Beautiful city with Europe's 'best' Christmas market and £19 flights from UK in December

Christmas is fast approaching and many people are already looking forward to festive treats, twinkling lights, and magical Christmas markets. While Brits are spoilt for choice with options here in the UK, those who want to experience snow and be surrounded by mountains might have to head a little further afield.

Luckily, there is one beautiful European city that has been named home to the "best" Christmas market on the continent by those who've visited before, and one-way flights from the UK in December can be found for just £19.

The city is Salzburg in Austria, which becomes a winter wonderland during the festive season.

Its Christmas market, set in the historic centre, is one of the oldest in the world and attracts visitors from across the globe.

One person who visited last year wrote: "I've been to many Christmas markets in Europe and I have to say this one made the biggest impression on me. The surroundings are magical and there is so much choice."

Another person added: "This is by far the best and most magical market in all of Europe. If you get a chance, you have to go".

Located on Cathedral and Residenz Square beneath the famous Hohensalzburg Fortress, the Salzburg Christkindlmarkt has a history dating back to the 15th century and celebrated its 50th anniversary in its modern form last year.

The 2025 market opens on November 20 and runs until January 1, 2026. It features around 100 stalls selling everything from gingerbread and roasted chestnuts to nativity figures, Christmas decorations, and handmade gifts.

Visitors will be treated to a packed events schedule, including choir performances, wind instrument concerts from nearby towers, and appearances by the Salzburg Christ Child and his angels.

A special New Year's Eve market and midnight fireworks display will also take place.

The market is lit up each night with specially designed lighting that hangs above the stalls like stars.

It's this festive atmosphere, traditional huts, and incredible mountain views that have made it so popular.

But there is much more to Salzburg than just the market. The city has plenty to see and do even outside the festive period.

Travel experts at Lonely Planet describe it as a place that "feels like a film set", with its baroque churches, jewel-like domes, and mountain views.

Visitors can ride a cable car up Untersberg mountain for views of the Alps, explore the 900-year-old hilltop fortress, or wander the Steingasse, which is a historic cobbled lane once used to transport salt to Italy.

For something different, you can also visit the world-famous Salzburg Marionette Theatre or enjoy a Mozart concert in the lavish Marble Hall of Schloss Mirabell.

Those who want to sample local food and drink can stop by the Augustiner Bräustübl - a traditional beer hall and garden run by monks that's been serving up pork, dumplings, and giant pretzels since the 1600s.

And while Salzburg might sound expensive, it's surprisingly affordable to reach.

At the time of writing, Ryanair is offering one-way tickets from London Stansted to Salzburg in early December for as little as £19. Other dates later in the month can be found for just over £20.