It’s now cheaper to fly to Europe for a Christmas market than visit one in the UK, says Thomas Cook

Brits hoping to spread some festive joy at a Christmas market this year may be surprised to learn it’s now cheaper to head overseas than visit some of the UK’s most popular winter attractions.

Despite the continued popularity of domestic festive breaks, rising UK rail fares and accommodation costs mean travellers can enjoy a European Christmas market escape - including flights and a hotel stay - for less than the price of a domestic getaway.

Online travel agency Thomas Cook analysed average transport, accommodation and on-the-ground costs across a range of sources and found that a visit to London’s Winter Wonderland from Birmingham now totals approximately £318.90.

By contrast, a one-night package holiday to Budapest, including return flights and a stay at the 4* Hotel Mediterran, starts from just £85 per person. With local prices at the market averaging £9 for a meal and £3.50 for a beer, the total cost is £97.50 - less than one-third of the cost of London’s flagship festive experience. 

Festive breaks to other major UK Christmas markets also struggle to compete. A trip from London to Manchester costs around £297, yet travellers can swap it for Warsaw, where Thomas Cook packages to the 4* Mamaison Residence Diana start from £97 per person plus around £12.50 for market food and drink bringing the total to just £109.50 - a saving of £187.50.

Even Edinburgh’s iconic markets are undercut by European alternatives: a London-to-Edinburgh visit costs roughly £229.50, yet a Christmas getaway to Copenhagen, including flights and a night at the 2* Annex Copenhagen can be had from just £191 per person. With festive food and drink on top at around £13, the total is £204. 

*Prices for rail fares, accommodation, food and drink were based on average costs sourced from a range of online resources.

Nicholas Smith, Holidays Digital Director at Thomas Cook, said:

"Christmas markets abroad are not only magical, but this year they’re proving exceptional value for money. With UK rail, hotel and food costs often sitting at the higher end, a festive night away in Europe proves to be more affordable, and perhaps more memorable too.”

Customers booking with Thomas Cook can choose from over 20,000 hotels across 71 destinations throughout Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas, and enjoy flexible travel options with more than 190 airline partners. All package holidays are ATOL protected, giving customers peace of mind and enhanced financial security, as well as the reassurance of ABTA's Code of Conduct. Book with Thomas Cook