With Christmas fast approaching and “coolcation” now officially recognised in the Collins Dictionary as the trend for holidays in cooler climates, there’s never been a better reason to plan a festive escape. While winter favourites such as Budapest, Salzburg, and Berlin are already well known for their Christmas markets, a new destination is about to join the list, and it’s a charming hidden gem. Starting on Friday, November 21, British Airways will launch its first-ever route to Graz, Austria‘s second-largest city and one of Europe’s most beautiful winter getaways.

With a UNESCO-listed old town, cobbled streets and a warm festive glow, Graz promises an authentic Christmas experience complete with an impressive 14 individual Christmas markets to choose from. From late November to late December 2025 (November 21–December 24), Graz transforms into an enchanting Christmas winter wonderland with more than a dozen markets, all located within walking distance of each other.  

Some of the most well-known Christmas markets in Graz include Hauptplatz, Eisernes Tor, Färberplatz, Mehlplatz, and Franziskanerplatz.  

Graz has also been recently recognised by Forbes as being home to one of Europe’s top 10 most beautiful Christmas markets, according to the culture and tourism organisation, European Best Destinations.

The Christmas market on Graz’s main square, Hauptplatz, is a dazzling spectacle, beautifully decorated with 25,000 twinkling lights that illuminate the festive stalls and create a magical holiday atmosphere, featuring traditional foods such as Styrian ham, roasted chestnuts, mulled wine, and gingerbread.

One of the most enchanting highlights is the ice nativity scene in the Landhaus courtyard, where skilled artists carve a breathtaking display from 35 tonnes of crystal-clear ice.

British Airways Holidays is offering two-night packages at the elegant four-star Das Weitzer Hotel from £289 per person (plus €5 local tax), including return economy flights from London Gatwick, one checked bag per person and accommodation.

Travel is available between 1 and 31 December 2025, with bookings open until 19 November 2025.

YouTuber, Natasha Villaroman, shared a video of herself visiting the Christmas markets in Graz in 2024, calling the city an “underrated holiday gem.”

She said: “During Christmastime, this charming city transforms into a winter wonderland with over 10 festive Christmas markets scattered across town!”

One person commented: “Visited the markets here myself this year. Graz is a wonderful city and I had a great time there.”