With December just on the horizon, it can mean only one thing – colder evenings, starry skies and a world of enchanting Christmas markets where the scents of spices, alpine and roasting chestnuts dominate the atmosphere.
Whether you prefer sitting next to a roaring fire with a mug of hot chocolate or a glass of mulled wine, ice-skating on a frozen lake or decorating the perfect gingerbread house – there is something truly magical about this time of year.
With this in mind, we have handpicked five of our favourite destinations to visit this festive season, all of which are easily accessible via private jet.
Be your own pilot this Christmas and take the magic to another altitude.
NEW YORK CITY
Out of all the cities around the world, Christmas in the ‘The Big Apple’ offers an experience like no other.
New York is known for some of the most elaborate window displays and is also home to some of the world’s biggest festive attractions including, the Empire State Building’s musical light show, Central Park’s impressive 17,000 square foot ice rink, and of course the famous Rockefeller Christmas tree, a traditional Norway Spruce up to 100ft tall that takes centre stage each year in Midtown Manhattan.
Thousands flock to witness the tree’s annual lighting ceremony as they turn on its star made from Swarovski crystals and its 50,000 multi-coloured lights that touch every single branch, creating a truly magical moment for anyone watching.
Manhattan’s Bryant Park is a popular area all year round but over the festive period, it transforms into a 4-acre winter wonderland in which you can discover more than 170 artisan vendors to buy gifts and try local delicacies.
Whether traveling as a couple, with friends or with family, New York is a magical place at this time of year and has something to offer everyone.
Airport: Teterboro Airport (TEB/KTEB) is the closest and most popular private jet airport to the city and is just 12 miles (18km) away, approximately 30 minutes by road.
VIENNA, AUSTRIA
Situated on the banks of the Danube River, Vienna is the capital of Austria and one of the country’s most prestigious cities.
In Austria, they recognise Christmas as ‘the most peaceful time of the year’. With its rich history and charm, rolling green hills, vineyards and pristine palaces, Austria becomes even more magical at Christmas and can quickly feel like you have just stepped into a fairy-tale.
Vienna is home to many Christmas markets but with roots going as far back as the 18th century, the Christkindlmakt in Rathausplatz Square takes the candy cane.
With around 150 stalls nestled amongst its twinkling Christmas lights, you can purchase some wonderful local arts and crafts as well as an array of culinary delights including traditional roast chestnuts, Christmas punch, cream-filled pastries, giant pretzels and Victorian-style lollipops.
There is also a ‘Tree of Hearts’ should you want to make it a more romantic trip.
Airport: Vienna International Airport (VIE/LOWW) also known as Schwechat Airport, is 12 miles (18km) from the centre of Vienna, approximately 30 minutes by road.
COPENHAGEN, DENMARK
The days are getting shorter and the nights are growing longer, but as the weather cools down, the festive spirit heats up in Denmark.
In fact, the cold, crisp winter weather and heavy snowfall in December totally transforms the Danish capital of Copenhagen, turning it into a winter wonderland.
Imagine fairy-tale castles dusted with snow, rows of colourful buildings, streets filled with glamorous shops, quaint cafes, bustling stalls and the sound of live music – Copenhagen has it all.
Nyhavn harbour, beautifully decorated with thousands of fairy lights, creates a glimmering reflection on the water’s surface, making it one of the quintessential places in the city.
Situated in the heart of Copenhagen, the Tivoli Gardens is a popular place to visit all year round but the atmosphere here at Christmas is truly special with snow-covered trees, petite wooden houses decorated with pine branches and thousands of Christmas trees – creating an authentic Nordic Christmas atmosphere.
The Christmas market offers a selection of winter delights that would get anyone’s taste buds tingling, including heart-warming stews, cinnamon buns, Danish apple pastries and plenty of Gløgg (a Danish mulled wine).
Wandering through this magnificent winter destination will fill you with Christmas cheer so remember; wrapping up warm is all part of the charm.
Airport: Copenhagen Airport (CPH/EKCH) is the closest airport, located 8 miles (13km) from the city, which takes approximately 20 minutes by road.
PARIS, FRANCE
At Christmas time, Paris is simply enchanting; after all, it is not called the ‘City of Light’ for no reason, and even more so at this time of the year.
During the festive season, the weather may be cold and crisp but every corner of the city has its own special delight, including numerous festive events, pop-up ice-skating rinks, illuminations and shops and stalls galore.
Take an evening stroll through the iconic Champs Élysées; meaning mythical Greek paradise; is described as the world’s most beautiful avenue. With a million (literally!) dazzling lights of blue, red and white (the French colours of course) lining its walkways, the avenue is truly spectacular, elevating the festive spirit to a different level with its je ne sais quoi.
In December, the Champs Élysées Christmas Market graces the avenue’s sidewalks with 160 tiny white wooden chalets, bursting with local pastries, chocolates, handmade toys and tree decorations. Alternatively, you can warm yourself up with a spiced mulled wine, hot chocolate or mouth-watering crepe.
What are you waiting for? The magic of Paris awaits you!
Airport: Paris-Le Bourget Airport (LBG/LFPB) is an airport exclusively dedicated to business aviation and is located just 6.9 miles (11km) north north-east of Paris. By road, it takes approximately one hour to get to Paris city centre.
Düsseldorf, Germany
The modern city of Düsseldorf is Germany’s fashion capital and known as a shopper’s paradise with its countless designer boutiques and jewellery stores, which line its elegant boulevards.
There are several classic Christmas markets dotted around the city that completely transform it into a festive world, each with their own theme and unique decorations.
The Engelchenmarkt (or Angel Market) is a small and more intimate market on Heinrich-Heine-Platz, decorated with twinkling lights, golden cherubs and angels to give it a truly heavenly tone.
In the run-up to Christmas, the air in Düsseldorf fills with the scent of roasted almonds, hot-spiced mulled wine, sizzling sausages and the sounds of local music.
Christmas chalets get filled with rows of carved wooden toys, traditional decorations and Glühwein, a traditional German drink to help warm you up during the cold winter nights. You can also enjoy Raclette, a Swiss cheese wheel melted over an open fire to create a fondue, typically served with bread, bacon, and potatoes – perfect for any cheese lover!
If you prefer a more energetic atmosphere during the festive season with plenty of live entertainment, then Dusseldorf is the perfect location. Let the holiday festivities begin!
Airport: Dusseldorf International Airport (DUS/EDDL) also referred to as Rhein-Ruhr Airport, is only 4 miles (8km) north of downtown Dusseldorf. It take approximately 25 minutes by road to reach the city centre.
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Day or night, our team of dedicated professionals are always on hand to take the stress out of your on-demand charter requirements.
With a global network, an extensive database and access to the latest information regarding availability, they will find you the perfect aircraft to meet your requirements and fit your itinerary.
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