Private Jet Charter Christmas Market Tours

People are celebrating the festive season across the world. Trees are decorated, cookies are baking, lights are glowing, wine is mulling, and seasonal Christmas markets are open for business.

Wondering where to travel for Christmas? Why not soak up some of the festive spirit this year by chartering a private aircraft to some of the best Christmas markets in Europe and America? Some are less than an hour apart by air, so you can savour various Christmas market tours, local delicacies, and festive treats in a number of breathtaking cities over just one weekend. 

Here are some of the best Christmas markets to help inspire your next charter with Air Charter Service.

Prague, Czech Republic

A glorious tangle of winding streets and gothic churches, the capital of the Czech Republic has some of the most enchanting Christmas markets in the world – and nothing comes close to Prague Christmas market food.

The city’s largest festive markets are in the Old Town Square, home to a medieval astronomical clock, and the more commercial Wenceslas Square, which is a 10-minute walk away. Czech specialities on offer include trdelník (flame-baked cinnamon cakes), klobasa (sausages), and medovina (honey liquor). The Christmas market with the finest view is up on Hradčanské Square next to Prague Castle, where a handful of rustic stalls overlook the breathtaking Little Quarter where composers Mozart and Beethoven once lived.

The nearest airport to Old Town Square is Prague Václav Havel Airport, which is just a half-hour drive from most of the popular Christmas markets.

Budapest, Hungary

Just a short flight from Prague lies the picturesque city of Budapest, where traditional food, handmade ornaments, and live bands fill the cottage-like stalls of Vörösmarty Square from mid-November onwards.

Set in the heart of the Hungarian capital’s Pest region, this charming market has around 150 stalls and holds puppet and dance shows in the run-up to Christmas. All this and not a plastic nesting doll in sight; products sold here are guaranteed to be traditionally handmade by a craft jury that oversees the market. If you’re feeling chilly after hours spent browsing in the cold night air, warm up in one of Budapest’s famous spas or treat yourself to apple strudel and coffee in an art-nouveau cafe like Muvesz Kavehaz or Szamos Gourmet Haz.

Fly by private charter to Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport, which is just 14 miles from Vörösmarty Square.

Cologne, Germany

Cologne has one of the most famous European Christmas markets with magical festive lights and beautifully decorated stalls. The market traditions in Cologne’s old town date back to 1820, when the city’s Nikolaimarkt opened up for the first time. The city council banned the markets 65 years later for being too large and loud before they were reintroduced in 1970.

Nowadays, every year from late November to 23rd December, locals and visitors can explore seven Christmas markets throughout the city. Each has its own theme, which carries everything from the decorations to the food, making all seven well worth the visit.

Situated less than 20 minutes away from the city, land by private aircraft at Cologne Bonn Airport to begin your European Christmas market shopping in style.

Dresden, Germany

Full of glittering lights, mulled wine, craft stalls and the faint smell of gingerbread, Dresden’s Striezelmarkt is another popular German Christmas market. Shoppers have enjoyed the festivities since 1434, when it was a small one-day market the day before Christmas Eve. Now, around 2.5 million people come from all around the world to enjoy the seven markets spread across the city.

Perhaps Dresden’s popularity lies in the fact that all seven of its markets are equally spectacular. Still, the standouts are typically the historic Striezelmarkt, the amazing Medieval Christmas Market, and the stunning market stalls around the iconic Frauenkirche.

Dresden Airport can accommodate all sorts of private aircraft, which is an important consideration for any private jet travel arrangements. It is located approximately five miles away from the city centre. Call one of our team today to book your private aircraft to Dresden.

Berlin, Germany

From historical and quaint to eclectic and fun-filled, Germany’s capital has an array of Christmas markets to suit any preference. Located on one of the most beautiful squares in Berlin, the one on Gendarmenmarkt offers quality decorations, food, and entertainment. The Alexanderplatz mixes the traditional side with funfairs and parties for something more upbeat.

If you’re looking for good food and beer, the Lucia Christmas market, named after the Nordic goddess of light, focuses on goods from Scandinavia. There are also the markets underneath the famous Ferris wheel at Berlin’s City Hall, featuring Old Berlin-style market alleys and even a circular ice rink. 

Book your private charter to Berlin Tegel Airport to explore them all this Christmas.

Tallinn, Estonia

Tallinn, the enchanting capital of Estonia, hosts one of Europe’s most picturesque Christmas markets; so stunning you’d swear you’d stepped into a holiday postcard. Tucked away in the heart of its medieval old town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Tallinn Christmas Market illuminates the city with a fairytale glow every year. This market, the origins of which trace back to the 15th century, captures the essence of a traditional Estonian Yuletide.

From late November until early January, Town Hall Square transforms into a winter wonderland. The towering Christmas tree at the centre – a 14-metre-tall spruce – has been a tradition since 1441, and the market stalls, radiating warmth and charm, offer various handcrafted goods, ranging from artisanal candles to cosy knitwear.

The market also features cultural performances showcasing Estonia’s heritage. It’s extremely popular among families — children revel in the chance to meet Santa Claus and share their Christmas wish list with him.

The Tallinn Christmas Market is easily accessible from Tallinn Airport and just a short three-mile drive from the city centre. It promises the ultimate Baltic winter celebration.

Vienna, Austria

Most Christmas markets involve glittering lights, steaming mugs of mulled wine, roasted chestnuts, and artisanal crafts. Add that to the scent of baked potatoes, fresh bread, strudel and candied nuts, and you have the essence of the Christmas markets in Vienna.

Similarly to the German festivities, there are numerous markets across the city, but the main ones are Christkindlmarkt, Belvedere, Schönbrunn, Stephansplatz, and the Altwiener Christkindlmarkt on the Freyung. The latter is notable for its adjoining organic farmers’ market, which offers wonderful specialities from the more rural parts of Austria, including cheese.

Fly by private charter into the VIP terminal at Vienna International Airport (also known as Schwechat Airport) to begin your Christmas market tour in Vienna.

Bratislava, Slovakia

Bratislava is often overlooked not just for its Christmas markets but as a travel destination in general. But those who haven’t been to Slovakia’s capital are missing out – especially during the festive season when the city is packed with cultural events and gastronomic delights.

The best Christmas markets are located at Main Square and Hviezdoslav Square in the city centre. A few more are scattered around the capital, including at Bratislava Castle and the square in front of the Eurovea shopping centre. Whatever market you choose, prepare to be impressed by the atmosphere and historical surroundings.

Fly by private charter to the Bratislava Airport (Letisko Bratislava), which offers easy access to the city’s Christmas markets.

Brussels, Belgium

The cobbled streets of Belgium’s capital (accessible via Brussels Airport) spring to life at Christmas with a 1.2-mile-long stretch of snow-covered market chalets, eclectic bars and pop-up restaurants. The Winter Wonders event is a favourite destination for Christmas travel – it has been going for over 20 years, and over two million people flock here to enjoy the magic.

Over 200 markets are spread out between Grand Place, Rue de la Bourse, Place Sainte-Catherine and Marché aux Poissons. To take a break from shopping, visitors will also find two ice rinks, a giant Ferris wheel and merry-go-rounds for the whole family to enjoy.

Fly by private charter to Brussels National Airport, which is under 10 miles from the city centre.

Strasbourg, France

Many French cities host Christmas markets over the festive period, but one of the classics is held in Strasbourg (accessible by private charter via Strasbourg International Airport). Dating back to 1570, Christkindelsmärik – also known as Marché de l’Enfant Jésus – is one of the oldest Christmas markets in Europe.

Today, 300 chalets and stalls sprawl over a dozen markets, giving some veracity to Strasbourg’s claim to be the “Capital of Christmas”. The markets are so large that they take over the city, with the scent of mulled wine filling whole districts. Focal points include Place Kléber (where you can admire a nine-metre-high Christmas tree), Place Broglie, Place du Marché-aux-Cochons-de-Lait, and the area around the cathedral.

Copenhagen, Denmark

Your next stop on a tour of Europe’s Christmas markets could be wonderful Copenhagen. Its traditional market, held in the world’s second oldest amusement park, Tivoli Gardens, is a spectacle of illuminated Christmas trees, roasted almonds and quaint market stalls set around a fantastical ice-skating rink.

During their Christmas market tour, visitors can buy handmade arts and crafts before tucking into miniature pancakes, mulled wine, and roast pork sandwiches. To round off the trip, they can take a ride on The Star Flyer, an 80-metre-tall swing ride that provides sweeping views of the city below.

Fly by private charter to the Copenhagen Airport, which is located approximately eight miles from the city centre.

Chicago, Illinois

Not all the best Christmas markets are in Europe. Fly to Midway International Airport to experience a festive market inspired by the Christkindlmarket held in Nuremberg. Chicago pulls out all the stops every year to replicate this traditional German Christmas market. Situated in downtown’s Daley Plaza, there are hundreds of wonderful wooden stalls to wander past.

Staying true to the Bavarian theme, German merchandise like nutcrackers and cuckoo clocks are available throughout, along with warming winter staples like bratwursts, sauerkraut and schnitzels.

Toronto, Canada

If Canadian Christmas travel is on the cards, book your private jet to land at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport. Set in the Distillery Historic District, Toronto’s Christmas Market is big, bold, and beautiful. Recently rebranded as the Distillery Winter Village, 75 retailers and restaurants descend on this sophisticated city in Canada’s affluent east every yuletide.

Drawing in thousands of visitors every year, this modern-style market still holds traditional festivities like carol singers, warming cuisine and a 15-metre-tall Christmas tree – it’s a true winter wonderland.

Secure your private jet for the festive season

Feeling festive? Wrap up and gear up for the perfect private jet Christmas market tour. Our travel division will take care of all the finer details, right down to the last bauble. Contact us now on 020 8335 1070 or email travel@aircharter.co.uk. Alternatively, talk to one of our charter experts, who can help arrange a private jet charter to your favourite Christmas market destination.

We’d also be happy to speak to you about your other options for flexible, cost-effective private jet charter, such as our Jet Card, which offers benefits unsurpassed by any other product on the private aviation market.