As the festive season is rapidly approaching, travel gurus have shared how you could make this Christmas the most enchanting yet by visiting some dreamy Christmas markets on a budget. It can be challenging to add that special touch to the holiday season without splashing out, but some spots in central Europe might be more affordable for Brits than similar destinations within the UK.
Travel booking site OMIO has researched the cheapest train fares for the first week of December (though prices may vary) and identified the top five European destinations from London St Pancras station, all for less than £100 per ticket. Topping the budget-friendly itinerary is Belgium, with arrivals at the Midi station in Brussels.
With a 2-hour journey from just £63 one-way, Brits could find themselves soaking up the atmosphere at the popular Brussels Christmas market, which runs from the 29th of November to the 5th of January. This Winter Wonders market attracts thousands of tourists annually and is cheaper to reach from St Pancras than Edinburgh.
The renowned market features wooden chalets housing a variety of vendors selling handmade crafts, treats, and gifts. Once night falls in the frosty winter season, the Grand Place plaza illuminates with a stunning Christmas tree display.
Next up is Paris, France, with arrivals at the Paris Gare Du Nord station in under 2 and a half hours for £78. A trip to Amsterdam Central in the Netherlands comes at the same price, although the journey is slightly longer at 4 and a half hours, reports Surrey Live.
Edinburgh’s Christmas market in Scotland ranks fourth on the list of most affordable iconic Christmas markets, with a £79 ticket for a 4-hour journey from London. The list by OIMIO concludes with a slightly more expensive trip at £107 to visit the renowned Christmas markets in Cologne, Germany.
This journey includes a stopover at Brussels’ Midi station and takes approximately 4 hours to reach the famous market. The Times has ranked Cologne Christmas Market as the best in Europe, and it will be open this year from November 18th until December 23rd.