Yes, Halloween hasn’t even happened, we know, but if you’re thinking about a Winter getaway, you need to get on these flight deals now. Plus most markets start in November and run until the New Year.
Imagine the giddiness of jetting off to soak up all the Christmassy fun in another country. Whether you’re jetting off leaving the kids with babysitter or taking them with you, there’s nothing like experiencing the magic of Christmas traditions in another country.
Here are some of the best deals around:
1. Paris
Paris markets are in Notre Dame, Place Saint-Germain-de-Prés, Place de la Nation and Place de Trocadero – 11am – 10pm.
Why go? The Avenue des Champs Elysées market is enough to make you fall in love with a total stranger on the street. The beautiful backdrop of the Eiffel Tower is the icing on the Christmas market cake. Beautiful.
What’s cool? The ‘Marché de Noel de Notre Dame’ in December is buzzing with over forty different types of crafts to buy, live puppet shows, street entertainers and animated storytelling for children.
Flights? Right now, there are flights for two adults and two children from Dublin to Paris CDG with Aer Lingus, December 5 – 7 from €374 ( if you book today). Once you get there, just hop on a train to the city centre.
2. Berlin
Charlottenburg market and Gendarmenmarkt, 11am – 10pm.
Why go? Berlin has a whopping 60 markets dotted across the city, all selling Bratwurst (German sausages), Gluhwein (hot wine), hot chocolate and all kinds of cute crafts. The Berlin Wall tour is a must-do. It’s cobblestone path and ruins are worth the short stroll from the market stalls.
What’s cool? Apart from the fact that Berlin is über hip and brilliant value to visit, it’s home to Europe’s biggest trabbogan run and a 20 metre Christmas tree.
Flights? Right now there are some brilliant deals going from Dublin to Berlin with Ryanair – December 5 – 7th for two adults and two children from €191 (if you book today).
3. Strasbourg
Christkindlesmarik Market, 11am – 10pm.
Why go? This is the oldest Christmas market in France – Christkindlesmarik. Hire a bike and meander through the book stalls, artisan chocolate shops, and then sit under the giant weeping willow on the riverside or underneath the gigantic Christmas tree in Place Kleber. The word is picturesque.
What’s cool? There is a speedy tram network to take you to vintage markets along the main square and back along the river Rhine. Sample some the famous Alsatian pizza, ‘Tarte Flambée’, on one of the barge bars that line the water’s edge.
Flights? A little more pricey, but stunning. From Dublin to Frankfurt with Ryanair from December 3 – 6 for two adults and two children from €237 (if you book today).
4. Copenhagen
Tivoli Gardens, Copenhagen, Denmark – 11am – 10pm.
Why go? This is the mother of all Christmas markets – it’s magical and sums up what Christmas is all about: fairy lights everywhere, merry-go-rounds food and mulled wine stalls are completely covered in knitted, glittered lights and covered in snow (if you’re lucky). And huge fireworks display over the adjacent lake several times a day.
What’s cool? Three separate light shows lasting for five minutes each can be seen perfectly from the Chinese quarter of the market and they are unforgettable.
How much? €13 for adults, children under 8-years-old are free.
Flights? Dublin to Copenhagen with Aer Lingus, December 6 – 9 for two adults and two children from €331 (if you book today).
5. Amsterdam
Main Square, Amsterdam, The Netherlands – 11am – 10pm.
Why go? There are so many markets you can choose the exact one to suit you: ‘Local Goods Christmas market’, ‘The Funky Christmas market’ or the aptly named ‘Winter market’. The season begins with famous Sinterklaas celebration at the City Theatre, the Stadsschouwburg, when the Dutch Santa Claus arrives to address the children.
What’s cool? Amsterdam hosts the largest Saint Nicholas parade in the world. There are different themes within the markets including Diwali, Dickensian, and Traditional.
Flights? From Dublin to Amsterdam with Ryanair – based on dates Saturday December 5th to Monday 7th – current price for two adults and two children from €200 (if you book today).
6. Lisbon
Lisbon Portugal – 11am – 10pm.
Why go? Think pretty, winding cobbled streets and huge roasted chestnuts to gorge on.
What’s cool? The districts of Belem, Chiado, Baixo and Bairo Alto literally dazzle with so many decorations against the stunning backdrop of monuments of the Golden Age. Taste the delicious traditional ‘Bolo-Rei’; a sweet, stuffed pastry will candied fruit, or get a ‘Rabanas’ to take away. Yum.
Flights? From Dublin to Lisbon with Aer Lingus, Saturday, December 13 – 15 for two adults and two children from €315 (if you book today)?
7. London
Hyde Park, Central London (Britain’s biggest Christmas market) – 11am – 10pm
Why go? It’s such an easy jump across the water to this spot. And we love London.
What’s cool? This market has big-top shows, an observation wheel and an ice-skating rink that circles the Victorian bandstand. There’s also an ice forest with intricate sculptures and ice castles in a ‘Magical Ice Kingdom’. Churros, frothy hot chocolate and mulled wine are on every market stall. This is what Christmas is made of.
How much? Break open the piggy bank, this trip’s gonna cost you, especially with the sterling so strong right now. The market is free though.
Flights? From Dublin to London Gatwick with Ryanair, Saturday, December 5 – 7 for two adults and two children from €142 (if you book today).
8. Riga
Riga, Latvia – 11am – 10pm.
Why go? This is the 10th anniversary of this wonderful Old Town Christmas market.
What’s cool? Pop bands sing festive melodies while you watch traditional log dragging. Sample Latvian Christmas cooking like roasted almonds and chestnuts on the streets of Riga.
Flights? From Dublin to Riga with Ryanair, Saturday, December 5 – 8 for two adults and two children from €360 (if you book today).
9. Barcelona
Fira de Santa Llúcia, Barcelona, Spain – 11am – 10pm.
Why go? If you’re a fan of mistletoe and grabbing your loved ones unawares, head here – it’s such a romantic spot. Watch out for the Caga Tío – a Catalan Christmas log cake decorated with a friendly cartoon-esque face.
What’s cool? This market doesn’t have the traditional German nibbles. For the Gourmands among you tapas and Spanish paella in the Barcelona market, replace the traditional market food of other Christmas gatherings around Europe.
How much? Free. Zippo. Zilch – unless you load up on the Patatas Bravas and Croquetas (the Spanish spuds).
Flights? From Dublin to Barcelona via Aer Lingus – based on dates Saturday, December 5th to Monday 7th – current price for two adults and two children is €395.
10. Krakow
Poland – 11am – 10pm.
Why go? You’ll have all your Christmas shopping done in a day here, think Krakow handicrafts of pottery, embroidery and metalwork.
What’s cool? Stroll around the old town square and listen to children sing carols among twinkling lights as you nibble morsels of complimentary gingerbread houses, pretzels and other carb-tastic delights.
Flights? Dublin to Krakow with Aer Lingus, December 5 – 7th two adults and two children from €363 (if you book today).
Tip: Prices were correct at time of publishing. Get on those flight websites and get booking your trip before they increase!
