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Festive markets across Europe are gearing up for business, and some of the most beautiful, traditional spots are not too far from Manchester. Perusing the market stalls for gifts and indulging in mulled wine, hot chocolate, bratwurst and gingerbread is a long-cherished tradition on the continent but is starting to become a staple of the festive season in this country too.
Prices at the most popular Christmas markets can be on the steep side, and flights to those destinations in the run up to Christmas aren’t cheap either – but there are some bargains out there if you know where to look. The great news is there are still lots of incredible Christmas markets you can reach with a direct flight from Manchester Airport for under £80pp return – thanks to the hub’s enviable network of more than 200 destinations worldwide.
Here are the best Christmas Market destinations to visit from Manchester Airport: Brussels 
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Brussels Christmas market runs from 28 November – 4 January
The Belgian capital’s Christmas markets centre on Grand Place, but are spread across a number of locations including the Marché aux Poissons, with over 200 stalls, and the Place de Brouckère, which offers an ice rink and funfair rides.
Milan 
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Milan Christmas market runs from 1 December – 6 January
Milan‘s festive stalls take pride of place in the Piazza Duomo, next to the city’s jaw-dropping Cathedral, providing a stunning backdrop. Stalls sell the likes of handmade trinkets, cheese and charcuteries.
Gdansk 
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Gdansk Christmas market runs from 21 November – 23 December
Gdansk‘s Christmas markets are big on spectacle, with stunning displays of Christmas lights and street performances punctuating the rows of stalls in the picturesque Old Town. Better still, it’s great value for money, with a beer typically setting you back under £3 and a serving of Polish treats like Pierogi dumplings even less than that.
Oslo 
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Oslo Christmas market runs from 8 November – 4 January
The Christmas markets in Oslo offer everything you might expect to find, from food stalls to a Ferris wheel, an ice rink, and a carousel. It’s also one of the most northerly major cities in the world and that means if you’re visiting at this time of year, there’s a good chance you’ll see some snow – and that you’ll be able to marvel at the Northern Lights, if you take yourself out of town a little.
Riga 
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Riga Christmas market runs from 29 November – 1 January
Another city with a burgeoning reputation for an authentic but affordable Christmas market experience is the Latvian capital of Riga. Located in Dome Square at the heart of the city, the market is known for having a musical touch to it, with live performances programmed throughout December, from folk bands to Christmas choirs, and even DJ sets on Friday and Saturday evenings.
Bratislava 
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Bratislava Christmas market runs from 27 November – 6 January
One of the fastest growing Christmas markets in Europe, Bratislava is becoming an increasingly popular option due to its affordability and authenticity. The city’s Old Town boasts some incredible Viennese-inspired architecture dating to its days under Austrian rule, and this offers a beautiful backdrop to dozens of stalls selling gifts, food and drink, from classic Christmas market options like bratwurst, to local favourites such as langos (a filled savoury bread) and lokshe (a potato pancake).
Bucharest 
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Bucharest Christmas market runs from 29 November – 28 December
Bucharest‘s festivities take place on Constitution Square, one of the city’s biggest plazas, in front of the Romanian Parliament – and they’re about far more than just shopping, although there’s plenty of that too. More than 130 stands sell handmade toys and decorations, along with Romanian and international food and drink at a very reasonable price, plus you can ride a carousel or a Ferris wheel, and check out traditional musical and dance performances on a main stage at one side of the square.
Zurich 
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Zurich Christmas market runs from 20 November – 23 December
With the snow-capped peaks of the Alps in the distance and medieval German architecture, Zurich is a picture-perfect setting for a Christmas market – and what sets it apart is that it hosts several pretty large but distinct markets in different locations around the city. The largest is actually indoors, in the grounds of the city’s main train station – one of the largest in Europe.