It’s Christmas market time again when people flock to historic cities in the UK, like Winchester, Lincoln and York to immerse themselves in the festive season and join the masses as they indulge in mulled wine and bratwursts, while eyeing out sellers’ wares as they look to pick up a bargain or three.
Over on the continent, Europe’s most popular markets have also opened back up again following two years of cancellations, with bookings bigger and better than ever. But which ones are the most popular to venture to in 2022?
New data from online travel agent loveholidays shows bookings to Christmas market destinations are up 29 per cent this month compared to December 2019, with tourists rushing back after two years of scuppered getaway plans. And it is The Netherlands where visitors look to be flocking to, with with bookings up 51 per cent this December.
The Dutch country is home to the famous Ice Village Christmas market at the Museumplein in Amsterdam, and that has emerged as a clear festive favourite in the analysis.
France, with markets in most major cities such as Paris and Strasbourg, came in second, while the Czech Republic placed third – making a comeback after its Prague market was cancelled at the 11th hour in 2021.
Poland and Hungary rounded out the top five, home to the well-known Krakow and Budapest markets, with bookings to these destinations for December up five per cent and 66 per cent on 2019, respectively. Meanwhile, Christmas market hotspot Germany surprisingly just missed out on the top five, coming in as the sixth most popular destination this festive season.
For more information, visit www.loveholidays.com.
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