Lufthansa Joins Norwegian, Icelandair, TAP Air Portugal, Ryanair, EasyJet, And Other Major Airlines To Skyrocket Christmas Travel Across Europe, Connecting Hidden Gems In Italy, Austria, France, Switzerland, And More

Published on November 23, 2025

Christmas travel in Europe has never been more accessible, thanks to a surge in affordable flights from budget airlines like EasyJet, Ryanair, Lufthansa, and TAP Air Portugal. These airlines are making it possible for travelers to visit lesser-known holiday destinations that offer all the charm and festive cheer of more popular cities but without the crowds or hefty price tags. From the snow-covered streets of Aosta, Italy, to the quaint markets of Ljubljana, Slovenia, Europe’s hidden Christmas gems are ready to be explored—at a fraction of the cost. In 2025, you can experience the magic of European Christmas markets and traditions without breaking the bank.

As the festive season draws near, there’s no better time to escape to Europe’s charming Christmas destinations. Imagine wandering through cobblestone streets lined with twinkling lights, sipping mulled wine by the fire, and shopping for unique gifts in markets brimming with holiday cheer. While some European cities are overflowing with tourists during the Christmas season, a new trend is emerging – travelers are flocking to quieter, lesser-known gems that still offer the same enchanting atmosphere without the crowds.

Thanks to a surge in affordable flights from major budget airlines, such as EasyJet, Ryanair, Lufthansa, and TAP Air Portugal, it’s easier than ever to visit these hidden holiday havens. Whether you’re drawn to the snowy Alps, the historic towns of Germany, or the romantic streets of Italy, there’s a perfect Christmas destination waiting for you.

Let’s explore these top Christmas spots and the budget airlines making these dreamlike destinations a reality for your 2025 holiday season.

Europe’s Hidden Christmas Gems: Where Festive Magic Meets Peaceful Retreats

While the Christmas markets of Paris, Berlin, and Vienna may capture the most attention, some of Europe’s best-kept secrets are located off the beaten path. These destinations, chosen for their charm, affordability, and ease of access, offer travelers a chance to enjoy the holiday season in a more tranquil and intimate setting.

1. Aosta, Italy – Marché Vert Noël

Nestled in the Italian Alps, Aosta is a hidden gem that offers everything you could want in a Christmas destination. Just a short trip from Turin, this picturesque town is surrounded by towering Roman gates, medieval architecture, and traditional Alpine chalets, creating a winter wonderland straight out of a storybook. The town’s Marché Vert Noël is an enchanting Christmas market where visitors can enjoy the scent of cinnamon, melted cheese, and fresh pine. Best of all, Aosta offers some of the cheapest mulled wine at under £3, making it an affordable festive escape.

2. Innsbruck, Austria – Old Town Christmas Market

Innsbruck, Austria, is a fairy-tale destination for Christmas lovers. The town is framed by the breathtaking Alps, creating a stunning backdrop for its traditional Christmas market. Innsbruck’s Old Town glows with festive lights, while brass bands play carols in the streets. Visitors can enjoy the beauty of the baroque architecture, shop for handmade crafts, and indulge in traditional holiday treats. With its magical setting and affordability, Innsbruck offers a perfect mix of winter charm and festive cheer.

3. Lübeck, Germany – Hanseatic Markets

Lübeck, Germany’s UNESCO-listed town, might be one of the most picturesque Christmas destinations you haven’t considered. Known for its medieval old town and rich history, Lübeck’s Hanseatic Christmas markets are a festive delight. The market is filled with delicious local treats like marzipan punch, sausages, and gingerbread. Visitors are immersed in the Christmas spirit as they wander through cobbled streets, surrounded by twinkling lights and festive stalls. Lübeck is a gem for those seeking a unique German Christmas experience without the large crowds of cities like Munich or Nuremberg.

4. Salzburg, Austria – Christkindlmarkt

Salzburg, Austria, is an iconic destination for a Christmas holiday. With its baroque architecture and snow-covered streets, it’s the perfect setting for the Christkindlmarkt. Nestled between the city’s historic landmarks, this market offers an array of handmade crafts, festive food, and local beverages. Salzburg is a place where the old-world charm combines seamlessly with the holiday spirit, making it one of the best spots to experience the magic of Christmas.

5. Grenoble, France – Place Victor Hugo Market

For a less touristy but equally magical experience, Grenoble in France is an ideal choice. Located in the French Alps, Grenoble’s Place Victor Hugo Christmas Market is filled with festive stalls offering local treats and warm drinks. What sets Grenoble apart is its authentic, tourist-free feel. It’s a perfect destination for those looking to enjoy the holiday season at a more relaxed pace, away from the hustle and bustle of France’s more famous cities.

6. Naples, Italy – Pietrarsa National Railway Museum

While cities like Rome and Florence get most of the attention, Naples offers a delightful alternative. The Pietrarsa National Railway Museum hosts a fascinating Christmas market where visitors can enjoy the cheapest mulled wine at £2.50. Naples is also known for its vibrant nativity scenes, traditional markets, and festive street life, providing an immersive Italian holiday experience that’s both affordable and unforgettable.

7. Ljubljana, Slovenia – Festive December

Ljubljana, Slovenia’s picturesque capital, has become a must-visit for those seeking a quieter, more intimate Christmas destination. The riverside Christmas market, lined with fairy lights, is simply enchanting. Visitors can sample local delicacies, like Kranjska sausages, and sip mulled wine while taking in the city’s festive ambiance. Ljubljana also hosts the “Granpa Frost” parade, featuring Santa in a carriage drawn by Lippizaner horses, adding to the city’s charm.

8. Toulouse, France – Capitole Christmas Market

Toulouse, with its warm, pink-brick buildings, offers a more relaxed but equally festive alternative to other French cities. The Capitole Christmas Market takes place in the heart of the city, and the festive stalls are set against the stunning backdrop of the Place du Capitole. Whether you’re shopping for handcrafted gifts or enjoying traditional French holiday fare, Toulouse’s festive spirit will make you feel right at home.

9. Verona, Italy – Piazza Bra Christmas Market

Verona, a city synonymous with romance, provides a unique blend of Italian allure and Alpine charm during the Christmas season. The Piazza Bra Christmas Market offers a romantic setting where visitors can wander through stalls filled with festive treats, traditional mulled wine, and handmade crafts. Verona’s enchanting atmosphere, mixed with Alpine traditions, makes it a perfect destination for a winter holiday.

10. Basel, Switzerland – Barfüsserplatz Christmas Market

Basel, Switzerland, may be one of the more well-known cities in Europe, but its Barfüsserplatz Christmas Market is often overlooked by tourists. Held in the heart of Basel’s old town, this market is known for its festive choirs, local crafts, and warm holiday atmosphere. The city’s historic architecture provides a stunning backdrop to the festivities, making it an unforgettable Christmas destination.

Affordable Flights to These Magical Destinations: Airlines Leading the Way

What makes these hidden gems even more appealing is the availability of affordable flights from several budget airlines. Whether you’re flying from the UK, Europe, or North America, there are numerous options to get to these enchanting Christmas spots at a fraction of the cost. Let’s take a closer look at the airlines making it all possible.

1. EasyJet

As a leader in affordable travel across Europe, EasyJet provides direct routes to several Christmas destinations, including Aosta, Innsbruck, and Verona. With budget-friendly fares and frequent flights, EasyJet ensures that your Christmas getaway to Italy, Austria, or France doesn’t break the bank. EasyJet’s holiday routes are perfect for those looking to explore hidden gems without the high price tags.

2. Ryanair

Ryanair remains a top choice for affordable European travel, offering routes to Christmas destinations like Salzburg, Grenoble, and Ljubljana. Known for its low fares, Ryanair makes it possible to visit some of the most enchanting Christmas markets in Europe at a budget-friendly price. Ryanair’s extensive network across Europe ensures that you’ll find a flight to your dream holiday destination with ease.

3. TAP Air Portugal

For travelers heading from Portugal or even beyond, TAP Air Portugal offers affordable flights to popular Christmas destinations, including Prague, Vienna, and Geneva. TAP’s connectivity between Europe and Portugal makes it an excellent choice for anyone looking to explore the festive delights of Europe at an affordable price.

4. Lufthansa

Lufthansa’s expanded winter schedule is perfect for Christmas travel. With increased flights to Innsbruck, Vienna, and Basel, Lufthansa makes it easy for travelers to reach some of the best-hidden holiday spots in Europe. Known for its excellent service and reliability, Lufthansa offers a seamless travel experience at competitive prices.

5. Norwegian

If you’re flying from Scandinavia or the Baltics, Norwegian Airlines offers budget-friendly routes to Christmas destinations in Northern Europe, such as Stockholm and Copenhagen. Norwegian’s low fares and efficient service make it a great option for those looking to visit charming, less crowded Christmas spots in the Nordic region.

6. Wizz Air

Wizz Air has expanded its network to include several destinations in Eastern and Central Europe, including Ljubljana, Prague, and Warsaw. Known for offering some of the lowest fares in the industry, Wizz Air is an excellent choice for anyone looking to experience the Christmas magic of Eastern Europe.

7. Jet2.com

Jet2.com is expanding its winter offerings for 2025, with new routes to Christmas destinations like Berlin and Gdansk. With extra flights to cities like Paris, Prague, and Krakow, Jet2 ensures that travelers can easily reach festive European cities with ease and affordability.

8. Eurowings

Part of the Lufthansa Group, Eurowings offers affordable flights to several Christmas destinations, including Zurich, Frankfurt, and Vienna. With its wide range of routes and budget-friendly options, Eurowings is an ideal choice for those looking to enjoy the holiday season in some of Europe’s most festive cities.

9. Icelandair

For North American travelers, Icelandair offers affordable connections to top European Christmas spots like Munich, Berlin, and Prague. Whether you’re flying from the U.S. or Canada, Icelandair makes it easy to access Europe’s enchanting Christmas markets at an affordable price.

Christmas travel across Europe is soaring in 2025, thanks to budget airlines like EasyJet, Ryanair, and Lufthansa offering affordable flights to hidden gems. These lesser-known festive destinations provide all the holiday magic at a fraction of the cost, making it easier than ever to explore Europe’s enchanting Christmas wonders.

In 2025, the magic of Christmas is more accessible than ever before, thanks to the expansion of budget airlines and the discovery of lesser-known destinations. Whether you choose to explore the Alpine beauty of Aosta, the medieval charm of Lübeck, or the romantic streets of Verona, Europe offers an unforgettable holiday experience for every traveler. With affordable flights and a wealth of charming destinations, this Christmas season promises to be one to remember. So, pack your bags, grab a warm drink, and let Europe’s hidden gems welcome you this festive season!