Fly Cheaper Logo

The Christmas season is on the horizon, and there's no better way to get into the festive spirit than by exploring the magical Christmas markets of Europe. Thanks to Cork Airport, hopping onto a plane and immersing yourself in the heart of Europe's Yuletide celebrations has never been easier. We've curated a list of the top 10 European Christmas markets accessible from Cork. So, buckle up and get ready to take a tour of the best Christmas markets in Europe.

1. Gdańsk, Poland - Gdańsk Christmas Fair

Kicking off our list is the enchanting Christmas market in Gdańsk. Known for its unique fairytale ambiance, this market hosts an array of stalls that offer traditional Polish crafts, mouthwatering food, and rich, spiced mulled wine.

An eye-catching moose head at the Gdańsk Christmas Market.

The Puro Gdańsk Stare Miasto boutique hotel is located in the heart of Gdańsk, just steps from the Long Market and the Christmas Market. It offers stylish rooms and suites, a rooftop bar with stunning views of the city, and a restaurant serving delicious Polish cuisine. .

2. Birmingham, UK - Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market

Running from mid-November, Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market is the largest German Christmas market outside Germany and Austria. From bratwurst to pretzels, and hot Glühwein, this market is a gastronomic delight.

A short walk from the market, you'll find the Radisson Blu Hotel Birmingham. Its location in the city center, paired with its luxurious facilities, ensures a convenient and restful stay.

3. Liverpool, UK - Liverpool Christmas Market

Starting mid-November, the Liverpool Christmas Market is a festive wonderland of unique gifts, international food, and drink stalls. Don’t forget to take a ride on the Ferris wheel for a spectacular view of the city.

Stay at the Titanic Hotel Liverpool, a unique hotel situated in the heart of the city and just a short stroll from the Christmas market.

4. Málaga, Spain - Málaga Christmas Market

Usually starting in late November, the Málaga Christmas Market offers a Spanish twist to the festive season. From traditional Andalusian crafts to delicious local food, this market is a feast for the senses.

Calle Larios spectacularly lit up for the Christmas season.

The Hotel Málaga Palacio is located in the heart of the city and is just a short walk from the Christmas market. This luxurious hotel ensures an opulent stay, perfectly complementing the vibrant market experience.

5. London, UK - Christmas Markets

London comes alive with the spirit of Christmas mid-November. From the Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park to the Southbank Centre Winter Market, London offers a variety of markets that cater to every festive desire.

The Dorchester, located in Mayfair and a short walk from the bustling markets, provides a luxurious base for your market adventure.

6. Poznań, Poland - Poznań Christmas Market

Starting mid-November, the Poznań Christmas Market transforms the Old Market Square into a winter wonderland. From delicious Polish treats to traditional crafts, this market has it all.

Stall at the vibrant and festive Poznan Christmas Market.

Situated in the heart of the city, the Hotel Mercure Poznań Centrum is just a short walk from the Old Market Square and the Christmas Market. It offers comfortable rooms and suites, a restaurant, bar, and fitness center.

7. Manchester, UK - Manchester Christmas Market

Manchester's Christmas Market, beginning mid-November, is one of the largest and most visited in the UK. With its stunning lights, delectable food stalls, and traditional Christmas crafts, this market offers a classic festive experience.

The Kimpton Clocktower Hotel, located in the city center, close to the Christmas market, provides a modern and convenient base for your Christmas market adventures.

8. Edinburgh, UK - Edinburgh's Christmas

Edinburgh's Christmas Market usually begins in mid-November. It offers a unique and magical holiday experience with a spectacular setting, international food vendors, unique gifts, and a carousel.

Stay at The Balmoral, a historic hotel located in the heart of the city, just a short walk from the Christmas market.

9. Milan, Italy - Fiera di Sant'Ambrogio

Consider Milan Christmas market for something a bit different.

Starting in late November/early December, Oh Bej! Oh Bej! offers a uniquely Italian Christmas market experience. From traditional Italian Christmas treats to high-quality crafts, this market is a food lover's paradise.

Located in the center of Milan, the luxurious Hotel Principe di Savoia is a short walk from the market, making it an ideal place to stay.

10. Amsterdam, Netherlands - Amsterdam Christmas Market

While Amsterdam’s Christmas market typically starts in mid-December, it's worth the wait. With a vast array of crafts, gifts, and food from around the world, it truly captures the festive spirit.

Amsterdam's Winter Light Festival, a stunning display of artistic illuminations.

For a stay that's close to the action, consider The Hotel Pulitzer Amsterdam. Located in the heart of the city, it's just a short walk from the Dam Square Christmas Market.

11. Paris, France - Paris Christmas Markets

Starting in mid-November, Paris Christmas markets add a magical sparkle to the City of Lights. From traditional crafts to gourmet food stalls offering French delicacies, these markets beautifully encapsulate the festive spirit.

The Hôtel de Crillon is an excellent choice for accommodation. This luxury hotel, located on the Place de la Concorde, is a short walk from the vibrant Christmas markets.

There you have it, 11 captivating Christmas markets in Europe, all easily accessible from Cork Airport. From Gdańsk to Paris, these destinations promise a delightful infusion of culture, tradition, and festive cheer. So, get ready to book your Christmas market flights from Cork Airport and make this holiday season an unforgettable one!