6 Budget-Friendly Christmas Market Breaks in Europe
There’s nothing quite like a European Christmas market break to ramp up the festive feels in December. But which ones are ideal for the more budget-conscious traveller? Let’s find out.
We’ve been to some amazing Christmas markets in Europe, travelling on a budget around the continent for the last ten years.
You’ve got your classics, like Bruges, of course – but trying to book accommodation there during December usually requires a bit of a serious spend. In this guide, I’m exploring six brilliant Christmas markets that are a little more budget-friendly.
For some of my top picsk, it’s the markets that are more affordable than the rest – with cheaper food and drink compared to other European market destinations. But for others, it’s the overall costs that come in top tier – think cheaper accommodation and travel costs, without compromising on a drop of the festive magic!
*Mini Adventures uses affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I’ll earn a small commission (at no additional cost to you) that helps keep this website running!*
Bremen, Germany
Getting there: Direct flights from UK airports take around 1hr 20mins
Where to stay: Townside Hostel, a&o Bremen Hauptbahnhof, MEININGER Hotel Bremen Hauptbahnhof
Average food prices: €5-6 for a sausage in roll, €4-5 for smaller treats
Average drink prices: €4 for a mulled wine, €3.50 for a hot chocolate
Bremen might not be your first thought when planning a German Christmas market adventure, but stick with me here.
In the city centre, you’ll find a more traditional German style Christmas market, where my boyfriend ate six sausages in one weekend trip. Mulled wine is just a few Euros, and it’s definitely a more budget friendly option against the bigger cities like Berlin and Hamburg.
Along the banks of the river, you’ll find the Schlachte-Zauber market, and this one has a bit of a different twist. Inspired by the boats that moor alongside the promenade, this is a historical, pirate themed market, giving a strong nod to Bremen’s piracy-heavy history. It’s really cool, and we had such a fun evening here.
More things to do in Bremen:
- Explore Schnoor Quarter, Bremen’s oldest district – book a walking tour to learn more about the streets and buildings.
- Climb St Petri Dom for panoramic city views
Vilnius, Lithuania
Getting there: Direct flights from UK airports take around 2hrs 40mins
Where to stay: Downtown Forest Hostel, Cathedral Old Town Suites, Domus Maria Guesthouse
Average food prices: ~€6-10 per regular sized dish of savoury and sweet eats
Average drink prices: ~€5 for a mulled wine, €4 for a hot chocolate
I had to include this one, as it was ranked best for value for money in the Post Office Christmas Markets Report!
In the Cathedral Square Market, the spectacular 100ft Christmas tree makes a stunning centrepiece. Every year, this famous tree is beautifully decorated, and surrounded by wooden chalets selling traditional Lithuanian crafts, delicious food, and warming drinks.
If you’re feeling chilly, head to the Town Hall Square market, where you can cosy up in an igloo to enjoy some festive mulled wine or hot chocolate. The two markets are a short walk apart, but there’s also a free Christmas train that runs between them – it’s so cute!
Krakow, Poland
Getting there: Direct flights from UK airports take around 2hrs 30min
Where to stay: DReAM Boutique Aparthotel, Art Inn Space, MEININGER Hotel Kraków Centrum
Average market food price: ~30 to 50 PLN (£6–£10) for a main meal
Average market drink price: ~30 PLN (£6) for a mulled wine
Honestly, anywhere in Poland is a top-tier choice for a budget Christmas break. I’m focusing on Krakow, because it’s the city I’ve actually been to, but if you’re looking at alternatives, both Gdansk and Warsaw have well-loved festive markets.
But back to Krakow. The main market takes place in Rynek Główny, which makes sense, as it’s the city’s biggest market square. It’s best known for its food and drink, offering traditional Polish dishes, like pierogi, national cheeses and pastries.
We were incredibly impressed at how far our modest budget took us visiting Krakow, with food and drink all over the city being very reasonably priced. There are also plenty of free things to do in the city, so you have more cash to spend on mulled wine.
Krakow in general is a magical winter city to visit, and if you’re lucky like we were, you might even get a dusting of snow as the icing on the cake to your festive fairytale.
More things to do in Krakow at Christmas:
- Take an evening river cruise to see the city lights from the water
- Take a day trip to Zakopane to warm up in the gorgeous thermal baths
- Listen to a live classical Christmas performance in the cosy Chopin Concert Hall
Riga, Latvia
Getting there: Direct flights from UK airports take around 2hrs 30min
Where to stay: Blue Bird Boutique Hostel, Hanza Hotel, Ibis Riga Center
Average food prices: ~€12-15 for a main meal
Average drink prices: ~€4-5 for a mulled wine, €3-4 for a hot chocolate
Riga’s medieval Old Town comes to life with festive magic during December, and its the perfect place for a fairytale Christmas escape. Smaller and more off the beaten track than other European cities, it’s also ideal for a quieter festive adventure.
Wrap your hands around a warming mug of mulled wine with a cheeky kick of Riga Black Balsam, a local herbal liqueur, to keep you warm all through the evening. The food stalls are pretty traditional and typically Latvian, filling the town with the comforting smell of potato pancakes, smoked fish and gingerbread.
You won’t find piles of plastic twinkling tat here, as the stalls focus on genuine local crafts. Think hand-knitted mittens designed to stave off the Latvian chill; lovingly carved woodwork and hand poured candles in a variety of invigorating winter scents.
Budapest, Hungary
Getting there: Direct flights from UK airports take around 2hrs 30min
Where to stay: Avenue Hostel, Bohem Art Hotel, Maverick Athenaeum
Average food price: ~5,500 HUF (£12) for a large hot dog, up to 8000 HUF (£18) for a large main dish, ~4500 HUF for langos (£10)
Average drink price: ~1,800 HUF (£4) for a mulled wine
Budapest is one of my favourite European cities in general, and the medieval and baroque streets of Buda Hill look even more magical in the winter light.
While Budapest itself is on the more affordable side for a city break generally, the food and drink prices at the markets are quite inflated compared to city restaurants. For budget-conscious travellers, I’d recommend soaking up the market atmosphere then finding some cheap eats in Budapest.
In terms of Christmas markets, you’re in for a treat. Advent Bazilika takes over the entire square under the imposing St Stephen’s Basilica, featuring everything you’d expect from one of Europe’s most popular Christmas markets. It gets busy, but it’s worth it, as there’s so much to see here!
For a more traditional Hungarian Christmas market, check out Vörösmarty Classic Xmas. Filled with lovingly made handicrafts from local artisans, it has more of a traditional craft fair vibe, the perfect place to pick up some last-minute gifts.
For sustainable and ethical makers and independent producers, drop in to Klauzál Square Green Christmas Market. This indoor spot is open on specific weekend dates only, so check when it’s running before you make your plans.
To get into the festive spirit even more, you can head to a local cafe for a nostalgic retro Christmas experience with drinks, snacks, music and discussions; head out on a Danube cruise with unlimited mulled wine; or even take a day trip to nearby Vienna to combine two cities in one trip!
Oh, and while you’re there – check out my list of essential things to do in Budapest!
Malaga, Spain
Getting there: Direct flights from UK airports take around 2hrs 45min
Where to stay: Literal Hostel, Wostel, Suites Larios,
Average food price: Savoury and sweet snacks come in at around €3 to €6, with more substantial full meals reaching €12-15
Average drink price: Mulled wine and hot chocolate costs between €3 to €5 per cup
If you’re looking to put a sunny twist on your Christmas adventure, Malaga is a surprisingly affordable Spanish city break with plenty of holiday cheer to be found. I was a little confused about taking a photo next to a polar bear display while wearing a t-shirt in the sunshine, but it turns out the Spaniards go all-in for the festive season too!
The captivating Christmas lights of Calle Larios are the backdrop to Malaga’s festive cheer. Every evening, the street transforms into a magical sound and light show, with millions of twinkling LED lights.
The Paseo del Parque market puts a traditional Andalusian twist on Christmas, with festive food including local cheeses, cold cuts of meat, and must-have cinnamon-coated churros dipped in thick, gooey chocolate. If you’re after some new decorations, you’ll find plenty of authentic styles, including nativity scenes and local crafts.
Discover the best things to do on a weekend break in Malaga with my full guide!
More winter travel guides:
