14 Christmas Market Breaks, Flights & 4-Star Hotels from €190pp
Choose one of my handpicked Christmas market breaks, with flights and hotels included, from €190 per person.
Some cities are best seen in winter, and Christmas market breaks provide the best excuse to visit. Market stalls have the perfect stocking fillers, aromas of roasted chestnuts and mulled wine waft through the crisp cold air, and if you are lucky you might even catch a Christmas concert.
Read: Top 10 Christmas markets in Europe to visit this year
I have searched the web to bring you some of Europe’s favourite cities for Christmas market breaks. All prices include flights and 4 and 5-star hotels, that are highly rated on TripAdvisor and are centrally located.
I have chosen random dates for two or three-night stays, but if you prefer to travel at a different time, or for a longer or shorter duration, just click on the links below and edit the search to suit your requirements.
1. Budapest: 9th December, 2 Nights 4-star Hotel, €227pp
Budapest is a super choice for a Christmas market break as there are several Christmas markets in the city centre. Vörösmarty Square is the most popular where Gerbeaud House is transformed into an enormous Advent Calendar, and a new window opens daily at 5pm.
St Stephen’s Basilica is lit up at night time and resembles a Disney-like castle, and make sure to take time to visit the Banks of the Danube, the Buda Castle Quarter and Andrássy Avenue, which are all UNESCO world heritage sites.
There are flights available to Budapest from Dublin and Shannon airport this winter. Price for Aer Lingus flights and a two-night stay at the highly rated Boutique Hotel Budapest is €227 per person on the 11th of December from Dublin.
Ryanair also fly from Shannon to Budapest, the best value flights are for four nights from Sunday to Wednesday.
View Flights €108pp
View Hotel €119pp
2. Berlin: 27th November, 2 Nights, 4-Star Hotel, €194pp
Berlin has a staggering 50 Christmas markets! Winter World at Potsdamer Platz offers ice skating and tobogganing and is perfect for families, while Alexanderplatz and Charlottenburg have traditional wooden stalls and beer houses.
Most open late November but some close before New Year. Don’t miss the Spandau market where concerts are sometimes held. There are over 500 stalls and a Christmas tree decorating workshop for children.
Most of Berlins Christmas markets open from the 24th of November – for a list of individual market dates click here.
Try to make time to see some of Berlin’s top sights too, the Berlin Wall, Checkpoint Charlie, the Brandenburg Gate – the list is endless.
Read my city guide to Berlin here.
Fly from Dublin to Berlin on the 27th of November and enjoy a two-night stay in the centrally located Hollywood Media Hotel am Kurfürstendamm for only €193 per person.
This hotel receives excellent reviews on TripAdvisor and is centrally located, and the early departure and late return will give you three days to explore this vibrant city.
View flights €89pp
View hotel here €105pp
3. Krakow: 4th December, 2 Nights, 4-Star Hotel, €295pp
The old town of Krakow has Europe’s largest market square, and is packed with market stalls selling local hand crafts and tasty food. The city comes alive at night time with live bands playing in trendy basement clubs.
Krakow is a great choice for a city break at any time of year. The historical centre is very easy to navigate and I loved its relaxed vibe. Take time to visit the stunning Wawel Castle, walk through the Jewish quarter to see Oscar Schindler’s factory, and if you are feeling up to it, visit nearby Auschwitz.
Krakow’s Christmas Markets are open from 29th November to the 26th of December – see more here.
Fly from Shannon to Krakow on the 4th of December for €181, or Dublin to Krakow on the 8th of December for €212, and enjoy a two-night stay in the highly rated H12 Hotel for €114 per person. Centrally located with great reviews on TripAdvisor, this is superb value to enjoy a Christmas market break in Krakow.
View flights €189pp
View hotel here €106pp
4. Vienna: 15th November, 3 Nights, 4-Star Hotel €290pp
Vienna is a beautiful city at any time of year, but Christmas time is magical. Vienna’s Christmas markets are some of the best in the world, they have been a tradition since 1298, and there are over 12 different markets in the city centre, with more in the suburbs.
Some markets open from the 8th of November – 6th of January, but most open from the 16th of November and run until the 23rd of December. I highly recommend visiting as early as possible to enjoy them with less crowds. We went at the end of November on a group tour with Travel Department and it was the perfect time to visit.
The market at Rathaus (City Hall) is considered the best Christmas Market in Vienna and is its largest with over 100 stalls. You will also find a giant Christmas tree, ferris wheel, carousel, ice rink and a dedicated children’s area.
The markets at Schonnbrunn Palace are also worth visiting, and because it gets dark from about 4pm in December, it is a good idea to combine them with a visit to the Palace. They will also have lots of family activities here this year too.
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I liked the Art Advent Market too which is located at Karlsplatz, beside the beautiful Karlskirche Church, Church of St Charles. This market is more focused around arts and crafts and has lots of unique handmade gifts.
The small market at Am Hof is also a must visit, it has some great outdoor bars and cafés, including a cosy Champagne Bar! There are international choir singers performing free of charge at the markets, and classical concerts are on in churches and theatres all over the city.
Read: My Vienna travel guide – top things to do and where to stay
I found great value flights departing 15th of November and returning Monday 18th November for €140. A three-night stay at the 4-star Social Club Hotel is just €150 per person, based on two sharing. It is highly rated on TripAdvisor and also has large rooms or families. Price for a family of four is €401 for a family of four or €662 for a family of five or six.
I have chosen three-nights in Vienna as the flight times are not ideal for two-night breaks. However, like all of my Christmas market breaks, dates and durations can be changed to suit you.
View flights €140pp
View hotel here €150pp
View Family Room €401
5. Zagreb: 29th November, 3 Nights, 5-Star hotel, €291pp
Image by Marko Tomic from PixabayDid you know that Croatia’s capital, Zagreb, is renowned for having one of Europe’s best Christmas markets? There are 25 different markets in the city and it was named “Best Christmas Market” by European Best Destinations three years in a row – the maximum number of times for any city.
I found a super deal on weekend flights and a three-night stay in the 5 Star Sheraton Zagreb for only €291 per person. Centrally located and offering free access to an indoor swimming pool and gym, this is a great choice for a luxury Christmas market break.
View flights €138pp
View hotel here €153pp
6. Rome: 4th December, 2 Nights, 4-Star Hotel, from €210pp
Rome may not offer Christmas markets like some of its European counterparts, but it a stunning city to visit at Christmas time!
The Piazza Navona houses the annual Christmas market with traditional stalls and souvenirs. Santa usually makes regular appearances and there is a carousel to complete the festival atmosphere. However, it is the magical crib displays and nativity scenes in numerous churches, that make Rome very special at Christmas time.
Return flights from Dublin are from just €82 with Aer Lingus or €148 from Cork with Ryanair. I found a great deal in the popular Condotti Boutique Hotel which is superbly located in the heart of the city, close to the Spanish Steps. There are many more hotel choices, as well as some top tips for visiting Rome in this post:
Read: Where to stay in Rome, my top picks of 3, 4 and 5-star hotels
View Aer Lingus €82pp
Search RyanairView hotel here €128pp
7. Madrid: 4th December, 2 Nights, 4-Star Hotel, €190pp
Madrid’s Christmas market will open late November and run until the 31st of December at the Plaza Mayor – Madrid’s vibrant main square.
This is a super choice if you want to combine a Christmas market break with one of the best cities in Spain for Christmas shopping! I found early flights on the 4th of December returning late on the 6th of December for €65, giving you three full days to explore the Spanish capital.
A two-night stay in the highly rated 4-star Catalonia Atocha is only €125 per person, but you can see many more hotel recommendations in this post:
Read: Where to stay in Madrid and top things to do
View flights €65pp
View hotel here €125pp
8. Munich: 10th December, 2 Nights, 4-Star Hotel, €230pp
Germany’s Christmas markets are renowned all over the world, and Bavaria’s capital has some of the best. Christmas Markets in Munich are opening this year from 25th November through to 24th December – see more here. There are over 20 Christmas Markets in Munich dotted all over the city, so you will be spoilt for choice!
I found flights for €98 with Aer Lingus on the 10th of December, departing early morning and returning late in the evening, giving you three days to explore Munich’s superb Christmas markets.
The Hotel München City Center affiliated by Meliá is a popular choice and offers great value for a central stay in the city. See more hotel choices and a guide to the Munich Christmas markets here:
Read: The best Christmas markets in Munich and where to stay
View Flights €98pp
View hotel here €132pp
9. Prague: 11th December, 2 Nights, 4-star Hotel B&B, €247pp
Prague is a magical place to visit at Christmas time. The old town square, Charles bridge and Prague’s famous castle are all beautifully illuminated. The old town square and Wenceslas Square are transformed with market stalls selling local hand crafts, traditional hearty food and plenty of mulled wine.
Enjoy school choirs performing in traditional costumes, or better still go to a classical concert. Housed in ancient churches and grand concert halls around the city, it will add a touch of style to your Christmas market break. Prague’s Christmas markets are open from 30th November to 6th January – see more here.
I found return flights for €160 with Aer Lingus, including a 10kg checked bag. Price for a two-night stay at the top-rated 4-star Perla Hotel is just €126 per person including breakfast. Superbly located in the beautiful Old Town, the location is ideal to enjoy Prague’s Christmas markets.
Read: Prague travel guide – top things to do and where to stay
View flights €160pp
View hotel here €126pp
11. Cologne: 6th December, 3 Nights, 4-star Hotel, €398pp
Cologne is renowned as having one of the best Christmas markets in Europe. Many choose to visit the large market near the Cathedral which offers live music and an ice skating rink.
Read: Europe’s Top 10 Christmas Market Breaks
However, there are several other Christmas markets in Cologne including a specific LGBT Christmas Avenue market, which has a great party atmosphere and lots of stage events. Some markets are open from 18th November but the majority open from the 25th November to 23rd December. There is also have a New Year’s Market open from 26th December until the 1st of January – see more here.
I found weekend flights from €160 return with Ryanair on the 6th of December for three nights. The centrally located 4-star NH Köln Altstadt is €238 per person for a three-night stay.
View flights €160pp
View hotel €238pp
12. Copenhagen: 30th November, Family Christmas Market Break, 2ad & 2ch, 3 Nights, €1017
Copenhagen’s most popular market is at Tivoli Gardens, and it attracts over 1 million people each year. As well as Christmas market stalls, this winter wonderland comes with reindeer rides and rollercoasters, making it the perfect Christmas market break for families.
Copenhagen’s Christmas markets are open from the 15th November 2024 to 5th January, making them an ideal choice for a pre or post Christmas market break – see more here.
I found return flights for just €94 per person on Saturday the 30th of November and a three-night stay in the centrally located Scandic Hotel is only €639 including breakfast, based on a family of four – making the total cost for a three-night festive break, €1017 per family.
Search flights here €94pp
View hotel here Family Room €639
13. Malaga: 7th December, 2 Nights, 4 Star Hotel, €233pp
Visitors flock to Malaga city every December to take part in the festivities and to enjoy its stunning streets lit up with over two million lights. In addition to the lights, there are five Christmas trees, Christmas markets, colourful arches and light shows to complete the festive experience.
The Christmas lights are usually be illuminated from the 24th of November until the 6th of January – see more here.
I found a great deal flying early morning on Saturday the 7th of December and returning late on the 9th of December so you will have three full days to explore the city. Return flights are just €86 from Dublin with Ryanair. There are also flights from Knock, Shannon and Cork from from €116 – €130.
Many of the top things to do in Malaga are located close together so you can see most of the highlights in a Malaga city break. My Malaga travel guide has all you need to know about discovering this great city:
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Read: Top things to do in Malaga, where to stay and eat
There are many hotel and apartment options to choose from, but the Soho Boutique Hotel offers good value for a central stay. Price is just €148pp for a two night stay.
View flights €86pp
View Hotel €148pp
14. Bath: 1st December, Saturday Night Break, €160pp
A special thanks to a follower who got in touch to highlight how great Bath’s Christmas markets are. Located just 15 miles from Bristol, which is served by Aer Lingus from Dublin and Cork and Ryanair from Dublin, this is a great choice for anyone looking to do a Christmas market break and want a short flight.
The World Heritage City of Bath is one of Britain’s prettiest cities. Visit the ancient Roman Baths as well as the Thermae Bath Spa, which houses the only natural thermal hot springs in Britain. If you want to bring the kids along, Longleat Safari Park is just a half hour away.
Bath’s Christmas markets have over 160 chalets as well as a fabulous light display and are open from the 28th of November until the 15th of December – see more here.
I found return flights departing Saturday morning 30th November and returning Sunday night 1st December for €64, so you don’t even need to take annual leave! An overnight stay at the top-rated Kennard Boutique Guesthouse is €90 per person.
View flights €64pp
View Hotel €90pp
I hope you enjoyed my post on Christmas market breaks, and it helps you enjoy a getaway over the festive season. While every effort is made that the hotel descriptions and facilities are accurate at the time of issue, they are subject to change. This post contains affiliate links where I receive a small commission if a booking is made, but at no additional cost to you.
