Europe is undoubtedly the king of Christmas markets – with cities like Cologne, Prague and Strasbourg hosting unparalleled festive celebrations each year.
And with short, affordable flights readily available from the UK, there’s no quicker way to get into the Christmas spirit than a weekend break to some of the continent’s most renowned markets.
But as big-name markets become inundated with visitors, prices can rise, while people may find themselves spending more time waiting in queues and haggling with vendors than enjoying the lights, food and attractions they flew in for.
Luckily, these five under-the-radar Christmas market swaps are a perfect escape from all-too-popular – not to mention crowded and expensive – hotspots in Paris, Amsterdam, Berlin, Dublin and Copenhagen.
Recommended by locals, here are the hidden gem festive markets that will give you the real authentic spirit of Christmas this year without breaking the bank – and all are a short flight from London.
Swap: Paris’s La Défense Market for Alsatian Christmas Market at Gare de l’Est
Flight: 1 hour 25 minutes from London, starting at £58
Paris does Christmas with serious flair – but those who have visited La Défense have all-too-often reported endless queues, busy crowds and overpriced food.
These five under-the-radar Christmas market swaps are a perfect escape from all-too-popular – not to mention crowded and expensive – hotspots in Paris, Amsterdam, Berlin , Dublin and Copenhagen (Pictured: Alt-Rixdorf Christmas Market in Berlin)
The Alsatian Christmas Market at Gare de l’Est is a charming alternative, boasting significantly less crowds, a friendly atmosphere and authentic regional treats – from buttery bredele biscuits to flammekueche straight from Alsace.
Far from a tourist trap, the market makes for a relaxing afternoon of grazing and people-watching with a mulled wine or hot chocolate in hand.
An even bigger bonus? It’s indoor, so you can enjoy the experience without shivering in the cold night air.
Swap: Amsterdam’s Ice Village for Pure Markt Winter Market (Westergas / Park Frankendael)
Flight: 1 hour 20 minutes from London with return flights for £65
While the Ice Village at the Rijksmuseum offers a picturesque – if crowded and commercialised – skating experience, locals often prefer the authentic atmosphere of Pure Markt.
This travelling fair is all about sustainability, small-batch food and relaxed vibes, where visitors can indulge in craft gin and vegan bitterballen while the air fills with the sound of live folk music.
You can also take your pooch along to the market, which boasts a dog-friendly environment.
Swap: Berlin’s Gendarmenmarkt for Alt-Rixdorf Christmas Market (Neukölln)
Flight time: 2 hours from London Southend with return flights starting from £125.
Visitors seeking a less crowded and more authentic holiday experience in Berlin can bypass the packed Gendarmenmarkt and head south to Alt-Rixdorf.
Set in the heart of Neukölln, the quaint market offers a fairytale experience free from shoulder-to-shoulder crowds.
For one magical Advent weekend (5 to 7 December), visitors can wander around cobbled lanes illuminated by atmospheric lantern light, and pick up handmade goods like beeswax candles and toys from stalls run by local charities.
The market offers a community feel, marked by carol singers in scarves instead of blaring commercial music.
Visitors seeking a less crowded and more authentic holiday experience in Berlin can bypass the packed Gendarmenmarkt and head south to Alt-Rixdorf (pictured)
Swap: Dublin’s Docklands Market for Dún Laoghaire Christmas Festival
Flight: 1 hour 15 minutes with return flights from London starting at £31
The Docklands might be a hit on Instagram, but locals prefer to hit up a market 30 minutes down the coast in Dún Laoghaire.
At the festive market, the seafront comes alive with fairy light displays, a vintage carousel, and the tantalising smell of mince pies mingling with the salty sea air.
Visitors can spend the day perusing the stalls with a hot whiskey in hand and look over the waves crashing against the pier before returning to the capital in the early evening for a hearty Irish dinner.
The Docklands might be a hit on Instagram, but locals prefer to hit up a market 30 minutes down the coast in Dún Laoghaire (pictured)
Swap: Copenhagen’s Tivoli Gardens for Jægersborggade Street Market (Nørrebro)
Flight: 2 hours from London with return flights from £59
Tivoli Gardens, as stunning as it is, has become a highly popular Christmas market spot – with high entry fees, crowds and queues to match.
For an authentic Danish experience, locals recommend Jægersborggade, the indie heartbeat of Nørrebro, where visitors can indulge in delicacies from locals boutiques and bakeries, from gløgg (a spiced mulled wine) to cinnamon rolls.
The market is craft fair, part homely street party, with live jazz, candlelight and general hygge (cosiness) adding to its fabulously festive atmosphere.
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