A 'fairytale-like' European city only 2 hours from the UK among the best Christmas breaks this winter

For those who love the magic of festive markets, travel expert Gavin Lapidus from eShores points to Vienna in Austria and Prague in the Czech Republic as must-visit destinations.

If skiing is more your thing, the expert recommended heading to Chamonix in France or Zermatt in Switzerland.

Each destination offers something special, from enchanting market squares to world-class ski runs that'll make your Christmas holiday unforgettable.

Vienna transforms into a winter wonderland during the festive season, with more than 10 Christmas markets scattered throughout the city centre.

The travel expert said: "Vienna, Austria, is magical at Christmas, and the markets are no exception. There are over 10 markets in the city centre, the most popular being the Rathausplatz Market located in front of the City Hall.

"Featuring festive lights, extravagant Christmas decorations and a magical atmosphere, the Vienna Christmas markets are well worth a visit. Flights from the UK are just over two hours, making for a quick break over the busy Christmas period."

The Austrian capital's accessibility makes it perfect for a spontaneous festive escape.
Prague offers equally enchanting festive experiences, with its historic squares providing the perfect backdrop for Christmas celebrations.

Lapidus said: "Prague in the Czech Republic offers Christmas markets in a fairytale-like setting for only a two-hour flight from the UK.

"The historic Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square markets are very popular, and you can enjoy browsing the stalls for traditional crafts, seasonal food and drinks like mulled wine.

"Be sure to try trdelník - a popular sweet pastry made from yeast dough, baked and topped with a sugar and walnut mix. It's delicious."

The Czech capital's proximity to the UK makes it another fantastic option for a quick Christmas escape - it takes about two hours on a flight.

For those who prefer snow-covered slopes to market stalls, the travel pro picked two exceptional Alpine destinations.

"Chamonix, France, is a world-renowned ski destination made up of five different ski resorts, catering to all skill levels. Chamonix itself is a lively market town with plenty of bars, restaurants and shops. Accommodation is also readily available."

Zermatt, Switzerland, is another great option - "a fun fact: Zermatt is linked to Cervinia in Italy, allowing you to ski between two countries in one day".

Lapidus added: "It offers high-altitude skiing with incredible views of the Matterhorn. Suitable for all skill levels, the area is known for its reliable snow and year-round glacier skiing."