March 5, 2025
European Christmas Markets on Points and Miles
Pam
Mulled wine, thoughtful gifts, and delicious food are all part of the iconic European Christmas market experience. And with some points, miles, and planning, you could do your holiday shopping this year at a charming European Christmas market. Here’s some inspiration for planning your trip to European Christmas markets in 2025 on points and miles.
While the holiday season may seem far away, now is the time to start planning to get the best redemptions for this popular type of trip. Looking for some inspiration to plan your 2025 European Christmas markets visit? We’ve got you covered!
Vienna, Austria
The Vienna Christmas market is one of the largest European Christmas markets and has been around for more than 180 years! Known as Christkindlmarkt, this market features a Ferris wheel, ice skating rink, musical performances, and more, in addition to the traditional Christmas market offerings.
Dates: Last year, the market was open from November 15 to December 26.
Bonus Activity: One of the readers in our Facebook group recommends the House of Music for the family.
How to Get There: You could transfer your points from any of the major currencies to Flying Blue and book this flight on Air France from Los Angeles to Vienna (with a layover in Paris) starting at 19,000 miles in Economy or 40,000 miles in Premium Economy. (Prices are dynamic and may change.) Look for a transfer bonus from one of the major banks to make these flights more affordable. Flying Blue also offers a discount on children’s tickets, which makes this program very family-friendly.
Where to Stay: If you have Hyatt points to spare, the Park Hyatt Vienna is just a 13-minute walk to the Christkindlmarkt. This luxurious property is a Category 7, which will cost you 30,000 points per night at standard pricing or 35,000 points per night at peak pricing. If you’d prefer to use a Hyatt free night certificate, the Andaz Vienna Am Belvedere (Category 3) has also received recommendations in our Facebook group.
Prague, Czech Republic
The award-winning Prague Christmas markets are held in the heart of the city and feature carols, holiday décor, vendors, and lots of sweet treats. Two of the most popular are in Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square.
Dates: The markets are scheduled to be open from November 29, 2025 to January 6, 2026.
Bonus Activity: If you’re bringing a Lego-loving kid (or adult!) to Prague, consider checking out the Museum of Bricks.
How to Get There: You could fly KLM from Chicago to Prague (with a layover in Amsterdam) for 19,000 points in economy or 85,000 points in premium economy. KLM is part of Flying Blue, which is a transfer partner of all major banks. This program offers children’s discounts and monthly promo fares.
Where to Stay: The Andaz Prague is a short walk to both markets. It’s a Category 6, so it will cost between 21,000 and 29,000 points per night for a standard room. This high-end hotel is only a few years old and features the trademark Andaz extras, including a nightly happy hour.
For a classic European Christmas market, you can’t beat Prague’s!
Helsinki, Finland
The Helsinki Christmas Market features an old-fashioned carousel, a food court, and unique gifts. Held in Helsinki’s Senate Square, this market welcomes 300,000 visitors each year. If you like your European Christmas markets as close as possible to the North Pole, Helsinki is your best bet!
Dates: The market is scheduled to be open from November 28 to December 22 in 2025.
Bonus Activity: If you want to extend your trip, you could add Lapland to your itinerary and visit Santa Claus!
How to Get There: You could fly from New York (JFK) to Helsinki for 30,000 Avios plus $248 in taxes and fees. All of the major banks transfer their points to at least one of the Avios programs, so Avios are a great currency for getting to Europe. For less of a cash cost, you could also use American Airlines miles to fly from JFK to Helsinki for only 22,500 AAdvantage miles plus $5.60 in taxes.
Where to Stay: You could stay at the Hilton Helsinki Strand with your Hilton points, a short walk from the market. This waterfront property is close to several attractions in the city. Pricing is dynamic, but as of early 2025, rooms were available for as little as 47,000 Hilton points per night in December 2025. If you’re planning a longer stay, every fifth night is free when you book with Hilton points if you have elite status.
London, England
One of London’s Christmas markets is Christmas in Leicester Square, conveniently located near Soho, Covent Garden and many other fun neighborhoods in the city. In addition to shopping and food, this market even offers a cabaret performance! There is also a Christmas market in Trafalgar Square that’s worth a visit while you’re there.
Dates: Exact dates are not yet confirmed for 2025, but last year, the market opened in early November.
Bonus Activity: Once you’re finished shopping, grab a pair of skates and hit the ice in the UK’s largest outdoor ice rink at Hyde Park.
How to Get There: Virgin Atlantic is one of our favorite ways to get to London. The major transferrable currencies can all be transferred to Virgin Atlantic. While Virgin has dynamic pricing, you can find deals, even at peak travel times. For example, you can fly from Washington, D.C. (Dulles) to London on Dec. 7 for as little as 12,000 points in Economy or 18,000 points in Premium Economy. Saver space on Virgin’s Upper Class can be harder to find but has been seen for as little as 29,000 points on some routes.
The United Kingdom has high taxes and fees on long-haul flights leaving the country. So if you’d like to visit another city or Christmas market in addition to the one in London, start your journey in London and fly home out of another city.
Where to Stay: The Hotel Indigo Leicester Square can be booked with your IHG points. As of early 2025, rooms in November and December were available for between 55,000 and 70,000 IHG points per night. Remember to use the fourth night free benefit if you’re paying with points and have the card_name or card_name .
More Tips for Your European Christmas Market Planning
- European hotels have strict occupancy limits, with most only allowing two people per room. Depending on your family size and the age of your children, you may need multiple rooms or find it more cost-effective to book a vacation rental. In this case, you could use a “purchase eraser” to cover your AirBnB booking at the rate of one cent per point.
- Book early! The holiday season is a busy time to visit Europe, and cities with great Christmas markets will be popular, so book as early as possible to get the best possible redemption.
- When choosing your flight, focus on the trip over the ocean. Once you get to Europe, you can take a short flight—or even a train ride—to your destination! This could also be a great way to visit multiple holiday markets. If you can’t decide whether to check out Vienna’s Christkindlmarkt or the market in Prague, why not hop on a train and see both?
Bottom Line
You can save on a magical European holiday adventure with some advance planning and strategic use of points and miles. Don’t forget to leave room in your suitcase for all your purchases! Are you planning a trip to any European Christmas markets in 2025 on points and miles?
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