This week’s snowfall may have put many on full-scale alert for Christmas, with the countdown now on towards the big day – and what could be more festive than a trip to some of Europe’s most beautiful cities and Christmas Markets?
Here are six of the best destinations served by East Midlands Airport for that magical getaway to immerse yourself in the sights, smells, and sounds of Christmas Markets in fairytale settings.
Wroclaw, Poland
Regularly topping lists of the best Christmas Markets in Poland, Wroclaw offers a dazzling display of fairy-lit Christmas trees and stalls. Start off on the quaint, cobbled Rynek Market Square, which sells lots of warm comfort food and drinks. You’ll find traditional sausages, sweet waffles, and aromatic mulled wine.
You can also enjoy the festivities on Plac Solny, which includes a fairytale house with an observation deck. Sip a hot chocolate in the glow of the fireplace, or overlook a sparkling view of the market. Many different Christmassy shows and fairytale stories are performed at these markets each year, usually ending with the Christmas Carol Singers Parade the day before Christmas Eve.
Return flights in December with Ryanair from £83pp
Krakow, Poland
With its castle skyline and picturesque cobbled streets, Krakow’s Old Town becomes a living Christmas card over the festive season – especially when it starts to snow! The Christmas Market is set on Rynek Glowny, the city’s main market square. Lined with timber huts and illuminated with fairy lights, the enormous Christmas tree in the centre looks especially magical at night.
The market sells all sorts of Christmas gifts, such as handmade decorations and beautifully carved wooden toys. Perfect for foodies, you can tuck into lots of traditional Polish treats, like pierogi dumplings, gingerbread biscuits, and mulled wine, all of which can be enjoyed while watching the carol singing. You can even travel back in time with a traditional coach and horse ride around the old square.
Return flights in December with Ryanair from £71pp
Salzburg, Austria
Salzburg Christmas Markets are overflowing with traditional charm and Christmas spirit. In the city centre, the main Christmas Market sits around the cathedral. You’ll find stalls selling warm punch, hot roasted chestnuts, beautiful Christmas tree ornaments, and lots of cosy knitwear. Watch the choir sing carols in front of the cathedral, or visit the nativity scene in the Residenz courtyard.
The Advent Market sees Salzburg Palace transform into true magic at Christmas. A fairytale forest sits in front of it, with over 700 trees dazzling with fairy lights and red baubles. The front of the palace even transforms into an oversized advent calendar with a different scene in 24 windows. It’s a truly unique Christmas experience for the whole family.
Return flights in December with TUI from £422pp
Prague, Czech Republic
Prague’s Christmas Markets are notable for their stunning locations, which look like scenes straight off a Christmas card. There’s a great variety of markets too, with over a dozen dotted across the city offering different treats, such as Czech food and drink, as well as toys and festive decorations.
Prague is considered one of the top winter destinations in Europe, and during the festive season, it’s truly magical. One of the best markets is found in the Old Town Square, with lots of goodies to tempt you and plenty of entertainment, while the market at Republic Square offers a more local experience, high-quality souvenirs, and a slightly more relaxed atmosphere.
Return flights in December from £40pp with Ryanair, £226pp with Jet2
Vienna, Austria
Dozens of Christmas Markets pop up across Vienna between November and early January, sprinkling extra glitter on top of what is already one of the most charming European cities. If you enjoy markets in grand locations, such as royal palace courtyards or huge, famous squares, Vienna is for you.
The Viennese Dream Christmas Market in Rathausplatz has the neo-Gothic City Hall as its backdrop and is the largest of Vienna’s festive markets, offering 150 stalls selling tasty food and great gifts. Other highlights include the Christmas Village at Belvedere Palace, the Genussmarkt food market near Vienna’s State Opera (benefiting from being under cover if the weather is unkind), and another market on Maria Theresien Square, which features light projections on the surrounding buildings.
Return flights in December with Jet2 from £192pp
Bratislava, Slovakia
Bratislava has emerged as one of the most affordable European cities for a Christmas Market break. Travel and accommodation costs are lower than in many other cities, while the markets themselves, including those in Main Square and Hviezdoslavovo Square, offer more affordable treats than others.
The Slovakian capital is nestled on the Danube River, bordered by Austria and Hungary, and offers scenic landscapes, culture, history, and traditional cuisine. It’s an ideal choice for those who want the buzz of a capital city. When it comes to culture and sightseeing, Bratislava packs a real punch, with museums, castles, theatres, and more to uncover. Christmas Markets only add to its charm.
Bratislava can be reached from EMA for the first time this winter with Jet2, who fly customers on twice-weekly services via Vienna and arrange a short connection across the border.
Return flights in December with Jet2 from £192pp
Flight costs correct at time of publication.
