Places to enjoy a festive market on a budget
15:12, 29 Oct 2025Updated 15:13, 29 Oct 2025
Christmas market in Sibiu, Romania(Image: Getty)
Many would say there’s no finer way to soak up the festive atmosphere than sipping a steaming cup of mulled wine whilst browsing a European Christmas market.
That said, these seasonal events can often prove rather expensive.
Take Berlin’s Christmas market, for example, where a cup of mulled wine will set you back five euros, with an extra three euros charged if you’d like to take the mug home as a souvenir.
Opting to stay closer to home doesn’t necessarily guarantee savings, either.
It’s widely recognised that Christmas markets in the UK rank amongst the most expensive across Europe, reports the Express.
If you’re keen to arrange a festive getaway without emptying your wallet, several ‘lesser-known’ European Christmas markets provide far more affordable options.
What’s more, they typically attract smaller crowds than their British equivalents.
For those seeking inspiration, experts at Eurochange have conducted research into the finest alternative Christmas markets throughout Europe.
They’ve also worked out the most economical flights from the UK alongside average hotel costs.
Additionally, they’ve analysed which cities boast the most favourable exchange rates.
Laura Evans-Fisk, head of digital and engagement at Eurochange, commented: “Our research shows the Christmas market in Wroclaw, Poland, is one of the best in Europe if you’re looking for excellent value for money and a truly authentic experience.
“Two nights of accommodation for two adults costs just £47, and food and drinks are very affordable. Sibiu in Romania is a close second when it comes to the cheapest Christmas markets in Europe. Here, you can get a mulled wine for just 86p.”
Sibiu, Romania
Laura highlights that Sibiu is Romania’s top Christmas market destination, even outshining the capital, Bucharest, in popularity. Romanians flock in large numbers to partake in this Transylvanian winter festivity, known as ‘The Fair In Sibiu’, which runs from 14 November 2025, through to 4 January 2026.
Sibiu offers a unique mix of Hungarian, Romanian and German influences, contributing to the town’s incredibly rich cultural fabric – unparalleled anywhere else in Transylvania, Laura observes. Situated within the historic old town at Piata Mare, these markets are “beautifully decorated with thousands of fairy lights and festive trinkets”, she added.
She underscores its remarkable affordability. A cup of mulled wine varies between five and 10 leu (a mere £0.86).
Be sure to try the tasty regional specialities as well, including Kurtoskalacs (spit cakes) and cozonac (sweet bread).
Wroclaw, Poland
According to Laura, Wroclaw ranks among the best and most beautiful Christmas markets in Poland. “It is an idyllic, real life winter wonderland, scattered across the city”, she said.
Located in Rynek Market Square, Place Solny, Swidnicka Street and Oawska Street, visitors will find plenty of stalls to browse.
Laura says many sell handmade items and treats, mostly from independent sellers.
Prices are very reasonable too, Laura points out, with mulled wine available for just 15 PLN (£3.08) plus a 15 PLN deposit for the cup.
But if you don’t fancy the cup, there are lots of restaurants and pubs around the markets where you can find a warm mug of mulled wine for only 9 PLN (£1.85).
Innsbruck, Austria
Laura said: “Nothing will give you the ‘festive feels’ like roaming the streets of Innsbruck in the run-up to Christmas. The aroma of freshly made Kiachln (piping hot doughnuts laced with Sauerkraut) and the sound of Christmas carols are guaranteed to get you in the festive spirit.
“Fairy lights give the medieval alleys a magical glow, and in front of the city’s famous ‘Golden Roof’, you will find the Christmas markets. Visitors can also wander across to Innsbruck’s main shopping street, Maria-Theresien Straße, where there are even more chalets offering tasty snacks and handmade crafts.”
Tallinn, Estonia Laura describes Tallinn’s Christmas market as “Tallinn Christmas market is a real-life fairytale in the heart of Estonia’s capital”.
Guests can sample local delicacies, including black pudding, sour cabbage, gingerbread and warming festive tipples from 1-2 euros, making it one of the most affordable and most authentic Christmas markets in Europe.
She said: “The real star of the show is the incredible market Christmas tree, which has been set up every year in the Town Hall Square since 1441, making it the first ever Christmas tree to be put on display in Europe.”
Zagreb, Croatia
Croatia might not be the first nation that comes to mind when considering a ‘festive’ destination, but Zagreb’s Christmas market should not be missed, Laura insists.
Also known as ‘Advent Zagreb’, the city “truly comes to life” during the festive season with an epic Christmas market and a rich programme of music and art exhibitions, plus an impressive ice-skating rink in King Tromislav Square.
Strasbourg, France
Laura says: “A wonderful hybrid of French and German cultures, Strasbourg is a quaint city that truly comes to life over the festive period. Known to the French as the ‘capital of Christmas’, Strasbourg’s Christkindelsmärik is France’s oldest Christmas market, and has now been running for four centuries.
“The town’s streets are scattered with over 300 adorable chalets and twinkling lights, offering tasty local Alsatian delicacies such as Bredele (traditional Christmas biscuits) and Berawecka, a traditional Christmas fruit cake.”
Flight rates are based on Skyscanner data as of October 24, 2025, looking at the cheapest available direct flights in December. Hotel rates are also based on Booking.com data as of October 24, 2025, when filtering prices from ‘low to high’ for two nights, for two people sharing one room.
Exchange rates are all based on the market rate on October 24, 2025.
