Christmas Market escapes for 2025

Travel Talk with Ed Finn

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Saturday, 22 November 2025 - 14 minutes

When the autumn leaves fall and the winter air starts to nipping at your nose, it’s only natural to start thinking of log fires, and dream of wandering one of Europe’s many Christmas markets.

If there’s one travel hack I love and one of the singlest smartest ways to squeeze maximum magic and value out of a winter weekend — it’s a Christmas market city break.   For the price of one dinner out in Ireland, you can fly to Europe, sip €2 glühwein under fairy lights, snack your way through local seasonal treats, enjoy world-class museums, wander historic old towns, and fall in love with cities that look their very best in November and December.  This year, the choice is better than ever. From Dublin, Cork, Shannon and Belfast airports, Ireland is plugged into some of Europe’s most atmospheric festive cities — and two spectacular Christmas experiences right here at home.

What many people don’t realise is that even in Spain in the land of jamon and tempranillo, you can find these amazing and festive markets, with the flare (and food) of España.  Situated just an hour from both Barcelona and Madrid by train,  Zaragoza (pictured above) boasts a truly impressive Christmas display every year which continues into New Year - The whole city is teeming with Christmas cheer, which continues into January for Three King’s Day every January 6th.  Zaragoza is host to a fanfare parade and children celebrate by putting their shoes out for the Kings to bring them toys and candies, bringing a close to the holiday season.

You cal also check out my full list of places that I really enjoyed visiting this year  -  Best Christmas Markets for 2025

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