Choose one of my handpicked Christmas market breaks, with flights and hotels included, from €231 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. 

I have searched the web to bring you some of Europe’s favourite cities for Christmas market breaks. All 4 and 5-star hotels are highly rated on TripAdvisor and are centrally located.

I have priced these Christmas market breaks for three-night stays on various dates in December, 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, 11th December, 3 Nights, 4-star Hotel, €286pp

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 flights and a three-night stay at the highly rated Boutique Hotel Budapest is €286 per person on the 11th of December.

Ryanair fly from Shannon to Budapest, the best value flights are for four nights from Monday to Friday. 

Search flights here 11-14 Dec €114pp

View hotel here €172pp
 

 

2. Berlin, 11th December, 3 Nights, 4-Star Hotel, €261pp

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. For a full list of Christmas 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 11th of December and enjoy a three-night stay in the highly rated Hollywood Media Hotel Kurfürstendamm for €261 per person. This hotel receives excellent reviews on TripAdvisor and is superbly located to explore this vibrant city. 

Search flights here 11-14 Dec €114pp

View hotel here €147pp
 

 

 

3. Krakow, 6th December, 3 Nights, 4-Star Hotel, €237pp

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 late November and most finish on the 26th of December. 
 

 

 
Fly from Dublin to Krakow on the 6th of December and enjoy a three-night stay in the highly rated H12 Hotel. Centrally located with great reviews on TripAdvisor, this is superb value to enjoy a Christmas market break in Krakow. Flights are also available from Shannon with Ryanair.

Search flights here 6 – 9th Dec €92pp

View hotel here €145pp
 

 

 

4. Vienna, 7th December, 3 Nights, 4-Star Hotel €329pp

Christmas markets in Vienna have been a tradition since 1298 and there are over 20 different markets here. International choir singers perform free of charge and I’m told the Christmas atmosphere is truly magical. 

 

 
The Viennese Christmas Market in front of the City Hall is the most popular and even offers a specific children’s area, where they can learn how to make Christmas cookies and decorations. Vienna’s markets start a little earlier than most but most close on the 26th of December– see more here.  
 

 

 
Fly from Dublin on the 7th of December and enjoy a three-night stay at the 4-star Schani Wien Hotel for just €329. It is highly rated on TripAdvisor , was awarded a certificate of excellence this year and is located just 300 metres from the main train station.  

Search flights here 7th – 10th Dec €93pp

View hotel here €234pp
 

 

 

5. Zagreb, 8th December, 3 Nights, 5-Star hotel, €291pp

Did you know that Croatia’s capital, Zagreb, is renowned for having one of Europe’s best Christmas markets? I must confess I wasn’t aware until recently. 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.
 

 

 
With return weekend flights from just €114 and low cost hotel prices, it also makes Zagreb a great value destination for a Christmas market break. 

The 5-star Westin in Zagreb is just €177 per person for a three-night weekend stay, and Ryanair have flights from Dublin airport from December 1st of December for €114 return.

Search flights 8th-11th December €114pp

View hotel here €177pp
 

 

 

6. Rome, 30th November, 3 Nights, 4-Star Hotel, €286pp

Rome may not offer markets on the same scale as some of its European counterparts, but that does not make it any less attractive. 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. What better time to visit the Vatican and the beauty of Rome. 

I found a great deal in the highly rated Hotel Capo d’Africa – Colosseo, which is superbly located in the heart of the city, beside the Colosseum. 
 

 

 
Return flights are available from Dublin airport and Cork airports this winter. 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

Search flights here 30th Nov – 3rd Dec €66

View hotel here €220pp
 

 

 

7. Madrid: 13th December, 4-Star Hotel, 3 Nights, €231pp

Visit the Royal Palace, shop the Gran Via, take the tour of Real Madrid’s stadium, or enjoy a tapas trail around the city – there is so much to do in Madrid.
 

 

 
I found great value weekend flights departing early December. Flights and a three-night stay in the highly located 4-star Hotel Sardinero Madrid is only €210 per person. Highly rated on TripAdvisor, this is a great choice if you want to combine a Christmas shopping break with a Christmas market break!

Read: Where to stay in Madrid and top things to do

Search flights here 13 – 16th December €61pp
 
View hotel here €170pp

 

 

 

 

8. Munich: 11th December, 3 Nights, 4-Star Hotel, €299pp

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 21st November through to 24th December 2022, and there are over 20 Christmas Markets in Munich dotted all over the city, so you will be spoilt for choice!
 

 

 
I found great value flights with Aer Lingus on the 11th of December. The H+ Munchen Hotel is a popular choice and offers great value for a centrally located 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

Search flights here 11th – 14th December €131pp
 
View hotel here €168pp
 

 

 

9. Prague, 5th December, 5-star Hotel, 3 Nights, €339pp

Prague’s Christmas markets are the perfect picture postcard. The old town square, Charles bridge and Prague’s famous castle are all magically 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.
 

 

 
Fly from Dublin on Thursday the 5th of December and enjoy a three-night stay at the 5-star Michelangelo Grand Hotel Prague Downtown Prague for only €339 – with breakfast included. Located close to the Old Town centre and Wensceslas Square, the location couldn’t be better to enjoy Prague’s Christmas markets.
 
Search flights here 5th-8th December €118pp
 
View hotel here €221pp
 

 

 

11. Cologne, 5th December, 3 Nights, 4-star Hotel €290pp

Cologne is renowned as having one of Europe’s best Christmas markets. 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. Markets are expected to open from 21st November to 23rd December.

I found flights from just €64 return with Ryanair on the 6th of December and the centrally located 4-star Steigenberger Hotel Köln is €226 per person for a three-night stay.
 

Search flights here 6th-9th December €64pp
 
View hotel here €226pp
 

 

 

12. Copenhagen: 7th December, 3 Nights, Family Christmas market Break 2&2, €847

Copenhagen’s most popular market is at Tivoli Gardens, and it attracts over 1 million people each year. This winter wonderland comes with reindeer rides, rollercoasters and of course the traditional market stalls.

Some of Copenhagen’s Christmas markets are open from the 26th November 2022 to 31st December,  making it a great choice for a pre or post-Christmas market break.
 

 

 
The 4-star Scandic Copenhagen Hotel is recommended for families and is located just eight minutes walk from Tivoli Gardens. It offers free breakfast too! Price for flights to Copenhagen and a three-night family stay is just €847 on the 7th of December.

Prefer to go after Christmas? Price for flights and a three-night stay from the 28th of December is €1006 – simply edit the dates via the links below.

Read: My city guide to Copenhagen

 
Search flights here 7th – 10th December €56pp
 
View hotel here €623
 

 

 

13. Malaga, 3rd Dec, Flights & Apartment, €226pp

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 will be illuminated from the 26th of November until the 5th of January – see more here.
 

 

 
I found a great deal flying on Saturday the 3rd of December where return flights are just €67 for three nights from Dublin with Ryanair.
 
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 Apartments Pinar Malaga Centro offer superb value and are highly rated on both TripAdvisor and Booking.com. They are just five minutes’ walk from the main Square and the famous Larios Street.

Price for a three night stay is just €159 based on two sharing or €107 per person based on four sharing. Flights are also available from Shannon, Cork and Ireland West Airport – Knock.
 

 

 
Search flights here 3rd – 6th December €67pp

View Apartment €159pp
 

 

 
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.

From Madrid to Marrakech, Prague to Porto, I’ve got 12 great city break deals for less than €199! 

With airfares to European cities still relatively low, there has never been a better time to explore somewhere new. I’ve found some great city break deals for you to enjoy. All deals include flights and top rated hotels in central locations.
 
Most city break deals are for two or three nights, however, dates can be changed to suit you requirements – simply edit the search links below. Like city breaks? Check out my top 20 city break destinations for 2023.
 

1. Rome: Flights & 4-Star Hotel, 7th March, 2 Nights, €182

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Rome is always a great choice for a city break. There are ancient wonders at every corner, and let’s not forget the food – the home of pizza, pasta and gelato, Rome is a feast for the senses. 

 
I found a great deal in the 4-star Hotel Capo d´África – Colosseo, priced at just is €119 per person for a two-night stay. I have chosen a morning flight out from Dublin and an evening flight back which will give you three full days in this magnificent city.  Dates and durations can be changed to suit your requirements – simply edit the search dates via the links below.

Return flights are available from Dublin airport and Cork airports this winter. There are many more hotel choices, as well as some top tips for visiting Rome in these posts:

Read: Where to stay in Rome, my top picks of 3, 4 and 5-star hotels

Read: Top things to do in Rome and restaurant recommendations

Search flights here 22nd – 24th January €63pp

View Hotel here €119pp
 

2. Porto: Flights & 5-Star Aparthotel, 22nd April, 3 Nights, €354

 

 

 

 

 

 

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I loved our trip to Porto and would highly recommend Porto for a city break. As well as being home to a UNESCO World Heritage site, it is packed with colourful buildings, delightful streets, and has a great food and wine scene. 
 

 
Enjoy a three-night stay at the 5-star Editory Boulevard Aliados Hotel. This modern luxury hotel is located in the heart of the city in a heritage building. It has received and Excellent rating on TripAdvisor and will no doubt increase in price over the summer months.

 
Read: Why you need to choose Porto for your next city break

Search flights here 22nd – 25th April €113pp

View hotel here €241pp

3. Madrid: Flights & 4-Star Hotel, 14th May, 2 Nights, €199

Visit the Royal Palace, shop the Gran Via, take the tour of Real Madrid’s stadium, or enjoy a tapas trail around the city – there is so much to do in Madrid. 

 
I found great value weekend flights departing early December. Flights and a two-night stay in the highly located 4-star Hotel Sardinero Madrid is only €199 per person. See lots  more hotel options in this post:

Read: Where to stay in Madrid and the top things to do – Madrid travel guide

Search flights here 14th – 16th May €72pp
 
View hotel here €127pp
 

4. Marrakech: Flights & 4-Star Riad, 15th September, 3 Nights, €246

Marrakech may not be the first place you think of when looking for city break deals from Ireland. However, Marrakech is a great choice if you want to sample the sights and sounds of this fascinating country, and catch some sun at the same time!
 

 
For the most authentic experience, a stay in one of Marrakech’s Riads is a must. I found a great deal in the highly rated Riad  l’Heure d’Eté, which is just 3-minutes walk from Jamaâ El Fna Square, and it includes breakfast!

Search flights here 15 – 18th September €143pp

View hotel here €103pp
 

5. Venice: Flights & 4 Star Hotel, 30th January, 3 Nights, €198

The unique floating city of Venice has to be visited at least once in a lifetime. There are so many iconic sights, that simply wandering around its streets and canals will captivate you. However, sipping a latte on St Mark’s Square and taking a gondola ride through the canals have to be done too! 

 
Venice can be reached from Dublin airport with Aer Lingus and Ryanair, and from Cork airport with Ryanair this winter. I found great value flights with Ryanair in February for just €50 return from Dublin or €93 from Cork.

The superbly located Mercurio Hotel  is superb value at just €148 per person for a three-night stay. You can find lots more hotel options in my Venice travel guide here:

Read: Top things to do in Venice and where to stay

Search flights here 30th Jan – 2nd February €50p

 
View hotel here €148pp
 

6. Budapest: Flights & 4-Star Hotel, 28th January, 3 Nights €180

 There are flights available to Budapest from Dublin and Shannon airport this winter. Price for flights with Ryanair and a three-night stay at the highly rated Boutique Hotel Budapest is just €180 on the 28th of January. The same package from Shannon departing 27th of January is €205 per person.

Search flights here 28th – 31st January €65pp

View hotel here €115pp
 

7. Nice: Flights & 3-Star Hotel, 22nd April, 3 Nights, €179

The South of France is always a good idea and Nice certainly deserves a place on this city break deals post. Flight time is only 2 hours 30 minutes from Dublin airport and the town centre is only 4 miles from the airport, so you can be sipping cocktails on the Promenade des Anglais within a half hour of arriving in France🍸.
 

 
Nice has some gorgeous boutiques, amazing restaurants, and of course a fabulous long sandy beach – but that’s not all. Its location in the South of France is ideal for visiting Cannes,  St Tropez, Monaco, you can even pop into Italy on the train for your lunch!
 

 
This weekend break includes a three-night stay in the popular Hotel Esprit d’Azur. Located just five minutes walk from the Old Town and fifteen minutes from the beach, this hotel is highly rated on TripAdvisor and offers super value for a short break away.

Search flights here 22nd – 25th April €81pp

View hotel here €108pp
 

8. Lisbon: Flights & Hotel, 23rd April, 2 Nights, €234pp

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Lisbon is one Europe’s top city break destinations, and after my recent visit I now know why! It has a beautiful old town, with pastel-coloured buildings with terracotta rooftops as far as the eye can see.

Lisbon is very easy to navigate too, but if you don’t fancy walking it, there are delightful old trams and tuk tuks available to help you explore this great city. 

Read: My Top 10 things to do in Lisbon
 

The HF Fenix Music hotel is one of the top-rated three-star hotels in Lisbon. Its trendy rooftop pool, music theme and location beside the Oriente metro station has seen it receive excellent reviews on TripAdvisor. If you are looking for a four or five star hotel, check out my post on the best places to stay in Lisbon here:

Read: Where to stay in Lisbon – my top 10 Lisbon hotels

I chose flights out early on the 23rd of April and returning late on the 25th of April which will give you three days to explore this great city. 

Search flights here 23rd – 25th April €57pp

View hotel here €177pp
 

9. Barcelona: Flights & 3-Star Hotel, 5th March, 2 Nights, €173

It’s no surprise that Barcelona is one of the world’s best city break destinations. It’s got amazing architecture, mouthwatering cuisine, buzzing nightlife and excellent shopping, and let’s not forget its location on the Mediterranean Sea. 
 

 
I have chosen early flights out on Sunday morning, returning Tuesday evening to give you three days to explore this great city. There are many great hotels to choose from, but for this city break deal I have chosen the highly rated Ciutat de Barcelona Hotel.

Located in Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter, just minutes from Las Ramblas, it boasts a rooftop pool, a tapas-style restaurant, and a popular bar. See this and lots more accommodation options in this post:

Read: Where to stay in Barcelona and the top things to do

Search flights here5th – 7th March €65pp

View hotel here €108pp
 

10. Prague: Flights & 4-Star Hotel, 8th March, 3 Nights, €198pp

Prague must rival Paris for the title of Europe’s most beautiful city. Wenceslas Square, medieval Charles Bridge and Prague Castle are just some of the architectural masterpieces and a Christmas market break is a great way to appreciate them. 

This compact city is one where you can see the most of the highlights in your three night break. And if nightlife is what you seek, you won’t be left wanting, with arguably the world’s best beer to go with it!
 

 
I found great value flights on Sunday the 29th of January for €64pp. The Hotel Merkur is a highly rated 4-star hotel located close to the Old Town Square and Prague’s historic centre.  

Search flights here 8th – 11th March €89pp

View hotel here €109pp
 

11. Malaga City: Flights & 4-Star Hotel, 26th February, 2 Nights €175pp

 

 

 

 

 

 

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After many years of visiting the beach resorts on the Costa del Sol, I finally got around to enjoying a Malaga city break and can’t believe what I have been missing for the last 30 years! Despite being the six largest city in Spain, Malaga feels more like a vibrant town. Its colourful streets are a delight to explore and it is packed with history and culture, as well as tasty tapas bars.
 

 
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:

Read: Top things to do in Malaga, where to stay and eat

The 4-Star Soho Boutique Hotel Colón is just €95 per person for a two-night stay. I chose early flights out on Sunday the 26th of February with Aer Lingus, returning on Tuesday evening to give you three days to explore the city and beyond. Why not walk the Caminito del Rey too? I did this recently and can’t recommend it highly enough!

Read: Top tips for walking the Caminito del Rey
 

 
Flights are also available with Ryanair from Shannon and Cork and there is a weekly from Ireland West Airport – Knock. Simply edit the search dates via the accommodation links below to suit your requirements. 

Search flights here €80pp

View hotel here €95pp
 

12. Edinburgh, 28th January, Flights & 4-Star Suite, 2 Nights, €184

Are you looking for city break deals from Cork, Shannon or Ireland West airports? There are direct flights to Edinburgh from all of these airports this winter, as well as Dublin. 
 

 
Edinburgh is easy to navigate and is one of those cities that you can’t help but love. It’s medieval old town and stunning castle are a pleasure to explore. Don’t miss Arthur’s Seat in Holyrood Park for the best views, and make sure to visit the pubs on Rose Street for the ultimate Edinburgh experience. 

I found great value return flights from just €30 from Dublin on the 28th of January, departing early morning, and returning in the evening, to make the most out of this great city. Similar airfares are available from Ireland West, Shannon and Cork airports.
 

 
The 4-star Princes Street Suites are a superb choice to explore Edinburgh. The location couldn’t be better – they overlook Edinburgh Castle!

With stylish decor, fitted kitchens and a small dining area its no surprise they are rated as Excellent on TripAdvisor. Many apartments have floor-to-ceiling windows and there is also shared rooftop terrace.

Sarah

From winter sun in the Canary Islands to Christmas market breaks – check out my top winter holiday destinations with direct flights from Ireland.

Want to stay in a glass igloo in Lapland, shop till you drop in New York, or is a sun holiday more your style? We are fortunate to have such a wide range of winter holiday destinations that are easily accesible from Ireland. I understand some of you wish to travel alone or with friends, and many will be travelling with kids – so you should find breaks here to suit all tastes and budgets.

1. The Canary Islands

 

 

 

 

 

 

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The combination of direct daily flights from Ireland, balmy temperatures, and a low cost of living, has made the Canary Islands our most popular winter holiday destination for many years.

There are direct flights to Tenerife, Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura  from Dublin, Shannon and Cork airports, and direct flights to Fuerteventura from Dublin and Shannon airports.
 

 
Fuerteventura is blessed with stunning white sandy beaches, while the sheltered resorts of Puerto Rico and Puerto de Mogán in Gran Canaria are popular with sun seekers. Tenerife has the largest selection of luxury hotels, but my personal favourite is Lanzarote – find out why, here:

Read: Why Lanzarote is my favourite Canary Island

Read: Family holidays in Lanzarote, my top 10 picks on where to stay

Search flights here
 
Check hotels here
 

2. Dubai

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Dubai is another great winter holiday destination if you want sunshine, but it is also packed with things to do. Try a desert safari, go to the top of the world’s tallest building, ski in the worlds largest indoor ski slope, or simply relax on one of its stunning beaches.
 

 
We visited Dubai last year and had a blast. Activities and dining are expensive, so you may need to budget accordingly, but it is a great destination for winter sun.

Top ten things to do in Dubai

The best family activities in Dubai
 
Search flights here

Check hotels here
 

3. Skiing Holidays

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Skiing holidays are growing in popularity all the time, with Austria, France and Italy being the firm favourites from Ireland. Söll in Austria is a great all rounder, with great skiing, restaurants and après ski, but if money is not an option, check out Val d’Isere in France.
 

 
Most of the top ski resorts in France, Italy and Austria are easily accessible from Dublin airport, but there are also options from our regional airports. There are flights from Ireland West Airport ( Knock) to Bergamo and Shannon airport to Turin and Cork airport to Salzburg. Top Tip: If you are looking to ski in Austria, flights to Munich are sometimes cheaper than Salzburg and the transfer times are similar. 

Read: Skiing in Soll, all you need to know and why you should go

Read: My top tips for family ski holidays

Read: My love affair with Club Med Val d’Isere
 
Search flights here

Check hotels here
 

4. Lapland

 

 

 

 

 

 

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I will never forget the look in my children’s eyes when we went to Lapland to see Santa. It was a magical family experience that we will never forget. It has been seven years since we visited, but the memories never fade. 
 

 
There are many ways to visit Lapland. TUI and Sunway offer packages with flights, transfers, accommodation and all activities included, from various Irish airports.

Ryanair introduced new flights this year to Rovaniemi from Dublin airport until mid March, and Santa Claus Village is open all year round, and see more about the various seasons in Lapland here. You can book flights and hotels separately via the links below.

Read: Our trip to see Santa in Lapland
 

 
Lapland isn’t just for kids! You can scratch one off your bucket list by staying in a glass igloo just 15 minutes drive from Rovaneimi airport. You can enjoy husky safaris, snowmobiling, as well as igloo saunas.

Featuring a heated glass roof, the Aurora cabin allows you to watch the sky directly from the bed. It comes with a private bathroom, electric fireplace and a sofa. Wouldn’t this be the ultimate Christmas present? 🎁

Search flights 

View hotel 

Check all hotels here
 

5. Christmas market breaks

A Christmas market break is a great way to kick-start the festive season without breaking the bank. Many markets open from the end of November and there are super deals available on flights and hotels, especially if you can travel mid-week.
 

 
More and more cities are embracing the trend, but there are still a few show stoppers! Germany is probably the most famous country for Christmas markets, with Cologne and Berlin being most popular. However Budapest, Vienna and Salzburg should not be overlooked.
 

 
Copenhagen is another city you may not have thought of, but if you are looking for a Christmas market break with children, this is a great choice. Tivoli Gardens come alive with over 500,000 Christmas lights and there are plenty of activities to keep all the family happy.

There is a wide choice of Christmas market breaks available from Dublin airport, Budapest, Krakow are served from Shannon airport, and Rome is available from Cork airport.

Read: 12 Christmas market breaks with flights and hotels included

 
Search flights here

Check hotels here
 

6. Paris

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Paris might be popular in the Spring, but winter time is also a great time to visit. There are no crowds, its great for shopping, and have you ever seen the Eiffel Tower look so pretty?  We went for New Year and loved it.

If you happen to have children, don’t miss the opportunity to visit Disneyland Paris at Christmas time. Not only it is a magical experience, but it is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, so expect lots extra magic from Disney! 

There are many flights to Paris available from Dublin airport, as well as direct flights to Orly airport from Cork and Shannon. 

Read: Our visit to Disneyland Paris at Christmas time

Read: 5 Great reasons to visit Disneyland Paris in 2022

Read:  The best Disneyland Paris hotels, on site and nearby
 
Search flights here
 
Check hotels here
 

7. Iceland

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Iceland is one of the best winter holiday destinations if you are looking for a snowy destination with winter wonderland feels and plenty to see and do. Chase the Northern Lights, swim in the Blue Lagoon and drive Iceland’s golden circle. There are direct flights from Dublin to Reykjavik with Icelandair and Play Airlines this winter.

Read: Top things to do in Iceland
 
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8. New York:

 

 

 

 

 

 

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New York is amazing to visit at any time of year, but I think it is a great winter holiday destination. You don’t need to worry about the roasting summer temperatures, and of course you can ice-skate in Central Park. We all know New York is a super city for shopping so it is ideal for a pre or post Christmas break.
 

 
The Christmas lights are turned on in early December, and this is a great time to visit, but if you want to avoid the crowds and the high hotel prices, leave it until January. There are direct flights from Dublin and Shannon airport this winter.

Read: Top 25 things to do in New York

Read: Top things to do with New York with kids 

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9. Cruise holidays:

 

 

 

 

 

 

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There are many options for winter cruises from Ireland. MSC will cruise the Mediterranean throughout the winter season, you can cruise the Canary Islands on Norwegian Sun, or choose to cruise the Caribbean or Emirates on a variety of cruise lines.

Three of this year’s most popular new ships are cruising the Caribbean this winter, Celebrity Beyond, Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas and Norwegian Prima.

Read: How to choose the right cruise for you

Read: 10 cruise deals from Ireland including flights
 

10. Bargain breaks in Italy:

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Ryanair has added three new routes to Italy this winter, so now is the time to bag yourself a cheap city break deal to one of Europe’s top city break destinations.  As well as flying in to Venice Treviso airport, Ryanair is also flying to Marco Polo airport with airfares from €19.99 each way in November and December, or €34.99 each way in January. 

Read: Venice travel guide – top things to do and where to stay in Venice
 

 
Similarly with Rome, they have added Fiumicino airport to their existing service to Ciampino airport, with airfares from €25.99 each way.

Read: Where to stay in Rome, my top picks of 3, 4 and 5-star hotels

They have also launched a new route to Genoa – the gateway to Italy’s Cinque Terre. You may not get the hot summer sun, but you will get to visit one of Italy’s  most spectacular coastlines without the crowds.
 
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11. Florida:

 

 

 

 

 

 

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With direct flights to Orlando and Miami all year round, why not choose winter over summer in the sunshine state. Winter is the optimum time to visit Orlando’s theme parks, although Christmas holiday time will be busy. Take the opportunity to explore Florida’s coastline too including the beaches of Miami. Why not fly into Orlando and home from Miami to make the most of your winter holiday?

Read: 10 things you need to know about Universal Studios before you book

Read: 35 Things to do in Universal Orlando – My top tips and tricks

Read: 30 Things to do in Disney World Florida with teens

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12. Malta:

For a small island in the Mediterranean, Malta sure packs a few punches. Temperatures can be as high as 17 degrees and rarely get below 11 degrees, making it ideal for sightseeing.

It is home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites – the City of Valletta is one of them and is a must see. It has 320 historic monuments and a stunning natural harbour and is described as ‘one of the most concentrated historic areas in the world’ by UNESCO.
 

 
Malta was the most bombed country in the world during WWII, with over 14,000 bombs dropped. You can visit air raid shelters and war rooms, as well as an aviation museum.

It is rare to find anywhere in the Med where you drive on the left hand side, and the island is only 17 miles long and 9 miles wide, with a population of just over 500,000, so it is an easy island to explore. There are direct flights from Dublin and Shannon to Malta this winter.

Read: Top 10 reasons to visit Malta
 
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I hope this post on winter holiday destinations will inspire you to plan a trip overseas soon. Please note some of the links in this post contain affiliate links where I receive a small commission if a booking is made but at no additional cost to you. This helps me to run my website and bring you lots of great holiday tips and ideas!