7 affordable Christmas markets in Europe to visit this winter

Nothing screams Christmas quite like an advent calendar chocolate for breakfast each morning — or if you’re in your travel era, a visit to one of Europe’s festive markets.

While it’s a bit frightening that 2024 is almost over and Christmas markets are mere weeks (some even days) away from turning on their lights, there’s nothing better than sipping mulled wine among fairy lights while the season’s classic tunes play.

Here in London, we’re spoilt for choice with Winter Wonderland, Christmas by the River and Winterville. Include the wider UK and Europe, and it can be difficult to decide which one to visit.

Will you make the trip to Manchester? Maybe Poland, Germany, and let’s not forget about Norway.

The opportunities are endless, leaving you with the tough task of having to cut down your list.

If you’re one of the many in this particular pickle, allow us to help, with a list of 7 of Europe’s top affordable Christmas markets (so you’ll have plenty of cash left over for presents).

Sarende, Albania

Running from December 6, 2024 to January 2, 2025, the Saranda market takes place in the city’s promenade and hosts an array of festival activities. From ice skating to arts and crafts, delicious treats and live music, take a stroll through the streets and get into the Christmas spirit.

Ideal for those who aren’t quite ready for negative temperatures, the city’s average is 13°C in December, and there’s plenty of sunshine. If you’re still not sold though, the affordability of this market may be of interest.

With return flights starting at just £27 for travel between December 7 and December 8 (checked on October 29), and hotel stays from £16, it comes in as the most purse-friendly option for those flying out of London.

Riga, Latvia

When considering the cost of transport, accommodation, and the market prices themselves however, the Post Office Travel Money report claims Riga is the most affordable Christmas market for 2024.

Beloved by many thanks to its medieval town square, you can wind your way through the maze-like market, picking up handmade knits, gingerbread treats and the local delicacy, piragi, also known as a bacon bun. Then, just a 15-minute walk away is a smaller market designed specifically for young families.

Running from November 29 to January 2, the markets are less than three hours’ on the plane from London — and if you’re flying on December 7, returning December 8, you can secure tickets for just £51 (checked on October 29).

As for accommodation, hotel stays start from just £25 per night.

Poznan, Poland

If you want to visit the best Christmas market in Poland, look no further than Poznan. Located opposite the railway station and historic town square, this event is known for its extraordinary light display made up of more than 43,000 LED Lights and an impressive 16-metre Christmas tree.

Running from November 19 to December 23, be sure to pack some extra warm clothes as average temperatures reach a high of just 3°C, or make a beeline for the mulled wine and hot cocoa stalls.

Just a two-hour flight from London, you can visit the markets on December 7 and fly home on December 8 for £59 return, while hotel stays in Poznan start from just £36 for one night (checked on October 29).

Bratislava, Slovakia

It just might be the most romantic Christmas market you’ll ever take a stroll through, so if you’re allergic to love, steer clear. If you’re ready to lean into your Hallmark experience though, it’s the one for you.

As well as being affordable, with flights from just £54 (travelling from London on December 7, returning the following day) and hotel stays starting at £42, the market transforms the town square into a dreamy ice rink, while alleys are festively decorated and streets are filled with delicious-smelling local goodies.

Running from November 23 to December 23, the average high for the month is a chilly 4°C, making it the perfect time to wear your new beenie and scarf combo.

Budapest, Hungary

Known as the Advent Basilica, Budapest’s markets have won the title of European Best Destination Best Christmas Market for three years, and hold the slogan ‘Where love takes your hand’ for a reason.

Running from November 15 to January 1 you can stroll through the Hungarian capital admiring – and purchasing – the works of almost 100 domestic craft exhibitors. Alternatively, why not indulge in traditional Hungarian dishes, try out some ice-skating, or sample the many more festive activities on offer?

With return flights from £61 between December 7 and December 8 and hotel stays starting from just £35 for one night, Budapest is your oyster.

Stockholm, Sweden

Dating all the way back to 1837, Stockholm’s Old Town Christmas Market, Gamla Stan, is the oldest in the country and is still inspired by its medieval origins today. With local delicacies like mulled wine and Swedish Christmas sausages, you’ll need a pair of stretchy pants to make it through.

Running from November 17 to December 23, it’s home to twinkling fairy lights, warming fires, and cafes that will make you want to snuggle up and never leave.

If you’re flying the short two-hour, 20 minute distance from London, flights start from £58 on December 7 returning December 8, with hotel stays from £46 for one night.

Krakow, Poland

Running from November 29 to January 1, the Krakow markets are among the largest in Europe and ones you won’t want to miss. Immerse yourself in the Polish culture by trying dishes like pierogi (dumplings), kielbasa (sausage), and oscypek (smoked sheep’s milk cheese), or locally made very own mulled wine.

As for the shopping, there are plenty of handmade gifts to browse, and the festive fair even offers a Christmas Crib Competition, held on the first Thursday in December, which sees all manner of creative nativity scene recreations.

For those visiting from London, fly on December 7 and return on December 8 from £72, and book a hotel stay from just £40.

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