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European Christmas market that’s been called ‘the best’ is a £22 flight from Manchester
by Liv Clarke · Manchester Evening NewsOctober has been and gone, Halloween is over and the half term break has come to an end. These shifts signify one thing: the start of the festive season.
While Christmas day itself may feel like a while off, plenty of celebrations will begin in the coming weeks, including magical markets. Throughout November and December, cities across Europe will host dozens of Christmas markets, where tiny wooden stalls sell everything from handmade gifts to indulgent treats.
Manchester’s own markets will open next week, with over 200 stalls spread out across the city. It’s handy having them on our doorstep, but sometimes you can’t beat the charm of a market abroad.
READ MORE: Manchester Christmas markets named the 'most Instagrammable' in Europe
Countries such as Germany, France and Austria are well-known for their markets with Cologne and Strasbourg being the most popular. Yet trips here can be expensive, but luckily there’s plenty of other affordable options which can be just as magical.
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One of these is Wroclaw’s Christmas Market in Poland, which has generated a buzz in recent years thanks to its gorgeous setting and budget-friendly prices. Flights from Manchester Airport to Wroclaw won’t break the bank either, with Ryanair offering tickets from £22 in December. Returns are available for a similar price (although it’s worth noting that baggage and seat allocation will cost extra).
A glass of mulled wine at Wroclaw’s markets usually costs around 15 Polish Zloty, approximately £3.10, and a sausage comes in at around 20 Zloty, roughly £3.90. Even away from the markets, a pint in Wroclaw will set you back 14 Zloty, around £2.70.
This year the markets are taking place from November 29 until January 7, so it’s ideal if you’re planning a getaway in the run up to Christmas. They’re held across four main areas in the city, the main square known as the Rynek, the Salt Square, Swidnicka Street and Olawska Street.
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The Rynek is particularly beautiful and looks like a scene from a fairytale with colourful buildings dotted along the edge of the square. At night it's transformed with twinkling fair lights which adorn the various wooden stalls.
Several people have described the market as one of the best they’ve been to on Tripadvisor. One review, Review_Our_Travel, wrote: “The best Christmas market I have been to!...You are guaranteed to have a magical experience and it really gets you in the Christmas mood!”
Another review, cwistakowski wrote: “Honestly, it was one of the best Christmas markets we have been to…It was fabulous and would recommend to anyone whether you like Christmas markets or not. It was just a magical trip.”