If you’re dreaming of a festive getaway this winter, Europe’s Christmas markets offer more than just mulled wine and twinkling lights. From fairytale castles to cobbled streets, here are six standout spots – and a reminder of the new rules for UK travellers in the EU.
Since Brexit, there are new checks at the border, and new restrictions on what you can bring home. That means your suitcase full of festive goodies might need a second look. Here’s what to expect and how travel insurance can help if things don’t go to plan.
Dresden, Germany
Home to Germany’s oldest Christmas market, the Striezelmarkt, Dresden delivers tradition in spades. Think 240 stalls, a 14-metre wooden pyramid and stollen that’s worth the flight alone. Nearby, the Medieval Market at Stallhof adds knights and crafts to the mix.
Arras, France
Just over an hour from Calais, Arras is a great flight-free option. Its Grand’Place transforms into a festive village with 140 stalls, an ice rink and a UNESCO-listed belfry offering panoramic views. Perfect for a weekend escape.
Vienna, Austria
Vienna’s Spittelberg Market is a local favourite, tucked away in the arty Neubau district. It’s all about handmade gifts and sustainable treats. Add in Schönbrunn Palace and Freyung markets, and you’ve got a festive tour worth planning.
Lausanne, Switzerland
Set on Lake Geneva, Lausanne’s Bô Noël market brings alpine charm, local food and a giant ferris wheel. The city’s Olympic heritage adds a sporty twist, and the Opening Banquet is a must for foodies.
Ghent, Belgium
Ghent’s market winds through historic squares with over 150 wooden huts. Families will love the ice rink and castle light show, while grown-ups can warm up at the Winter Bar inside medieval walls.
Prague, Czech Republic
Old Town Square hosts Prague’s main market, complete with sword-making demos and Czech delicacies. Snowfall turns the city into a storybook, and Peace Square offers a quieter, local vibe.
Travelling to and from the EU as a Brit
If you’re heading to Europe this year, there’s a new travel rule to be aware of. The EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) is being rolled out gradually, and it affects UK passport holders.
Since Brexit, Brits are now classed as third-country nationals. That means when you arrive in a Schengen country, you may be asked to register your biometrics – fingerprints and a facial scan – and answer a few questions about your visit. These checks are being introduced slowly, so not every airport or port is using them yet. But where they are in place, expect longer queues.
There’s no need to register in advance or fill out paperwork before you travel. Just make sure your passport is valid and that you’re sticking to the 90/180-day rule for visits to the Schengen area.
What can you bring back?
Tempted by festive treats? You’ll need to be a little more selective than in pre-Brexit days. UK border rules now restrict what you can bring home from the EU.
Due to a temporary ban linked to recent Avian Flu outbreaks in Europe, you can’t bring back any meat or dairy products from the EU into Great Britain – even that delicious French cheese or German sausage.
But don’t worry, there’s still plenty you can pack in your suitcase:
- Cakes (without fresh cream), biscuits, chocolate and sweets
- Pasta and noodles (as long as they’re not filled with meat)
- Packaged soups and stocks
- Fruit, vegetables, nuts and seeds (from the EU, Switzerland or Liechtenstein)
So yes to stollen and sweet treats – but hold off on the cured meats for now.
If you’re planning to bring back a bottle (or two) of something festive, there are limits to what you can carry without paying UK tax or duty. The good news? They’re pretty generous.
You can bring in:
- 42 litres of beer
- 18 litres of still wine
- 4 litres of spirits (over 22% alcohol) or 9 litres of lower-strength alcohol (like sparkling wine or sherry)
You can even split your allowance – say, 2 litres of whisky and 4.5 litres of port.
For tobacco, you’re allowed:
- 200 cigarettes
- 100 cigarillos
- 50 cigars
- 250g of tobacco
- Or 200 sticks for heated tobacco devices
Again, you can mix and match within your limits. Just remember: these are for personal use or gifts. So, if you’re stocking up on schnapps or treating someone to a fancy cigar, you’re good to go – just don’t go overboard.
No one wants their Christmas ruined by red tape
A festive break should be full of memories – not mishaps. But with new travel rules, longer queues, and tighter restrictions on what you can bring home, it pays to be prepared.
That’s where travel insurance comes in. From lost luggage to last-minute cancellations, it’s your safety net when things go sideways. And if you’re planning to bring back gifts, treats or tipples, it’s worth knowing what’s covered – and what’s not.
So before you go, make sure your travel insurance is sorted. At Howden, we’re here to help you travel smarter, safer and with total peace of mind.
Sources: GOV.UK, Which?, The Daily Express, MoneySavingExpert
You could also read:
- Is your town one of the UK’s riskiest for child pedestrians?
- Flood risk is rising – but would your claim be denied?
- Smart heat your home this winter | Howden Insurance
- Manual or automatic: which costs more to insure?
- The UK towns where you’re most likely to pass your theory test
This is a marketing blog by Howden.