The picture-perfect city with one of Europe’s best Christmas Markets a £60 flight from Manchester Airport

It may be another month until Manchester’s Christmas markets are set to make a return to the city, but if you're looking to visit a Christmas market abroad this year then it’s never too early to start planning. From Cologne in Germany to Prague in the Czech Republic, there are dozens of destinations to choose from which are guaranteed to put you in the festive mood.

If you had to pick the ideal location for a Christmas market, then surely Europe’s largest mediaeval town square would be the place to host one. This is exactly what Krakow in Poland has to offer and there are direct flights to the city from Manchester Airport.

Krakow's Christmas markets run from November 24 until December 26 2023. Skyscanner shows direct flights from Manchester Airport on Friday November 24 starting from £57, with returns available from £118 on Monday November 27.

READ MORE: The ‘fairytale’ European city with ‘magical’ Christmas Markets two hours from Manchester Airport

READ MORE: The UK’s most Instagrammable walks for autumn - and the top two are near Manchester

Although it’s a stunning city to visit at any time of the year, Krakow is especially magical at Christmas time when it’s transformed with glittery lights, decorations and of course, rows of wooden huts selling handmade gifts and mouth watering treats.

Krakow regularly features on lists of the best Christmas markets to visit in Europe, and it’s easy to see why. The heart of its markets are held in the stunning Rynek Glowny, the city’s mediaeval town square which dates back to the 13th century.

The square is overlooked by the towering St Mary’s basilica, while in the centre stands the magnificent Cloth Hall. It’s hard to imagine a more picture-perfect location for a festive