Europe’s cheapest Christmas markets you can still book for a last-minute getaway

Christmas markets on holiday just seem extra magical (Picture: Getty Images) While it’s a bit frightening that 2025 is almost over and there’s only a couple of weeks left to visit the Christmas markets, there’s nothing better than sipping mulled wine among fairy lights while the season’s classic tunes play. Here in London, we’re spoilt for choice with Winter Wonderland, Christmas by the River and Winterville, but there are plenty of amazing options further afield. Heading to mainland Europe for a Christmas market trip adds an extra touch of magic to the festive season – and as long as you pick the right location, it doesn’t need to break the bank either. Better still, you can take advantage of cheap last-minute flights and accommodation. Here’s where you can still book now for a bargain getaway. Vilnius, Lithuania According to a Post Office Travel Money report, Vilnius is the most affordable Christmas market of 2025, with two people looking at an estimated £509.06 cost for a two-night stay. Sign up to The Getaway newsletter Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here. Vilnius lights up over Christmas (Picture: Getty Images) Until December 28, the city’s Cathedral Square will be filled with seasonal treats and various handmade gifts. There’s also an ice rink at Town Hall Square, and a Christmas Train taking tourists around the Lithuanian capital’s Old Town in proper festive style. Flights from London take just under three hours, with fares for a trip leaving on December 19 and returning December 21 coming in at £162. Meanwhile, city centre accommodation is available for as little as £40 a night. Riga, Latvia The Christmas market in Riga, which took second place in the Post Office Travel Money ranking of 15 popular European hotspots, is running in the city’s Dome Square until January 4, 2026. Try out some Latvian delicacies (Picture: Getty Images) Beloved by many for its elegant medieval town square, you can wind your way through the maze-like market, picking up handmade knits, gingerbread treats and the local delicacy, piragi, also known as a bacon bun. Then, just a 15-minute walk away is a smaller market designed specifically for young families. It’s less than three hours’ on the plane from London — and if you’re flying on December 17, returning December 19, you can secure tickets for £144. As for accommodation, stays during this period start from just £32 per night. Poznan, Poland If you want a last-minute Christmas getaway in Poland, look no further than Poznan. Rather than one single market, this quaint city has three smaller ones making up its overall Betlejem Poznańskie event. The thousands of Christmas lights will have you feeling very festive (Picture: Rex/Shutterstock) The market in the International Fair runs until December 31, while those in Plac Wolności (Freedom Square) and the Old Market Square are open until January 6, 2026. Each offers its own unique attractions, but Poznan is small enough that it’s easy to walk between them. Catch panoramic views over the city skyline from the ferris wheel on Plac Wolności, go ice skating at the Old Market Square rink, and warm up with a mulled wine at International Fair. Just a two-hour flight from London, you can visit the markets on December 17 and fly home on December 19 for £93 return, while accommodation starts from just £25 per night. Bratislava, Slovakia It just might be the most romantic Christmas market you’ll ever take a stroll through, so if you’re allergic to love, steer clear. If you’re ready to lean into your Hallmark experience though, it’s the one for you. With pretty surrounding buildings and plenty of activities, it’s a Christmas hotspot (Picture: Getty Images) This market- running until January 6 – sees the Slovakian capital’s town square transformed into a dreamy ice rink, while alleys are festively decorated and streets are filled with delicious-smelling local goodies. It’s super affordable too, with flights from just £94 (travelling from London on December 16, returning on December 18) and rooms starting at £53. Budapest, Hungary Known as the Advent Basilica, Budapest’s offering has won the title of European Best Destination Best Christmas Market for four years running – and as well as being beautiful, it’s also a purse-friendly festive break. Walk through the market of love (Picture: Getty Images/iStockphoto) Until January 1, you can stroll through the Hungarian capital admiring – and purchasing – the works of almost 100 domestic craft exhibitors. Alternatively, why not indulge in traditional Hungarian dishes, try out some ice skating, or sample the many more festive activities on offer. The £12 UK train where you can see polar bears from your seat Christmas tree cut down 'deliberately' just hours after light switch-on Santander issues warning as thousands of customers lose £227 each With return flights from £74 between December 16 and December 18, and hotel stays starting from just £39 per night, you’ll have plenty of cash left over for presents. Flight prices via Skyscanner and accommodation (filtered to exclude shared rooms or bathrooms, review scores below 8/10, and distances beyond one mile of city centre) via Booking.com, both checked on December 12. Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk. 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