- Mr Plane Guy
- Oct 2
- 7 min read
How to Fly to the Best Christmas Markets in Europe Using Avios and Reward Points
By Travel Blogger & Avios addict, Mr Plane Guy
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click and buy, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It helps keep this blog running (and pays for my overpriced airport lattes). Thanks for your support!
Why Visit the Best Christmas Markets in Europe?
Few travel experiences compare to wandering through a European city square in December, warmed by mulled wine as fairy lights sparkle above and choirs sing carols. From Cologne’s Gothic cathedral to Riga’s cobbled old town, Europe’s best Christmas markets combine festive tradition, local culture, and unbeatable atmosphere.
The problem? December flights are some of the year’s priciest. London to Cologne can hit £250 return, and even budget airlines hike fares. But if you’re sitting on Avios or other reward points, you can unlock incredible value, sometimes booking the same flights for just 9,250 Avios + £1.
This guide covers:
How to use Avios for Christmas market trips.
The best cities in Europe for Christmas markets (with redemption tips).
Travel hacks to stretch your Avios further.
Multi-market itineraries to make the most of your festive getaway.
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Why Use Avios for Christmas Market Trips?
December = high demand + high prices. That’s why reward points shine. Here’s why:
Fixed redemption rates → Avios doesn’t fluctuate wildly like cash fares.
Off-peak bargains → Even in December, off-peak pricing exists if you’re flexible.
One-way flexibility → Fly into one city, return from another.
Reward Flight Saver → Book with Avios + low fees (from £1).
In short: Avios makes visiting the best Christmas markets in Europe possible without breaking your holiday budget.
The Best Christmas Markets in Europe (and How to Fly There With Avios)
Cologne Christmas Markets – Germany’s Festive Icon
Cologne is often called the “Christmas capital of Germany” and for good reason. The Cologne Cathedral market is breathtaking, set against the backdrop of one of Europe’s most famous churches. You’ll also find smaller markets scattered around Neumarkt, the Harbour Market, and the quirky Angel’s Market.
Highlights:
Handcrafted ornaments and nutcrackers.
Traditional German bratwurst and Glühwein.
River cruises with festive themes.
Market Dates (2025): Expected 24 Nov – 23 Dec.
Avios Sweet Spot:
4,750 Avios + £17.50 (Reward Flight Saver).
9,250 Avios + £1 if fares are high (usually on weekends).
Edinburgh Christmas Markets – A Scottish Winter Wonderland
Edinburgh transforms into a winter wonderland each December, with its main market in Princes Street Gardens. Expect fairground rides, an ice rink, and plenty of Scottish twists on festive treats.
Highlights:
Scottish shortbread + mulled cider.
The view of Edinburgh Castle lit up above the market.
Hogmanay (New Year’s Eve) celebrations if you extend your trip.
Market Dates (2025): Mid-November – 4 Jan 2026.
Avios Sweet Spot:
4,750 Avios + £17.50 off-peak.
Best value on peak weekends, when fares exceed £200.
Bonus Tip: Lounge access at Edinburgh Airport makes your return trip much smoother.
I managed to book a flight to Edinburgh from London Luton for a tenner! My train to Luton Aiport was £25! Trip.com have some seriously amazing fares check them out!
🌟 Planning your Christmas market trip? Grab the best deals here.
Brussels Christmas Markets – Waffles, Lights & Winter Fun
Brussels’ Winter Wonders market covers the Grand Place and surrounding streets with 200+ stalls, an ice rink, Ferris wheel, and nightly light shows. It’s compact, walkable, and perfect for a weekend break.
Highlights:
Belgian waffles + frites.
Grand Place light show with music.
Easy train links to Bruges and Ghent.
Market Dates (2025): Late Nov – 5 Jan 2026.
Avios Sweet Spot:
4,750 Avios + £17.50 via BA/Iberia.
But always check budget airlines (Ryanair/EasyJet) — fares can drop under £40.
Gdansk Christmas Markets – Poland’s Hidden Gem
Gdansk’s Christmas market is smaller but magical, with wooden chalets in the historic Targ Węglowy square. Expect Polish pierogi, gingerbread, and a charming atmosphere at lower prices than Western Europe.
Highlights:
Affordable food, drink, and hotels.
Local delicacies like smoked cheese and pierogi.
A quieter, authentic vibe compared to bigger cities.
Market Dates (2025): Likely 23 Nov – 23 Dec.
Avios Sweet Spot:
9,250 Avios + £1 off-peak (partner airlines available).
Riga Christmas Markets – A Baltic Fairytale
Riga’s main Christmas market sits in Dome Square, surrounded by medieval architecture. It’s less touristy, with Latvian crafts, wool products, and hearty Baltic food.
Highlights:
Wooden toys and Latvian handicrafts.
Peppermint liqueur + hot honey wine.
Cobblestone streets and fewer crowds.
Market Dates (2025): 1 Dec – 31 Dec.
Avios Sweet Spot:
10,000–13,000 Avios each way.
Great redemption value when cash fares are £200+.
Bonus Picks: More of Europe’s Best Christmas Markets
If you’re expanding your trip, here are other top contenders:
Vienna, Austria – stunning palace backdrops + one of the oldest Christmas markets in Europe.
Prague, Czech Republic – Old Town Square transforms into a fairytale setting.
Budapest, Hungary – famous for thermal baths + mulled wine at Vorosmarty Square.
These can be booked with Avios via BA or partners, usually around 10,000–13,000 Avios each way.
Travel Hacks to Stretch Your Avios Further
Book 355 days ahead → reward seats open almost a year in advance.
Check Iberia → sometimes cheaper redemptions with lower fees.
Use Part Pay With Avios → great if your balance is low.
Multi-city bookings → e.g. London–Cologne, Brussels–London.
Earn Avios on hotels + car hire → stack rewards for future trips.
Multi-Market Itineraries for the Best Christmas Markets in Europe
Why stop at one? With short distances and easy train links, you can combine markets into a single festive journey.
4-Day Trip: Cologne + Brussels + Bruges
Fly London–Cologne with Avios.
Train Cologne → Brussels → Bruges.
Return Brussels–London on Avios or Eurostar.
3-Day Trip: Edinburgh + London
Fly regional UK city → Edinburgh on Avios.
Train Edinburgh → London for markets at Southbank & Hyde Park.
Return London–home with Avios.
5-Day Trip: Gdansk + Riga
Fly London–Gdansk on Avios.
Budget airline or ferry to Riga.
Return Riga–London on Avios.
FAQs About Europe’s Best Christmas Markets
Which city has the best Christmas markets in Europe? Cologne is the most famous, but Brussels, Vienna, Gdansk, Riga, and Prague are strong contenders.
When do Christmas markets in Europe open in 2025? Most begin late November and run until 23–26 December. Some (like Brussels and Edinburgh) continue into early January.
Are Christmas markets worth visiting after Christmas? Yes a few remain open until New Year’s Eve or early January, perfect if you want smaller crowds.
How many Avios do I need for European Christmas market flights? From 4,750 Avios + £17.50 (Reward Flight Saver) up to ~13,000 Avios each way, depending on distance.
Final Boarding Call: Experience the Best Christmas Markets in Europe
Europe in December is pure festive magic. Whether it’s sipping mulled wine beneath Cologne Cathedral, riding a Ferris wheel in Brussels, or discovering Baltic traditions in Riga, the best Christmas markets in Europe are waiting.
With Avios and reward points, you don’t need to pay peak-season prices. From £1 flight redemptions to smart multi-city hacks, festive travel has never been so affordable.
👉 Next steps:
So grab a mug of Glühwein, pack your warmest scarf, and start planning your trip to Europe’s best Christmas markets.
Looking for a smart way to manage travel spending?
Don’t miss out on amazing festive offers check them out here.
Airport Lounge Access: Start Your Holiday in Style
Complimentary drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic)
Tasty snacks to keep you going
Wi-Fi to catch up on emails or browse before your flight
Comfortable seating to unwind before takeoff
If you love starting your holiday with a touch of luxury, this alone might make the upgrade worthwhile.
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👉 Next reads:
Hello, I’m Paul a professional jet-setter and all-around plane travel pro. After 15 years working in and around planes, I became a flight delay expert at a London Airport and mastered plane travel hacks, a PLANE flight expert with BIG travel plans but small carry-on.
Now, I share PLANE travel news, tips, reviews, and deals with honesty, humour, and zero baggage! Thanks for reading How to Fly to the Best Christmas Markets in Europe Using Avios and Reward Points.
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