Explore Christmas Markets in Europe with Icelandair

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Discover the Magic of European Christmas Markets with Icelandair

Experience the enchanting charm of European Christmas markets, a tradition dating back to the Middle Ages. Originating in Germany, these markets have become iconic holiday destinations, offering visitors a magical blend of history, culture, and festive cheer. Icelandair offers seamless connections from North America to these top winter destinations in Europe. Explore iconic Christmas markets in Germany with our connections in Munich, Berlin, and Frankfurt, or go further afield and see other top European Christmas markets in Brussels, Amsterdam, Prague, and more. With the added option of an Iceland stopover, you can enjoy two unforgettable destinations in one trip. And if you’re stopping over in Iceland during the holidays, why not take a minute to learn about Christmas traditions in Iceland, such as the Yule lads and the "Christmas Flood of Books," or go on a festive holiday walking tour of Reykjavík? Book your flight today and experience the magic of Christmas in Germany and beyond!

Explore the Most Enchanting Christmas Markets in Germany

Our most popular holiday flights to Munich, Berlin, and Frankfurt

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Holiday Destinations with Icelandair: Discover Christmas in Germany, France, and Beyond

The Frankfurt Christmas Market

Christmas Markets in Germany: A Festive Tradition

Germany is renowned for its Christmas markets, offering visitors a magical holiday experience filled with tradition, culture, and festive cheer. Easily accessible via major airports in Munich, Berlin, and Frankfurt, these markets are perfect for North American travelers seeking the best Christmas markets in Germany.

In Munich, the Christkindlmarkt at Marienplatz is a must-visit. Set against the stunning backdrop of the New Town Hall and Frauenkirche, this market dates back to the Middle Ages and features Bavarian handmade goods, mulled wine, stollen (a holiday fruit bread), and roasted chestnuts. A towering Christmas tree adorned with 3,000 candles adds to the charm, while live Bavarian folk music and the Krampus Run bring unique local traditions to life. While less accessible from the airport, the Christmas market in Nuremburg – perhaps Germany’s most iconic Christmas destination – is still easily within reach from Munich, at just over an hour’s train ride.

Explore Berlin and Frankfurt’s Holiday Magic

Travellers can find many Christmas markets on offer in Berlin, catering to a variety of atmospheres. Berlin’s Lucia Christmas Market at Kulturbrauerei blends German and Scandinavian traditions, for example. Visitors can enjoy unique foods like elk bratwurst alongside handcrafted jewelry and artworks. Likewise, Berlin’s Spandau Christmas Market – the city’s largest – offers a festive atmosphere in its historic district.

Frankfurt’s Christmas Market at Römerberg is one of Germany’s oldest and largest. Located in the historic Old Town, it features over 200 stalls selling gifts, ornaments, and traditional delicacies like marzipan and gingerbread. The market’s centerpiece is a beautifully decorated Christmas tree surrounded by historic architecture illuminated with twinkling lights.

With Icelandair’s convenient flights to Germany from North America, exploring European Christmas markets has never been easier. Book your trip today to experience the magic of Christmas in Germany!

a festive booth with lights in a traditional Christmas market
the Eiffel tower in the winter

Christmas Markets in France

Experience the pure magic of a European holiday with an Icelandair flight to France! Discover the enchanting Christmas markets in France, where the aroma of vin chaud (mulled wine) and roasted chestnuts fills the air. Nowhere is this more captivating than at the Christmas markets in Paris. Imagine strolling through the Jardin des Tuileries holiday village, surrounded by glistening lights, charming artisanal stalls, and the joyful sound of carols. From unique handcrafted gifts to delicious Alsatian treats, Parisian markets offer an unforgettable festive atmosphere.

Consistently ranked among the best Christmas markets in Europe, a trip to Paris is the perfect winter fairytale. Icelandair offers convenient and affordable flights to Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) directly from major North American cities. Begin your enchanting holiday journey with us and immerse yourself in the festive spirit of France. Your magical Christmas adventure awaits!

Christmas Markets in Switzerland

For a winter wonderland steeped in alpine charm, look no further than Switzerland. Explore the world-renowned Christmas Markets in Zurich, a city that transforms into a festive paradise. Visit the spectacular indoor Christkindlimarkt at the main train station, famous for its magnificent tree decorated with thousands of Swarovski crystals. Or wander through Geneva’s lakeside markets, sampling gourmet Swiss chocolate and cheese amid stunning scenery.

Swiss traditions, cozy chalets, and snow-dusted streets make these some of the best Christmas markets in Europe. When you book with Icelandair, you can make your trip twice as nice. Add an Icelandair Stopover to your itinerary at no additional airfare and explore the land of fire and ice during your trip to Switzerland. Book your flights today and create memories that will last a lifetime!

a winter view of the Zurich skyline
prague in the winter with historical buildings

Christmas Markets in Prague

Prague’s Christmas markets are among the most magical in Europe, offering a blend of history, festive cheer, and local culture. Easily accessible via Václav Havel Airport (PRG), these markets are perfect for North American travelers seeking a winter getaway. The Old Town Square Market is the city’s centerpiece, set against iconic landmarks like the Astronomical Clock and Týn Church.

Visitors can enjoy Czech specialties such as klobása (sausages) and mulled wine while browsing charming wooden stalls filled with handcrafted ornaments and gifts. Just a short walk away, Wenceslas Square Market offers a lively atmosphere with traditional treats and holiday decorations. For a quieter experience, Peace Square Market features unique crafts and a cozy ambiance. Open daily from late November to early January, Prague’s markets transform the city into a festive wonderland that captures the essence of European Christmas markets. And with Icelandair connections throughout North America, travelling to Prague for the holidays has never been easier!

Christmas Markets in Brussels and Amsterdam

Brussels is home to one of Europe’s largest holiday events, the Winter Wonders Christmas market, easily accessible via Brussels Airport. Centered around the Grand Place, this UNESCO World Heritage site dazzles with sound-and-light shows and over 200 chalets selling artisanal goods, Belgian waffles, and mulled wine. Other highlights include Place Sainte-Catherine’s Ferris wheel and ice rink, creating a mix of tradition and modern holiday cheer.

Amsterdam also offers unique markets that blend festive charm with Dutch culture. The Christmas Village at Museumplein features ice skating, food stalls, and live entertainment in a picturesque winter setting. For more adventure, Amsterdam Winter Paradise at RAI combines snow tubing, cross-country skiing, and indoor skating with holiday shopping. Both markets are easily reachable via Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) and provide unforgettable experiences for visitors looking to explore top winter destinations in Europe.

a winter market in historical Brussels

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Explore More of the Best Christmas Markets in Europe

Our most popular holiday flights to Paris, Prague, and Beyond

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FAQs about Flights to Christmas Markets

Planning a holiday flight? Here are some of the top questions to keep in mind.

When do most Christmas markets start?

Most European Christmas markets will start around Advent, the four weeks that precede Christmas in the traditional church calendar. This means that you can expect most Christmas markets to begin around the end of November, though the exact dates will depend on the year and the specific market. Some markets may even open slightly earlier, in mid-November. Closing times will vary from market to market, so it’s best to check the specific Christmas market you’d like to visit. Some will close just before Christmas, on the 23rd or 24th, while others may be open through the traditional Christmas season – meaning January 6, sometimes known as Twelfth Night.

What is the largest Christmas market in Europe?

Strangely enough, this question has no clear answer. Many of the top Christmas markets in Europe claim various superlatives, whether by the largest amount of visitors, the most vendors and stalls, or simply the largest square or space the market takes place in. The Vienna Christmas market on Rathausplatz claims many superlatives, attracting some 3 million visitors annually, but other popular Christmas markets such as Nuremburg, Dresden, Strasbourg, and Köln all have their own unique appeal (and superlatives) as well.

What is the oldest Christmas market in Europe?

Christmas markets are a tradition that likely originate in the Middle Ages in the German-speaking lands of the former Holy Roman Empire. Although it seems likely that people came together to celebrate, eat, and drink for the holidays before this time, the specific historical evidence before this time is lacking. One of the very first pieces of evidence for a Christmas market is from late 13th century Vienna, when a duke granted permission to local merchants to hold a December market. It may also surprise travelers to learn that one of the most famous Christmas markets in Germany, the Nuremburg Christmas market, is a relatively modern one – “only” being attested from the 17th century onward.

When is the best time to book for holiday travel?

When travelling around the holidays – or indeed, any time for that matter – we recommend booking well in advance. As the holidays are a peak travel season, we recommend booking your holiday flight at least three months in advance to ensure availability and the best possible price.

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