Europe's Christmas Markets Spark Holiday Cheer

As the holiday season kicks off across Europe and the United Kingdom, a wave of Christmas markets is transforming historic squares and city centers into festive havens, drawing visitors with mulled wine, handmade crafts, and illuminated displays. From budget getaways in lesser-known Romanian towns to mystery holiday packages reaching as far as New York, these markets offer diverse options for travelers seeking seasonal cheer, with many opening in November and running through early January 2026.

In Romania's southwestern city of Craiova, one of Europe's longest-running markets spans 280,000 square meters and divides into four themed worlds: a Beauty and the Beast-inspired area, a futuristic Galactic Christmas zone, a traditional Romanian village, and Santa's Village complete with a funfair sleigh ride. Open from November 15 to January 4, the market features wooden stalls selling arts, crafts, bratwurst, roasted chestnuts, and local specialties like sarmale cabbage rolls and kürtőskalács spit cakes. Flights from London Luton start at 68 each way on Wizz Air, making it an accessible choice for UK visitors. The city's 17th-century architecture, illuminated at night, enhances the...