Europe’s cheapest Christmas market – with free light shows and £2 mulled wine
THE cheapest Christmas market in Europe has been revealed – and you’ve probably never even heard of it.
In a few short weeks, Sibiu in Transylvania, Romania, will be home to an intimate Christmas market called Fair in Sibiu.
Also known as Târgul de craciun din Sibiu, the tiny Christmas market has been dubbed the cheapest in Europe by travel money specialist, eurochange.
They researched the festive destinations that are the best value for money for Brit holidaymakers.
The travel money specialists based their findings on factors like the local exchange rate, hotel and flight prices, and the cost of food and drink.
Laura Evans, head of Digital and Engagement at eurochange, said: “Our research shows the Romanian city of Sibiu is one of the best European Christmas markets to visit, if you’re looking for value for money and a truly authentic experience.
“Average hotel costs come in at less than £20 per person, per night, and food and drinks are very affordable.
“For example, a mulled wine will cost you less than £2, which is pretty much unheard of in the UK.”
Set in Piața Mare in the heart of the old town, at this year’s Christmas market visitors can expect to find wooden stalls selling handmade gifts and local delicacies like Cozonac (Romanian Panettone) and Kurtos Kalacs (chimney cakes).
The small Christmas market will also have an ice skating rink and a Ferris wheel.
Festive lights will also be projected onto the square’s historic buildings, and younger visitors will also be able to meet Father Christmas at Santa’s workshop.
The Christmas market will be open from November 17, 2023, to January 2, 2024.
While the Christmas market is free to enter, visitors will need to pay for any purchases they make at market stalls.
The Christmas market has been praised by holidaymakers on TripAdvisor too.
One person wrote: “We were here over Christmas and enjoyed the atmosphere of the Christmas market.
“There were plenty of cheap mulled wine and sausages, and there were a few nice cellar bars nearby too.
“The market was very well decorated at night with lots of historic buildings to admire.”
While another person added: “Everything was like a perfect Christmas tale. There was a lot of plum brandy, wine, and traditional dishes.”
Wizz Air operates direct flights from London Luton to Sibiu International Airport.
Flight times take 2 hours and 55 minutes, with prices starting at £19 for a one-way ticket.
Hotels in the city are extremely affordable in November and December too.
Sun Online Travel have found an overnight stay at the Ramada Sibiu Hotel, a four-star hotel, costing £77 based on two people sharing a room.
There are also cheaper deals to be had too, with a studio apartment in the city costing £20 per night for two people.
While the official language in Sibiu is Romanian, other minority languages like German, Hungarian, and English may be spoken at hotels, restaurants, and other tourist attractions.
Romania is currently two hours ahead of the UK.
The local currency is the Romanian leu (RON) with £10 getting around 57 RON.
In their research, Eurochange also revealed several other cheap European Christmas markets, including Wroclaw’s festive market where a glass of mulled costs £2.93.
Meanwhile, at Tallinn’s Christmas market, festive snacks and tipples can be purchased for as little as £2.
For those holidaymakers who don’t fancy heading abroad to visit a Christmas market, then you’ll be relieved to know that there are some great festive attractions in the UK.
One of those is The Frankfurt Christmas Market in Birmingham, which is said to be the largest authentic German Christmas market outside of Germany.
Meanwhile, this travel writer thinks their hometown has the best Christmas attraction in the UK.
And, here are ten of the best Christmas market cruises from the UK this winter.