Pretty European city just two hours from UK with best 'underrated' Christmas market

The extravagant Christmas market in may have previously gained a lot of attention, but elsewhere in Poland is a picture-postcard city free of hoards of tourists, with the best 'underrated' Christmas market.

Gdansk in is only two hours from the UK, with flights costing as little as £55 return — but offers the perfect festive trip with one of Europe's best 'underrated' Christmas markets.

The small port city attracts upcoming artists and designers and as such, holidaymakers will find many chalet stalls selling modern ceramics, and traditionally crafted wooden gifts. Throughout the city festive celebrations involve fairy tale illuminations, delicacies such as pierogis (Polish dumplings), and a theatre stage for different events throughout the festive season.

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From animations and performances immersing you in Christmas fairytales, the theatre stage has different events for different days of the week. For example, on Wednesdays the stage performances are dedicated to singing both Polish and foreign Christmas hits. Families wanting to get involved with the fun on stage will be able to with challenges, including naming 12 dishes on a table.

Of course also makes an appearance, which takes place on the stage on Thursdays and on Fridays, visitors can enjoy winter dance parties.

The market also has three must-see attractions — the Christmas Factory, the Artistic Café and the Festive Chamber. Time in the factory involves creating Christmas gifts, whereas in the Festive Chamber visitors are welcomed to explore a unique Christmas room full of beautifully decorated Christmas trees, a grand fireplace, and Santa's throne. After, head to the Artistic Café for some freshly brewed coffee and tea and a range of cosy books to nestle into, provided by the Provincial and Municipal Public Library.

Of course, the market itself is jam packed with chalets offering all kinds of festive treats. Market stalls can be found in three different areas — fair streets (Przedbramie, Bogusławskiego and Tkacka), Armory of Arts and Crafts in the Academy of Fine Arts and Targ Węglowy.

The market was also voted second in Best Christmas Markets competition in 2023.

The market runs from November 24 to December 23, and what makes it even more of a great visit is that Gdansk is one of the most affordable cities in Europe.

Staying in the city is therefore relatively cheap. For example, three-star Hotel Fama Residence costs as low as £38 per night. Located on a minute's walk from the 17th-century Golden Gate and a six minute walk from a Gothic Saint Mary's Basilica, the hotel features simple rooms with wifi, city views and coffeemaking facilities.

Away from the market, there are plenty of other things to do in the quaint city, including embankment walks and museum.