Experience the Magic of Europe’s Christmas Markets from Cork Airport (2024 Edition)
By Fly Cheaper |
Updated July 19, 2024
The Christmas season is on the horizon, and there's no better way to get into the festive spirit than by exploring the magical Christmas markets of Europe. Thanks to Cork Airport, hopping onto a plane and immersing yourself in the heart of Europe's Yuletide celebrations has never been easier. We've curated a list of the top 12 European Christmas markets accessible from Cork. So, buckle up and get ready to take a tour of the best Christmas markets in Europe.
1. Gdańsk, Poland - Gdańsk Christmas Fair
Kicking off our list is the enchanting Christmas market in Gdańsk. Known for its unique fairytale ambiance, this market hosts an array of stalls that offer traditional Polish crafts, mouthwatering food, and rich, spiced mulled wine.
The Puro Gdańsk Stare Miasto boutique hotel is located in the heart of Gdańsk, just steps from the Long Market and the Christmas Market. It offers stylish rooms and suites, a rooftop bar with stunning views of the city, and a restaurant serving delicious Polish cuisine. .
Flight Time from Cork: 2 hr 35 min
What We Love: Historic charm meets festive spirit, with amber treasures and heartwarming Polish traditions.
2. Birmingham, UK - Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market
Running from mid-November, Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market is the largest German Christmas market outside Germany and Austria. From bratwurst to pretzels, and hot Glühwein, this market is a gastronomic delight.
A short walk from the market, you'll find the Radisson Blu Hotel Birmingham. Its location in the city center, paired with its luxurious facilities, ensures a convenient and restful stay.
Flight Time from Cork: 1 hr 5 min
What We Love: German Christmas village in the heart of England, offering a taste of Bavarian festive cheer.
3. Liverpool, UK - Liverpool Christmas Market
Starting mid-November, the Liverpool Christmas Market is a festive wonderland of unique gifts, international food, and drink stalls. Don’t forget to take a ride on the Ferris wheel for a spectacular view of the city.
Stay at the Titanic Hotel Liverpool, a unique hotel situated in the heart of the city and just a short stroll from the Christmas market.
Flight Time from Cork: 1 hr 10 min
What We Love: A bustling Christmas market with diverse culinary delights and a focus on local creativity.
4. Málaga, Spain - Málaga Christmas Market
Usually starting in late November, the Málaga Christmas Market offers a Spanish twist to the festive season. From traditional Andalusian crafts to delicious local food, this market is a feast for the senses.
The Hotel Málaga Palacio is located in the heart of the city and is just a short walk from the Christmas market. This luxurious hotel ensures an opulent stay, perfectly complementing the vibrant market experience.
Flight Time from Cork: 2 hr 35 min
What We Love: A sunny Christmas celebration with traditional Spanish flair and festive flamenco rhythms.
5. London, UK - Christmas Markets
London comes alive with the spirit of Christmas mid-November. From the Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park to the Southbank Centre Winter Market, London offers a variety of markets that cater to every festive desire.
The Dorchester, located in Mayfair and a short walk from the bustling markets, provides a luxurious base for your market adventure.
Flight Time from Cork: 1 hr 20 min
What We Love: A diverse array of Christmas markets offering festive fun, from historic settings to trendy hotspots.
6. Poznań, Poland - Poznań Christmas Market
Starting mid-November, the Poznań Christmas Market transforms the Old Market Square into a winter wonderland. From delicious Polish treats to traditional crafts, this market has it all.
Situated in the heart of the city, the Hotel Mercure Poznań Centrum is just a short walk from the Old Market Square and the Christmas Market. It offers comfortable rooms and suites, a restaurant, bar, and fitness center.
Flight Time from Cork: 2 hr 30 min
What We Love: A winter wonderland with captivating ice sculptures and a festive spirit that will melt your heart.
7. Manchester, UK - Manchester Christmas Market
Manchester's Christmas Market, beginning mid-November, is one of the largest and most visited in the UK. With its stunning lights, delectable food stalls, and traditional Christmas crafts, this market offers a classic festive experience.
The Kimpton Clocktower Hotel, located in the city center, close to the Christmas market, provides a modern and convenient base for your Christmas market adventures.
Flight Time from Cork: 1 hr 15 min
What We Love: A festive extravaganza with a global flavor, featuring diverse culinary delights and unique souvenirs.
8. Edinburgh, UK - Edinburgh's Christmas
Edinburgh's Christmas Market usually begins in mid-November. It offers a unique and magical holiday experience with a spectacular setting, international food vendors, unique gifts, and a carousel.
Stay at The Balmoral, a historic hotel located in the heart of the city, just a short walk from the Christmas market.
Flight Time from Cork: 1 hr 20 min
What We Love: A magical Christmas experience with enchanting lights, hearty Scottish fare, and festive fun for all ages.
9. Brussels, Belgium - Brussels Christmas Market
Brussels Christmas Market, also known as Winter Wonders, is a must-visit during the festive season. Kicking off in late November, this market spreads across the Grand Place, Bourse, Place Sainte-Catherine, and Marché aux Poissons. You'll find over 200 chalets offering everything from traditional Belgian waffles and chocolates to handmade crafts and ornaments. Don't miss the enchanting light show at the Grand Place, which adds a magical touch to the already festive atmosphere.
For a cozy and convenient stay, consider the Hygge Hotel. Located just a short distance from the market, this refined, Nordic-inspired hotel offers airy rooms and a warm atmosphere, making it the perfect base for exploring the Brussels Christmas Market.
Flight Time from Cork: 1 hr 40 min
What We Love: A vibrant Christmas celebration with dazzling light displays, iconic landmarks, and delicious Belgian treats.
10. Amsterdam, Netherlands - Amsterdam Christmas Market
While Amsterdam’s Christmas market typically starts in mid-December, it's worth the wait. With a vast array of crafts, gifts, and food from around the world, it truly captures the festive spirit.
For a stay that's close to the action, consider The Hotel Pulitzer Amsterdam. Located in the heart of the city, it's just a short walk from the Dam Square Christmas Market.
Flight Time from Cork: 1 hr 45 min
What We Love: A picturesque Christmas wonderland with ice skating, twinkling lights, and cozy canal-side atmosphere.
11. Paris, France - Paris Christmas Markets
Starting in mid-November, Paris Christmas markets add a magical sparkle to the City of Lights. From traditional crafts to gourmet food stalls offering French delicacies, these markets beautifully encapsulate the festive spirit.
The Hôtel de Crillon is an excellent choice for accommodation. This luxury hotel, located on the Place de la Concorde, is a short walk from the vibrant Christmas markets.
Flight Time from Cork: 1 hr 40 mins
What We Love: A chic and sophisticated Christmas experience with Parisian charm, gourmet delights, and festive romance.
12. Barcelona, Spain - Fira de Santa Llúcia
Barcelona's Fira de Santa Llúcia is a vibrant and unique Christmas market that dates back to 1786. Starting in late November and running until Christmas Eve, it takes place in front of the stunning Barcelona Cathedral. The market features over 300 stalls selling traditional Catalan decorations, handmade gifts, and festive treats. Be sure to check out the intricate nativity scenes and the "Caga Tió," a traditional Catalan Christmas character.
Stay at the Hotel Colon Barcelona, which is located right opposite the cathedral and the market. This elegant hotel offers comfortable rooms with stunning views, making it an ideal spot to soak up the festive ambiance of Barcelona's Christmas celebrations.
Flight Time from Cork: 2 hr 35 min
What We Love: A unique Catalan Christmas tradition with whimsical figures, festive parades, and heartwarming customs.
There you have it, 12 captivating Christmas markets in Europe, all easily accessible from Cork Airport. From Gdańsk to Paris, these destinations promise a delightful infusion of culture, tradition, and festive cheer. So, get ready to book your Christmas market flights from Cork Airport and make this holiday season an unforgettable one!