More than five million British holidaymakers are expected to jet off across the continent this year in search of picture-perfect winter wonderland scenes, snow-dusted wooden chalets, glittering ice rinks and unique handcrafted stocking fillers. But for many, the ultimate holiday tradition is simply wrapping both hands around a piping-hot cup of aromatic spiced Glühwein while taking in the festive sights. However, anyone who has frequented British festive stalls knows just how fast a round of drinks can drain a bank account. With prices reaching up to £7.40 a cup across major UK cities, festive day-trippers are finding that seasonal cheer comes with a hefty price tag.
Fortunately, a quick hop abroad offers dramatic savings for thrifty travellers. Foreign exchange specialists eurochange analysed drink prices across 55 festive markets to compile their Mulled Wine Index, pinpointing the best value hotspots for 2026.
The findings revealed that eight destinations serve up a glass for under £2, with one hidden gem charging just 82p—nine times cheaper than what festive-goers are charged in the capital. Rachael Ryder, travel expert at eurochange, said: “Mulled wine is such a special part of Christmas, even the smell makes us instantly feel festive!
“Christmas markets in the UK are notoriously pricey for food and drink, so for Brits seeking a better value Christmas getaway, taking a trip to a European festive market can be a great idea. We want to help holiday-goers find great value whenever they go abroad, which is why we researched where Brits can find some of the cheapest mulled wine in Europe this Christmas.
“Our research has found some European Christmas markets serve mulled wine for as little as 82p – what better way to get into the Christmas spirit?” Analysing the price of a glass of mulled wine at 55 Christmas markets across Europe, eurochange discovered some unexpected destinations in Central and Eastern Europe topped the list as the cheapest.
15. Graz Christmas Markets – Graz, Austria
Local market name: Advent in Graz
Cost: €3.50 (£3.00)
Opening dates: November 20 to December 24, 2026
Held in the UNESCO-listed historic old town, Graz’s festive celebrations spread across multiple atmospheric squares, with the main market situated in front of the City Hall (Hauptplatz).
Visitors can admire the world-famous hand-carved ice nativity scene in the Landhaushof courtyard, ride the fairy-tale festive tram, and sip warming Styrian apple punch or classic Glühwein beneath canopy-lit displays.
How to get there from the UK: Fly to Vienna (approx. 2h 15m), then take a direct train to Graz (approx. 3h).
(Image: Getty)
14. Warsaw Old Town Christmas Market – Warsaw, Poland
Local market name: Jarmark Bożonarodzeniowy w Warszawie
Cost: 15 zł (£2.95)
Opening dates: November 27 to December 26, 2026
Stretching along the historic city ramparts to the Old Town Market Square (Rynek Starego Miasta), Warsaw’s festive stalls surround an ice rink encircling the city’s iconic Mermaid statue.
Stalls serve comforting local winter staples like oscypek (grilled smoked highland cheese topped with tart cranberry sauce) alongside hot cups of grzaniec galicyjski (spiced Polish mulled wine).
How to get there from the UK: Direct flights run from London, Manchester, Birmingham, and Edinburgh (approx. 2h 20m).
(Image: Getty)
13. The Village of Christmas – Liège, Belgium
Local market name: Le Village de Noël
Cost: €3.00 (£2.57)
Opening dates: November 28 to December 30, 2026
Billed as the oldest and largest festive village in Belgium, Le Village de Noël de Liège takes over the Place Saint-Lambert and Place du Marché with roughly 200 festive chalets.
It operates like a genuine village with its own elected “Council” and “Mayor,” offering artisan crafts, a large toboggan slide, regional Walloon treats, fresh Liège waffles, and hot spiced wine.
How to get there from the UK: Eurostar from London to Brussels (2h), then a 45-minute connecting train to Liège.
(Image: Getty)
12. Vilnius Christmas Market – Vilnius, Lithuania
Local market name: Vilniaus Kalėdų miestelis
Cost: €3.00 (£2.57)
Opening dates: November 28 to December 27, 2026
Centred in Cathedral Square beneath the soaring neoclassical bell tower, the Vilnius market is renowned across Europe for its striking, artfully designed Christmas tree installations.
Visitors can explore wooden chalets selling handmade linen, Baltic amber trinkets, and poppy-seed pastries, all while hopping aboard the festive Christmas train that chugs through the cobblestone alleys of the historic Old Town.
How to get there from the UK: Direct flights from London Luton and Stansted (approx. 2h 40m).
(Image: Getty)
