks to the great exchange rate and reasonable prices, you and your holiday partner can enjoy two nights of three course dinners with wine for £141.60 in total. And if you each have a couple of glasses of glühewein at the market as an aperitif, that’s only £10.24.
It’s a bargain, especially given the delight of Bratislava’s Christmas festivities. Crammed with seasonal stalls, food and entertainment, markets take place at three central locations including Bratislava Castle. First opening in 2016, it’s the newest market on the scene, where visitors can enjoy incredible views and a stunning backdrop too.
Vilnius, Lithuania
At £510.87 for a magical two-night Christmas break, Vilnius is only pennies from taking the top spot on the list, so it’s well within the margin of error. It’s only flights that raise the cost slightly – once you’re on the ground, two nights of feasting dinners and wine for two costs £133.82, for example. And as a culinary destination in Europe – it received four new Michelin stars this year, which is extraordinary for its size – that’s value for money.
Indeed, Vilnius a fab place to visit even outside of its impressive Christmas buzz. Peppered within its baroque architecture, it’s steeped with history telling of its Soviet past, out of which has come a beautiful and creative spirit. Make sure you go on a street art tour to see some of the finest murals in the world – it’s where the famous controversial picture of Trump kissing Putin was created.
Riga, Latvia
At £545.87 for a two-night break, Riga in Lativa is excellent value for money – for example, a return bus ticket from the airport to the city centre is just £6.82.
This is a trip for those who like their Christmas markets less busy. Even though a third of Latvian population live in Riga, the capital has just 600,000 people (around the same as Sheffield) and it’s less touristy than other places on the list, so it’s a more intimate, relaxed affair. Riga’s two Christmas markets take place at the Dome Square and Esplanade Park, and they’re just 15 minutes walk away from each other, meaning you could spend one day marvelling at the array of Latvian crafts, hot drinks, tasty treats and even the farm animals they have to entertain the kids, and another day exploring the rest of Riga. Be sure to wander around the Unesco-listed Old Town, and catch an opera at the magnificent, neo-classical opera house. It’s certainly something to write home about.
Gdansk, Poland
The Polish capital is always popular for its Christmas markets, and it should be more so this year as prices are down a whopping 20% from last year. Head over to this winter wonderland, and you’ll be able to pick up a three-course meal with wine for two for £70, so you only need to budget £140 for the two days. You can spend the savings once you hit the buzz of the Christmas market, which was voted the second best in Europe in a recent publicly-voted competition. In addition to the expected festive fun, there are craft workshops where you can make decorations and cards to mark the season, and a crammed schedule of family events like theatre and dancing.
Prague, Czech Republic
The stunning capital of the Czech Republic is a Christmas market favourite for years, thanks to its fairytale castles and buildings that give the city a magical feel at any time of the year, let alone Christmas. With holidaymakers looking for budget breaks – in total, a two-night trip here will cost around £606.23.
While the city isn’t the most compact, the two main markets are next to each other, at Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square, making it easy for festive holidaymakers to delve into all they have to offer. For a regional delicacy, try a ladle of rybí polévka: a Christmas fish soup made in huge cauldrons using carp, vegetables, cream and brandy.
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