Cardiff Christmas Market

Christmas Markets in Europe. Affordable Destinations You Can’t Miss.


The festive season in Europe is fast approaching, and the Christmas markets in Europe are famous throguhout the world. They transform the cities into sparkling winter wonderlands and host a variety of attractions. Whether it is the twinkling lights or the sweet scent of mulled wine and roasted chestnuts, these markets offer a unique experience that captures the spirit of Christmas magnificently. However, if you’re on a budget, you might be wondering where to find the cheapest Christmas markets.

Luckily, many of Europe’s Christmas markets combine charming traditions with budget-friendly prices. So, in this post, we’ll show you where you can find the cheapest Christmas markets in Europe. Hopefully helping you to experience the joy of the season without breaking the bank. Whether you’re after stunning decorations, authentic local delicacies, or simply the perfect festive atmosphere, there are options for every budget. Also, you will find flight prices from various UK airports and an estimate of accommodation prices so you can plan your perfect trip.


Bratislava, Slovakia. One of the cheapest christmas markets in Europe.

Bratislava, Slovakia (photo by Simófi István)

Dates – 22nd November to 22nd December.

Bratislava, the charming capital of Slovakia, transforms into a festive wonderland each winter with its delightful Christmas markets. Known for being one of the most affordable European destinations, Bratislava’s markets combine a magical atmosphere with budget-friendly experiences. In 2024, the main Christmas market is in the heart of the city at the Main Square (Hlavné námestie) and nearby streets.

Bratislava’s Christmas market apart offers an intimate and cozy vibe, free from overwhelming crowds. Subsequently, visitors can wander among traditional wooden stalls offering handcrafted ornaments, candles, and local artisan products. The market is also a paradise for food lovers. So , you can indulge in Slovak specialties like lokše (potato pancakes filled with sweet or savory fillings), grilled sausages, and the must-try hriatô—a warm honey and cinnamon-infused spirit.

Another appealing factor is the picturesque backdrop of Bratislava’s Old Town, with its colourful baroque buildings and cobblestone streets. This very much adds to the enchantment of Christmas. Also, just a short walk from the market, Bratislava Castle offers panoramic views of the city, making it a perfect spot for a holiday photo.

Accommodation

Flights to Christmas Markets

Also, depending where you are flying from, the flights can be incredibly cheap.

  • Stansted – £44
  • Bristol – £138 (no direct flights)
  • Birmingham – £132 (no direct flights)
  • Manchester – £42
  • Edinburgh – £49
  • Belfast – £114 (no direct flights)
  • Dublin – £82

Vilnius, Lithuania (Photo by Mr Alex Photography)

Dates – 25th November – 7th January.

Vilnius, Lithuania’s beautiful capital city, also offers one of Europe’s most picturesque and cheap Christmas markets. Set against the scenery of the UNESCO-listed Old Town, the market is centred around the Cathedral Square. Here, you will find a towering, intricately decorated Christmas tree, which becomes the city’s festive centrepiece.

The market’s charm lies in its unique blend of traditional and modern Baltic aesthetics. This includes wooden chalets, selling everything from handcrafted ornaments and candles to local delicacies. Such as, smoked cheese and kūčiukai—small, poppy-seed-filled pastries traditionally eaten during Lithuanian Christmas Eve. You can also pair these with a steaming cup of hot spiced wine or herbal tea to stay warm as you explore.

Alongside this, Vilnius stands out for its creative use of light displays, which transform the square into a glowing winter wonderland after dark. Beyond the market, the city’s cobblestone streets and baroque architecture offer plenty to explore, including Gediminas’ Tower and Užupis, Vilnius’s bohemian arts district.

Accommodation

Flights to Christmas Markets

  • Stansted – £51
  • Bristol – £136 (no direct flights)
  • Birmingham – £121 (no direct flights)
  • Manchester – £111 (no direct flights)
  • Edinburgh – £98 (no direct flights)
  • Belfast – £116 (no direct flights)
  • Dublin – £78

Riga, Latvia. One of the cheapest Christmas markets in Europe.

Riga, Latvia (Photo by Mahyaddin Jabbarli)

Dates – 30th November – 6th January.

Accommodation

Flights to Christmas Markets

  • Stansted – £41
  • Bristol – £116 (no direct flights)
  • Birmingham – £110 (no direct flights)
  • Manchester – £45
  • Edinburgh – £29
  • Belfast – £106
  • Dublin – £78

Gdansk, Poland. One of the cheapest Christmas markets in Europe

Gdańsk, Poland (Photo by Dawid P)

Dates – 23rd November – 24th December.

Accommodation

Flights to Christmas Markets

  • Gdansk – £31
  • Bristol – £42
  • Birmingham – £104
  • Manchester – £41
  • Edinburgh – £72
  • Belfast – £36
  • Dublin – £67

Tallin, Estonia (Photo by Lexa Shep)

Dates – 22nd November – 7th January.

What sets Tallinn’s market apart is its stunning setting, surrounded by colourful medieval buildings and dominated by a towering Christmas tree—a tradition dating back to 1441, making it one of Europe’s oldest. Wooden stalls line the square, selling handmade woollen goods, artisanal candles, and traditional Estonian crafts, perfect for unique holiday gifts.

Food lovers can relish local specialties like black pudding, sauerkraut, and hearty Estonian soups, paired with mulled wine or warm berry juices. Also, don’t miss the gingerbread and marzipan, both delicacies with historical roots in Tallinn.

The market’s cozy atmosphere is enhanced by live performances of choirs and folk dancers, creating a festive spirit against the snow-dusted backdrop. Beyond the market, Tallinn’s cobblestone streets and ancient city walls transport visitors back in time, while affordable accommodations and dining make it an accessible destination. Therefore, Tallinn’s Christmas Market is truly a magical escape for the holiday season.

Accommodation

Flights to Christmas Markets

  • Stanstead – £86
  • Bristol – £126 (no direct flights)
  • Birmingham – £125 (no direct flights)
  • Manchester – £121 (no direct flights)
  • Edinburgh – £120 (no direct flights)
  • Belfast – £99 (no direct flights)
  • Dublin – £54

Budapest, Hungary (Photo by Bojána Noémi Molnár)

Dates – 22nd November – 1st January.

Accommodation

Flights to Christmas Markets

  • Stansted – £46
  • Bristol – £56
  • Birmingham – £39
  • Manchester – £59
  • Edinburgh – £45
  • Belfast – £63
  • Dublin – £96

Prague, Czechia (Helena Jankovičová Kováčová)

Dates – 30th November – 6th January.

Accommodation

Flights to Christmas Markets

  • Stansted – £71
  • Bristol – £41
  • Birmingham – £106
  • Manchester – £67
  • Edinburgh – £55
  • Belfast – £94
  • Dublin – £143

Zagreb, Croatia (Photo by Vladimir Srajber)

Dates – 30th November – 7th January.

The main market hub is at Ban Jelačić Square, where wooden chalets sell a variety of handcrafted ornaments, festive decorations, and local delicacies. Zrinjevac Park, with its romantic tree-lined pathways illuminated by twinkling lights, features a skating rink and live music performances, while the European Square offers a more contemporary vibe with street food and artisanal gifts.

Croatian culinary delights are also a highlight of the market. Savour traditional treats like fritule (mini doughnuts dusted with sugar), roasted chestnuts, and štrukli (cheese-filled pastry), alongside mulled wine or a cup of rakija to keep warm.

Accommodation

Flights to Christmas Markets

  • Stansted – £85
  • Bristol – £127 (no direct flights)
  • Birmingham – £107 (no direct flights)
  • Manchester – £106 (no direct flights)
  • Edinburgh – £111 (no direct flights)
  • Belfast – £135 (no direct flights)
  • Dublin – £97

Photo by Oleksandr P

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