UK staycations can often set you back hundreds, but for the same price – or even less – you could get into the festive spirit in another country.
According to travel money experts at eurochange, it can cost upwards of £1,600 for a family of four to stay in a lodge in the UK around the Christmas period.
Yet, for the same price you could be jetting off to Europe and exploring local Christmas markets.
Here are five great alternatives for an adventure during the Christmas period.
Zakopane, Poland
Zakopane located in Poland is known for being a top ski destination, especially thanks to the Tatra mountains.
The town has its own Christmas market to get you in the festive spirit, with stalls selling regional food such as oscypek – smoked sheep cheese.
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You can also grab a cup of mulled wine and explore stalls with local craft items.
This cosy destination is just two hours from Krakow, with return flights from London costing as little as £34 in December.
Alternatively, you could grab return flights from Birmingham, Edinburgh or Newcastle from £59.
Accommodation prices for December stays aren’t bad either.
For example, you could stay at willa anulka na Hrubym for five nights for £191 total for two adults and two children – and it is only 1.1 miles from the ski lifts.
Alternatively, head to Willa Senator which is less than half a mile from the ski lift and 1.4 miles from the town centre and costs £214 for five nights for a family of four.
It is the perfect spot to stay in with kids as there is an outdoor play area and garden.
Kakheti, Georgia
Kakheti in Georgia is known for being a great wine region, with many wineries hosting Christmas events throughout December.
Visitors can head to one of the wineries and try wines made in the region, aged in qvevris – a traditional clay vessel used in the winemaking process.
Georgia also has a ‘feast’ culture, known in the country as ‘supra’, with local treats including churchkhela – candle-shaped walnut sweets.
Return flights to Tbilisi from London cost from £152 per person.
When it comes to accommodation, there are a vast array of options depending on your budget.
For example, you could stay in the winery at Elizbar Talakvadze for £391 for five nights in December, for a family of four.
If you fancy staying somewhere with a pool, then you could stay at Holiday Inn Telavi by IHG for £429 for five nights also in December, for a family of four.
Cologne, Germany
Cologne in Germany is often considered one of the most festive cities in the world with multiple Christmas markets to explore.
At the markets visitors can enjoy mulled wine and traditional German snacks, such as Reibekuchen, which are a type of potato pancakes.
Or alternatively opt for a Christmas market classic, a Bratwurst with sauerkraut.
The city is also home to a beautiful Cathedral worth visiting.
Flights from Manchester in December cost from £41 or from London you could head there for £64.
Five nights at the Mercure Hotel Köln West in December cost from £455 for a family of four.
Alternatively, you could stay in an apartment at FeWo Central, just 1.3 miles from the city centre for £373 for five nights in December for a family of four.
Courchevel, France
The French Alps are an idyllic spot for a holiday during the Christmas period with Courchevel being transformed with festive lights and cheery decorations.
The destination has lots of family friendly activities including skiing, with ski schools for little ones, ice skating and dog sledding.
Courchevel is about two hours from Geneva Airport, which you can fly to in December for as little as £46 return from London, £48 return from Liverpool and £50 return from Belfast.
Accommodation in Courchevel is typically more expensive, however there are some good deals out there, such as a stay during the first week of December at the La Tania 309 Le Britania apartment, which is just a short walk from the ski lift.
For five nights for a family of four it costs from £370.
There are many more options for chalets between the £600 and £1,000 mark for a week, for a family of four in December.
Tallinn, Estonia
The capital of Estonia, Tallinn, is known for its UNESCO-listed old town which looks like it has been ripped from the pages of a Disney fairytale.
Add in the snow the city often gets and some festive spirit, it becomes a great option for a Christmas getaway.
In the Town Hall Square, there is a Christmas market which claims to be one of the oldest in Europe, dating back to 1441.
The market has lots of stalls with Estonian snacks such as blood sausages.
It is cheapest to fly to Tallinn from London, with return fares costing from £44 in December.
Options for accommodation in the city are vast, including Park Inn by Radisson Central Tallinn for £413 for five nights for a family of four.
Alternatively, if you fancy a spa and some fun for the kids, head to Kalev Spa Hotel & Waterpark in the centre of the city for £494, for five nights for a family of four including breakfast.
If you do want to stay in the UK, then these are the prettiest Christmas markets in Britain – with hotel stays from £37.
Plus, Europe’s largest indoor Christmas attraction is coming to the UK – with unlimited rides and an elf circus show.