Are you hoping to book a winter break before the end of 2023? There’s plenty of destinations in Europe that offer Christmas markets so you can get in the festive spirit.
More than 1.7 million passengers are expected to fly from Manchester Airport to Europe in November and December to destinations such as Prague, Berlin, Seville and more.
If you fancy walking the streets while wearing winter layers and holding a hot chocolate or mulled wine, a Christmas market trip could be the one for you.
To help you out, Manchester Airport has listed 12 of the best Christmas markets in Europe that you can fly directly to from the airport.
Flights can be booked via the airport's website.
12 of the best European Christmas markets that you can fly directly to from Manchester
Prague
With its picturesque lanes, welcoming bars and snow falling on its Old Town Square, Prague could be the ideal destination to enjoy Christmas markets this year.
Manchester Airport recommends visiting the market stalls in the squares of Wenceslas and the Old Town as these are the “most-enticing”.
Copenhagen
Tivoli is Copenhagen’s city centre theme park and it hosts its own Christmas market where visitors can shop for traditional gifts and decorations.
They can also ride on the park's rollercoasters and enjoy Danish cuisine while taking in the festive atmosphere.
There are several other Christmas markets in the city and Malmö in Sweden is a short bus or train ride away if visitors want to explore two markets in one trip.
Vienna
In Vienna, you’ll find coffee, Christmas carols in concert and winter markets, according to Manchester Airport.
The largest market is near the Rathaus where you’ll notice the aroma of roasting chestnuts and see stalls selling gifts, choirs singing and families ice skating together.
Krakow
Krakow’s Old Town becomes very festive in winter with its castle providing a backdrop.
Walking its cobbled streets could get even more festive if it snows while you’re there.
The Christmas market is in Rynek Glowny which is the city’s main market square.
It’s lined with timber huts and illuminated with fairy lights with a big Christmas tree in the centre.
The market sells Christmas gifts including handmade decorations and carved wooden toys.
If you’re a foodie, you might want to try the traditional Polish delicacies like pierogi, gingerbread biscuits and mulled wine.
You can even rest your legs with a coach-and-horse ride around the old square.
Berlin
Handmade nougat, gourmet cheeses, and warm spiced punch can all be found at Domäne Dahlem’s rural Advent Market.
Take a trip to Berliner Weihnachtszei’s nostalgic Christmas market which has an ice rink and a Christmas Carnival as well as a medieval market selling old-fashioned baked goods and hot mead served in clay jugs.
Budapest
There are two Christmas markets in Budapest and it takes pride in the quality of the crafts, food and drink available there.
You can try traditional Hungarian chimney cakes as you pick out gifts for loved ones and even warm up in one of Budapest's thermal baths afterwards.
Basel
This city on the Rhine is regarded as one of the prettiest in Switzerland, Manchester Airport says.
The main market is in Barfüsserplatz and Münsterplatz, right in the heart of the historic Old Town, where the Christmas tree takes centre stage.
You can buy Christmas gifts and indulge in waffles, mulled wine, Basel Läckerli (gingerbread) and Swiss raclette.
Hamburg
You'll find Christmas markets all over Hamburg and each has a different theme.
The main Christmas market at the City Hall takes place under a big Christmas tree while the Winterwald market in the shopping district is themed as a magical festive forest.
Seville
Tens of thousands of lights decorate the city’s pretty squares, streets and avenues and there are many magical Christmas markets to enjoy in Seville.
The main one is held at Plaza Nueva with over 60 Christmas stalls selling traditional Spanish festive food, drink and gifts.
The Feria de la Artesanía Creativa (Creative Crafts Fair) is known for its decorated square where you can buy everything from intricate ceramics to handwoven Andalusian textiles.
You can also head to La Feria del Belén (Bethlehem Christmas Fair) which is set by the cathedral which is famous for its nativity scenes.
Brussels
The wooden chalets of Brussels’ markets sell handcrafted gifts and serve food.
Winter Wonders takes place throughout December and visitors can enjoy circus acts, an ice rink, illuminated art installations, choirs and amusement rides.
Salzburg
In the city centre, you’ll find the main Christmas market around the cathedral with stalls selling warm punch, toasted almonds, hot roasted chestnuts, Christmas tree ornaments and lots of knitwear.
A choir sings carols in front of the cathedral and you can visit the nativity scene in the Residenz courtyard.
The Advent Market transforms Salzburg Palace into an oversized advent calendar with a different scene in 24 windows.
Gothenburg
Gothenburg hosts many seasonal fairs including Sweden's largest Christmas market which is held at the Liseberg Amusement Park.
Recommended reading:
- Fly through security at Manchester Airport with these 5 tips
-
Top 10 Christmas markets to visit in the UK this festive season
-
Everything to know about Manchester Christmas markets from start date to stalls
Visitors can experience a traditional Christmas concert and enjoy the Swedish custom of a Lucia costume where a choir dressed in white gowns performs by candlelight.
The Gothenburg "singing Christmas tree" is a fun series of concerts by some of Gothenburg's best choirs and the singers dress up as Christmas trees.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here