The festive season is almost upon us, or maybe it already is - depending on how eager you are for Christmas. The cold weather, decorations and maybe a cheeky mulled wine at a Christmas Market are staples of this time of year.
If you enjoy Manchester's own market and feel like tying in your Christmas this year with a trip away, then you’re in luck. To get in the mood, Manchester Airport has reminded passengers of 12 European destinations they will fly you to for a Christmas Market.
Amongst the list are markets in several of Europe’s most stunning capital cities. Festive events and markets in Copenhagen, Brussels and Berlin feature on Manchester Airport’s list. Check out our gallery to see if there’s a location you are destined for this Christmas.
5. Berlin
Berlin ticks every box for a great Christmas getaway. Domäne Dahlem’s rural Advent Market hosts handmade nougat, gourmet cheeses, and warm spiced punch. Turn back the clock and take a trip to Berliner Weihnachtszei’s nostalgic Christmas market. It has an ice rink and a Christmas Carnival, as well as a medieval market selling old-fashioned baked goods and hot mead served in clay jugs. | Pixabay
6. Copenhagen
Copenhagen's city centre theme park, Tivoli, holds its own Christmas market. Shop for traditional gifts and decorations, take a ride on one of the park's rollercoasters and enjoy hearty Danish cuisine while taking in the festive atmosphere. Elsewhere in the city there are several other Christmas markets, while the Swedish city of Malmö is just a short bus or train ride away, meaning you can experience two Christmas traditions in one trip. | Pixabay
7. Vienna
Wrap up warm and head for Vienna if you love exceptional coffee, Christmas carols in concert and, of course, amazing winter markets. The largest market is near the Rathaus where, amid the aroma of roasting chestnuts, stalls sell gifts, choirs sing, and families ice skate together. | Pixabay
8. Krakow
With its castle providing a backdrop and its picturesque cobbled streets, Krakow’s Old Town becomes a living Christmas card over the festive season - especially when it starts to snow. The Christmas market is in Rynek Glowny, the city’s main market square – lined with timber huts and illuminated with fairy lights, with an enormous Christmas tree in the centre, it looks especially magical at night. | Krakow Christmas