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.