With Christmas fast approaching, ABTA’s latest data shows that 27% of people who are planning to go on holiday this winter are heading off on a Christmas market break.

While many may choose to visit their local Christmas market in the UK, there are plenty to choose from in Europe and further afield – from Dresden’s Striezelmarkt (thought to be one of the oldest Christmas markets in the world) to Union Square Holiday Market in New York or even locations in Asia such as Christmas Wonderland in Singapore.

As revealed in ABTA’s new report, Travel Trends for 20251, Christmas market breaks are so in demand that they are the third most popular type of trip at this time of year2, only behind city breaks and winter sun holidays.

In fourth – and rising in popularity year-on-year – are trips to see the Northern Lights. Although the phenomena have been seen over the UK in recent years, this seems to have whet people’s appetite to see them ‘in situ’, with almost one in five people (18%, up from 16% last year) looking to take this type of trip this winter.

Graeme Buck, Director of Communications at ABTA – The Travel Association, said:

“One of the biggest travel trends we’re seeing is a desire for unique experiences on holiday, and in particular the magical atmosphere of Christmas market breaks and the natural wonder of the Northern Lights are proving incredibly popular.

“If you’re heading to a Christmas market break this winter, make sure you take enough travel money with you. Many food stalls and vendors will prefer – or only accept – payment in cash and this will help you save on potentially costly ATM and bank charges when away.

“If you haven’t booked a winter break yet it’s not too late, just speak to an ABTA travel agent or tour operator for the latest prices and availability.”