Christmas Markets in Europe: Budget Options
Visiting Christmas markets in Europe is a great way to immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere, but the cost of such a vacation might unpleasantly surprise your wallet.
Fortunately, there are many economical destinations where you won’t have to spend all your money in December.
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We’ve researched and prepared a list of the 15 most budget-friendly Christmas markets in Europe.
Most markets that haven’t announced opening dates yet will start from the end of November to the end of December.
To find good deals, we recommend avoiding trips on weekends: the lowest prices are usually available on Mondays and Tuesdays.
You should also pay attention to airlines: flying cheaply is possible with Ryanair and easyJet.
Additionally, if you look to the East, you can find more affordable hotels.
Most Affordable Christmas Markets
In our review, you will find 15 of the most attractive travel deals for December, where travel costs start from £100 for two nights with flights.
Bratislava, Slovakia
The Christmas market in Bratislava is located between the Main Square and Hviezdoslav Square, where there is also an ice rink.
Last year, it was recognized as the cheapest place to celebrate Christmas according to the postal service.
“Two nights in the city center and return tickets can be found for £109 each with Wowcher.”
Vilnius, Lithuania
Vilnius is another affordable Christmas market location, this year it received the status of European Capital of Christmas.
The largest market is located in Cathedral Square, next to a huge Christmas tree.
“A two-day trip in a four-star hotel with return costs £79 with Wowcher.”
Riga, Latvia
Riga is also often considered one of the most affordable destinations for Christmas markets in Europe.
The market will feature DJ performances and Santa’s house alongside traditional market stalls.
“The tour operator Traveodeal offers two-hour stays, including return flights for £99 each.”
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Gdańsk, Poland
The Christmas market in Gdańsk is located at Targ Węglowy, featuring a playground and light installations.
This market also received an award for ‘Best Christmas Market in Europe 2025.’
“HolidayPirates offers three nights and return flights in December for only £106.50.”
Vienna, Austria
The Christmas market at Rathausplatz is popular and one of the largest in Europe.
It features 150 stalls, a small theme park, and last year was visited by three million people.
“Two days with return cost £109 with Wowcher.”
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Kraków, Poland
The main Christmas market in Kraków takes place at Rynek Główny, featuring ‘grzaniec’ (Polish mulled wine) and pastries.
This city is also often called one of the cheapest in Europe.
“Loveholidays offers two-hour trips with return in December for £119 each.”
Milan, Italy
The Christmas market in Milan is easy to find – it is located near the Duomo with over 60 stalls to explore.
If you don’t want to spend on hotels, Milan is a popular spot for day trips due to numerous flights.
“Flight costs in both directions can be less than £30 with Ryanair.”
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Budapest, Hungary
The Christmas market near St. Stephen’s Basilica in Budapest is the center of major events worth attending.
It’s also worth visiting the winter park Varosliget for ice skating.
“TUI offers one of the best deals – a five-day stay in a four-star hotel with return for £85.”
Lisbon, Portugal
Portugal is a less popular location for Christmas markets, but the market at Rossio Square in Lisbon is worth visiting.
You can also visit Wonderland Lisbon, reminiscent of a theme park with a Ferris wheel and attractions.
“Two nights in a four-star hotel with return costs only £109 with Wowcher.”
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Stockholm, Sweden
Sweden rarely makes it onto lists of budget options, but Stockholm can offer an inexpensive trip to a Christmas market.
The Skansen Christmas Market in Stockholm has been operating since 1903 – here you will find traditional wooden stalls and Christmas songs.
“For an emergency day trip, there are returns for only £55, according to HolidayPirates.”
Düsseldorf, Germany
Germany is known for its Christmas markets, but Düsseldorf is one of the most economical options.
The main market is located in the Old Town, where you can also enjoy ice skating on the Kö and stunning views from the Ferris wheel.
“Returns and two-hour trips cost £119 each with Wowcher.”
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Amsterdam, Netherlands
The Christmas markets in Amsterdam are located in the Museum Quarter with 50 shops to choose from.
There is also a large ice rink at Leidseplein, near the railway station.
“Don’t want to fly? You can take the Eurostar for just £35 one way, and then stay in a budget hotel like the Bedstee Capsule hotel or City Hub.”
Prague, Czech Republic
If you are traveling to Prague, don’t miss the Christmas markets at Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square.
Taste mulled wine against the backdrop of Prague’s festive lights.
“Wowcher offers two-hour stays with returns for £99 each.”
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Bremen, Germany
Bremen offers you over 170 stalls at its Christmas market.
There is also the ‘Schlachte-Zauber’ market along the riverbank, with activities for children.
“Two-hour stays at Ibis with returns cost just £99.50 according to HolidayPirates.”
Florence, Italy
The Christmas market in Florence is located under the beautiful Duomo in Piazza Santa Croce.
It has been running for 500 years, where you will find German stalls with delicious snacks.
“Wowcher offers two-hour trips with return for only £99.”
Mystery Christmas Market
Don’t know where to go? Wowcher launched a ‘Mystery Christmas Market’ deal for £99 each.
Some of the best destinations include New York, Chicago, and Lapland, as well as 89 European cities, from Disneyland in Paris to Dublin.
But be mindful of potential hidden costs that may include airport changes or trip direction changes.
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Visits to Christmas markets can become unforgettable moments of your winter vacation, especially considering the presented budget options. By choosing destinations for celebration, you can enjoy the Christmas atmosphere without overpaying. We look forward to your impressions of this year’s market travels!