During this time of year, many of us are looking to embrace the festivities and explore the charm of a Christmas market through a European winter getaway. While there's a catalogue to choose from, there's one that offers the best value for money, and it's just a few hours away from the UK.

Whether you're looking for a one-night weekend escape or a three-night midweek stay, Prague has been rated as the best value city break. Research from LateRooms found that hotels in the capital of the Czech Republic average at £50 per night, while airport transfers cost less than £2.

For the results, the last-minute booking website compared 50 other popular European cities with flights from the UK, including airport transfer costs and length, average hotel prices, and attraction ratings in each city. This was part of their Easy Breaks Index in a bid to help travellers book their next getaway with ease.

Direct flights to Prague in December start from £28 from London Gatwick, while flights in January can start from as little as £17. With a flight journey of just two hours, you could be transported to the fairytale city in no time at all.

And of course, adding to Prague's allure during this time of year is its Christmas market, nestled in the beautiful and captivating Old Town Square, for a festive, yet affordable getaway like no other. While Prague is renowned for hosting several Christmas markets each year, the 12th-century Old Town Square is the primary location for its annual festivities.

Visitors can wander around the decorated wooden cabins, filled with everything from tree ornaments, handmade ceramics, jewellery, glassware, embroidered lace, candles, wooden toys, puppets, paintings, and handmade blankets. There is also a selection of traditional Czech foods on offer, from sweet dumplings, crêpes, local cheeses, Czech Christmas fish soup, and of course, its famed chimney cake.

Away from shopping, you can listen to live music on their open-air stage, see a nativity scene and walk over the observation bridge adorned with lights. You can also marvel at the Christmas tree, which is at the heart of its tradition as each year a tree is chosen from a different region of the country.

The square also houses the Baroque St Nicholas Church, the Rococo Kinsky Palace, and the town hall's 15th-century astronomical clock. Elsewhere, you can explore more of the Christmas market at Wenceslas Square with more stalls to browse and an ice rink to glide among the spectacular winter wonderland.

The Prague Christmas Market runs from November 29 to January 6, so there's plenty of time to book that flight or plan a wintery getaway for early next year. What's more, you might even get lucky enough to experience a dusting of snow, making it the ideal time to visit the magnificent Prague Castle.

What makes Prague even more enticing is the ease of exploring the city, with the Old Town, Charles Bridge and Prague Castle all being just a short distance from each other. Not only can you wander the Christmas market for some festive merriment, but you can also explore the medieval city with its iconic landmarks and enchanting streets.