LUXE Serendipity magazine

With just a month to go until Christmas, why not combine some gift buying with a festive treat for yourself and head to one of the Christmas Markets within easy reach of East Midlands Airport?

If you fancy a low-cost, no-hassle trip, look no further than East Midlands Airport to book your flights. It’s easy to get to by public transport or car – with the option of booking the Meet & Greet service to make things even more effortless.

Over the last six months, 99.6% of customers were through security in 15 minutes or less. In fact new body scanners and next generation baggage scanners are helping to get up to 125 more people an hour through security. This and a completely new-look security hall has made the whole experience more pleasant.

There are also improvements in the departure lounge, with new and refreshed eateries, extra seating, upgraded toilet facilities and better wi-fi. There’s also a refurbished and expanded Escape Lounge if you want to really chill out ahead of your flight, with bottomless food and drink for a set price, bookable in advance.

So, where to go to really get into the Christmas spirit? Here are five of the best options from East Midlands Airport:

Bratislava, Slovakia

Bratislava has emerged as one of the most affordable European cities for a Christmas Market break. Travel and accommodation costs are below many other cities, while the markets themselves, including in Main Square and Hviez-doslavovo Square, offer more affordable treats than others.

You can reach the Slovakian capital by flying to Vienna and hopping on a short connection across the border. It’s the ideal choice for those who want the buzz of a capital city, and when it comes to culture and sightseeing, Bratislava packs a real punch, with museums, castles, theatres and more to uncover. Christmas markets only add to its charm.

Wroclaw, Poland

Regularly topping Best Christmas Markets in Poland lists, Wroclaw offers a dazzling display of fairy-lit Christmas trees and stalls. Start off on the quaint cobbled Rynek Marquet Square, which sells lots of warm comfort food and drinks. You’ll find traditional sausages, sweet waffles and aromatic mulled wine.

You can also enjoy the festivities on Plac Solny, which includes a fairytale house with an observation deck. Sip a hot chocolate in the glow of the fireplace, or overlook a sparkling view of the market. Many different Christmassy shows and fairytale stories are performed at these markets each year, usually ending with the Christmas Carol Singers Parade the day before Christmas Eve.

Krakow, Poland

With its castle skyline and picturesque cobbled streets, Krakow’s Old Town becomes a living Christmas card over the festive season – especially when it starts to snow! The Christmas market is set on Rynek Glowny, the city’s main market square. Lined with timber huts and illuminated with fairy lights, the enormous Christmas tree in the centre looks especially magical at night.

The market sells all sorts of Christmas gifts, such as handmade decorations and beautifully carved wooden toys. Perfect for the foodies, you can tuck into lots of traditional Polish treats, like pierogi dumplings, gingerbread biscuits, and mulled wine. All of which can be enjoyed whilst watching the carol singing. You can even travel back in time with a traditional coach and horse ride around the old square.

Prague, Czech Republic

Prague’s Christmas Markets are notable for their stunning locations which look like scenes straight off a Christmas card. There’s a great variety of markets too, with over a dozen dotted across the city offering different treats like Czech food and drink as well as toys and festive decorations.

The city is considered one of the top winter destinations in Europe for having such a magical festive season. One of the best of the markets is to be found in the Old Town Square, with lots of goodies to tempt you as well as plenty of entertainment. Meanwhile the market located at the Republican Square offers a more local experience, high quality souvenirs and is generally a slightly more relaxed experience.

Salzburg, Austria

Salzburg Christmas markets are overflowing with traditional charm and Christmas spirit. In the city centre, the main Christmas market sits around the cathedral. You’ll find stalls selling warm punch, hot roasted chestnuts, beautiful Christmas tree ornaments and lots of cosy knitwear. Watch the choir sing carols in front of the cathedral, or visit the nativity scene in the Residenz courtyard.

The Advent Market sees Salzburg Palace transform into true magic at Christmas. A fairytale forest sits in front of it, with over 700 trees dazzling with fairy lights and red baubles. The front of the palace even transforms into an oversized advent calendar with a different scene in 24 windows. It’s a truly unique Christmas experience for the whole family.