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New flights announced for Christmas Market destination from Birmingham Airport
Jet2.com and Jet2CityBreaks have expanded their Christmas Markets programme for Winter 25/26 from Birmingham Airport, by putting extra capacity on sale to Gdansk. In response to continued strong demand for their enormously popular Christmas Markets programme, the leading leisure airline and UK’s leading operator of European city breaks have added additional flights to Gdansk from 26th December 2025 to 5th January 2026. Extra Monday and Friday services will operate to the popular Christmas Market destination during this time from Birmingham Airport. With European Christmas markets continuing to enjoy enormous popularity from customers wanting to enjoy authentic festive experiences, the companies will operate their biggest ever Christmas Markets programme this winter from Birmingham Airport. The huge programme represents over 50,000 seats on sale in total, and a capacity increase of 19% when compared to Winter 24/25. For Winter 25/26, Jet2.com and Jet2CityBreaks will operate to seven Christmas Market destinations – Budapest, Cologne, Gdansk, Krakow, Prague, Tallinn and Vienna from Birmingham Airport. Tallinn is a brand-new Christmas Market destination for Winter 25/26 from the airport, and the route is exclusive to Jet2. Whether holidaymakers are looking for a weekend, long-weekend or mid-week stay, with multiple weekly services on sale and friendly flight times, the airline and city breaks operator are offering plenty of opportunity this winter to marvel at the twinkle of a thousand lights and the joys of festive sights, as well as enjoying the scent of gingerbread delights - guaranteeing the perfect start to the Christmas countdown. Customers booking a Christmas Markets getaway can choose from a flight-only option with Jet2.com or an ATOL protected package holiday with Jet2CityBreaks available for a low £60 per person deposit. Package options with Jet2CityBreaks include return flights with Jet2.com including 22kg baggage and 10kg hand luggage, as well as a choice of 2-5 star hotels in central locations, providing the perfect base from which to explore and experience the best Christmas Market destinations in Europe. Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2.com and Jet2holidays, said: “We are delighted to be putting additional capacity on sale to Gdansk for Winter 25/26 from Birmingham Airport. The expansion comes in direct response to the strong demand we are seeing from customers for our Christmas Markets programme, and it means we are giving holidaymakers exactly what they want – even more opportunity to enjoy the best festive experiences across Europe this winter. Our Winter 25/26 Christmas Markets programme promises to be our best yet, and we look forward to taking holidaymakers to their favourite winter wonderlands.” Tom Screen, Aviation Director at Birmingham Airport, added: “The festive period is always popular for travel, so we’re pleased that Jet2CityBreaks and Jet2.com have listened to our customers’ needs and expanded their Christmas Markets programme for winter 2025/26. With increased capacity to Gdansk and the new addition of Tallinn to their ever-popular seasonal line-up of destinations, Jet2’s latest winter programme provides our customers with a fantastic choice of European cities for a Christmas mini break.”
Millions head abroad for The Great Christmas and New Year Getaway: ABTA
Representative Image Millions of people will be heading abroad over the Christmas and New Year period, 20 December to 2 January reveals ABTA – The Travel Association. This time of year is one of the most popular times for overseas travel, particularly for those with young families. Sunday 22 December is set to the busiest day for departures and Christmas Day the quietest. Holidaymakers are looking for winter sun or a traditional snowy Christmas. For those seeking warmth and sunshine, the most popular destinations are the Canary Islands, Southern Spain, Portugal, Turkey and Dubai. For a more traditional Christmas experience in a snowy destination, the ski resorts of France, Austria, Switzerland and Scandinavia lead the way. For party goers looking to celebrate the New Year and winter market lovers, the most popular overseas city break destinations this year include Amsterdam, Budapest, Dublin, Paris, Prague and Vienna. The Christmas getaway in numbers Millions of people will be leaving the country through the major airports, all of which are reporting high numbers. 500,000 are set to depart from Stansted, 400,000 from Luton, in addition to around 500,000 leaving from Manchester, 200,000 from Birmingham and 175,000 from Bristol. Heathrow is expecting its busiest December ever, on Christmas Day the airport expects the number of passengers to increase by 21 percent year on year even though it remains the quietest day for travel over the festive period. Hundreds of thousands of passengers will be leaving from Scottish airports, Edinburgh expects its busiest days to be the three Fridays of December 20, December 27 and January 3. A significant number of people are also travelling across the English Channel by ferry or through the Channel Tunnel. Mark Tanzer, ABTA Chief Executive said:“Christmas and New Year are one of the busiest times of year for overseas travel with millions heading off to spend quality time with family and friends. “Holidaymakers are either looking for some winter sun or guaranteed snow as well as the opportunity for everyone to relax and enjoy themselves with someone else doing the hard work of cooking and clearing up after the festivities. “We’re encouraging people to plan ahead when making their journeys; public transport and the roads will be very busy so always leave plenty of time to arrive at your departure port to avoid any difficulties. ABTA members will be able to provide advice to their customers about their travels, so do get in touch with them if you have any queries.”
Air capacity to Spain up +9.4% this Christmas, driven by European markets
Winter wonderland in Barcelona at Christmas. Portrait of smiling trendy mother and daughter tourists with little Christmas tree and present box at Guell Park in Barcelona, Spain According to Mabrian's data intelligence on Christmas demand, Spain is strengthening its position as a global tourist destination with significant growth in demand from European and long-haul markets, to visit major capitals such as Madrid or Barcelona, destinations such as Alicante or Malaga, or islands like Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura. This Christmas, Spain continues to establish itself as a leading global tourist destination, with notable growth in demand from both European and long-haul markets. This trend aligns with the increase in air capacity from key source markets for Spain, as highlighted by Mabrian, the global travel intelligence platform. Mabrian analysed seat availability data from Spain’s primary source markets, cross-referencing it with inspirational demand using the Share of Searches Index*. For this analysis, the index reflects the level of interest in traveling to Spain based on flight search behaviour, regardless of confirmed bookings, for the period between December 20th, 2024, and January 5th, 2025. “Our insights show that Spain is solidifying its position as a year-round tourist destination, with demand growing not only among its traditional European source markets but also in long-haul markets such as Mexico, Brazil, and the United States,” explains Carlos Cendra, Partner and Director of Marketing and Communication at Mabrian. Increased Demand from Latin America and Nordic Countries The availability of airline seats to Spain during the Christmas period increases by +9.4% compared to the same period in 2023. According to Mabrian’s data, international air seats connectivity to Spanish airports rise by +11.7%, while domestic flights saw a +4.6% increase. Air capacity also grows from the five main international source markets: +11% from the United Kingdom, +8.2% from Germany, +24.6% from Italy, +7.7% from France, and +4.1% from the Netherlands. Moreover, Mabrian’s spokesperson emphasizes the expected length of stay, averaging 8.3 days, +2% longer compared to Christmas 2023. This, he notes, is a “promising figure for this winter season, as longer stays drive profitability for the entire value chain of the destination.” Beyond year-on-year increases at major hubs such as Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport (+5.2%) and Barcelona-El Prat (+6.9%), there have been significant increases in air seats availability for Alicante-Elche Airport (+21%), Málaga Airport (+12.9%), and sun-and-beach destinations such as Gran Canaria (+13.7%) and Fuerteventura (+14.7%). This growth in seat availability during the Christmas period reflects the performance of inspirational demand for Spain compared to other European destinations. Mabrian’s Share of Searches Index shows that Spain accounts for 12.8% of the inspirational demand for European destinations, a +0.6-percentage point increase over the same period last year. When comparing travel intent to Spain with other European destinations, demand increases slightly from key source markets, including the United Kingdom (+1.3 percentage points), Germany (+0.8%), Italy (+1.1 percentage points), France (+0.7%), and the United States (+0.5 percentage points). The Share of Searches Index also highlights significant increases in demand from Latin America, including Mexico (+4.2 percentage points) and Brazil (+1.2), as well as from Nordic countries like Norway (+2.4) and Sweden (+1.6).
Susan Calman explores Germany’s Christmas Markets with APT Travelmarvel
Cruising with Susan Calman, the much-loved Channel 5 show, is back for a special festive episode, which sees the presenter and comedian sail Germany’s Rhine and Main rivers aboard APT Travelmarvel’s Contemporary Ship, Vega. Airing at 20:00 pm on Friday 27 December, and then available on demand at channel5.com, Christmas Cruising with Susan Calman will take viewers on a heartwarming journey to the festive centre of Europe, uncovering the region’s Christmas Markets, delicious Bavarian treats, and exploring the towns and cities of Nuremberg, Bamberg, Wurzburg, Rothenburg, Miltenburg, and Cologne. Brad Bennetts, Head of Sales & Business Development for APT & Travelmarvel, said: “We are honoured to have hosted the 2024 Christmas Cruising with Susan Calman, and to share our stunning Contemporary River Ship, Vega with the Channel 5 audience. Agents can use this episode as a helpful sales tool, to showcase the onboard experience and what their clients might expect when they choose to sail the Rhine and Main rivers with APT Travelmarvel.” Susan described her Ship as a “warm cocoon of Christmas loveliness” while touring the vessel, custom-built for APT’s flexible, four-star Travelmarvel brand in 2021. One of three, state-of-the-art sister ships, Vega features 91 luxurious cabins, and stylish social spaces including the True North Lounge, Alfresco Lounge, Sky Deck Terrace & Bar. Susan spent plenty of time at McGeary’s Bar, the ship’s unique Irish Pub, where she and her fellow passengers took part in a Gingerbread House making competition. A whirlpool and walking track are available on the Sun Deck, and guests can work out in the onboard Gym. Follow in Susan’s footprints on Travelmarvel’s eight-day Reflections of the Rhine & Main; the November and December 2025 departures feature visits to the region’s Christmas Markets. The 17 November sailing costs from £2,495 per person and includes return flights; seven nights aboard a contemporary Travelmarvel river ship; the services of a Travelmarvel Cruise Director, Entertainment and Activities Coordinators, and Local Guides; 20 meals, plus water stations, tea and coffee, soft drinks, beer and local wines during lunch and dinner; sightseeing in seven destinations; overseas transfers, port charges and tipping. Highlights include a new culinary walking tour of Miltenberg, where guests can sample regional specialties at a local butcher and baker before finishing with a tasting at a local distillery; a visit to the World Heritage-listed Augustusburg Castle; and exploring the medieval towns of Bamberg and Wurzburg. A new festive sailing, the eight-day Rhine & Moselle Christmas Markets, departs 2 December 2025, taking guests from Basel to Amsterdam from £2,495 per person. The price includes return flights from the UK; seven nights cruising on a Travelmarvel river ship; the services of a Travelmarvel Cruise Director and Local Guides; 20 meals, plus water stations, tea and coffee, soft drinks, beer and local wines during lunch and dinner; transfers, port charges and tipping; and sightseeing in seven destinations. Highlights including riding the Winzerexpress Mini Train into Rüdesheim and exploring its magical Christmas market; and discovering Moselle wines at a historic family winery near Cochem.
Top tips to keep the Festive Spirit alive this Christmas
As the festive season approaches, Welcome Break has uncovered that 35 million Brits are planning to hit the road over Christmas, with 7 million venturing out on Christmas Day alone. However, nearly a quarter (23%) are bracing themselves for road trip arguments. With traffic predicted to frustrate one in three drivers (18%), those from Southampton, Liverpool, and Bristol are set to be the most irked by the road conditions. High stress levels, which affect one in ten (10%) overall, are the leading cause of arguments for drivers in Birmingham, Leeds, and Norwich. Don't be one of the 11% who forget to pack gifts this year – especially if you're from Leeds (16%), Nottingham (15%), or Newcastle (13%). Despite nearly half (41%) traveling for family gatherings, these cities are the most forgetful when it comes to presents. What helps keep the festive spirit alive and avoid the pitfalls of driving home for Christmas? For 46% of us, it's all about festive tunes, while 26% prefer delicious snacks. Additionally, 24% of Brits admitted to wearing Christmas jumpers and hats to keep the holiday cheer alive. This year, Wham’s ‘Last Christmas’ topped the coveted number one driving song spot: Last Christmas, Wham! (voted for by 29%) White Christmas, Bing Crosby (27%) All I Want For Christmas Is You, Mariah Carey (26%) Do They Know It’s Christmas, Band Aid (22%) Driving Home For Christmas, Chris Rea (20%) To make Christmas road trips as enjoyable as possible, Welcome Break has teamed up with explorer Ash Dykes to create Sleigh The Roads: The Welcome Break Holiday Guide. This free eBook is packed with tips and advice on everything from keeping kids entertained to finding zen on the road. Plus, the first 100 people to download it will receive a £10 Welcome Break voucher. Ash Dykes, renowned adventurer and explorer, who has navigated the depths of jungles and tackled the toughest terrains, says: “Road trips are about more than just getting to your destination; they're about enjoying the journey. Plan ahead, be prepared for the unexpected, and make the most of every moment on the road. Remember, every mile is part of your adventure and this eBook from Welcome Break helps show you how.” Gary Steele, Operations Director at Welcome Break, adds: “Christmas is a time for joy and togetherness, but road trips can sometimes throw a spanner in the works. Our guide is designed to help families navigate the common pitfalls and enjoy a stress-free journey. And of course, if you need a hand, Welcome Break is the perfect pit stop, offering everything from festive treats to essential travel supplies to keep your journey on track.” The first 20 to download the eBook will also receive a Holiday Car Kit, including a USB-C charger, air freshener, notepad, pen, de-mister pad, ice scraper, and travel cup. Planning to visit a Welcome Break this Christmas? Don’t forget to snap a (s)elfie at our gingerbread house photo op! While you're there, you can also send a nice list nomination to Santa and let him know who deserves to be on his nice list this year.
Last minute offers on TTC Tour Brands Christmas Getaways
For clients looking for a last-minute festive getaway, holidaymakers are able to save up to 15% on select tours from TTC Tour Brands. Whether in France or Peru, Japan or Germany, these tours allow travellers to enjoy Christmas and leave TTC Tour Brands to look after the holiday details from the itinerary to accommodation. Trafalgar: Soak up the history and flavours of Europe Trafalgar’s European Traveller Tour takes guests on a journey filled with history, adventure and romance this Christmas. From strolling the Champs-Élysées to attending the Moulin Rouge, guests will experience the best of Paris before winding through the idyllic vineyards of Auxerrois and Burgundy on the way to Lucerne. In Florence, they will delve into the ancient skill of Venetian glassblowing with an exclusive experience that contributes this preservation of this traditional craft. After exploring the Sistine Chapel and Colosseum in Rome, guests can travel to Isola Tiberina to enjoy an evening with Fabio and his family, as part of Trafalgar’s unique Be My Guest Programme. As part of the programme’s aim to connect travellers with local people and culture through food, the extraordinary evening takes place amid roman excavations, where guests spend time with the family over drinks reception and a delicious home-cooked dinner. Contiki: Trek the Inca trail and explore the jungles of Peru Swap the hot chocolate and scarves for sunny South America on the Peru Uncovered tour from Contiki – a social travel brand for 18-35s. Travellers will visit the floating islands of Lake Titicaca, zipline across the Colca Canyon and, of course, visit the UNESCO Heritage Listed Machu Picchu. A bucket-list experience, adventure seekers can make this a Christmas to remember by also choosing to complete the three-hour trek along the Inca Trail, offering sweeping vistas of the majestic Andes. Other highlights include exploring ancient Incan ruins, an interactive Peruvian culinary experience in Cusco, and canoeing the waters of Sandoval Lake. Insight vacations: Visit the Christmas markets of France, Germany & Austria Premium tour brand, Insight Vacations, enables travellers to experience the enchanting charm of Europe's festive season with the Alpine Christmas Markets Tour, with visits to Salzburg’s magical Christmas Market in Austria, the bustling Munich Christmas Market, and the historic allure of France's oldest Christmas market in Strasbourg. Known for being the time to give back, the MAKE TRAVEL MATTERTM Experience offers guests the opportunity to go on a walking tour of Zurich with a team who are raising awareness on social issues, such as food insecurity, and supporting the community. Other seasonal delights include a visit to Europe’s biggest indoor Christmas extravaganza held in Zurich’s main railway station, with over 160 wooden chalets and a festive Celebration Dinner with wine at a local restaurant with its own microbrewery, as part of an Insight Vacations’ Authentic Dining experiences.
New Taipei City ushers in the holidays with Christmasland 2024
New Taipei City ushered in the holidays with the Magical Christmasland Opening Event on 15th November. City mayor Hou Yu-Ih, together with key officials and guests, led the ceremonial lighting of the attraction, infusing the festivities with a touch of magic. This year's Christmasland introduces a spectacular transformation: the Christmas tree takes the form of a graceful magical angel, casting radiant light throughout the venue. Surrounded by dazzling illuminations, the angel's brilliance creates an enchanting atmosphere of joy and blessings. A castle of wonder Adding to the marvel, an eight-story-high LED castle debuts on the north side of New Taipei City Plaza, serving as both the main stage for performances and an immersive visual showcase that will captivate visitors over 48 days of festivities. Making its debut at the lighting ceremony, the LED castle's main show features new magical characters: the Magic Sage, Soul Healer, Sacred Shield Guardian, and Elemental Explorer. Each character wields unique magical abilities to help those facing challenges around the world, embodying the spirit of Christmas harmony and happiness. Also among the highlights are the Magic Angel and Santa Claus who go on a whimsical adventure filled with wonder and fun. Likewise, the Christmas-themed glowing parade shuttle, led by Santa Claus aboard a reindeer train, will make surprise appearances around New Taipei City Plaza's The City of Magic and Banqiao Station Square's Magical Paradise. Spreading joy and festive cheer, these charming processions are sure to delight visitors of all ages.
Vilnius named European Christmas Capital 2025
Vilnius, the historic and vibrant capital of Lithuania, has been honored with the title of European Christmas Capital 2025 by the Christmas Cities Network. This recognition celebrates the city’s outstanding dedication to fostering the holiday spirit through its unique blend of history, culture, and community engagement. With its dazzling displays, iconic Christmas tree, and rich programme of events, Vilnius invites visitors to experience a festive season like no other. Along with Celje in Slovenia and Noja in Spain, The Christmas Cities Network recognised Vilnius for its outstanding holiday traditions. The selection process is overseen by the Christmas Cities Network, an organization dedicated to promoting the cultural, social, and economic values of Christmas celebrations across Europe. Supported by the European Parliament, this initiative aims to highlight cities and villages that exemplify community engagement, innovation, and heritage preservation during the holiday season. At the heart of the Vilnius festivities is its world-famous Christmas tree which takes centre stage in Cathedral Square. Renowned for its innovative and artistic designs, the tree has consistently captured global attention, earning its place among the most beautiful Christmas trees in Europe. Each year, the tree’s decorations reflect the city’s heritage and traditions, creating a visual masterpiece that transforms the square into a winter wonderland. Past designs have included chess motifs and artistic interpretations that blend tradition with contemporary artistry. Vilnius’ UNESCO-listed Old Town is such a picturesque backdrop to the festive season where visitors can take a ride on the Christmas train or go ice skating, all illuminated by warm, twinkling lights. The city also prioritises sustainability, using energy-efficient lighting and eco-friendly decorations. The Christmas markets in Vilnius are also a key part of the season’s festivities. With a tempting array of arts and crafts, culinary delights, and local specialties, visitors can browse handmade gifts, enjoy traditional Lithuanian dishes, and warm up with comforting mulled wine. As the European Christmas Capital 2025, Vilnius stands as a symbol of how tradition and innovation can come together to create an unforgettable holiday experience. Visitors can immerse themselves in the city’s warm and welcoming atmosphere, exploring its rich heritage while enjoying the magical festive spirit at the most wonderful time of the year. How to get here: Direct flights from the UK to Vilnius are available with Ryanair, Wizzair and LOT.
United sees nearly 30% surge in travel to European Christmas Markets
United reported bookings to European destinations are up nearly 30% compared to 2019 and up almost 10% versus last year, as more Americans opt to spend their holiday dollars on experiences. According to a recent Deloitte survey, consumer spending on holiday experiences is expected to rise 16% this year, while spending on physical gifts remain flat. Europe's markets are a cultural tradition dating back hundreds of years, and millions of people from around the world visit them annually to experience festive offerings like mulled wine, artisan crafts, live music, picturesque scenery and more. As the world's largest airline, measured by available seat miles, United is ready for its busiest holiday season ever and plans to offer nearly 60 nonstop flights each day from its U.S. hubs to Europe in November and December, more than any other U.S. airline. Connecting travelers can visit even more Christmas markets with United's partners, offering seamless connections through the air with Lufthansa Group or by rail with Deutsche Bahn. "The European Christmas markets have become even more popular in recent years and no airline makes it easier than United to get away and visit for the holidays," said Darren Scott, United's Director of Atlantic and Hawaii Planning. "Stay for a week or make it a long weekend with nonstop flights and easy connections to more than 130 European cities, including the legendary markets in Dresden, Strasbourg, Vienna and Cologne."
Stunning light displays and brand-new experiences bring the magic of Christmas to the Eden Project
The Eden Project will dazzle and delight visitors this Christmas with more light installations than ever before, an unforgettable experience with Father Christmas and a charming fairground carousel. On select dates from November 22 to January 5, guests will be immersed in the magic of the season with a dazzling programme filled with festive cheer, natural beauty, and enchanting activities for the whole family. As part of the celebration, extended opening hours will see the home of the iconic Biomes glowing after dark with a must-see light display. After arriving at the Eden Project, guests will wander through captivating installations in the Outdoor Gardens designed to evoke the traditional spirit of the season. The entrance to the Link building will play host to a unique new installation creating a beautiful vortex-like tunnel, teasing the glittering light displays and merriment awaiting in the Biomes. In the Rainforest Biome, the natural architecture of the plants and pathways will intertwine with striking and reflective light installations emerging from the foliage. Enhanced by a specially crafted soundscape this inspiring space will invite guests to appreciate the gifts that nature provides for us. A brand-new Christmas experience will fill the Mediterranean Biome with an abundance of twinkling lights, transporting guests to the heart of a Christmas party. The atmosphere will culminate with a spectacular light and sound show suspended in the Biome’s Citrus Grove at multiple points throughout the evening. Elsewhere, Father Christmas and his merry elves will once again set up camp at the Eden Project as they make their final preparations for Christmas. Guests can enjoy a brand new, unforgettable theatrical experience all about the ability of music to bring joy at Christmas. Younger guests will be able to post their Christmas wishes before meeting the man himself for a memorable experience where they will receive a very special gift to take home. Tickets for Father Christmas at the Eden Project are on sale now via the Eden Project website and are selling fast, so early booking is essential. In the orchard area of the Eden Project site, just outside Father Christmas’ camp, guests will find the picturesque setting of a carousel surrounded by lights. Those who have booked to meet Father Christmas will receive a golden ticket which will grant them a free ride of the carousel. All guests can enjoy a ride for £2. Craft activities will also take place for all the family to enjoy, including card and decoration making and on select nights guests can enjoy live music from local choirs. Additionally, guests can take the opportunity to lace up their skates for a session on Cornwall’s only ice rink. Simon Townsend, the Eden Project’s general manager said: "We know that Christmas is such a special time for our guests to visit the Eden Project and we are excited to offer them a truly magical escape filled with joy and wonder. “With more lights than ever before, brand-new experiences such as our beautiful carousel and the return of Father Christmas and his elves, we can't wait for our visitors to connect with one another and share special moments together with us this Christmas.”
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