As December approaches many will be looking to fly to Europe or beyond to visit loved ones or just to enjoy a different Christmas experience. Travel experts have revealed the cheapest dates to fly for a festive getaway this December to popular destinations such as Brazil, Spain and Italy.
With Google searches for ‘cheap Christmas flights’ soaring by 609% in the past three months worldwide, it shows the festive season is a popular time to book a trip, but travellers want it on a budget. Many travellers may also wish to avoid the hecticness of December airports – and the advice on when to travel cheaply also happens to be a less busy time at UK departure lounges. In light of the festive season fast approaching, and travellers planning their Christmas trips, Netflights has revealed the exact date you should fly on this December for a cheap holiday.
Amanda Parker at Netflights said: “We’ve all thought about going on a Christmas holiday, most travellers presume that the lead up to Christmas will be the best time to go.
“But, they’d be wrong, the busiest days to fly over the festive season are the 21 and 22 of December. So, we advise avoiding the airport in the run-up to Christmas as it’s extremely busy.
“Christmas Day flights are the cheapest as you can grab a proper bargain! If you go for a morning flight on Christmas Day, you’ll find that the queues are small and you’ll get through security a lot quicker, which means less chance of delays.
“Some airlines will give you festive treats, meals, or even special services on flights taking off on Christmas Day, which make for a very special flying experience.”
Flights to many parts of France, Greece, Italy, Spain – and popular 2025 Christmas destination Brazil – all have a less hefty price tag if you fly on December 25 – and returning to the UK on New Years day could also be cheaper.
Skyscanner searches also show you can save £20 or much more per person if you fly on Christmas Day to many popular destinations – and a return flight on January 1 2026 can also be found cheaply.
However, Christmas markets are also trending for 2025 and most travellers want to visit these before Christmas Day or even Christmas Eve, so the experts have shared the other ‘cheapest December dates to visit’.
The festive period is the perfect time to book a trip, with travellers loving to explore Christmas markets abroad and escape the bleak UK winter.
If a Christmas Day flight isn’t for you, and you’re looking for a festive break in December, there are other ‘cheapest dates’ to fly this festive season.
Amanda Parker from Netflights said: “We usually recommend that you book your long-haul flights a couple of months before the trip to get the best flight deal and avoid the risk of flights becoming fully booked, so get booking your Christmas adventure now.”
Experts at Netflights also revealed the cheapest dates to fly to the most popular Christmas markets:
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Cheapest Dates to Fly: £699. 1 Dec 2025 – 8 Dec 2025
According to exclusive Google Flights data from Travel & Leisure, Brazil is a trending destination for festive travel, with Rio de Janeiro becoming increasingly popular among tourists.
Tourists love visiting the world’s largest floating Christmas tree on Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon and enjoying the beach-style approach to the festive period.
Berlin, Germany
Cheapest Dates to Fly: £134. 1 Dec 2025 – 8 Dec 2025
Located in the capital of Germany, Berlin transforms into a winter wonderland in December, with over 70 Christmas markets scattered across the city. The Gendarmenmarkt and Charlottenburg Palace markets are renowned for their festive treats and atmosphere.
Prague, Czechia (Czech Republic)
Cheapest Dates to Fly: £193. 1 Dec 2025 – 8 Dec 2025
Prague’s Old Town Square Christmas Market is one of the most picturesque Christmas markets, surrounded by cobbled streets and traditional buildings. Travellers can enjoy hot trdelník pastries, browse artisan wooden toys, and sip svařák (Czech mulled wine), which is why it’s one of the most popular Christmas markets to fly to.
Cologne, Germany
Cheapest Dates to Fly: £243. 1 Dec 2025 – 8 Dec 2025
With festive markets spread along the Rhine River, Cologne is one of the most festive holiday scenes in Germany. The Cathedral Christmas Market is the largest, which is located by Cologne Cathedral, and tourists can visit smaller themed markets, like the Harbor Christmas Market, which have traditional shopping and food experiences.
Tallin, Estonia
Cheapest Dates to Fly: £214. 23 Dec 2025 – 30 Dec 2025
Tallinn’s medieval Old Town is loved for its cosy Christmas market in Town Hall Square. Tourists can be lucky with the weather and experience the market in the snow, making the ultimate Christmas experience! It’s popular for its warming Estonian cuisine, and the Christmas tree, which is believed to be the first public Christmas tree ever displayed in Europe.
Bozeman, Montana, USA
Cheapest Dates to Fly: £919 12 Dec 2025- 19 Dec 202
If you’re looking for a long-haul getaway, then head to Bozeman for a small-town cosy charm. Its annual Christmas Stroll is held on the first Saturday in December, which is a beloved tradition. Locals and visitors gather to sip cocoa, watch carolers, enjoy horse‑drawn wagon rides, see Santa arrive in style, and browse local shops. Or visit the popular Christmas Market at the Gallatin County Fairgrounds for the ultimate festive feeling.
Vienna, Austria
Cheapest Dates to Fly: £147. 31 Dec 2025 – 7 Jan 2026
Vienna’s Christmas markets are not to be missed, the Christkindlmarkt at Rathausplatz dazzles with festive decorations, ice skating, and classical music performances. It’s the perfect Christmas destination for couples and families. Wrap up warm and get cosy in Austria this festive season.
