A visit to a Christmas market in the UK can be quite expensive, with vendors charging steep prices for items like hot chocolate and bratwurst. As an alternative, many are turning to Europe for more budget-friendly options.
SumUp, a card terminal provider, has compiled a list of Europe’s most affordable Christmas markets, with a lesser-known city in Poland topping the rankings. Poznan, the fifth-largest city in Poland, is often overshadowed by tourist hubs like Warsaw and Krakow. However, its picturesque Renaissance-era old town provides a charming setting for a festive Christmas market during the winter season.
Flights to Poznan are conveniently short, just over two hours from London and slightly longer from regional airports like Birmingham, Bristol, Manchester, or Edinburgh. In December, flights from London Stansted on Ryanair start at £30 each way, and Wizz Air also offers budget-friendly options for this route.
According to data, a one-night stay in Poznan can cost as little as £30.40, while a beer at the Christmas market goes for as low as £2.50. The market, known as Betlejem Poznańskie, is held in Stary Rynek – the Old Town Square, adorned with festive lights and wooden stalls offering Christmas gifts. The square features a Ferris wheel, an ice rink, and a range of entertainment including carolers, Christmas shows, and meet-and-greet opportunities with Santa.
Running from November 15 to January 6, the market also hosts an annual ice festival from December 12 to 14, showcasing intricate ice sculptures and offering interactive carving events and workshops for children.
While in Poznan, visitors can explore attractions like the historic Poznan Cathedral, housing a unique underground crypt, and the Croissant Museum, which showcases the art of making Polish pastries. Additionally, the National Museum in Poznan displays works by renowned European and Polish artists.
For accommodation, options range from the avant-garde Blow Up Hall 5050, featuring interactive art installations, to the traditional Hotel Palazzo Rosso Old Town, a boutique hotel with a cozy atmosphere and proximity to the Christmas market.
