Very Christmassy markets in Eastern Europe

Regent Holidays can arrange breaks to marvellous Christmas markets in Krakow, Prague, Tallinn, Riga and Budapest. All are guaranteed to get you in the Christmas mood and is, of course, credit crunch friendly because they are very reasonably priced.

Christmas market breaks in Krakow from £269 per person including flights

Starting at the beginning of December the Market Square in Krakow is the stage for the sale of traditional handicrafts, decorations made from straw, wood and crepe paper, as well as beautiful, delicate, hand-painted Christmas tree baubles. Sample the delicious grilled sausages, potatoes, smoked knuckle, mulled wine or beer, whilst soaking up this truly festive atmosphere.

On the first Thursday of December (4th this year), Krakow crib makers present their works in the Main Market and they range from tiny 20cm to 2m high and are often constructed in the shape of Krakow's monumental buildings - this has been a tradition since 1937. At midday on 4th, after the bugle call is sounded from St. Mary's Church Tower, the presentation of the cribs comes to an end. Picking up their masterpieces, the crib makers march to the Krakow Historical Museum and the very best cribs are bought by the museum.

Enjoy a 3 night break to Krakow from £269pp including flights and air taxes with British Airways from London Gatwick, 3 nights at the Hotel Alexander with breakfast and return airport transfers. The Hotel Alexander is a great three star hotel located on the edge of the Old Town, just 200 metres from Market Square.

Christmas Market Breaks in Prague from £235 per person

Prague Christmas Market runs daily throughout December. A ‘Winter Wonderland’ awaits as visitors come to soak up the atmosphere, browse the stalls and enjoy Christmas carols, warm food and hot wine.

Stay for 5 nights and get 2 extra nights free at the Hotel Leonardo which is just a few steps from Charles Bridge and the Old town.

Christmas Market Breaks in Riga from £135 per person

Every year traders and market stalls fill the pretty town square in Riga's Old Quarter for the annual Christmas Market. Here you can buy hand-knitted gloves, locally-made handicrafts and traditional Latvian Christmas tree decorations. When you are all shopped out, relax and enjoy a glass of mulled wine and a traditional gingerbread cake. This offer includes accommodation with breakfast at the 4 star Monika Hotel or 3 star Hotel Hanza, return airport transfers, city tour and city card, allowing free travel on public transport and many discounts in shops, restaurants and museums.

The offers to Prague or Riga do not include flights but Regent Holidays are happy to book these for clients, allowing their customers to take full advantage of any bargain fares that are available at the time of booking.

Christmas Market Breaks in Tallinn from £435 per person including flights

Tallinn is a charming blend of medieval tranquillity and modern urban life. The Old Town is magical all year round, but perhaps is at its best in winter when Christmas spirit can be felt on every corner.

The price of £435 includes return flights with Estonia Air from LGW, taxes, airport transfers, 3 nights accommodation in The Merchants House, a four star boutique hotel in the Old Town, a city tour of Tallinn and a Tallinn City Card which enables you to free public transport within the city, discounts in restaurants, shops and free or reduced price entry to museums and tourist sights in Tallinn.

Christmas market breaks in Budapest from £280 per person including flights

Budapest is really two cities in one – the romantic ‘Buda’ hillside with its castle and churches; and the Pest side - full of majestic buildings, museums and theatres. In the Budapest Christmas Market over 100 wooden stands sell food specialities, handicrafts, paintings and glassware.

It costs from £280 pp for 3 nights at the four star Hotel Astoria or from £325 at the five star Hotel Sofitel Atrium including flights with BA from LHR, accommodation with breakfast and taxes.

For more information and bookings, log on to Regent-holidays.co.uk.