Christmas is coming once again and, as the festive season approaches, many of us might be looking for new ways to shakeup this tradition-heavy time. Whether its trying that new turkey recipe or going off on a winter adventure, there are plenty of ways to make the most of the coming December.
One way to bring something new to your Christmas holidays is travelling a little further afield, with just a short flight from Heathrow you could be standing in a whole new world by visiting on of Europe's magical Christmas markets. Yet as monetary pressures increase and the cost of living continues to rise, it's also worth thinking about what is affordable this year.
With that in mind, experts at the The Bucket List Company have put together a list of the top ten Christmas markets that you can get to from Heathrow for under £200. By combining ratings, the average cost of a day at the market, and the price of a return ticket from Heathrow in the first week of December, this list gives you all you need to have a fun but cost-effective trip.
Read more: Europe's 5 most beautiful Christmas markets less than two hours from Heathrow Airport
Here are the top ten Christmas markets:
Krakow, Poland
Dates: November 25 - December 26
Average daily cost: £40
Return ticket from Heathrow: £99
The Krakow Christmas market is one of the more affordable visits and attracts a younger crowd. With hearty soups, goulash and vodka, this market is well worth the visit.
Wrocław, Poland
Dates: November 18 - December 31
Average daily cost: £19
Return ticket from Heathrow: £135
Inspired by winter fairytales, this market is considered the best in Poland and one of the most beautiful in Europe. With artistic events, shows and the Christmas Carol Singers Parade, this destination is perfect for all the family.
Gdansk, Poland
Dates: November 18 - December 23
Average daily cost: £32
Return ticket from Heathrow: £116
Featuring 120 stalls with unique gifts, decorations and treats, the Gdansk Christmas market brings the culture and traditions of Poland to the fore. Yet if you're also looking for more of worldly destination, the market's fair serves up dishes from all over the world, including Italy, Hungary, Spain, Mexico and Thailand.
Basel, Switzerland
Dates: November 24 - December 23
Average daily cost: £152
Return ticket from Heathrow: £81
Voted the best Christmas market in Europe in 2021, this Swiss town lights up with stars during the festive season. A perfect place for some unique Christmas shopping.
Tallinn, Estonia
Dates: November 25 - January 8
Average daily cost: £65
Return ticket from Heathrow: £162
Every year more than half a million people visit the Tallinn Christmas market, according to European Best Destinations. With its carousels, gingerbread and handicraft stalls, the market brings the city together beautifully.
Dusseldorf, Germany
Dates: November 17 - December 30
Average daily cost: £122
Return ticket from Heathrow: £129
Düsseldorf's Old Town has several Christmas markets, each with its own theme, and even has an enormous 1,700-square-meter ice rink.
Gothenburg, Sweden
Dates: November 27 - December 19
Average daily cost: £68
Return ticket from Heathrow: £128
At Christmas, Gothenburg sets up the Liseberg Amusement Park with rollercoasters, ice skating and over five million Christmas lights to dazzle its visitors.
Gendarmenmarkt, Berlin, Germany
Dates: November 21 - December 31
Average daily cost: £97
Return ticket from Heathrow: £139
By Berlin's State Opera House is the Gendarmenmarkt market, getting nearly 800,000 visitors per year. From the traditional mulled wine and roasted chestnuts to more unusual food items, this market has it all.
Riga, Latvia
Dates: November 27 - January 1
Average daily cost: £72
Return ticket from Heathrow: £158
In the old town of the Latvian capital this market sells an incredible range of handmade clothes, Christmas ornaments and warm drinks. The town is also perfect for children with its small petting zoo and traditional carousel.
Naples, Italy
Dates: December 3 - January 8
Average daily cost: £90
Return ticket from Heathrow: £110
Known all over the world for its tradition of placing nativity scenes around the city, Naples' Christmas markets are not one to miss. From the Via San Gregorio Armeno shopping market, to the National Railway Museum's vintage huts, you could spend hours surrounded by Christmas magic.
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