A dozen Christmas break ideas from Manchester Airport with flights starting at £42pp return – from the traditional to the exotic
There are less than three weeks to go before Santa does his rounds and all across the world, it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas. But it’s not too late to bag a bargain on a festive getaway, if you want to squeeze every drop of magic out of the season.
Manchester Airport has a route network unmatched by any airport outside London, with over 200 places you can catch a direct flight to – so, whether you’re looking for a traditional Christmas market, a sleigh ride in the snow, a meeting with Father Christmas himself in Lapland, or something a little more quirky, you’re never far from your perfect festive getaway.
If you’re looking for some Christmas destination inspiration, read on.
Christmas Markets
Vienna
Wrap up warm and head for Vienna if you love exceptional coffee, Christmas carols in concert and, of course, amazing winter markets. The largest market is near the Rathaus where, amid the aroma of roasting chestnuts, stalls sell gifts, choirs sing, and families ice skate together. Vienna is the home of classical music, so take in a festive performance while you’re here and check out the Art History Museum for works by Rembrandt and Vermeer as well as an extensive Ancient Egyptian Art exhibit, with authentic millennia-old artifacts.
Austrian Airlines and Ryanair both fly direct from Manchester to Vienna, and you can reach Vienna from only £42pp return with Ryanair.
Brussels
The ‘Winter Wonders’ Brussels Christmas Market is open between 29th November and 5th January. More than 200 wooden chalets with food, drinks and Christmas decorations give you the chance to delve into Belgian Christmas traditions and sample some of the world’s finest beers and chocolates. The Belgian capital’s Grand Palace is a great place for a selfie, and the short flight time from Manchester – less than an hour and a half – makes it an ideal destination for a weekend away.
Fly to Brussels from £148pp return with Brussels Airlines.
Frankfurt
Tracing its origins to the 14th Century, the Frankfurt Christmas Market is one of the oldest in the world. It’s decorated with thousands of lights and its vendors sell a variety of Christmas specialities, with many specialising in festive decorations. Each year the market refreshes the design of its cups, which are used to serve lashings of mulled wine – so hang on to your cup for a unique memento.
Flights to Frankfurt with Lufthansa are priced from £190pp return.
Lisbon
The most popular Christmas market in Lisbon is Wonderland Lisboa, located in Eduardo VII Park in the heart of the city. Crowds queue up for a seat on the Ferris wheel, which offers 360-degree views of the city from its cosy heated cabins. There’s also an ice rink and over 50 market stalls selling festive gifts and Christmas confectionery, as well as lots of traditional food and mulled wine.
If you’re travelling with young children, there’s plenty for them to enjoy, too. Take a trip to Wonderland’s Christmas Village, where children can visit Santa’s House. Or check out the program of Christmas shows and performances for children of all ages on the main stage.
Fly to Lisbon with Ryanair from only £46pp return.
Winter Wonderlands
Rovaniemi
As the official home of Santa himself, is there any destination more magical than Lapland? Make memories that last a lifetime in Rovaniemi, Finland. You can visit the elves’ workshop in Santa Claus Village, and cartwheel over a line marking the frosty Arctic Circle. If you look up, you might even see the Northern Lights painting the sky.
Snuggle up on a sleigh as Santa's reindeer pull you through the crystal white snow. And if you’re looking for another adventure, Ranua Wildlife Park won’t disappoint. Specialising in arctic and northern animal species, you might even see polar bears roaming around.
Fly to Rovaniemi with easyJet from £153pp return.
Innsbruck
Innsbruck lies at the heart of the stunning Alpine region of Tyrol in Austria. Lake Achensee is the showstopper, surrounded by snowy mountains, with boat cruises to see the glittering lights from the lake.
The idyllic village of Pertisau is also a must visit. Take a leisurely stroll around and stop by at stalls selling everything from crafts to fresh waffles. And if you hear Christmas songs in the distance, the likelihood is that it’s coming from the parish church. Designed by famous Austrian architect Clemens Holzmeister, be sure to stop by for a carol concert.
Flights with easyJet to Innsbruck start at £131pp return.
Akureyri
This outpost in the north of Iceland is the gateway to one of Europe’s last true wildernesses. Explore natural wonders like Goðafoss waterfall, over 30ft deep and nearly 100ft wide, and hike through the wintry pine forests of Árskógssandur Forest Trail. Then, warm up with a dip in Myvatn Nature Baths, a naturally heated geothermal lagoon. You’ll have a great chance of spotting the northern lights at this time of year, too,
easyJet launches flights from Manchester to Akureyri later this month, with prices from £54pp return.
And something a bit different…
Bergen
Christmas isn’t complete without some soft and perfectly-spiced gingerbread. And in Bergen, you’ll find a whole miniature city made out of this festive treat. Churches, castles, and even rockets form this edible piece of art - you can even have a taste at the end of the tour.
If the festive biscuits get too tempting, there are plenty of other traditional Norwegian events to explore. Embark on an advent trip up Mount Fløyen on one of the four Sundays leading up to Christmas. Light candles and visit the enchanting forest, where the local children have decorated the trees with beautiful environmentally friendly decorations. Or attend one of the many Christmas concerts, which are sure to get you into the spirit.
Norwegian flies to Bergen from Manchester from only £95pp return.
Madrid
The ancient Spanish city of Toledo is beautiful all year round, but becomes especially charming during Christmas time. Just a short distance from Madrid, it’s a great location for a festive food tour.
Starting off sweet, this ancient city is the birthplace of marzipan. Embark on a marzipan tour of the city - you’ll find this traditional Christmas treat in bakeries, pastry shops and even in the local convents. Make sure to also try migas navideñas, a festive variation of a traditional dish made of bread, garlic and different meats and vegetables - a truly hearty dish.
Fly to Madrid for £47pp return with Ryanair.
New York
Christmas in the Big Apple is iconic, immortalised by movies like Home Alone 2 and Miracle on 34th Street, and the subject of The Pogues’ Christmas hit Fairytale of New York. To see what all the fuss is about, jump on a flight with Aer Lingus from Manchester from just £420pp return.
A huge open-air skating rink at the Rockefeller Centre in Manhattan is now open daily from 9am – 12 midnight, and Central Park is a magical place for a stroll at this time of year. Fifth Avenue is home to high-end department stores and boutique shops where you’re sure to find some fantastic Christmas gifts. It's also well worth a visit to the Christmas in New York shop in Manhattan’s Little Italy district, which is open year-round but a must-see at this time of year.
Barbados
Fancy lounging on a beach in the sunshine sipping a cocktail on Christmas Day? The white sand beaches of Barbados lend a whole new meaning to the idea of a White Christmas – and Bridgetown comes alive with festive lights and a huge display of Christmas trees decorated to represent the countries of the Commonwealth.
You’ll have no issue finding a traditional Christmas dinner if that’s what you want, with many restaurants catering to tourists – but for a more authentic experience, enjoy a seaside barbecue and try out the Bajan Christmas staple Jug Jug, a hearty stew made with minced meat, herbs and pigeon peas – all washed down with fine Caribbean rum.
AerLingus flies to Barbados from Manchester with prices from £390pp return.
Singapore
It might not be the first place that comes to mind when you’re planning a festive trip, but Singapore at Christmas is spectacular. Nearly 20% of Singaporeans are Christian and they celebrate the season in style. The futuristic looking Gardens by the Bay hosts a Christmas Wonderland with light displays, carnival rides and markets, while the main shopping street of Orchard Road is also bedecked with dazzling decorations. Universal Studios Singapore also puts on Christmas themed performances and attractions. Stay until New Year and take in the Marina Bay Countdown – one of the most enthralling New Year celebrations anywhere on the planet.
Singapore Airlines will fly you to Singapore directly from Manchester from £923pp return.
* Prices quoted are the cheapest available price per person on a direct return flight from Manchester before the end of December 2024 and are correct at the time of publication.