How you can visit Europe’s best Christmas markets for around £100
Don't blow the festive budget before the big day
MULLED wine, fairy lights and festive spirit by the bucket load - now's the time to book a Christmas market break.
But you don't have to blow your entire yuletide budget; there are plenty of city escapes for around £100.
Europe is the world leader when it comes to traditional Christmas markets, with loads of towns and cities transforming into magical winter wonderlands.
Whether you want to stock up on presents or simply take in the atmosphere, there's something for everyone, whatever your budget.
Head to Amsterdam to take in the 20-metre Christmas tree; check out Berlin's market which features Europe’s largest toboggan; or hit the ice rink in Brussels.
Here are our top picks, selected with help from so read on to find out where to head in the lead-up to Christmas.
Prague, from £99*
Where: The main square at the Old Town
When: December 2 - January 6
The Prague Christmas markets are famous for being the most impressive in the whole of the Czech Republic. They’re also open on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day - making Prague a great choice for anyone who wants to spend Christmas day somewhere new.
The market stalls themselves are decorated huts, which sell a variety of handcrafted products including jewellery, wooden toys and dolls dressed in traditional festive outfits.
Foodies will love the barbecued sausage known as klobása, sugar coated pastries called trdelnik and mulled wine.
Berlin, from £109
Where: Tiergarten Park
When: November 3 - December 31
Berlin is home to a wide selection of magical Christmas markets, the favourite among locals being the Winter World on Potsdamer Platz.
It’s the only market in the whole of Berlin that’s open in early November, and features Europe’s largest toboggan! It’s a great place to chill out in the evenings too, with a live DJ and ski party.
Barcelona, from £109
Where: In front of the cathedral (Fira De Santa Llucia)
When: November 24 - December 23
Barcelona has three main Christmas markets, held across the city and surrounding villages.
The largest, Fira De Santa Llucia, takes place in front of the cathedral and has been held annually for 213 years.
Here you’ll find stalls selling decorations, Christmas trees, jewellery, toys, candles and much more.
Unlike many other Christmas markets, the Barcelona bazaars avoid following the typical German style, and instead are full of Catalonian Christmas customs and traditions.
If you fancy visiting another Christmas market during your visit to Barcelona, the Fira De Nadal and the Fira de Reis de la Gran Via are great alternatives.
Rome, from £119
Where: Piazza Navona
When: December 18 - January 6
The most famous markets in Rome are filled with hundreds of stalls, selling handmade crafts, decorations, toys, nativity figures, as well as the traditional stockings filled with candy and black coal (which is actually sugar).
Or visit the Christmas market at the Piazzale Ankara, where you’ll find a plethora of charity fair trade products, as well as an ice rink.
Brussels, from £199
Where: The Grand-Place and around the Bourse
When: November 24 - December 31
Known as ‘The Winter Wonders’, Brussels Christmas market is held right in the centre of Brussels.
This magnificent marketplace includes 200 stalls selling a variety of food, products and souvenirs, an ice rink and some fun fairground attractions - including the renowned Ferris wheel.
Budapest, from £139
Where: Vorosmarty Square
When: November 10 - December 31
The Christmas markets in Budapest are famous around the world for preserving unique Hungarian traditions and folk art, and pride themselves on producing good quality local handicrafts rather than over-produced commercial souvenirs.
You can try lots of mulled wine, Hungarian pastries - which include chimney shaped cylindrical ‘Kurtos Kalacs’ - and street food including sausages and roast chestnuts.
The second Christmas market in Budapest takes place next to the Basilica, and sells a range of quality handicrafts and Hungarian cakes.
There’s also an unmissable Christmas laser projection on the Basilica wall. Open from November 24 to the January 2.
Madrid, from £149
Where: Plaza Mayor Square
When: November 24 - December 31
The main Christmas market in Madrid is over 100 years old, and features a wide selection of stalls to peruse. Here you’ll discover festive nativity scenes, handmade jewellery and quality handicrafts as well as a wide range of food and drink.
Indulge in chocolate churros, caramelized nuts, Christmas cookies and dozens of Christmas themed desserts.
Amsterdam, from £159
Where: There are several Christmas markets in Amsterdam
When: November 18 - February 3
The Dam Square market houses the famous big Christmas tree - which stands 20 metres tall.
There’s also the illuminated Bijenkorf, which symbolises Christmastime in the city.
The Museumplein and Leidseplein are famous for holding Amsterdam’s ice rinks, and are surrounded by a plethora of chalets and wintery bars.
Be sure to try out the Dutch speciality, fresh oliebollen (variety of dumplings) widely found around Amsterdam’s markets alongside waffles and sausage stalls.
Within the Museumplein markets you can find the Winter Camp which opens its doors on the December 20 and features a wide variety of unique Christmas decorations and gifts.
