Your Guide to Europe's Best Christmas Markets

As Christmas approaches, Europe’s famous Christmas markets are popping up in beautiful cities across the continent. 

Many of these charming markets are within easy reach of the UK, and make for a quick and affordable getaway to add additional joy and excitement to the Christmas period.  

Below, Maria Hughes, our travel expert here at Goodtogo, shares some of the best festive destinations which are under three hours from the UK. 

Maria comments: “The Austrian capital Vienna hosts several Christmas markets, with the one in front of City Hall (Rathausplatz) being a standout. Here you can find traditional Austrian gifts, as well as delicious gingerbread cookies."

• You can reach Vienna in around two to two and a half hours from most UK airports. 

Maria says: “Budapest is a treat to visit during the festive period, boasting a range of Christmas markets. The one in Vorosmarty Square is particularly popular and the most famous, featuring handcrafted gifts, tasty Hungarian cuisine, and live performances."

• You can fly to Budapest in around two and a half hours from most UK airports, with some flights taking closer to three hours.

Maria shares: “In the UK we often think of Germany when we think of Christmas markets, and Cologne offers one of the best to visit. The Cologne Christmas Market is one of the largest in Germany, offering a variety of stalls with crafts, gifts, and delicious German food, all set against the backdrop of the stunning Cologne Cathedral."

• Cologne is another short journey from the UK, taking between an hour and two hours to reach depending on the airport you fly from.

Maria comments: “The already beautiful city of Bruges transforms into a winter wonderland during the holiday season. The Christmas market is located in the Grote Markt, and offers activities such as ice skating, as well as stores selling festive decorations, and local crafts, not to mention delicious food."

• Bruges can be reached by either air or train in less than two hours.

Maria explains: “Strasbourg is a beautiful city, and perhaps unsurprisingly, its Christmas market is known as one of the oldest and most picturesque in Europe. The colourful, half timbered buildings of the city's historic centre are beautifully decorated with lights and ornaments, and are a sight to behold."

• Strasbourg can be reached by Eurostar, taking under five hours on the train. Flights from London take around an hour and a half, or alternatively, or alternatively consider flying into the Swiss city of Basel, taking under two hours from Manchester and taking the hour long train through the picturesque scenery of the French Alsace region.

Maria comments: “The Christmas market in the heart of Krakow's jaw dropping Old Town offers unique Polish gifts, traditional food such as sausages and warming soups, and a vibrant festive atmosphere."

• Krakow is commonly reached in about two and a half hours from UK airports.

Maria explains: “Brussels is known for its stunning Christmas market located in the Grand Place. You can find unique gifts, as well as delicious Belgian chocolates, waffles and fries."

• Brussels can be reached in under two hours via Eurostar or just over an hour by plane, making it an attractive destination for a quick festive city break.

Maria shares: “Prague's world famous Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square truly come alive when hosting their famous Christmas markets. Available here are a wide selection of traditional Czech crafts, trinkets, and delicious pastries."

• Flights to Prague are commonly found throughout the UK, and take just under or just over two hours, depending on your airport of departure.

Maria says: “Amsterdam is a vibrant and lively city, full of culture, and its yearly Christmas markets don’t disappoint. You can expect to find ice skating rinks, as well as beautiful holiday lights, not to mention the stalls selling Dutch treats and handcrafted items perfect for Christmas gifts or decorations."

• Amsterdam can be reached in over an hour from most UK airports. Alternatively, you can take the Eurostar in under four hours, or for a longer trip, consider taking the ferry and using the city as a jumping off point for a longer driving holiday.

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