The holiday season is fast approaching, which means it’s time to plan a visit to a traditional Christmas market. Here are seven options, some in the UK and some a little bit further, to inspire your seasonal shopping plans.
Chestnuts toasting on an open fire, mulled wine and kitschy wooden trinkets- these are all things we associate with traditional European Christmas markets. As the summer draws to a close, minds turn to planning ahead to the winter, whether that’s early Christmas shopping or arranging a winter break.
Despite it only being September, some of you may be booking some annual leave in the hopes of living out your European Christmas fantasy. To give you a bit of inspiration to start thinking about your festive break, we’ve compiled a list of six different Christmas markets across Europe.
So, pack your hat, your gloves and save some space in your suitcase to bring back some gifts, because here are our suggestions of Christmas market getaways. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What’s On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here.
Prague
Prague is a beautiful city, especially when it gets closer to Christmas and is lit up with decorations to celebrate the holiday. It’s nicknamed “the City of a Hundred Spires” thanks to it’s beautiful architecture which makes it look like somewhere straight out of a fairy tale.
The capital of Czechia is full of colourful baroque buildings, and stunning gothic churches and is the perfect place to get away this winter. They are known for their Christmas market, which opens in late November and combines traditional European elements, delicious food and plenty of mulled wine.
Not only that, but there is plenty to do in the capital, including walking across the Charles Bridge, admiring Prague’s castle, exploring the Old Town Square and discovering local bars and restaurants.
If you fancy going to the city for an affordable price, then Wowcher’s Prague city break starts at £99 and ranges in price depending where you fly from and on what date. The price includes a central city centre stay at Deminka Palace with return flights from your choice of airport.
Bath
Bath has to have one of the most well-known Christmas markets in the UK. Attracting thousands of people each year with it’s beautiful wooden stalls and twinkling lights, there’s no wonder why it is so popular. It was even voted the UK’s best Christmas market in 2024.
This year the market will be celebrating 25 years, and is due to open from Thursday, November 24 to Sunday, December 14.
The market is located among the cobbled streets of Bath, just next to historic landmarks like Bath Abbey, it provides a magical, romantic atmosphere that’s perfect in the lead up to Christmas.
They host all sorts of stallholders including those who sells clothes, candles, food and different artwork to name a few.
If you’re keen to travel to Bath Christmas market, why not make a weekend of it. You can find various hotel options through Booking.com here.
London
London’s Christmas market is a magical blend of festive cheer, cosy food stalls, and traditional holiday charm. Whether you’re wandering through Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland or exploring smaller neighbourhood fairs, they offer something straight out of a Christmas storybook.
One of the busier UK Christmas markets, London attracts tourists from all over the world during the festive season. With different market options across the city, crowds can choose from Covent Garden, Leicester Square and Southbank.
Their main attraction is of course Winter Wonderland, the biggest of it’s kind in the UK. This year it will be open to visitors from Friday, November 14th to Thursday, January 1st, 2026.
If you fancy heading to London , we recommend staying for a couple of nights. Make the most of your time there, see a musical on the West End, visit some of their popular museums and get some Christmas shopping done down Oxford Street.
You can find various hotel options through Booking.com here.
Munich
Germany is the root of many festive traditions including the Christmas tree. The popular Christmas market, also known as Christkindlmarkt, originated in German-speaking areas in the Middle Ages, so it only make sense to include Munich on the list.
The city offers both Christmas tradition, as well as urban night life, so it really does have the best of both worlds when it comes to visiting on a city break.
There are so many different things you can do there, including strolling through the world-famous Marienplatz, treating yourself to traditional German foods and beers, and discovering iconic landmarks like Nymphenburg Palace.
Wowcher also offer a two or three night break in Munich starting from £129. The price includes flights from your choice of airport and a stay at Premier Inn Munich Messe Hotel.
Cardiff
We couldn’t make a list of Christmas markets to explore, without including the Welsh capital.
Cardiff’s Christmas market will soon be up and running, as they have confirmed that will be open from Thursday, November 13, and then close on Tuesday, December 23.
Annually, Cardiff’s Christmas market sees brilliant independent traders and craftspeople return, with the stalls taking over the city centre on St John Street, Working Street, Trinity Street, and Hills Street.
Packed with independent traders selling everything from beauty products, artwork, portraits, clothing, food, and more, you really will be spoilt for choice.
There is also the Cardiff German Christmas Market, which sells traditional food like bratwursts and even huge Yorkshire puddings filled with turkey, roast potatoes, gravy, stuffing, and vegetables, which are delicious.
Cardiff really does offer you the traditional Christmas markets you see across Europe, on your doorstep. You can find more information about Cardiff’s Christmas market here.
A Wowcher mystery Christmas market trip
Alternatively, you could take a punt on the Wowcher’s Mystery Christmas Market get away. The deal is now £99 per person and includes flights and a hotel stay at one of 80 worldwide potential destinations this Christmas.
The locations could vary from cities such as New York, Chicago, Washington and Toronto. Or, for somewhere a bit closer to the UK, you could experience Lapland, Finland Glass Igloo & Snow Hotel, Switzerland and the Italy Bernina Express, Iceland Northern Lights and Disneyland Paris to name a few.
All short-haul flights are direct from the UK. Depart from London or choose from a wide range of regional airports including Manchester, Edinburgh, and more.
They say that on the trip, you can enjoy a minimum of 40 hours at your destination when flying from London or Manchester, and at least 36 hours from all other UK airports. This should give you plenty of time to relax, explore, and do plenty of Christmas shopping. You can read more about their mystery Christmas trip here.
If you’re interested in taking part in the deal, you’ll have to act quick as the Wowcher’s Mystery Christmas Market get away closes on Sunday, September 28.
