Fancy a festive market trip without breaking the bank? Traditional Christmas market destinations can dent your wallet, but there are some good alternatives.
Berlin's markets are famous, but they can charge around €5 (£4.40) for a single mulled wine, and an extra €3 (£2.65) if you fancy keeping the mug. And staying in Britain doesn't help much either.
Manchester's Christmas markets have become particularly pricey this year. You'll need about £25 just for a beer and bratwurst combo - that's enough to make anyone think twice.
But here's the good news: some European markets offer the same magical atmosphere for a fraction of the cost.
Poland's Wroclaw has emerged as the top choice for budget-conscious Christmas market lovers. Research by eurochange reveals you can find accommodation there for just £47 - that's for two people for two nights.
Swap the most popular Christmas market destinations for more affordable options
|GETTY
The city offers fantastic value across the board, with food and drink prices that won't leave you wincing. It's become clear that Polish Christmas markets deliver all the festive charm without the hefty price tags.
What makes Wroclaw particularly appealing is that you're getting an authentic Christmas market experience. You'll find the same twinkling lights, traditional crafts and seasonal treats - just at prices that actually make sense.
Romania's Sibiu takes the crown for Europe's most affordable Christmas market drinks. You can grab a warming cup of mulled wine there for an incredible 86p - that's less than you'd pay for a chocolate bar in most UK shops.
The Romanian city benefits from excellent exchange rates for British visitors, making every pound stretch much further. It's no wonder Sibiu ranks as one of the cheapest festive destinations in Europe.
These lesser-known markets prove you don't need to visit the famous spots to enjoy proper Christmas magic.
They're typically less crowded than UK markets too, so you can actually browse the stalls without battling through crowds.
Laura Evans-Fisk from eurochange said: "Our research shows the Christmas market in Wroclaw, Poland, is one of the best in Europe if you’re looking for excellent value for money and a truly authentic experience.
“You can get accommodation for just £47 for two adults for two nights, and food and drinks are very affordable. Sibiu in Romania is a close second when it comes to the cheapest Christmas markets in Europe. Here, you can get a mulled wine for just 86p.”
TRAVEL INSPIRATION
Wroclaw, Poland
Cheapest direct return UK flights (per person): £38 from Liverpool, £40 from London Stansted, £40 from Nottingham, £41 from Bristol
Cheapest accommodation price: £47 for two nights based on two adults sharing
Christmas market entry: Free
Total trip cost (based on the cheapest options for two nights): £123
Sibiu, Romania
Cheapest direct return UK flights (per person): £32 from Birmingham, £49 from London Luton
Cheapest accommodation price: £35 for two nights based on two adults sharing
Christmas market entry: Free
Total trip cost (based on the cheapest options for two nights) for two people: £129
Tallinn in Estonia is an affordable Christmas market option
|VISIT TALLINN
Innsbruck, Austria
Cheapest direct return UK flights to Vienna (per person): £54 from London Gatwick, £73 from Liverpool, £83 from Manchester.
Vienna to Innsbruck train: From £21 (per person)
Cheapest accommodation price: £67 for two nights based on two adults sharing
Christmas market entry: Free
Total trip cost (based on the cheapest options for two nights) for two people: £196
Tallinn, Estonia
Cheapest direct return UK flights (per person): £48 from London Luton, £203 from Edinburgh, £207 from Birmingham
Cheapest accommodation price: £45 for two nights based on two adults sharing
Christmas market entry: Free
Total trip cost (based on the cheapest options for two nights) for two people: £141
Zagreb, Croatia
Cheapest direct UK flights (per person): £54 return from London Stansted (per person)
Cheapest accommodation price: £55 for two nights based on two adults sharing
Christmas market entry: Free
Total trip cost (based on the cheapest options for two nights) for two people: £163
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