The top 12 European Christmas markets just a short flight from Stansted Airport
Pack your bags, wrap up warm and immerse yourself in Christmas spirit by jetting off to one of Europe’s delightful winter markets.
Enjoy mulled wine, spiced hot chocolate and roasted chestnuts as you wander through the streets and squares of some of the continent’s top festive destinations.
And 12 of the best places to visit for some pre-Christmas eating, drinking and shopping are accessible directly from Stansted Airport.
Bergen, Norway
A traditional Ferris wheel and a horse carousel make Bergen’s Christmas market a festive fairground treat.
Festplassen Square, in the heart of the city, is filled with stalls selling handmade gifts, creative crafts and delicious food while the largest gingerbread town in the world, Pepperkakebyen, is another popular attraction.
Fly direct with Wideroe.
Berlin, Germany
Domäne Dahlem’s rural Advent Market hosts a number of unique activities, including everything from romantic carriage rides through the town to traditional bonfires.
You can also turn back the clock by visiting Berliner Weihnachtszei’s nostalgic Christmas market which plays host to an ice rink and a carnival as well as a medieval market selling old-fashioned baked goods and hot mead served in clay jugs.
Fly direct with Ryanair.
Budapest, Hungary
Beautiful Budapest really comes into its own at this time of year when its historic buildings are festooned with fairy lights
Take your time wandering through the market stalls as you nibble on chimney cake and choose gifts for loved ones before warming up in a traditional steamy thermal bath.
Fly direct with Ryanair.
Cologne, Germany
There could hardly be a more impressive location for a Christmas market than beneath Cologne’s huge cathedral.
As well as the main market, which is a maze of brightly-lit stalls, there are other favourites including a pretty set of stalls conveniently located next to the city’s Chocolate Museum.
Fly direct with Ryanair.
Dublin, Ireland
If your perfect Christmas market trip includes great shopping, great food and great craic, then Dublin is for you.
The main Christmas market takes place on St Stephen’s Green, but other interesting markets, like the Dublin Flea Christmas Market, pop up all over the city.
Fly direct with Ryanair.
Edinburgh, Scotland
Europe’s best Christmas market - according to National Geographic - is nestled in the heart of Edinburgh’s historic city centre.
Breathtaking views can be enjoyed on the big wheel and children will love the magical Santa train that travels through an illuminated winter wonderland.
Fly direct with easyJet and Ryanair.
Innsbruck, Austria
A carousel, puppet shows, storytelling and an enormous 14m-high Christmas tree will leave everyone with a sense of Christmas wonder during a trip to Austria’s fifth-largest city.
A viewing platform is the perfect place to sip mulled wine and look out over the market while brass bands play traditional Christmas carols from the Golden Roof.
Fly direct with Jet2.
Lisbon, Portugal
Wonderland Lisboa is the Portuguese capital’s most popular Christmas market and features a Ferris wheel with heated cabins and a free ice rink.
Children can visit Santa’s house in the Christmas Village and paint a picture with the man himself while shows can be enjoyed on the main stage.
Fly direct with Ryanair.
Oslo, Norway
People travel from far and wide to experience Oslo’s Christmas spirit, particularly at Spikersuppa, one of its biggest markets.
For a more alternative Christmas market, visit Olsos Supermarked, which is packed with trendy cocktail stalls, street food vendors and vintage and second-hand clothes, accessories and gifts.
Fly direct with Ryanair.
Prague, Czechia
Christmas festivities take place right across Prague, from Old Town through to Holešovice Exhibition Grounds.
One of the nicest things to do is to take a wander, enjoy the atmosphere and discover one of the many smaller markets that are scattered around every corner.
Fly direct with Ryanair.
Reykjavik, Iceland
While the climate may be cold, Reykjavik’s Christmas market at Hjartagarðurinn is warm, welcoming and wonderfully festive.
If you want to really experience the stunning landscape, visit the Christmas market at Elliðavatnsbær in Heiðmörk where you can wander through the forest, peruse the Christmas trees and festive decorations and buy unique art.
Fly direct with Play Airlines.
Rome, Italy
With endless fairy lights twinkling across the city’s cobbled streets, the Colosseum lit up magnificently and an enormous Christmas tree sparkling in front it, Rome positively glows during the festive season.
Wander through the grandiose Piazza Navona and enjoy one of the city’s traditional Christmas markets while you will also be entertained by rides, live performances and the beautiful nativity scene.
Fly direct with Ryanair.
Visit stanstedairport.com for more information on booking flights. And buy a copy of next week’s Bishop’s Stortford Independent (November 22) for your chance to win £500 in travel vouchers to spend on a trip to the Christmas markets in Bergen, Norway.
