Save Money on Your Christmas Market Break With Our Top Tips

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Do some background reading

Get to grips with where you’re going. From Berlin to Vienna, having local knowledge will not only help you root out all the wonderful things on offer, but will also give you a good idea on costs. This is especially useful if you’re in a foreign country where you may be unfamiliar with currency or exchange rates. Check out our city break guides to get started.

Don’t be afraid to barter

Don’t be intimidated by the price tag. Lots of European Christmas markets are run by locals and are cash only, which generally gives you the opportunity to haggle and negotiate with the vendor. If you’re buying for family and friends, why not quote another price you’ve seen or ask if they’ll do a bulk discount. Familiarising yourself with the local language can be a big benefit when haggling because the locals will respect the effort and may reduce the price. Brush up on exchange rates before you try to barter, so you know exactly what you’re paying.

Resist overbuying food and drink

While there’s nothing better than the delicious smell of Bratwurst and Gluhwein, there’s such a thing as spending too much on things you could enjoy at home for cheaper. Figure out the foods you’d like to try before you go on your Christmas market break or do some research into the local delicacy; you might eat something you’ve never tasted before. Like sweet and stodgy Germknödel in Cologne or warming Bigos stew in Krakow - perfect for frosty winter days!

Don’t worry if you’re charged for a mug deposit

Whether you're sipping Hungarian mulled wine in Budapest or spicy rum in Bratislava, it’s fairly common for Christmas market stalls to take a deposit for the mug – so don’t be shocked if the drink seems more expensive than you originally thought. You’ll get the money back when you return the mug; just enjoy your hot drink and relax!

Organise your travel money

At lots of Christmas markets, cash is still the main method of payment. While there’s often a cashpoint on site, this can leave you with an unnecessary transaction charge. It’s best to plan ahead and order your travel money online in advance.

Try not to buy for yourself

We’re all guilty of browsing for gifts and ending up buying something for ourselves. A lot of the time, it ends up being something you don’t really need. Resist the urge to treat yourself, however enchanting the Christmas markets might be. Even the most careful planners sometimes get swept up in the moment! If you think you won't be able to resist, set aside a mini-budget to buy yourself a treat, but it has to be worth it! Think traditional Christmas decorations... or some luxury Swiss chocolates in Basel.

Shop like a local

Christmas market breaks are a lovely opportunity to buy family and friends a present you might not find in the UK. Ask locals for recommendations on where to buy souvenirs or mementoes that are unique to your destination, and most importantly, within your budget.

Be strict with your budget

This is the simplest, yet most effective way to control your spending while on a Christmas market break. Make a list of everyone you’re looking to buy gifts for and how much you’re willing to spend on each - and if you have an idea of what you want to buy them, even better! It’ll become much easier to resist impulse spending on unnecessary presents (or that extra hot chocolate) if you’ve got it written down.

Book your Christmas market break

From Prague's toy-stuffed stalls to Budapest's festive light projections on the Basilica and ice-skating in Brussels under the stars, no matter which Christmas market you choose to visit, we have you covered with our money saving tips. Now all you have to do is choose where to go!

(Psst even sunny spots like Seville have magical Christmas markets.)

Take your pick from the best Christmas market breaks in Europe >>>

About the author

Adele has worked in travel for a number of years now, which has taken her to some amazing places. When she’s not at home cuddling her dog, she loves to explore new places. From Mexico to Croatia and Iceland, she has some great insider tips.