Travel & Tourism

8 European Christmas markets you can fly to from Manchester, from £27 return

Including the number one Christmas Market in Europe.

Daisy Jackson - 3rd December 2025

Manchester’s Christmas Markets may be fairly famous in their own right – but for those of us who live here they’re perhaps a little less magical than they are for visitors (drinking a gluhwein immediately outside your office takes the shine off it a bit).

Which is why Manchester Airport has now rounded up eight European Christmas markets you could jet off to from as little at £27 return.

That means you could be hitting cities across the continent that have their own time-honoured festive markets to enjoy, from Switzerland to Poland and beyond.

The airport has singled out eight festive destinations from its network of more than 200 that won’t break the bank.

So get packing your comically small Ryanair bag and check this lot out.

Brussels

Head to the Belgian capital and you’ll find twinkling Christmas markets sprawling right across the city.

This is a perfect European destination if you like your Christmas season to be filled with beers (for which Belgium is world-famous), chocolate, and fries.

The heart of the action is Grand Place, but the markets sprawl out across a number of other locations like the Marché aux Poissons, with more than 200 stalls; and the Place de Brouckère, which offers an ice rink and funfair rides.

Fly with Ryanair from £27pp return | Market dates 28 November – 4 January

Milan

You’ve surely seen Milan’s jaw-dropping cathedral – well this is the backdrop to the Italian city’s Christmas Markets, which fill the Piazza Duomo every December.

You’ll find stalls selling handmade trinkets, cheese, and charcuterie, as well as panettone which actually originated right here in Milan.

Fly with Ryanair from £29pp return | Milan Christmas market runs from 1 December – 6 January

Gdansk

Stop what you’re doing right now and get ready to book flights, because you could jet off to Europe’s best Christmas market from just £30 per person.

Gdansk is big on spectacle and covers the city in Christmas lights and street performances, with stalls filling the picturesque Old Town.

It’s also a bargain for British visitors, with beer less than £3 and Polish delicacies like Pierogi dumplings costing even less than that.

So you can stuff your £8.50 bratwurst in Manchester, frankly.

Fly with Ryanair from £30pp return | Gdansk Christmas market runs from 21 November – 23 December

Oslo

If you want an authentically white Christmas, this might be the place to try – Oslo is one of the most northern major cities and that means a good chance of snow – and maybe even a glimpse of the Northern Lights.

The markets themselves have food stalls, a Ferris wheel, an ice rink and a carousel for a picturesque and varied experience.

And if you head out of town you’ll have Norway’s beautiful lakes, fjords and woodlands to explore too.

Fly with Ryanair from £30pp return | Oslo Christmas market runs from 8 November – 4 January

Riga

Another affordable European Christmas spot on the list from Manchester Airport is Riga, the Latvian capital.

Music runs through the markets’ veins, with live performances throughout December from folk banks to Christmas choirs and even DJ sets at the weekends.

These are proudly local markets too, with artisanal stands selling local handmade products.

Fly with Ryanair from £37pp return | Riga Christmas market runs from 29 November – 1 January

Bratislava

Bratislava is one of the fastest-growing markets in Europe, and is another one that’s both authentic and refreshingly affordable.

Wander the streets of the Old Town to be surrounded by Viennese-inspired architecture and charming market stalls, selling classic fare like bratwurst as well as more local favourites.

Don’t miss langos (a savoury fried bread with sour cream) and lokshe (a potato pancake).

You can also head across to Bratislava Castle to explore a medieval-themed market.

Fly with Ryanair from £38pp return | Bratislava Christmas market runs from 27 November – 6 January

Bucharest

Right in front of the Romanian Parliament building you’ll find Constitution Square, and Bucharest’s festive activities.

There are more than 130 stands to explore here, selling handmade gifts plus Romanian and international food at reasonable prices.

There’s also a main stage with musical and dance performances, and a Santa’s Grotto where the little ones can meet elves and reindeer.

Fly with Ryanair from £45pp return | Bucharest Christmas market runs from 29 November – 28 December

Zurich

Nowhere captures a magical Christmas scene quite like Switzerland, and if you fly over to Zurich at this time of year you’ll be able to wander the Christmas markets with the snow-capped Alps in the distance.

The largest markets are actually indoors, in the grounds of the city’s main train station, where you’ll find Swiss traditions like raclette and mulled wine plus a giant Christmas tree.

Swiss Airlines and easyJet both fly to Zurich from Manchester.

Fly with easyJet from £79pp return | Zurich Christmas market runs from 20 November – 23 December

Featured image: Daniels Joffe on Unsplash