Scots can fly from Edinburgh to Berlin, which hosts more than 80 Christmas markets across the 2026/2027 festive season, for just £29 one way this December. Ryanair is offering the direct flights, with the price based on an afternoon departure from Edinburgh Airport on Sunday, December 6.
A Festive City Break at a Bargain Price
Winter holidays are growing in popularity, with many Scots keen to escape the cold and wet weather typical of the season. While some seek sunshine, others are drawn to destinations even colder than Scotland to enjoy a festive winter wonderland break in another city. As Christmas approaches, travellers are often on the lookout for good city break deals.
Germany is widely considered to have the best Christmas markets in Europe, and Berlin is a prime example. Those who prefer a weekend departure can fly out on Friday, December 11 for £50, with a return flight on Sunday, December 13 priced at just over £60.
Berlin's Christmas Market Season
Berlin's Christmas markets, spread across every district of the city, kick off in late October in some areas. The official city-wide season begins around November 22, with most major traditional markets opening during that week and running until Christmas is over.
Top sights include the luxury WeihnachtsZauber at Gendarmenmarkt, the fairy-tale Charlottenburg Palace market, and the family-friendly Rotes Rathaus market with an ice rink. Alexanderplatz is Berlin's largest market layout, featuring a massive walk-in Christmas pyramid with over 5,000 lights and a funfair atmosphere.
A Historic Tradition
Germany is believed to have invented the first modern-day Christmas market tradition in 1434 with Dresden's Striezelmarkt. The historic market, said to have been commissioned by Elector Frederick, originally opened for just one day on Christmas Eve. German markets remain the global standard for historic authenticity, food, and festive atmosphere.
