FANCY a festive break?
Why not treat yourself to a trip to one of Europe’s top Christmas markets.
Escape the wintry weather and enjoy a mini break.
Imagine sipping mulled wine as you browse round stalls full of gifts and homemade delicacies.
Here are some of the top destinations for a yuletide getaway from Manchester Airport.
With fares starting from just £44.98 return per person, why not treat yourself to a little holiday.
Gothenburg
If you’re travelling as a family, Gothenburg Christmas Market, is an ideal choice.
Located in one of Sweden’s most popular tourist attractions, the Liseberg amusement park, it offers all of the standard Christmas market fare plus plenty of fun-filled entertainment.
Swedish specialities such as cinnamon buns are a must-try along with ice skating and carol concerts and mini-Lapland.
Rides and rollercoasters are open, too, at an additional price.
Flights from £44.98 per person return, December 2-5, with Ryanair.
Frankfurt
Tracing its origins to the 14th Century, Frankfurt Christmas Market is one of the oldest in the world.
A traditional market decorated with thousands of lights that offer a variety of Christmas specialities and decorations.
Christmas cups are the special thing about the Frankfurt market, with a special cup design being unveiled each year so make sure you do not miss on this year’s design.
Flights from £182 per person return from Lufthansa.
Cologne
Cologne’s most iconic landmark, the tallest twin-spired cathedral in the world, towers over its largest Christmas market.
There are several other smaller markets that are well worth a look, however – including the Stadtgarten Christmas market, set in a city park with an emphasis on handmade souvenirs and decorations.
Flights from £92 per person (Nov 28 – Dec 2) with Jet2.com. Ryanair also serves Cologne.
Berlin
Berlin offers an abundance of Christmas markets.
The beautiful Gendarmenmarkt boasts a dizzying selection of exclusive Christmas crafts and decorations along with great food and drink.
The market outside City Hall is more family-oriented and offers activities such as ice skating and fairground rides.
Germany’s capital also offers world-famous sites such as the Brandenburg Gate and Berlin Wall.
Flights from £93.04 per person return (Dec 10-12) with Ryanair. easyJet also serves Berlin.
Brussels
The ‘Winter Wonders’ Brussels Christmas Market opens from November 25 to January 1.
More than 200 wooden chalets with food, drinks and Christmas decorations give you the chance to delve into Belgian Christmas traditions and sample some of the world’s finest beers and chocolates.
Flights from £101.58 per person return with Brussels Airlines.
Budapest
Budapest’s Vörösmarty Square Christmas Market is held in front of the St. Stephen Basilica, brimming with food, drink and handicrafts. Hungarian honey cookies are a Christmas staple, and the city’s waterfront bars make for a great retreat once you’re done with shopping for the day.
Flights from £82.23 per person return (Nov 26 – Dec 1) return with Ryanair. Jet2.com also serves this route.
Geneva
Geneva Christmas Market is ideal for foodies and ski lovers.
Besides the traditional stalls, with a new offering every week, and cultural events in the Jardin Anglais, these markets have a dedicated street food section.
Visitors can see world flavours meet local specialities including the famous raclette and fondue.
Mont Blanc, the heart of the Alps, is under 100km away.
It is possible to combine a trip to Geneva’s Christmas Markets with a visit to one of Europe’s finest ski resorts.
Flights from £185 per person return (Dec 17-20) with Jet2.com. Ethiopian Airlines, easyJet and Tui also serve this route.
Prague Prague celebrates Christmas with a number of smaller, more intimate markets spread across the city.
Stalls serve mulled wine and traditional sweet pastries, in addition to souvenirs and handicrafts.
The historic Old Town is a tourist draw year-round but takes on a unique ambience at Christmas, with a lively nightlife scene.
Flights from £83.73 per person return (Nov 28 – Dec 3) with Ryanair. easyJet and Jet2.com also serve Prague.
Vienna
The Austrian capital’s Christmas markets lay claim to being the world’s biggest and are among its oldest.
Centred on the Rathaus, the city hall, Vienna’s Christmas Market offers an incredible variety of gifts, food and drink, traditions and activities for visitors of all ages.
The city’s renowned galleries, museums and opera houses also take on a festive atmosphere and offer respite from the winter cold.
Flights from £68.23 per person return (Dec 14-19) with Ryanair.
Austrian Airlines and Jet2.com also serve this route.
All prices correct at the time of writing, but may be subject to change. Prices quoted may not include hold baggage.
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