Where in Europe is the most affordable Christmas market: an option for a winter vacation

The spooky Halloween decorations smoothly transition into themed Christmas nativity scenes. The festive season will soon be upon us - many European cities are already actively preparing for Christmas markets. These are usually very atmospheric events with bright lights, traditional winter dishes and mulled wine. There is one drawback: prices at Christmas markets are significantly overpriced.

Experts have conducted a study to determine where the most affordable Christmas market is in Europe, and it turned out that it is not far from Ukraine. Experts from the Saxo investment platform have identified the top 10 inexpensive destinations to visit this holiday season.

Top 10 most affordable European Christmas markets

1. Poznan, Poland;
2. Saranda, Albania;
3. Craiova, Romania;
4. Budapest, Hungary;
5. Montbéliard, France;
6. Riga, Latvia;
7. Trier, Germany;
8. Prague, Czech Republic;
9. Madeira, Portugal;
10. Govone, Italy.

Experts calculated an index score based on the cheapest flights, the cost of lunch for two and the price of one night's stay at a hotel to determine the results.

The Polish city of Poznan, which annually holds a fair on the Old Market Square, is on the first place. The average cost of a one-night hotel stay will cost $40.

Sarendë in Albania is in second place with hotels starting at $54.

One of the most amazing destinations is Madeira in Portugal. The average temperature during the Christmas period is around 18°C, so it will definitely be an unforgettable holiday. The average cost of a one-night hotel stay is $84.

Historians say that the tradition of Christmas fairs originated in the Holy Roman Empire from ordinary trades where townspeople and peasants could buy all the goods they needed for the winter. The first mention of the "December Fair" in Vienna dates back to 1294. Some of the oldest Christmas markets are the Bautzen market, known since 1384, and the Dresden market, which dates back to 1434.

Traditional Christmas markets are shopping arcades set up in the streets and squares in the city center. Historically, they consisted of wooden houses.

At such events, you can buy pastries, gingerbread, pancakes, stolen, various delicacies, and Christmas decorations. Usually, fairs offer mulled wine and punch to warm you up.

Christmas fairs create a real festive atmosphere, so an annual visit to such events can become a great family tradition.

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