With Christmas around the corner, the festive atmosphere begins to feel palpable across all towns and cities in the UK.
The season’s many cherished and beloved events are Christmas markets, which offer a range of themed products and warming meals for visitors to explore.
In time for the festive season, Wizz Air has created a list of Europe’s most overcrowded markets, which drove the most online searches.
The research analysed over 35 popular European markets from various sources and searches from October to December 2023.
They used a Keyword Tool to assess each destination’s popularity, focusing on searches for “[Destination] Christmas Market” on TikTok, Instagram and Google, along with Google searches for “flights to [Destination]”.
Winter Wonderland, located in London’s sprawling Hyde Park, takes the top spot ahead of Edinburgh and Birmingham’s popular Charismas markets.
Despite its colossal size and a broad selection of more than 150 festive entertainment and activity options—including an ice bar and a Christmas-themed circus—this annual event failed to impress some of its visitors.
Taking to Tripadvisor to share her thoughts, Kate J said: “Awful Awful Awful. Don’t bother. Going once in going one too many times, in my opinion. Overpriced, unoriginal, full of youngsters getting bladdered and overpriced rides.
“If you want Christmassy Winter Wonderland vibes, go to Krakow or another nearby European country. Better lights, better food, better prices, better experience.”
Joe F echoed: “Overcrowded, unsafe, Disorganised event, unhelpful & clueless staff, overpriced, long queues everywhere, and a horrible place for children.”
Mark S added: “Basically if you are into overpriced greasy food, queueing, walking in crowds looking at absolutely nothing then you will have a brilliant time.
“Everything is overpriced, even if you are “flush” with cash there are much better ways to spend time with your family at Christmas.”
But it was not all bad experience, as one person who gave the market a five-star review highlighted the “large places with food galore with music in a great atmosphere,” saying they are “worth it alone.”
Fahriye D stated: “Great place to start to prepare yourself for Christmas. We enjoyed so much, lots of options to choose from when you become hungry. We had some German sausages with bread and mustard and mulled wine.”