Choose one of my handpicked Christmas market breaks, with flights and hotels included, from €199 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. Many markets open late November and stay open until the New Year so you can choose a pre or post Christmas break.

I have searched the web to bring you some of my favourite Christmas market breaks, so hopefully there will be a break here to suit you. All 4-star hotels are highly rated on Tripadvisor and all breaks are for three nights. If you want to travel at a different time, or for longer or shorter duration, just click on the links below and edit the search to suit your requirements.
 

1. Budapest, 3rd December, 3 Nights, €299pp

Budapest has several Christmas markets, but Vörösmarty Square is the most popular. Gerbeaud House is transformed into an enormous Advent Calendar and a new window opens daily at 5pm. Street artists perform, Santa makes an appearance and there are plenty of places to relax and take it all in.
 

 
St Stephen’s Basilica, is lit up at night time and resembles a Disney like castle – it is spectacular. Take time to visit the Banks of the Danube, the Buda Castle Quarter and Andrássy Avenue, which are all UNESCO world heritage sites. Most markets open from 22nd November until 1st January. 
 

 
Fly from Dublin to Budapest on the 5th December and enjoy a three-night stay in the 4-star La Prima Fashion Hotel, with breakfast included for just €294pp. Rated as excellent on TripAdvisor, this is a great choice to explore all that Budapest has to offer.

Search flights here 3rd-6th Dec €135pp

View hotel here €164pp

2. Berlin, 7th December, 3 Nights, €199

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. For a full list of Christmas market dates click here. Don’t miss the Spandau market where rock concerts are usually held every Friday and there are over 500 stalls.
 

 
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 7th of December and enjoy a three-night stay in the highly rated Hollywood Media Hotel am Kurfürstendamm for only €199 per person. This hotel receives excellent reviews on TripAdvisor and is superbly located to explore this vibrant city. 

Search flights here 7th-10th Dec €82pp

View hotel here €169pp

3. Krakow, 7th December, 3 Nights, €195!

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 can bear it, visit nearby Auschwitz . Krakow’s Christmas Market is open from the 27th November until 26th December.
 

 
Fly from Dublin to Krakow on the 7th of December and enjoy a three-night stay in the highly rated otel Centrally located with great reviews on TripAdvisor, this is superb value to enjoy a Christmas market break in Krakow.  

4. Vienna, 11th December, 3 Nights,  Hotel €288pp

Christmas markets in Vienna have been a tradition since 1298. Would you believe there are over 20 different markets here? International choir singers perform free of charge and 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 €288. 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 €88pp

 

View hotel here €200pp

 

5. Zagreb, €214 5 star hotel 

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 €78 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 €154 per person for a three-night weekend stay, and Ryanair have flights from Dublin airport from December 8th to 11th for €60 return.

Search flights 8th -11th December €60pp

View hotel here €154pp
 

6. Rome, €225

 I found a great deal in the 4-star Hotel Capo d’Africa – Colosseo, which is superbly located in the heart of the city, beside the Colosseum. https://www.tripadvisor.ie/Hotel_Review-g187791-d252244-Reviews-Capo_D_Africa_Hotel_Colosseo-Rome_Lazio.html

 
I have chosen a morning flight out from Dublin and an evening flight back to make the most of this short break, but 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 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 €60pp

View hotel here €165pp

Madrid 7th Dec €58

14th – 17th €63pp  / 15th – 18th €67pp

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

Barcelona 9-12th Dec €69pp

7th – 10th €62pp

Cologne

13th – 15th Dec 2 nights €68pp

Munich Christmas Market Break: Flights & Hotel, 2 Nights, €179

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 for a two-night stay, but if you want to stay longer simply edit the dates below. The Cocoon Hauptbahnhof is a superbly located train station hotel, and is within walking distance of Marienplatz. It is rated as Excellent on TripAdvisor and has a retro style design with funky bedrooms an outdoor terrace and garden.

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 6th-8th December €85pp
 
View hotel here €94pp

Prague Christmas Market Break: Flights & 4-Star Hotel, 4th December, 3 Nights, €199

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!
 

art hotel 
I found great value flights with Aer Lingus on Sunday the 11th of December. The Hotel Merkur is a highly rated 4-star hotel located close to the Old Town Square and Prague’s historic centre. It offers great value if you are looking for Christmas market break. Check out what to expect from the Prague Christmas markets here.

Search flights here 11th-14th December €117pp

View hotel here €82pp

Looking for more inspiration for Christmas market breaks? 

Read: Europe’s Top 10 Christmas Market Breaks 

This post contains affiliate links where I receive a small commission if a booking is made, but at no additional cost to you.
 

 
Sarah

Pottering around wooden market stalls, listening to carol singing and sipping mulled wine in crisp December air – visiting Christmas markets is a great way to kick off the festive season. But which one should you choose?

 
My top tip if you are visiting any of Europe’s Christmas markets is – watch your dates! Although some markets are open earlier, the majority do not not open until the last weekend of November. There is not much point booking Prague for the 22nd of November if the market doesn’t open until the 30th…

All of these favourites are chosen with accessibility in mind, so there are direct flights from Ireland to all of the cities below. Check out my list of Europe’s top 10 Christmas markets and get planning…

Krakow | Berlin | Cologne | Budapest | Prague

Copenhagen | Vienna | Rome | Barcelona | Brussels

Krakow 

Home to Europe’s largest market square, Krakow is an an excellent choice for a Christmas market break. The massive square in the centre of the old town comes alive with hundreds of market stalls.
 

 
Visit Wawel castle, the fascinating Jewish quarter, and if you are feeling up to it you can take a day trip to nearby Auschwitz. The Krakow Christmas Markets will open from 25th November – 26th of December, with some markets continuing to the 2nd of January to celebrate the Epiphany Festival.

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Berlin

Believe it or not, Berlin has over 50 different Christmas markets to choose from. The Winter World at Potsdamer Platz has super activities including ice skating and tobogganing, and is great fun destination. The traditional Christmas Markets at Alexanderplatz and Charlottenburg house wooden stalls and beer houses.

The market in Spandau has over 500 stalls at weekends, with rock concerts every Friday – this usually closes on the 22nd of December, but many of Berlin’s Christmas markets will open from the 21st of November to the 31st December. 
 

 
Berlin has a Christmas market to cover all tastes, as well as many other sights to see and great nightlife.

Read my city guide to Berlin here.

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Cologne

Cologne is renowned as having one of Europe’s best Christmas market breaks. Many choose to visit the large market near the Cathedral which offers live music and an ice skating rink. 

 
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.

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Budapest

Like many other cities Budapest offers several Christmas markets – the most popular is in Vörösmarty Square. Gerbeaud House is transformed into a giant Advent Calendar and each day a new window opens at 5pm. There are many street performances and Santa Claus programs, and lots of places to chill out and watch them.
 

 
At night time visit the market at St Stephen’s Basilica, the whole area is lit up like something from a Disney movie. Most of Budapest’s Christmas markets open froml 19th November to 31st December, but the Christmas Fair at Basilica will open until January 1st – this makes Budapest ideal for a post Christmas market break too.  

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Prague

Prague is the picture postcard of Christmas markets. With the old town square, Charles Bridge and its famous castle all magically lit up, it is a stunning sight to see. Both the old town square and Wenceslas Square are transformed with market stalls offering local decorations, traditional hearty food and of course plenty of mulled wine.
 

 
You can enjoy the 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 round off your weekend break in style.

Prague’s Christmas markets are open from the 26th November 2022 to 6th January 2023, including Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day! 

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Copenhagen

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. 
 

 
Copenhagen’s Christmas markets are open from the 18th November 2022 to 31st December, making them an ideal choice for a pre or post Christmas market break.

Read: My guide to Copenhagen here

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Vienna

Christmas markets in Vienna have been a tradition since 1298. Would you believe there are over 20 different markets here? There are international choir singers performing free of charge and 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 Christmas markets start at various times, but most are expected to run from 19th November until 26th December – see more here.  

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Rome

Rome may not offer markets on the same scale as some of it’s 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 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.  

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Barcelona

Another market that dates back many years is Barcelona’s Fira de Santa Llucia market. Dating from 1786 this once traditional market now has over 300 stalls selling everything from Christmas trees to Spanish tapas.
 

 
From the 25th November to 23rd December you can buy handcrafted Christmas decorations and enjoy plenty of festive cheer. There are elaborate crib displays and plenty of live entertainment for the whole family. Barcelona is also a great city for high street shopping too, you could easily do all your Christmas shopping in one weekend.

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Brussels

Brussels is becoming increasingly popular with visitors at Christmas time. The city is transformed into a winter wonderland with over 240 market stalls. It also offers tobogganing, ice skating and a massive Ferris wheel, covered in lights. The Christmas market is expected to open from 25th November to 1st January so Brussels is also a great option for post Christmas break.

Munich

 
Please note that all dates are correct at time of issue, but may change. Some of the links in this post contain affiliate links, where I receive a small commission if a booking is makde, but at no additional charge to you.

Like this post? You might like my best alternative Christmas market breaks.

Sarah

Some cities are best seen in winter. Christmas decorations are everywhere, market stalls sell the perfect stocking fillers and aromas of roasted chestnuts and mulled wine waft through the crisp cold air. Of course winter time offers the best value too! Take your pick from my Christmas market breaks – all €189 or less!

Budapest

Budapest has several Christmas markets with Vörösmarty Square, being the most popular. Gerbeaud House is transformed into an enormous Advent Calendar and a new window opens daily at 5pm. Street artists perform, Santa makes an appearance and there are plenty of places to relax and take it all in. St Stephen’s Basilica, is lit up at night time and resembles a Disney like castle – it’s quite spectacular!  Most markets are open from the 27th of November to the 2nd of January but Vörösmarty Square opens from the 11th of November. Take time to visit the Banks of the Danube, the Buda Castle Quarter and Andrássy Avenue which are all UNESCO world heritage sites!

Fly from Dublin to Budapest on the 11th of December and enjoy a three night stay in the centrally located Agape apartments for only €198 per person.

Click here for more details.

Berlin

Berlin has a staggering 50 Christmas markets to choose from with some starting in early November so it’s a great choice for anyone who can’t travel in December. Winter World at Potsdamer Platz offers ice skating and tobogganing and is perfect for families.  Alexanderplatz and Charlottenburg have traditional wooden stalls and beer houses and open late November. Don’t miss the Spandau market where rock concerts every Friday and there are over 500 stalls! 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. For more info on Berlin, read my blog here.

Fly from Dublin to Berlin on the 14th of December and enjoy a three night stay in the Ivbergs Hotel Charlottenburg for only €189 per person.

Click here for more details.

Krakow

The old town of Krakow has Europe’s largest market square, and is the picture postcard of Christmas markets. This enormous square is full with market stalls selling local hand crafts and hearty food, and is full of Christmas cheer. The city comes alive at night time with live bands playing in trendy basement clubs. Take time to visit the stunning Wawel castle, walk through the Jewish quarter to see Oscar Schindler’s factory and if you can bear it, visit nearby Auschwitz . Krakow’s Christmas Market is open from the 27th of November to the 23rd of December.

Fly from Dublin to Krakow on the 6th of December and enjoy a three night stay in the centrally located Leone apartments for only €199 per person.

Click here for more details:

Krakow is home to Europe’s largest market square. It’s stunning architecture combined with vibrant night life make it an ideal choice for a city break.

The old town is packed with impressive churches and museums with the famous Wawel castle behind it. Make sure you try the basement clubs and enjoy some live music, the back streets are full of them and some cracking restaurants too.  The Jewish quarter, Kazimierz is now buzzing with hundreds of restaurants, pubs and clubs and has a great laid back atmosphere. Take one of the free guided walking tours to discover what happened to the Jews during the second world war, before ending up at Oskar Schindler’s factory. Of course you can also take a trip to nearby Auschwitz if you are feeling up to it.

I found a great deal in the highly rated boutique hotel Ester. Situated in the heart of the Jewish quarter this hotel receives excellent reviews on tripadvisor as well as certificate of excellence. Fly from Dublin on the 17th of September and spend three nights here for only €249 per person.

Click here to book flights:  €102pp

Click here to book hotel: €147pp

Click here to book a choice of transfers:

Prices are correct at the time of issue but are subject to change.

Sarah