Escape to Europe’s Best Christmas Markets from Shannon Airport

1. Kraków, Poland - Wianki Christmas Market

Kraków, one of Poland's oldest cities, hosts a magical Christmas market in the Main Market Square. As one of the premier Christmas markets from Shannon Airport, it brims with colourful stalls selling traditional Polish crafts, delicious food, and of course, mulled wine. Don't miss out on the unique tradition of the Szopka, a Kraków-style nativity scene competition. The market typically runs from the end of November through December.

For your stay in Kraków, Hotel Indigo Kraków Old Town is an excellent choice. It's located in the heart of Kraków, within walking distance of the Christmas market. The hotel boasts a spa, a fitness center, and a rooftop terrace with stunning views of the city.

2. Manchester, UK - Manchester Christmas Market

Manchester's Christmas Market, typically operational from mid/late November to December, is spread across 10 different areas in the city centre, making it one of the largest and most visited Christmas markets in the UK. With its stunning lights, mouthwatering food stalls, and traditional Christmas crafts, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Be sure to check out the dedicated vegan market for plant-based treats!

The Stock Exchange, located in the city center, close to the Christmas market, is the perfect place to rest and recharge, with sophisticated quarters, a lounge & a restaurant/bar in a grand stone building.

3. Paris, France - Paris Christmas Markets

Paris, the 'City of Lights', comes alive during the holiday season. One of the most captivating Christmas markets in Europe, the Parisian Christmas markets offer a wide range of delicacies from crepes to oysters from mid/late November to December. Be dazzled by the illuminations around the Champs-Elysées and experience the festive carousel at the Trocadéro Gardens.

Luxury awaits at the Hôtel de Crillon, located on the Place de la Concorde, just a short walk from the Christmas market. The hotel features a spa, a fitness center, and a Michelin-starred restaurant.

4. Budapest, Hungary - Budapest Christmas Fair and Winter Festival

Budapest, Hungary’s charming capital, hosts the Christmas market at Vörösmarty Square from mid-November to December. The market is renowned for its traditional Hungarian crafts, mouth-watering street food, and the breathtaking light shows projected onto nearby buildings.

The Hotel President Budapest, located on the Pest side of Budapest, near the Christmas market, offers a spa, a fitness center, and a restaurant with views of the Danube River, ensuring your stay in Budapest is as magical as the Christmas market itself.

5. Edinburgh, UK - Edinburgh's Christmas Market

Edinburgh's Christmas Market, set in the picturesque East Princes St Gardens, typically runs from mid/late November to December. It's known for its spectacular light display and expansive range of international foods. Get into the Christmas spirit with a spin on the big wheel, or browse the many stalls for unique gifts.

The Balmoral, a luxury hotel located in the heart of Edinburgh, close to the Christmas market, offers a spa, fitness center, and a restaurant with views of the castle.

6. Wrocław, Poland - Wrocław Christmas Market

From the end of November to December, the Wrocław Christmas Market lights up the Old Town with an array of brightly lit stalls offering everything from handicrafts to delicious festive food. Don’t miss out on the chance to taste the traditional Polish gingerbread!

The Hotel Monopol, located in the Old Town of Wrocław, near the Christmas market, offers a spa, a fitness center, and a restaurant with views of the city.

7. London, UK - Winter Wonderland

London's Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park, usually open from the end of November through December, offers a festive extravaganza. You can enjoy festive shows, a giant observation wheel, ice skating, and of course, traditional Christmas market stalls.

The Dorchester, a luxury hotel located in Mayfair, offers a spa, fitness center, and a Michelin-starred restaurant. It’s just a short walk away from the Christmas market.

8. Milan, Italy - Fiera di Sant'Ambrogio

Oh Bej! Oh Bej! in Milan, running from early to mid December, offers a uniquely Italian Christmas market experience. The market is a haven for food lovers with stalls offering traditional Italian Christmas treats.

The luxurious Hotel Principe di Savoia is located in the center of Milan, near the Christmas market. The hotel features a spa, a fitness center, and a Michelin-starred restaurant.

9. Warsaw, Poland - Warsaw Christmas Market

The Warsaw Christmas Market, typically running from mid-November to December, is set up in the Old Town and offers traditional Polish Christmas fare, from delectable food to unique crafts.

Stay at the Raffles Europejski Warsaw, a luxury hotel located in the center of Warsaw, near the Christmas market. It has a spa, a fitness center, and a Michelin-starred restaurant.

10. Birmingham, UK - Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market

The Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market, usually operational from the start of November to December, is the largest German Christmas market outside Germany and Austria. Here, you can indulge in a variety of German delights, from bratwurst to pretzels, and hot Glühwein.

Book your stay at The Grand Hotel Birmingham, a luxury hotel located in the center of Birmingham, near the Christmas market. The hotel boasts a spa, a fitness center, and a Michelin-starred restaurant.

With your list in hand, it's time to get planning. These are just 10 of the magical Christmas markets in Europe, all within easy reach from Shannon Airport. So dust off your passport, pack your winter woollies, and book your Christmas market flights from Shannon Airport today. Each of these cities offers a unique and captivating Christmas market experience, full of festivity, food, and fun.