The “most wonderful time of the year” is almost upon us once more and Smart Aviation, the leaders in global aircraft and private jet charters, is already feeling the Christmas spirit. Over the last few weeks, private jet bookings to some of Europe’s most spectacular Christmas Markets have been coming in as thick and fast as the snow falls in Lapland.
Our experience team knows that a client’s festive journey by private jet needs to be as magical as the Christmas Market they are visiting. Booking a private charter means our clients can have full flexibility over their travel plans and can maximise their valuable time in their chosen winter wonderland. Flying by private jet also means that our clients can arrive into smaller airports, getting even closer to their destination. Smart can take care of all private transfers to and from the private terminal, ensuring swift, stress free travel.
We have handpicked a selection of our favourite European Christmas Markets for 2025, all easily accessible from destinations across Europe.
Edinburgh: The Christmas Market with the view
15th November 2025 – 4th January 2026
Edinburgh’s historic city centre will be transformed into the ultimate festive destination once more and visitors can take in the stunning viewing of the looming Edinburgh Castle, the iconic Scott Monument and Scotland’s capital city’s breathtaking skyline. East Princes Street Gardens Christmas Market is free to enter and features over 70 stalls offering bespoke gifts and tasty bites. A highlight of Edinburgh’s Christmas Market is Scotland’s largest ferris-wheel, standing at 46m high, which offers visitors an incredible bird’s eye view of the market, and the whole illuminated city. Edinburgh will also host St Andrew Square Winter Garden and West Princes Street Gardens Family Funfair, as well as the George Street Ice Rink.
Find out more about Christmas Markets in Edinburgh here.
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland: The Christmas Market with the rides
14th November 2025- 1st January 2026
At this immersive market in the UK’s capital city, visitors will find over 100 attractions that feature everything from high adrenaline rides to family-friendly performances. Back for it’s 18th consecutive year, this open-air market has grown to include an ice rink, an acrobatic circus show, an iconic Giant Observation Wheel, a Magical Ice Kingdom with more than 500 tonnes of ice sculpted into Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland characters and scenes including the Mad Hatter’s tea party, live performances, roller coaster rides, live music, and festive bars. The event is open 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Entry to Winter Wonderland is free during off-peak times, but entry at peak times and access to some activities require a paid-for ticket.
Find out more about Hyde Park Winter Wonderland here.
Prague: The Christmas Market with the tree
29th November 2025 – 6th January 2026
There are a number of Christmas Markets in Prague. Some are small whilst others take over huge squares in this historic city. All are traditional though and visitors can purchase Czech blown glass balls, products made of glass pearls or straw, hand-embroidered tablecloths, wooden toys, biscuit cutters and more. They can also sip warm mulled wine, devour delicious Czech Christmas biscuits, roast chestnuts over a fire pit, and marvel at the 22-metre Christmas tree, surrounded by wooden huts. The Old Town Square is home to Prague’s biggest and longest-running Christmas market, famed for its picture perfect setting. Wenceslas Square Christmas Market is just round the corner, and it’s here visitors will find a collection of charming cafes and restaurants to sit back, relax and take in the ambiance.
Find out more about Prague’s Christmas markets here.
Cologne: The Christmas Market with the cathedral
17th November 2025 – 23rd December 2026
Located right in the heart of Cologne, the Christmas market at Cologne Cathedral (Weihnachtsmarkt am Kölner Dom) welcomes visitors with a magnificent Christmas tree at the entrance to Cologne Cathedral. Sparkling tents spread as far the eyes can see, with bustling stalls selling handicraft items and organic culinary delicacies. The annual programme features more than 100 free events. The Village of St. Nicholas in the vibrant Beligan Qatar of Cologne is also worth a visit. Nikolausdorf is located next to the impressive middle-age Hahnentorburg. It’s one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Cologne.
View all the Christmas Markets in Cologne here.
Copenhagen: The Christmas Market with the gardens
14th November 2025 – 4th January 2026
There are numerous Christmas Markets in the fairytale Danish capital city, Copenhagen. Perhaps the most spectacular of all, however, is the Christmas wonderland at Tivoli Gardens, brought to life by millions of twinkly illuminations and elegant music. Gaze in wonder at the decorated Christmas trees, enjoy the park’s roller coasters, ride the ferris wheel, sip hot cocoa, and wander around the frosty lake. Dating back to 1420, Kronborg Castle hosts one of Denmark’s largest Christmas Markets. A highlight of this market is the jazz and gospel concerts which are suitable for both adults and children. The market has 80 stalls which sell designer goods, jewellery and more.
View all the Christmas Markets and festive happenings in Copenhagen here.
Kraków: The Christmas Market with the history
28th November 2025 – 1st January 2026
It is widely believed that Christmas Markets have been held in Kraków’s main square since the 14th century. Nowadays, Kraków’s Christmas market covers a large section of Rynek Główny, the huge square around the Renaissance Cloth Hall, and is filled with over 80 timber huts selling a variety of unique trinkets and items made from the finest Polish craftsmanship. The biggest draw to this Christmas Market is definitely the abundance of food and drinks. Visitors can indulge in hearty portions of pierogi dumplings, traditional Polish soups, waffles, Eastern European pastries, and skewers of meat and grilled sheeps’ cheese, known as oscypek. Warm up with one of the many vodka liqueur, headed beers or mulled wines. Entry is free.
Find out more about Krakow’s Christmas Market here.
Liège: The Christmas Market with the sledging run
28th November 2025 – 3rd January 2026
The Liège Christmas Village is the largest and oldest Christmas Market in Belgium. Home to a plethora of timber market stalls, the village also boasts the Cathedral ice Rink, The Gruyère indoor cabin where visitors can relax and taste fondue made from famous Gruyère cheese, a genuine alpine indoor cabin to taste charcuterie in , a sledging run open every day for tobogganing, and The Podium which hosts performances from local choirs, artists, music bands, folk dances.
For further information on Liège Christmas Market, click here.
About Smart:
Smart Aviation was founded in 2005 by Managing Director Mark Hawkins, an established sports charter specialist with over 30 years’ experience in senior operational roles within the travel and aviation industry. Previously Hawkins managed sports charters at Excel Airways, which included flying over 4,000 fans to a football final. Over the last 20 years, Smart Aviation has arranged successful charters for leading sport fixtures, transported thousands of passengers on their annual pilgrimages to Lourdes, and flown VIPS on exclusive private jet charters on a weekly basis around the world.
Call or email us today – sales@smart-aviation.co.uk / + 44 1293 551244
