THE cheapest Christmas market in Europe has been revealed – and you’ve probably never even heard of it.

Wroclaw in western Poland is home to an intimate Christmas market that’s widely regarded as one of the best in the country.

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The atmospheric attraction has been dubbed the cheapest in Europe by travel money specialist, eurochange.

Experts at the site researched the festive destinations offering the best value for money for Brits based on factors such as the local exchange rate, hotel and flight prices, and the cost of food and drink.

Laura Evans-Fisk, head of digital & engagement at eurochange, said: “Our research shows the Christmas Market in Wroclaw, Poland is one of the best European Christmas markets to visit, if you’re looking for the best value for money and a truly authentic experience.

“A three-course meal for two will also only cost £39, so it’s a perfect romantic getaway or trip with friends.”

Wroclaw Christmas market takes place across four interlinked locations in the city: Rynek Marquet Square, Place Solny, Świdnicka Street and Oławska Street.

Visitors can expect to find wooden stalls selling handmade gifts and local delicacies like Oscypek (a smoked cheese), sausages, a traditional Polish stew called Bigos and potato pancakes.

Food and drink are reported to be relatively cheap too, with a glass of mulled wine (Grzane Wino) costing 15 PLN (£3.10) at the market.

Glasses of mulled wine purchased from surrounding restaurants cost just 9 PLN (£1.86).

According to local website Wroclaw Guide, the Christmas market will have a “fairytale” forest where visitors can pose for photos next to giant wooden mushrooms and forest trees.

One wooden stall is set to display a scene from Pinocchio, with a figure of Geppetto bringing the wooden puppet to life.

There are other attractions too, including a carousel and a rollercoaster.

A huge Christmas tree will also be on display at this year’s market, with its lights being turned on on December 6.

The Christmas market will be open from November 29 to January 7.

On TripAdvisor, a person wrote: “This is the best Christmas market I have visited, it was very impressive.

“There were many different sections, including attractions for kids, food and drink stalls and stalls selling clothing and no queues.

“Everything was really reasonably priced too, especially compared to the UK.”

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Travel blogger Just Us Two Travel added: “The Wrocław Christmas market is full of beautiful decorations, including twinkling lights, festive ornaments, and an amazing towering Christmas tree.

“You will find various performances and activities taking place, keeping you entertained while you explore. There are carol singers and live music, theatrical performances and dance shows.”

Specialist travel website European Best Destinations described the Polish Christmas market as “one of the best Christmas markets in Poland and one of the most beautiful in Europe”.

Direct flights operate to Wroclaw from several towns and cities in the UK, including London, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Liverpool, Manchester, Bournemouth, Nottingham and Bristol.

The cheapest fares are from London Stansted where Ryanair operates direct flights to Wroclaw as well as a route from London Luton with Wizz Air.

Return fares cost as little as £29 in December.

Hotels in the city are extremely affordable in November and December too, with eurochange finding rooms from £29 per night, based on two people sharing.

Sun Online Travel has found an overnight stay at the Novotel Wrocław Centrum, a four-star hotel, costing £80 based on two people sharing a room.

There are also cheaper deals to be had, with private rooms in hostels starting from £17 per night for two people.

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SHOPPERS at a major fashion brand have been left fuming after being banned from the site for “excessive” returns.

PrettyLittleThing has deactivated a number of customers’ online accounts because of the number of times they have returned orders.

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Baffled customers have insisted they haven’t returned enough to justify a ban from the retail giant.

Some of those affected have taken to social media to criticise the new policy, with many claiming they would return fewer items if the sizing of PLT clothes was more consistent.

One TikTok user vented her ban on the platform while demanding an explanation for the bizarre sanction.

Faye said on the social media: “The only reason I return clothes is because it’s poor quality, it’s not as described on the website, the sizing standards are awful – yet PrettyLittleThing still think it’s a clever move to ban people from shopping from them because they can’t stick to their descriptions of clothes.

She backed her claim by displaying an email that confirmed she had been banned “in accordance with terms and conditions” after reviewing her “account activity”.

This apparently revealed “unusually high returns activity” – disallowing her from placing “any further orders”.

Seeing both sides, Faye said she understood why they may have wanted to clamp down on “girls spending hundreds of pounds for content making PrettyLittleThing hauls”.

This is because some purchasers then go and return everything, but the TikToker remained confused over the decision to ban her given they’re an “online website”.

She added: “And if you say something’s a size 10 and it turns up fitting a size 6 girl instead, what do you expect?”

The most disgruntled customers are those who have paid £9.99 for PLT’s Royalty scheme, which offers free next day delivery and free returns to members. 

Fellow fuming customers took to Faye’s comments to express their frustration on the bizarre banning.

One user said: “I have an online account with them but I’ve never actually ordered anything, I got an email today. I think it’s a glitch.”

Another commented: “Very real. I’m FUMING; I’ve literally sent 3 orders back this year out of about 20 orders and it’s the sizing issues.”

And: “I’m the type of person to order loads of dresses for an occasion and then I’ll return what I won’t wear!”

Other users revealed how they had previously been sent the wrong order by PLT, and therefore don’t understand how the retailer could put such a ban on returns.

A disgruntled shopper said: “One time they sent me THE WRONG DRESS.”

Another added: “I got this, fuming. It’s okay though when they send the wrong items in an order, send orders out late, and take my royalty fee for the year that I paid for.”

PLT is part of the Boohoo Group and was founded by Mahmud Kamani in 2006 as an accessories-only brand that focused on selling trendy gear for cheap. 

It was co-founded and headed up by Umar Kamani, one of Mahmud Kamani’s sons, who was the catalyst in the brand’s celebrity appeal .

Despite the cheap price point of its items, PLT has executed a number of star-studded collaborations.

These include with the likes of supermodel Naomi Campbell and a number of sell-out collections with influencer Molly-May Hague.

PrettyLittleThing have been approached for comment.

Gold Prices Are Nearing the $2,800 Mark: Is It a Good Time to Invest?

The gold market has seen remarkable growth throughout 2024, with prices reaching new heights and breaking multiple records. The bull market for gold began in early March when prices soared to $2,160 per ounce, marking an 8% increase from the previous record set in December 2023. This upward trend has continued, with gold prices consistently breaking records as they climb. Currently, prices are approaching $2,800 per ounce. This rapid increase has led to substantial gains for investors who entered the market earlier this year. For instance, those who bought gold in March at $2,160 per ounce have experienced a nearly 27% rise in value since then. This is a significant increase in just a few months, especially for an asset typically associated with long-term growth. However, while early investors have reaped the benefits of this price surge, potential newcomers may be questioning whether now is the right moment to invest. The idea of purchasing at such high prices seems to contradict the fundamental investment principle of buying low and selling high. So, is it wise to invest in gold at this premium price?

Is Now the Right Time to Invest in Gold?

When considering your investment strategy, it’s essential to align it with your personal goals. That said, there are several compelling reasons to consider adding gold to your portfolio at this moment, despite its elevated price.

Potential for Further Price Appreciation

Although gold is currently trading near $2,800 per ounce, many analysts believe there is still potential for prices to rise even more. Some forecasts suggest that gold could hit $3,000 per ounce by the end of the year or shortly thereafter. This optimistic outlook is supported by several factors:

• Institutional Demand: Central banks worldwide are increasingly purchasing gold, which strengthens demand and supports higher prices. In 2023, they acquired over 1,136 metric tons, the highest in over five decades.
• Limited Supply: The finite nature of gold means that as demand increases, prices are likely to rise due to scarcity. Many major gold mines are approaching depletion, adding pressure to the supply chain.
• Industrial Applications: Gold is increasingly utilized in various industries, including electronics and healthcare. This growing industrial demand further enhances its value, as new applications create additional reasons for businesses to seek gold.

By investing now, you may be setting yourself up to take advantage of potential price increases in the future, even if the current price seems steep. Delaying your purchase might result in missing out on a more favorable entry point.

Safeguarding Against Economic Uncertainty

While inflation has eased considerably in recent months, it’s not the only economic factor that could affect your investment strategy. The global economy is still grappling with various challenges, such as persistent geopolitical tensions and economic instability. Historically, gold has been viewed as a dependable safeguard against these uncertainties, making it a wise choice to invest in now. Here’s how it can shield you in a volatile economic landscape:

• Preserving Purchasing Power: Gold has historically maintained its value over time, helping investors protect their purchasing power in the face of inflation and currency fluctuations.
• Safe-Haven Asset: During periods of economic distress or geopolitical tensions, gold often sees a surge in demand, serving as a reliable store of value when other investments falter.
• High Liquidity: Gold is easily convertible to cash, offering financial flexibility. Whether through physical gold or gold ETFs, investors can liquidate their holdings quickly during economic downturns, ensuring access to necessary funds.

The Importance of Portfolio Diversification

One of the key reasons investors include gold in their portfolios is its unique relationship with other assets. Gold has historically demonstrated a low or negative correlation with stocks and bonds, meaning that when the stock market faces downturns, as it has recently, gold often remains stable. By adding gold to your portfolio now, even at current elevated prices, you’re incorporating an asset that doesn’t move in tandem with traditional investments. This helps to lower the overall risk and volatility of your portfolio, ensuring that even if other investments are underperforming, a portion of your wealth stays safeguarded.

The Key Takeaway

The recent rise in gold prices has led some investors to wonder if it’s the right moment to make a purchase. Although investing in any asset at its peak can feel risky, there are compelling reasons to consider adding gold to your portfolio, even at these higher prices. The possibility of further price increases, the necessity for a dependable safeguard against persistent economic instability, and the diversification advantages that gold offers all highlight its lasting worth as an investment.

Related: Should I invest in Gold?