With the festive season fast approaching, travel experts broke down how you could make this the most magical Christmas yet by ticking off some bucket-list markets on a budget. It can be difficult to bring something special to the festive season without breaking the bank but some locations in central Europe could be cheaper for Brits to get to than similar locations in the UK.
Travel booking website OMIO researched the cheapest train prices for the first week of December, although prices are subject to change, and found the top five European destinations from London St Pancras station, all for under £100 a ticket.
Top of the budget itinerary is Belgium, arriving at the Midi station in Brussels. With a 2-hour journey from £63 one-way, Brits could find themselves immersed in the iconic Brussels Christmas market open from the 29th of November to the 5th of January. This iconic Winter Wonders market draws countless tourists every year and is cheaper to get to from St Pancras than Edinburgh.
The famous market includes wooden chalets storing an array of vendors offering handmade crafts, treats and gifts. Once the sun goes down in the chilly winter season, the Grand Place plaza lights up with an astounding Christmas tree display too.
Next on the list is Paris, France, arriving at the Paris Gare Du Nord station in less than 2 and a half hours for £78. Travelling to Amsterdam Central in the Netherlands comes at the same price although a slightly longer journey at 4 and a half hours.
Scotland’s Edinburgh market clocks in at fourth place on the cheapest iconic Christmas markets with a £79 ticket for a 4-hour journey from the London station. Finally, OIMIO’s list ends on a slightly more pricey journey at £107 to travel to the legendary Christmas markets in Cologne, Germany.
This journey also includes a changeover at Brussels’ Midi station and overall takes about 4 hours to get to the famous market. Cologne Christmas Market is ranked as the best Christmas market in Europe by The Times and is open this year from November 18th until December 23rd.