As the festive season approaches, many Brits dream of a traditional European Christmas market break. However, with the cost of flights, accommodation, and even a pint of beer continuing to climb, finding an affordable getaway can feel like a challenge.
Revealing The Most Budget-Friendly Christmas Getaways
New research from payment provider SumUp has analysed the costs associated with a festive city break to identify the most wallet-friendly options. The study, highlighted by Wales Online, focused on European cities known for their Christmas markets, using a list from The Independent.
Researchers considered several key expenses to determine the overall affordability. These factors included the price of the cheapest return flights from London, the average cost of a night in a hotel, a meal, a soft drink, and crucially, the average price of a pint of beer.
The Top Three Affordable Christmas Destinations
Topping the list as the most cost-effective choice is the Polish city of Poznan. Often overshadowed by its more famous neighbours, Warsaw and Krakow, Poznan offers a fantastic and traditional Christmas market experience without the hefty price tag.
For a festive break here, travellers can find flights from London starting at just £52. A night's accommodation averages a mere £30.40, and a refreshing pint will set you back only £2.49. The city's annual Christmas market is held in its picturesque Old Market Square, providing the perfect Yuletide atmosphere.
In second place is the Albanian coastal city of Sarande. This lesser-known gem boasts incredibly cheap flights from London, starting from just £30. While hotel costs are slightly higher at an average of £48.64 per night, the price of a pint is the lowest on the list at just £2.28. The average cost for a meal here is £40.23.
Taking the third spot is Metz in France, home to one of the country's largest Christmas markets. It remains a budget-friendly option with flights from £31 and hotel stays averaging £51.68. The only catch is that a pint is slightly pricier here, costing an average of £3.52.
More Wallet-Friendly Festive Cities
The research didn't stop at the top three. The full list of the top ten most affordable European Christmas market breaks includes a variety of charming destinations, proving that a magical festive trip doesn't have to be expensive.
The complete top ten is:
- Poznan, Poland
- Sarande, Albania
- Metz, France
- Craiova, Romania
- Budapest, Hungary
- Dresden, Germany
- Trier, Germany
- Valkenburg, Netherlands
- Riga, Latvia
- Prague, Czechia
For those drawn to the classic charm of Prague, there are excellent deals to be had. Wowcher is currently offering package trips that include both flights and hotel stays, with prices starting from £109. The final price depends on your departure date and which UK airport you fly from, with options including London Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, Manchester, Bristol, and Edinburgh. Travellers can choose a stay lasting from two to four nights.
Known as 'the City of a Hundred Spires', Prague is breathtaking in winter. Its baroque buildings and gothic churches look like something from a storybook, especially when illuminated by festive lights. The city's Christmas market, which launches in late November, offers traditional European charm, delicious food, and plenty of warming mulled wine.
Beyond the market stalls, visitors can stroll across the iconic Charles Bridge, admire the sprawling Prague Castle, explore the Old Town Square, and discover cosy local bars and eateries. This research provides a welcome guide for anyone seeking a magical Christmas market experience that is kind to their wallet.
