Historic European city is ‘Merriest Christmas destination’ from £168
A Central European city has claimed the coveted number one spot for the merriest place to spend a holiday this year.
Prague, often touted as a must-visit, is renowned for its enchanting festive atmosphere, filled with beautiful architecture, cobbled streets, and a rich historical backdrop. But, the city’s charm is particularly pronounced during the festive season, earning it a reputation as one of Europe’s best Christmas destinations, according to loveholidays.
What sets Prague apart is its array of Christmas markets, featuring six key locations, including the Old Town Square, adorned with toy town beauty, a real-life nativity scene, carol-singing choirs, and a dazzling Christmas tree. The Wenceslas Square market further captivates visitors with craft stalls, unique discoveries, and a vibrant atmosphere.
Beyond the festive allure, Prague’s castle complex, the largest coherent castle complex globally, offers a fascinating historical journey. The city played a significant role in World War II and witnessed the Velvet Revolution against the Soviets three and a half decades ago.
Adding to Prague’s holiday charm is an average snowfall of 12.2cm, combined with 8.5 hours of daylight in the winter months. The city transforms into a starlit wonderland, especially after the annual tree lighting ceremony in late November.
Travellers can experience the festive magic in Prague with a starting price of £168 per person for a five-night trip, including flights and hotel, departing between November 10, 2023, and December 31, 2023, from UK airports.
For budget-friendly travel options, Ryanair offers flights starting from £54 in November. Additionally, a scenic 13-hour train journey with three changes from London provides an alternative route through central Europe. Travel enthusiasts looking to extend their journey can explore multiple European countries with an Interrail pass, available for around £180. Affordable accommodations, such as the £17 per night Bar Fontana Airbnb, add to the appeal of a festive visit to Prague.
Oslo and Vienna secure second and third places on the loveholiday’s list, with Oslo boasting significant snowfall averages of 55.5cm and Vienna offering a rich selection of over 11 main markets. Rounding out the top five are Stockholm and New York, with Oslo standing out for seven hours of daylight and abundant snowfall, while Vienna’s charm lies in its diverse market offerings.
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New York holds a special place for festive film enthusiasts, having been the backdrop for over 400 Christmas movies, including classics like Elf and Home Alone 2.
Iona Wark, senior holiday product manager at loveholidays, said: “As Christmas approaches, a lot of us love getting into the festive spirit, and we find ourselves seeking more of that magic from beyond the UK.
“Short getaways to European cities like Prague, Oslo and Vienna create the perfect setting for your own Christmas fairytale, complete with snow-draped markets and events with added sparkle. Coincidentally, Prague also offers the best-value trip for the season, with a five-night getaway including flights and accommodation costing as little as £168 per person.”
The festive rankings
(Includes the cheapest available five day trip cost in November or December)
- Prague, Czechia – £168
- Oslo, Norway – £215
- Vienna, Austria – £200
- Stockholm, Sweden – £344
- New York, USA – £444
- Chicago, USA – £555
- Munich, Germany – £228
- Toronto, Canada – £219
- Salzburg, Austria – £211
- Copenhagen, Denmark – £244
- Helsinki, Finland – £607
- Zurich, Switzerland – £286
- Warsaw, Poland – £262
- Berlin, Germany – £177
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