Europe’s Christmas markets, from Edinburgh to Budapest, are become incredibly pricey. While certain European markets expect high prices throughout the holiday season, many people are surprised by the increase in pricing this year. Budapest’s Christmas market is becoming less appealing, even though it was named the finest in Europe in a survey conducted in 2023. This is because goods like hot dogs cost €21, making it impossible for residents whose average monthly salary is less than €830 to enjoy the celebrations. Hungary is not alone in this position; other EU nations have seen comparable holiday price shocks due to food inflation, which has reached about 20%.

Known for its enchanted ambiance and winter celebrations, Edinburgh’s Christmas market has drawn criticism for being “hell on earth” because of its “outrageous prices” and claims that vendors are taking advantage of them. Big wheel tickets cost £10 (€11.60), hamburgers cost £12 (€14), and mulled wine costs £7 (€8) in Scotland. This year, even in England, where places like York usually have more reasonably priced celebrations, a burger and fries will set you back £12 (€14), and mulled wine will set you back a respectable £5 (€5.80).

Christmas markets originated in Germany, therefore the country is not immune to the practice. A social media post from Frankfurt showed a bratwurst that cost €6, along with a note about price increases. Some vendors in Berlin are avoiding marketplaces because their profit margins are narrowing; a bratwurst now costs about €2.70. Berlin’s Christmas markets charge between €4-5 for glühwein, or mulled wine, and up to €10 for a shot. In markets such as Spandau and Strasbourg, visitors express surprise at the price increases, attributing them to the outrageous fees levied by the organizers.

Similarly, the Seattle Christmas Market in the US, which promises to let tourists “step into a magical European Christmas village,” charges upwards of $20 (€18) for admission, with extra fees for inside food and gift shops. Some find comfort in the fact that admission to Europe’s Christmas markets is still free despite these growing costs.