Christmas is just around the corner, and as the weather turns there is plenty to look forward to.
While some people take the opportunity to cosy up and enjoy classic festive films, others like to embrace the chilly weather and get out and about. Manchester's Christmas Markets are now open, meaning you can enjoy a warm spiced cider and bratwurst while wandering the city streets.
But some people want to venture even further out and see what other European countries have to offer in the Christmas market department. In the likes of Germany, Belgium and Switzerland, the stalls are being prepared and the mulled wine will soon start flowing.
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Here's a round-up of destinations perfect for a festive get-away, accessible directly from Manchester Airport.
Berlin
Many of our Christmas traditions, including tree decorating, began in Germany. So what better destination to visit to really get into the festive spirit?
Capital city Berlin offers an abundance of Christmas markets, including the beautiful Gendarmenmarkt which boasts a selection of exclusive Christmas crafts and decorations, as well as mouth-watering food and drinks.
Meanwhile the market outside the City Hall is more family-oriented and offers activities such as ice skating and fairground rides. Besides its Chrismas markets, Germany’s capital also offers world-famous sites such as the Brandenburg Gate and Berlin Wall.
Christmas markets open from Monday 21 November. Flights from £93.04pp return (10 – 12 Dec) return with Ryanair. easyJet also serves Berlin.
Brussels
The ‘Winter Wonders’ Brussels Christmas Market will opens on November 25 and runs until January 1. More than 200 wooden chalets with food, drinks and Christmas decorations give you the chance to delve into Belgian Christmas traditions and sample some of the world’s finest beers and chocolates.
Flights from £101.58pp return with Brussels Airlines.
Cologne
Back to Germany - and this time, Cologne. You could see the city's most iconic landmark, the tallest twin-spired cathedral in the world, towers over its largest Christmas market this winter.
There are several other smaller markets that are well worth a look, however – including the Stadtgarten Christmas market, set in a city park with an emphasis on handmade souvenirs and decorations.
Christmas markets open from Monday 21 November. Flights from £92pp return (28 Nov – 2 Dec) with Jet2.com. Ryanair also serves Cologne.
Frankfurt
Staying in Germany, Frankfurt Christmas Market is one of the oldest in the world, with its origins tracing back to the 14th century. The traditional market is decorated with thousands of lights that offer a variety of Christmas specialities and decorations.
Christmas cups are the unique selling point of the Frankfurt market, with a special design being unveiled each year.
Christmas markets open from Monday 21 November. Flights from £182pp return with Lufthansa.
Geneva
Over to Switzerland, and the Geneva Christmas Market is ideal for foodies and ski lovers. The traditional stalls have new offerings every week as well as cultural events in the Jardin Anglais.
But these markets are renowned for their dedicated street food section where world flavours meet local specialities including the famous raclette and fondue. Mont Blanc, the heart of the Alps, is under 100km away and it is more than possible to combine a trip to Geneva’s Christmas Markets with a visit to one of Europe’s finest ski resorts.
Christmas markets open from Thursday 17 November. Flights from £185pp return (17 – 20 Dec) with Jet2.com. Geneva is also served by Ethiopian Airlines, easyJet and TUI.
Budapest
Hungary's capital city Budapest hosts the stunning Vörösmarty Square Christmas Market. It's held in front of the St. Stephen Basilica, brimming with food, drink and handicrafts.
Hungarian honey cookies are a Christmas staple, and the city’s waterfront bars make for a great retreat once you’re done with shopping for the day.
Christmas markets open from Friday 18 November. Flights from £89.23pp return (26 Nov – 1 Dec) return with Ryanair. Jet2.com also serves this route.
Gothenburg
If you’re travelling as a family, the Gothenburg Christmas Market is a stand-out pick. Located in one of Sweden’s most popular tourist attractions, the Liseberg amusement park, it offers all of the standard Christmas market fare, including Swedish specialities such as cinnamon buns.
It also offers ice skating, carol concerts and a mini-Lapland. Liseberg’s rides and rollercoasters are open, too, at an additional price.
Christmas markets open from Saturday 19 November, but not daily. Flights from £44.98pp return (02 – 05 Dec) with Ryanair.
Prague
The Czech Republic's capital, Prague, celebrates Christmas with a number of smaller, more intimate markets spread across the city. Mulled wine and traditional sweet pastries are served up, in addition to souvenirs and handicrafts.
The historic Old Town is a tourist draw year-round but takes on a unique ambience at Christmas, with a lively nightlife scene.
Christmas markets open from Saturday 26 November. Flights from £83.73pp return (28 Nov – 03 Dec) with Ryanair. easyJet and Jet2.com also serve Prague.
Vienna
The Austrian capital’s Christmas markets lay claim to being the world’s biggest and are among its oldest, too. Centred on the Rathaus (City Hall) and marketed as the ‘Viennese Dream’, Vienna’s Christmas Market offers an incredible variety of gifts, food and drink, traditions and activities for visitors of all ages.
The city’s renowned galleries, museums and opera houses also take on a festive atmosphere and offer respite from the winter cold.
Christmas markets open from Saturday 19 November. Flights from £68.23pp return (14 – 19 Dec) with Ryanair. Austrian Airlines and Jet2.com also serve this route.
All prices were correct at the time of writing, but may be subject to change. Prices quoted may not include hold baggage.
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