TAKE a look at the Christmas market spot 2.5 hours from Ireland – with ice skating, festive town squares and Ryanair flights from €33.
Luckily, Europe is filled with cities that are perfect to visit in winter, with regular flights leaving from Dublin Airport.
One of these places is the charming small city of Malmo, Sweden, which is known for being a winter wonderland.
Between November until February, the city is decked out with festive lights, Christmas activities and picture perfect markets.
And it’s only two and a half hours from Dublin, making it the ideal place to travel for quick winter weekend.
Although Ryanair don’t have direct flights to Malmo, they have affordable trips to the country’s capital, Stockholm.
Tickets on the short journey can be snapped up for just €33.40 on December 8th.
From there, punters can hop on a train for roughly €60 and travel on a scenic route to Malmo.
Even the train journey is beautiful, taking in frozen lakes, rich forests, and colourful Swedish towns along the way.
But Malmo is the real gem of this potential trip, where Christmas is a big deal, and there’s plenty to do.
The highlight of any winter trip is always the Christmas markets, and Malmo is no exception.
In fact, there are multiple different markets throughout the city selling local produce, hand crafted gifts, and unique food and drink.
Head into the town square “Lilla Torg” (meaning little square) to find log cabin style stalls decked out in all the Christmas classics.
Try glögg (spiced mulled wine), or other local winter warmers as you take in sparkling lights and snap the perfect Instagram picture.
Another must see Christmas market is the one in Gustav Adolf’s Torg, another town square named after the former King of Sweden.
This Christmas fair has been described by locals as a cosy, sparkling wonderland.
It’s well worth a visit to soak up the Christmas atmosphere and enjoy the local culture.
While the markets are a huge draw, the city of Malmo has plenty on offer besides.
One popular activity for tourists is to simply wander around the city clutching a hot drink.
Start with the picturesque Lilla Torg, where punters can wrap themselves in blankets and watch the world go by with a hot chocolate.
Many of the city’s iconic spots are within walking distance of each other, and its a great way to make sure you don’t miss a thing.
Unlike many major cities, Malmo is blessed with a stunning beach on the edge of the city.
Known locally as Ribersborgsstranden, the sandy spot is the ideal place to blow off the cobwebs with a brisk walk.
Although few will brave the chilly waters in winter, the beach is a must see as it gives you views of the city’s famous Öresund Bridge.
Another unique activity visitors can challenge themselves to is a visit to Ribersborgs Kallbadhus, a sauna and ice plunge known for its healing benefits.
Punters can simply relax and enjoy the warmth of a sauna, or they can take a dip in the cold sea to wake themselves up.
If the sea is frozen over, then in true Swedish fashion, a hole will be cut in the ice for you to plunge through.
Another classic Christmas activity is hugely popular in the stunning city – ice skating at Ribbersborg attracts delighted visitors each Christmas.
Or, visitors can make use of the free ice skating rink at Vinterdrom (Winter Dream), where ice skates are available to hire.
A local favourite for after the ice rink is Far i Hatten, where you can enjoy pizza and a warm drink.
And the city is filled with plenty of cultural spots to visit too.
Check out museums and art galleries such as Malmo Museum and the Moderna Museet.
For those whose dates are flexible, try heading to Malmo for December 13th, a major day in the Swedish calendar.
The date marks the Festival of Lucia, the bearer of light in winter darkness.
The occasion is often marked by a lantern competition, a stunning display that’s worth rearranging your dates for.
While chances are most visitors won’t speak Swedish, they might be able to get by with the simple phrase, “God Jul”, meaning Merry Christmas.
XMAS EVENTS AT HOME
Here are five more events to check out this Christmas.
- Dublin Christmas Lights: The annual Christmas lights switch-on will occur on November 1, with festive decorations illuminating key areas such as Grafton Street and O’Connell Street.
- Winterval in Waterford: Starting November 17 this large Christmas festival features markets, light displays, and entertainment throughout the city.
- The Belfast Christmas Market: Opening on November 16 at the City Hall grounds, offering a variety of food, crafts, and seasonal goods.
- Galway Christmas Market: Set to begin on November 17 in Eyre Square, featuring festive stalls, food, and live entertainment.
- Killarney Winter Wonderland: Opens November 23, with attractions including a Christmas market, ice skating, and Santa’s Grotto
