14 Feb 2018
We’re more than OK with autumn blowing in, bringing Jo Malone candles, luxe baths and pumpkin spice lattes in its winds. What we’re less OK about is the fact that we haven’t booked any holiday off work since we could last feel toes. Not OK at all...
Before tears start falling with the leaves, join us in pondering over this list of Europe’s most instagrammable Christmas market destinations and dream about celebrating the best time of year #outofoffice. Oh, and don’t worry – we’ve cherrypicked the most affordable flights and had a dig for cheap wine and taxis so your favourite people will still get a gift come the 25th (even if it is just a mulled wine-splashed postcard).
Berlin, Germany
From £44 with Ryanair
Throw a stone and it’s bound to land in a hot mulled wine at one of Berlin’s 50 Christmas markets. So even if your sense of direction is worse that mine, you're sure to stumble across some strudel. If you’re looking for a romantic #couplegoals trip, head to Lucia Weihnachtsmarkt in the Pankow district, for a Scandinavian-style market pitched in the idyllic courtyards of a nineteenth century brewery. Here you can drop hints at more than 60 beautiful stalls...
Taxi per 1km: £1.77
Two-course dinner with wine: £22-35
Private apartment or double room: £70-105
Book your perfect Berlin trip at Last Minute.com
Salzburg, Austria
From £51 with Ryanair
Fun fact: It was here that Silent Night was first performed on Christmas Eve in 1818. Now, foodies swarm the snow-dusted cabins to sample local delicacies such as halusky (small chunks of dumpling mixed with fried bacon, if you’re curious) amongst other traditional festive treats...
Taxi per 1km: £1.32
Two-course meal with glass of wine: £26
Hotel singles, per person: £52 - £79
Book your perfect Salzburg trip at Last Minute.com
Dusslefdorf, Germany
From £75 with Eurowings
The Marktplatz Christmas Market stands out because of its beautifully restored 100-year old vintage carousel... Take a spin and soak in the views of the surrounding riverside boulevard. When you're ready to walk off the crepes, take a stroll along scenic Koenigsallee as you sip on some of Germany’s best mulled wine and snap grams of the fairy light-draped chestnut trees.
Taxi per 1km: £1.94
Three-course dinner at a nice restaurant: £27-35
Private apartment or double room: £53 - £88
Book your perfect Dusslefdorf trip at Last Minute.com
Brussels, Belgium
From £65 with Brussels Airlines
Places d'Hiver (or Winter Pret) is one of Belgium's largest and most well-known Christmas markets - but it's the 55-metre tall Ferris wheel that makes this place special. What could be more beautiful than a Christmas market other than a bird's eye view of a Christmas market? Plus, it's based in the heart of the city centre, meaning it’s easy to find and ever easier to stumble home from after a few gluhweins...
Taxi per 1km: £1.68
Two-course meal with wine for two: £71-97
Double room at B&B or midrange hotel: £61-106
Book your perfect Brussels trip at Last Minute.com
Amsterdam, Holland
From £49 with Vueling
If stalls stacked high with olibollen (a Dutch doughnut-dumpling) sounds like your scene, head to Amsterdam’s festive Leidseplei Christmas Market and eat your way around the square. For snacks with a view, head to Dam Square to stand under the 20-metre tall Christmas tea dripping in sparkling lights.
Taxi per 1km: £1.93
Three-course dinner in a casual restaurant: £31
Double room: £132
Book your perfect Amsterdam trip at Last Minute.com
Krakow, Poland
From £56 with Ryanair
Won’t settle for anything less than a white Christmas? Well, you’re almost guaranteed one in Krakow. Head to the Rynek Glowny Christmas market to pick up some locally-made woollen clothes and a hot mulled wine to keep you cosy.
Taxi per 1km: £0.41
Lunch and dinner in a decent restaurants: £16
Room in a midrange hotel: £21 - 25
Book your perfect Krakow trip at Last Minute.com
Stockholm, Sweden
From £30 with Ryanair
If you’re a foodie, the Old Town Market will keep you jolly. Warm up with smoked sausages and elk meat (for the hard core foodies) and cheer the season in with a hot and spicy glögg (or four).
Taxi per 1km: £2.70 - 3.60
Meal at a midrange restaurant: £9 - 27
Double room in a midrange hotel: £93 - 148
Book your perfect Stockholm trip at Last Minute.com
Prague, Czech Republic
From £47 with Ryanair
For a tree to rival Hooville, Old Town Square in Prague is where you’ll find beautiful homeware and uniquely crafted decorations. If you’ve got to do Christmas shopping, do it in Prague, no?
Taxi per 1km: £0.86
Three-course dinner in a casual restaurant: £22
Double room: £88 - 123
Book your perfect Prague trip at Last Minute.com
Of course, if you would rather indulge in the festivities locally, why not plan a staycation at one of our favourite UK christmas markets?
