As autumn creeps in and our Eurosummer adventures become distant memories, many of us turn our attention to the festive season and the snow-dusted adventures that await.
While we all adore the festive fever that grips the UK from the start of November, from the wintry pop-ups to the sparkling lights and hotel lobbies attempting to outdo each other with their themed trees, a Christmas market city break is often the cherry on the (stollen) cake.
However, the costs of such a trip soon add up once peak-season travel, accommodation and spending money for all those charming trinkets are considered.
Warsaw claims the title of the cheapest city break in Europe this Christmas
Getty ImagesLuckily, the number-crunchers at TravelSupermarket have revealed the cheapest Christmas market city breaks for 2026, showing where our money goes further – leaving as many pennies as possible for presents.
This year, it’s the Polish city of Warsaw that claims the title of the most wallet-friendly festive break. The city – and Poland as a whole – often ranks among Europe’s cheapest destinations, largely due to the monetary policy it maintains by using the Złoty rather than the Euro, despite being a member of the EU.
Stays in the Polish capital average £110 per person per night in December, while Krakow sits in fifth place at £131.
The second-cheapest is Barcelona, where traditional markets such as Fira de Santa Llúcia and Fira de Reis de la Gran Via fill the city with yuletide cheer – although you can expect daytime highs of 20°C through November rather than flurries of snow.
Dublin is third at £128 a night and Venice fourth at £130 per person per night, meaning the Christmas period may be the perfect time to experience some of the continent’s notoriously expensive cities.
Venice is a surprisingly affordable option for December
Getty ImagesChris Webber, Head of Holidays and Deals at TravelSupermarket, said, "Christmas markets are a huge draw for a December city break, but our data shows where you go makes a big difference to what you pay. Warsaw and Krakow put Poland firmly on the map for value, while Barcelona proves you don't have to skip the big names to save, coming in £53 a night cheaper than Madrid on average. At the other end of the scale, Vienna averages more than double the price of Warsaw, so a couple choosing Warsaw for three nights could have over £700 more to spend at the markets. Comparing prices across destinations before you book really can pay off."
Top 10 cheapest Christmas markets for a city break
The following prices represent the average cost of a December stay, per night per person, in each city
1. Warsaw, £110
2. Barcelona, £112
3. Dublin, £128
4. Venice, £130
5. Krakow, £131
6. Budapest, £133
7. Berlin, £134
8. Hamburg, £134
9. Rome, £135
10. Lisbon, £142