These are Europe’s Christmas markets most likely to see snow – with return flights from only £42

Dreaming of a white Christmas? With snow becoming less likely each year in the UK, many Brits are looking to spend the festive season elsewhere.

If you’re looking for a snowy landscape to wake up to, you might have better luck heading to a European city with odds in your favour.

Some Christmas markets across the continent are far more likely to see snow this year than those in the UK.

The best destinations have now been revealed.

At the top of the list is little heard-of Montbéliard, France.

Located in the Bourgogne–Franche-Comté region, Montbéliard is a labyrinth of more than 100 stalls offering crafts, seasonal treats and local produce. 

The Renaissance-era Château de Montbéliard provides a picture-perfect backdrop for the festive season.

Plus, the likelihood of snow is for 39.34 per cent of days, with an average snowfall of 24.2cm.

At the top of the list is little heard-of Montbéliard, France, located in the Bourgogne–Franche-Comté region

In second place is Salzburg, Austria.

Set against Baroque architecture and the Hohensalzburg Fortress, Salzburg’s market offers centuries-old traditions, live performances and the charm of Mozart’s birthplace. 

Here, the chance of snow is for 36.07 per cent of days, with an average snowfall of 35.2cm.

And you can fly from the UK to Salzburg for as little as £42 with airlines such as Ryanair.

Taking the third spot is Metz, France.

Nestled in the medieval heart of the city, the Metz Christmas Market blends traditional craftsmanship with gourmet delights such as Mirabelle plums, gingerbread and pâté lorrain.

The likelihood of snow is for 32.79 per cent of days, with an average snowfall of 10.7cm.

The fourth place crown goes to Basel, Switzerland, with a chance of snow on 32.79 per cent of days and an average snowfall of 10.2cm.

In second place is Salzburg, Austria. Set against Baroque architecture and the Hohensalzburg Fortress, Salzburg’s market offers centuries-old traditions, live performances and the charm of Mozart’s birthplace

Taking the third spot is Metz, France. The likelihood of snow is for 32.79 per cent of days, with an average snowfall of 10.7cm

And coming in fifth is – unsurprisingly – Strasbourg in France.

No Christmas list is complete without Strasbourg, home to Europe’s oldest and largest Christmas markets, collectively known as Christkindelsmärik. 

Dating back to 1570 and attracting two million visitors annually, the city hosts 13 markets with more than 300 stalls, blending French and German traditions in a uniquely Alsatian celebration. 

The chance of snow here is for 32.79 per cent of days, with an average snowfall of 8.8cm.

European Waterways analysed Statista data, World Weather Online reports and independent research to identify the top spots.