Top 10 Christmas Markets You Can Fly To From Dublin (2024 Edition)
By Fly Cheaper |
Posted August 5, 2024
Winter is the perfect time to escape the ordinary and embrace the magic of Christmas markets. Luckily, Dublin Airport offers direct flights to some of Europe's most enchanting winter wonderlands. From traditional German markets with their warming glühwein to charming Polish squares filled with handmade treasures, there's a Christmas market experience to suit every taste.
Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market, UK
Why Visit: Transport yourself to a Bavarian village right in the heart of Birmingham! This UK's largest authentic German market is a foodie paradise with bratwurst, pretzels, and steaming mugs of glühwein. Enjoy the festive atmosphere with twinkling lights, merry-go-rounds, and over 180 stalls offering unique gifts and decorations.
Stay: Radisson Blu Hotel Birmingham - Located in the heart of the city, this stylish hotel offers a warm welcome after a day exploring the festive markets. Enjoy modern amenities, delicious dining options, and easy access to the Christmas cheer.
Flight Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Cologne Christmas Market, Germany
Why Visit: Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Cologne Cathedral, this market offers a truly magical experience. Explore over 150 stalls brimming with crafts, ornaments, and delicious treats. Don't miss the "Heinzels Winter Fairytale" market in the Old Town, where you can glide across a charming ice rink under a canopy of twinkling lights.
Stay: Hotel Mondial am Dom Cologne Mgallery - With its close proximity to the Cologne Cathedral and the Christmas market, this hotel is a perfect base for your festive adventure. Indulge in luxurious comfort and stunning views of the city's iconic landmarks.
Flight Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Wrocław Christmas Market, Poland
Why Visit: Step into a fairytale in Wrocław's historic Market Square. This enchanting market is renowned for its beautiful light displays, a towering Christmas tree, and a delightful carousel. Indulge in traditional Polish cuisine, sip on hot mulled wine, and find unique handcrafted gifts.
Stay: The Art Hotel - This centrally located boutique hotel offers a unique blend of contemporary design and artistic flair. Enjoy a comfortable stay within walking distance of the enchanting Christmas market and Wrocław's historic charm.
Flight Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
Kraków Christmas Market, Poland
Why Visit: Immerse yourself in the medieval charm of Kraków's main square, where the Christmas market comes alive with the scent of spiced gingerbread and the sounds of carols. Discover local crafts, savor delicious Polish treats like oscypek cheese, and enjoy the warm hospitality of the locals.
Stay: Bonerowski Palace - Experience the epitome of luxury at this historic palace, conveniently situated near Kraków's main square and the Christmas market. Immerse yourself in the city's rich heritage and enjoy elegant accommodations.
Flight Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
Budapest Christmas Market, Hungary
Why Visit: Budapest's Christmas Market on Vörösmarty Square is a foodie's dream come true. Indulge in chimney cakes, hearty goulash, and traditional Hungarian pastries. Explore the charming stalls offering handmade ornaments and unique gifts, and don't miss the festive light show projected onto the Gerbeaud House.
Stay: Kempinski Hotel Corvinus Budapest - This luxurious hotel is located directly on Vörösmarty Square, the heart of Budapest's Christmas market. Indulge in world-class amenities, gourmet dining, and unparalleled views of the festive celebrations.
Flight Time: 3 hours
Vienna Christmas Market, Austria
Why Visit: Experience the timeless elegance of Vienna's Christmas markets, steeped in tradition and charm. The main market, held in front of the City Hall, offers classical concerts, delicious Austrian pastries, and a delightful ice rink. Take a ride on the reindeer train, admire the twinkling lights of Rathauspark, and soak up the festive atmosphere.
Stay: Grand Hotel Wien - This iconic hotel exudes Viennese elegance and is steps away from the enchanting Christmas market. Experience refined luxury, exceptional service, and a truly memorable stay in the heart of Vienna.
Flight Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
Basel Christmas Market, Switzerland
Why Visit: Basel transforms into a winter wonderland during the festive season, with its Christmas market sprawling across Barfüsserplatz and Münsterplatz. Discover unique Swiss crafts, indulge in delicious fondue and raclette, and admire the city's stunning Christmas decorations.
Stay: GAIA Hotel Basel - Centrally located and close to the festive action, this hotel offers a comfortable and convenient base for exploring Basel's Christmas market. Enjoy modern amenities, delicious breakfast options, and easy access to the city's attractions.
Flight Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
Riga Christmas Market, Latvia
Why Visit: Experience the magic of Christmas in Riga's historic Cathedral Square. This charming market showcases traditional Latvian crafts, offers delicious local specialties like grey peas with bacon, and features festive choir performances that will warm your heart.
Stay: Grand Poet Hotel by Semarah - Experience luxury and sophistication at this elegant hotel, located just a short stroll from the Riga Christmas Market. Indulge in world-class amenities, exquisite dining, and impeccable service for a truly unforgettable stay.
Flight Time: 3 hours 5 minutes
Trier Christmas Market, Germany
Why Visit: Step back in time at Trier's Christmas market, set against the backdrop of the majestic Trier Cathedral. This cozy market exudes historic charm and offers a wide array of local crafts, delicious German treats, and, of course, plenty of glühwein to keep you warm.
Stay: Park Plaza Trier - This modern hotel is conveniently located within walking distance of the Christmas market and Trier's historic center. Enjoy comfortable rooms, delicious dining options, and a relaxing atmosphere after a day of festive exploration.
Flight Time: 1 hour 50 minutes (Fly to Luxembourg)
Govone Christmas Market, Italy
Why Visit: Enter a world of enchantment at the "Magical Christmas of Govone." This unique market features theatrical performances, delicious Italian treats, and beautifully decorated stalls. Explore the picturesque village, visit the living nativity scene, and experience the true magic of Christmas in Italy.
Stay: Relais San Maurizio: Located in the nearby Santo Stefano Belbo, this luxurious resort offers a tranquil retreat after the festive excitement. Indulge in gourmet cuisine, unwind in the spa, and enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding vineyards.
Flight Time: 2 hours 25 minutes (Fly to Turin)
Horourable Mentions
Narrowing the list down to 10 proved tricky so we wanted to give a brief mention to some of the christmas markets that just missed the cut:
London, UK: From Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park to the Southbank Centre Winter Market, London is a festive paradise. London offers a huge variety of markets, from the historic Greenwich Market to the trendy Shoreditch Christmas Market, with the entire city, including Oxford Street, decked out in twinkling lights.
Bratislava, Slovakia: The Christmas market in the main square is quaint and charming with traditional Slovak food and crafts. Stalls are filled with hand-carved wooden toys, pottery, and delicious local delicacies like lokše (potato pancakes) and medovina (honey wine), creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Tallinn, Estonia: Known for its medieval charm and picturesque setting in the Town Hall Square. The market's unique blend of Gothic architecture and festive decorations makes it a magical destination, where you can enjoy traditional Estonian Christmas foods and browse for handcrafted gifts.
Prague, Czech Republic: The Old Town Square market is famous for its stunning Christmas tree and festive atmosphere. The tree, adorned with sparkling lights and ornaments, serves as the centerpiece of the market, which also features live nativity scenes, carol concerts, and delicious Czech treats like trdelník (chimney cake).
Madeira, Portugal: Experience a subtropical Christmas with the market in Funchal, known for its unique crafts and delicious Madeiran food. The mild climate allows for open-air festivities, with stalls offering exotic fruits, local wines, and the famous bolo de mel (honey cake), all set against a backdrop of lush green hills and sparkling ocean views.
Let the magic of Christmas markets transport you to a winter wonderland. Book your flight from Dublin Airport today and create unforgettable memories!