Most of us think of Germany when we think about traditional Christmas markets, but just across the border in Poland you can find many equally beautiful and less crowded markets. Why not come to Poland and try the special Christmas food and drinks, and unique handicrafts on offer? Come explore the charm of old town streets and avail of incredible flight prices.
KRAKOW – ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL MARKETS IN THE WORLD
CNN Travel just listed Krakow as one of best Christmas markets in the world and it’s easy to see why. It has everything from local handcrafted ceramics and jewellery to local specialties, Galician spiced mulled wine regional and warm “oscypek” smoked sheep cheese served with cranberry. The market is conveniently close to the main tourist attractions of St. Mary’s Basilica with its famous Veit Stoss altarpiece, Krakow Cloth Hall dating from the 13th century and Wawel castle, seat of Polish kings. Wizz Air offers low-cost return flights from Nice for €60 and £100 from Birmingham and Ryanair offers return flights from Bologna for only €85.
FAIRY TALE WROCLAW
Wroclaw’s Old Town Christmas market looks like something straight out of a fairy tale with its traditional Christmas Pyramid and a Rudolf carousel. Visitors can find craft shops, a Winter Labyrinth and a myriad of stands with local products like Silesian mulled wine with black pepper and vanilla, churros, pancakes, chocolate and plenty of options for gifts for loved ones. More information can be found here. It is open until the end of the year and you can get there for £140 return from London Luton with Wizz Air or €180 from Paris Beauvais with Ryanair.
POZNAN – A CHRISTMAS FUNFAIR
Poznan, capital of the Wielkopolska region, hosts its annual Bethlehem Christmas market every year by the City Hall. This year it lasts for 35 days and is a veritable funfair for all, including an ice sculpture museum, a huge rollercoaster and a 33 metre Ferris wheel. On Saturday 21st, there is a special Christmas parade with carol singing with Santa and his elves. Cheap flights can be had for €104 return from Paris Beauvais and £140 from London Stansted courtesy of Ryanair.
GDANSK – 3rd MOST BEAUTIFUL IN EUROPE
Gdansk’s Christmas market was ranked 3rd of the most beautiful Christmas market in Europe by users of European Best Destinations. Conveniently situated in the city centre it is distinguished by its Venetian carousel, an Advent calendar with a viewing point with a new window opened every day and a giant Christmas pyramid. As well as fabulously decorated stalls you can also burn calories skating at the outdoor ice rink or riding Santa’s sleigh in virtual reality. Gdansk maritime links can be seen in its charming old town with its fountain of Neptune fountain and its shipyard, symbol of Polish freedom and the fight against communism. Flights from Edinburgh can be had for £70 return from Wizz Air.
DELAYED? NO PROBLEM, JUST THINK ABOUT YOUR COMPENSATION
Even a delayed flight couldn’t spoil the mood returning home from a great Christmas break in Poland!
“EU regulations[1] entitle passengers to compensation for a flight delayed by at least 3 hours, or denied boarding”, Piotr Rybicki Operations Manager at GIVT. The maximum compensation for a delayed flight is €600 EUR and is dependent on distance:
- €250 EUR – for flights up to 1,500 km
- €400 EUR – for all flights over 1,500 km within the EU and other flights between 1,500 km and 3,500 km
- €600 EUR – for all remaining flights over 3,500 km
Knowing your rights can be very beneficial, especially at Christmas when compensation could mean a potentially very nice unexpected gift.
ABOUT GIVT
We seek compensation from air carriers for delayed or cancelled flights and in cases when air travellers are denied boarding. We act fast and efficiently, and we follow transparent rules. To make the process of obtaining compensation for our clients, we focus on advanced technology, task automation systems, Machine Learning, and advanced Big Data. GIVT has attracted experts with expertise in several sectors, including aviation, finance, modern technology, consulting, digital marketing, and legal services.
