Many Britons head to Europe at this time of year in search of authentic Christmas markets, but these types of breaks can often be extremely busy and tiring.
That's why pairing these trips with a spa treatment can really help holidaymakers relax, and experts at Fresha rounded up the top cities for both types of activities.
Vienna was crowned as having the best mix of spas and Christmas markets, although it was not the cheapest for flights. It was praised for pairing "alpine starscapes soaks with world-famous festive markets".
Tourists can visit Christkindlmarkt until December 26, before relaxing at Aqua Dome – Tirol Therme Längenfeld.
Vienna has both relaxation and must-see Christmas markets
| GETTYReturn flights from the UK to Vienna come in around £52 - or £26 each way - at the time the research was conducted.
Top European spa & Christmas market cities
- Vienna, Austria (flights ~£52 return)
- Budapest, Hungary (flights ~£46 return)
- Zurich/Lucerne, Switzerland (flights ~£84 return)
- Cologne, Germany (flights ~£40 return)
- Barcelona, Spain (flights ~£34 return)
- Innsbruck/Tyrol, Austria (flights ~£62 return)
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Budapest in Hungary was second on the list, with the experts recommending the Széchenyi Thermal Baths for relaxation and the Basilica & Vörösmarty Christmas markets for a winter activity.
Flights are slightly cheaper, at £23 each way. In the city, "thermal icons meet twinkling stalls", with experts calling it "the original 'soak then stroll' spa city".
The cheapest city to get to is Barcelona in Spain, with flights costing around £17 each way, at the time the research was conducted. Discover "candle-lit ancient baths" at AIRE before browsing what is on offer at Fira de Santa Llúcia.
Budapest in Hungary was second on the list, with the experts recommending the Széchenyi Thermal Baths
| GETTYIt is also a milder option, with average temperatures reaching highs of 16°C in December, and rarely dropping below 10°C.
Beauty and wellness expert Danielle Louise, via the Fresha platform, discussed the demand for wellness winter breaks. She said: "Winter is the moment our bodies crave warmth, ritual and slow living.
“These destinations let you decompress in thermal pools or restorative spas, then step straight out into Christmas lights, mulled wine and that cosy, magical feeling everyone wants at this time of year.”
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