Europe’s best-value Christmas market revealed – with cheap grog and free festive train rides
THE best value Christmas market destination has been revealed – and it’s an unexpected place.
Bratislava was named one of the most affordable place to go for the festive markets.
A study conducted by Post Office analyzed 14 places as part of their Travel Money’s Christmas Markets.
The investigation looked at a combination of things, including the cheapest two-night holiday package include return flights and two nights.
Airport transfers, evening meals with wine and coffee as well as snacks and drinks at the market.
Bratislava came in the cheapest at £510 – compared to Copenhagen’s £989.
The main event takes place in the Main Square from November 22.
Running for a month, tourists can explore the many stores that have traditional food and drink as well as gifts.
A common food option is a Lokše, a potato pancake stuffed with fillings such as savoury options like duck fat or sauerkraut or a grilled pork bun called Cigánska.
If you like dumplings then there is the bryndzové halušky, which are served with sheep cheese and bacon.
If you want a sweet option, you can also get a potato pancake stuffed with jam or Nutella, or a honey cookie called medovniky.
And of course you can get some mulled wine or grog along the way, or the local delicacy being honey wine.
Make sure to try the free Christmas Express, a lit-up tram with carol singers.
The best views will be found up Bratislava Castle, or you can go on a river cruise down the Danube.
Bratislava also has some of the cheapest beer in Europe.
Tourists can find a pint for just £1.60, with food and drinks blogger Global Treats saying it was a “city where beer is cheaper than water”.
Flights are cheap, with £13 fares from the UK.
Jet2 has even launched new holiday packages to Bratislava, for the first time, along with Malmo.
The tour operator confirmed the trips from both Manchester and Birmingham airports are now on sale, until May 19 next year.
Jet2 boss, Steve Heapy, said: “City and Christmas market breaks are continuing to grow in popularity, so we are delighted to be going on sale with two brand-new destinations for Winter 24/25.
“Bratislava and Malmo are fantastic destinations, and we are expecting these new city and Christmas market packages with Jet2CityBreaks to be very popular with both customers and independent travel agents.”
How to save money on Christmas shopping
Consumer reporter Sam Walker reveals how you can save money on your Christmas shopping.
Limit the amount of presents – buying presents for all your family and friends can cost a bomb.
Instead, why not organise a Secret Santa between your inner circles so you’re not having to buy multiple presents.
Plan ahead – if you’ve got the stamina and budget, it’s worth buying your Christmas presents for the following year in the January sales.
Make sure you shop around for the best deals by using price comparison sites so you’re not forking out more than you should though.
Buy in Boxing Day sales – some retailers start their main Christmas sales early so you can actually snap up a bargain before December 25.
Delivery may cost you a bit more, but it can be worth it if the savings are decent.
Shop via outlet stores – you can save loads of money shopping via outlet stores like Amazon Warehouse or Office Offcuts.
They work by selling returned or slightly damaged products at a discounted rate, but usually any wear and tear is minor.
We’ve rounded up some other Christmas markets you can visit this year.
Or here are the best family day trips across England to enjoy at Christmas.