Christmas markets are no longer simply about picking up a few presents from wooden stalls. For travellers from the UK, they have become a reason to explore an entirely new destination during the most magical time of the year. Imagine wandering through the illuminated streets of Berlin with a steaming mug of glühwein, exploring the grand Christmas markets of Vienna, tasting Belgian chocolate in Bruges or experiencing a traditional Scandinavian Christmas in Copenhagen. Better still, why stop at the Christmas market?

A festive holiday can be combined with sightseeing, shopping, local food, winter activities and even something completely unexpected.

For 2026, Johnson Holidays is looking beyond the traditional UK Christmas market and exploring some of the world’s most exciting festive destinations.

Why Book a Christmas Market Holiday from the UK?

A Christmas market break is one of the easiest ways to experience another country in a short amount of time.

Many European destinations are only a short flight from the UK, making them ideal for two-, three- or four-night breaks. You can fly out, stay in a centrally located hotel and explore the Christmas markets alongside the city’s major attractions.

But there is another reason to travel for Christmas markets: every destination celebrates Christmas differently.

The food, decorations, traditions, architecture and atmosphere can be completely different from one country to another.

So instead of simply asking, “Which Christmas market should I visit?”, ask:

“Which Christmas experience do I want?”

Berlin: Christmas Markets and a Tropical Escape

Berlin could be one of the most interesting Christmas market destinations for UK travellers in 2026 because it offers much more than a traditional winter city break.

Berlin has a huge variety of Christmas markets, each with its own character.

The WeihnachtsZauber at Gendarmenmarkt is one of the city’s more sophisticated markets, combining arts and crafts, food and festive entertainment against one of Berlin’s most impressive architectural settings. It is scheduled for 23 November to 31 December 2026.

For something more romantic, the Christmas market at Charlottenburg Palace puts the festive experience in front of an illuminated royal palace, with handicrafts, food stalls, decorations and entertainment. It runs from 23 November to 27 December 2026.

If you want something completely different, visit the Lucia Christmas Market at Kulturbrauerei, which takes its inspiration from Nordic Christmas traditions. Expect Scandinavian-style festive atmosphere, thousands of lights and Nordic food and drinks.

And then comes the twist.

From Berlin’s Winter to a Tropical Paradise

Imagine starting your holiday wrapped up in a winter coat, walking through Berlin’s Christmas markets, and then travelling to Tropical Islands, where you can experience a completely different climate and atmosphere.

Located south of Berlin, Tropical Islands is an indoor tropical resort featuring a huge tropical environment, pools, water attractions, beaches and relaxation areas.

It creates an unusual combination:

Berlin Christmas Markets + Tropical Islands

One holiday. Two completely different experiences.

You can spend your first few days exploring Berlin’s festive streets, tasting German Christmas specialities and visiting the city’s attractions before swapping winter temperatures for a tropical environment.

For a Johnson Holidays campaign, this is exactly the kind of experience that can stand apart from a standard Christmas market break.

What to Try in Berlin

Don’t leave Berlin without sampling some traditional German festive favourites:

• Bratwurst
• Currywurst
• Pretzels
• Lebkuchen
• Stollen
• Glühwein
• Roasted nuts
• German Christmas biscuits

Why Choose Berlin?

Best for: Couples, families, groups and travellers looking for something different.

The experience: Christmas markets, history, nightlife, shopping and a tropical getaway in one holiday.

Vienna: Christmas in Imperial Surroundings

Vienna is one of the destinations that immediately comes to mind when people think about traditional European Christmas markets.

The Austrian capital combines grand architecture, historic palaces, classical music and beautifully decorated markets.

You can spend your day exploring Vienna’s museums and palaces before heading to a Christmas market in the evening.

What to Try

• Austrian pastries
• Roasted chestnuts
• Gingerbread
• Christmas punch
• Sausages
• Traditional Austrian sweets

Best for: Couples, luxury city breaks and travellers looking for a classic European Christmas.

Prague: A Fairytale Christmas

Prague becomes particularly atmospheric during winter.

The historic Old Town, Gothic architecture, cobbled streets and illuminated Christmas decorations create a setting that feels almost like a Christmas film.

The Christmas markets around Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square make Prague an excellent choice for a short festive break.

What to Try

• Trdelník
• Czech sausages
• Roasted ham
• Gingerbread
• Hot wine
• Local pastries

Best for: Couples, photographers and first-time Christmas market travellers.

Strasbourg: Christmas in the Heart of Alsace

If traditional Christmas is what you are looking for, Strasbourg should be high on the list.

Known for its long Christmas tradition, Strasbourg combines French and German influences, making its festive experience quite different from other European destinations.

The historic streets, decorated buildings and traditional wooden stalls create an atmosphere that feels distinctly Alsatian.

What to Try

• Bredele Christmas biscuits
• Kougelhopf
• Pretzels
• Alsatian sausages
• Local cheeses
• Mulled wine

Best for: Traditional Christmas lovers and food enthusiasts.

Bruges: Chocolate, Canals and Christmas

Bruges is ideal for travellers who want a romantic Christmas city break.

The medieval centre, canals and historic buildings are beautiful throughout the year, but the combination of Christmas lights and festive stalls gives the city an extra layer of charm.

And then there is the food.

Belgium is famous for its chocolate, waffles and fries, making Bruges an excellent destination for travellers who enjoy combining sightseeing with food.

What to Try

• Belgian chocolate
• Belgian waffles
• Speculoos
• Belgian fries
• Local beer

Best for: Couples and short two- or three-night breaks.

Cologne: Germany’s Christmas Market Classic

Cologne is another excellent choice for travellers wanting a traditional German Christmas experience.

The city’s markets offer a mixture of food, gifts, decorations and entertainment, while Cologne Cathedral provides one of the most recognisable backdrops for a European Christmas market.

What to Try

• Bratwurst
• Stollen
• Lebkuchen
• Reibekuchen
• Glühwein

Best for: Families, groups and travellers who want several markets to explore.

Copenhagen: Scandinavian Christmas

For something different, head north to Copenhagen.

Scandinavian Christmas traditions are known for their cosy atmosphere, warm lighting and emphasis on spending time together.

Tivoli Gardens is particularly atmospheric during the festive season, with decorations, lights, entertainment and seasonal food.

What to Try

• Danish pastries
• Æbleskiver
• Danish hot dogs
• Gløgg
• Smørrebrød

Best for: Families, couples and travellers looking for a Scandinavian Christmas.

Budapest: Christmas Markets and Thermal Baths

Budapest offers an interesting combination for winter travellers.

You can spend the day exploring Christmas markets and historic streets before experiencing one of Budapest’s famous thermal baths.

This is particularly appealing for travellers who want their Christmas break to include relaxation as well as sightseeing.

What to Try

• Chimney cake
• Goulash
• Hungarian sausages
• Langos
• Mulled wine

Best for: Couples, food lovers and travellers looking for something beyond the traditional Christmas market.

Tallinn: A More Traditional Christmas Experience

For travellers wanting something a little less obvious, Tallinn in Estonia is worth considering.

The medieval Old Town creates a beautiful backdrop for Christmas celebrations, while the city’s smaller scale makes it easier to explore over a short break.

What to Try

• Estonian gingerbread
• Black bread
• Local sausages
• Hot berry drinks
• Traditional Christmas dishes

Best for: Couples, photographers and travellers wanting an alternative European Christmas destination.

Rovaniemi: Christmas at the Home of Santa Claus

If you are travelling with children, few destinations can compete with Rovaniemi in Finnish Lapland.

Here, Christmas is not simply a market.

It is the entire holiday.

Families can experience snow-covered landscapes, Santa Claus attractions, reindeer, husky experiences and Arctic scenery.

For families who want to make Christmas truly memorable, this can become much more than a city break.

Best for: Families and travellers looking for a once-in-a-lifetime Christmas experience.

But Christmas Markets Don’t Have to Be in Europe

One of the biggest mistakes travellers make is assuming that a Christmas market holiday has to mean Germany, Austria or France.

Around the world, cities and resorts create their own festive experiences.

You could combine a Christmas market with:

• A winter sports holiday
• A beach escape
• A city break
• A luxury hotel stay
• A theme park
• A wellness retreat
• A tropical experience

And that is where the idea of combining Berlin and Tropical Islands becomes particularly interesting.

Instead of simply selling a Christmas market, you are selling two holidays in one.

The Perfect Christmas Market Holiday: More Than Just a Market

When choosing your destination, think about what you can do after leaving the Christmas market.

Ask yourself:

Can I explore the city?

Can I try local food?

Can I visit famous attractions?

Can I take a day trip?

Can I add another destination?

Can I experience something completely different?

This can turn a simple two-night Christmas market trip into a memorable holiday.

What Should UK Travellers Pack?

Christmas market holidays are generally walking holidays, so comfortable clothing and footwear are essential.

Pack:

• A warm waterproof coat
• Thermal layers
• Comfortable walking shoes or boots
• Warm socks
• Gloves
• Hat and scarf
• Portable phone charger
• Small backpack
• Travel adapter
• Travel insurance documents

If you are combining a cold destination with a warm attraction, such as Berlin and Tropical Islands, remember to pack accordingly.

Your suitcase may need to work for two completely different climates.

Important Things to Check Before You Travel

Before flying from the UK, check:

Passport and Entry Requirements

Make sure your passport is valid for your destination and check the latest entry requirements before travelling.

Travel Insurance

Winter weather can affect flights and transport, so suitable travel insurance is particularly important during the Christmas season.

GHIC

If travelling within eligible European countries, check whether your GHIC or EHIC provides healthcare access. It should not be considered a replacement for travel insurance.

Local Currency and Payments

Cards are widely accepted across many European destinations, but carrying some local currency can still be useful for smaller stalls and independent traders.

Market Opening Dates

Christmas market dates vary considerably. Always check the market’s confirmed opening dates before travelling.

Public Transport

Many major European Christmas markets are located in city centres and are easier to reach by public transport than by car.

Your Christmas Adventure Starts Here

A Christmas market holiday does not have to mean spending a weekend walking around one market before flying home. Make the journey part of the experience.

Explore a new city. Try local food. Discover Christmas traditions. Visit historic attractions. Add a second destination. Or, like our Berlin and Tropical Islands concept, combine a traditional winter experience with something completely unexpected.

From the lights of Berlin to the elegance of Vienna, the medieval streets of Tallinn and the snowy landscapes of Finnish Lapland, there is a Christmas experience waiting to be discovered.

This Christmas, don’t just visit a Christmas market. Explore somewhere new. Explore Christmas market holidays with Johnson Holidays and start planning your festive escape from the UK.