9 Airports That Really Get Into the Holiday Spirit
'Tis the season for holiday cheer and busy travel. As the Christmas season rolls in, airports around the world are creating unforgettable holiday experiences for travelers. From London to Singapore, these airports help ease the stress of flying by recreating remarkable displays and hosting exciting holiday-themed events. Going beyond illuminating Christmas trees and Santa Claus appearances, these airport terminals stand out with their impressive holiday setting. No matter your destination this season, a trip through one of these nine airports will surely put you in the spirit.
1. Munich Airport
Munich Airport (MUC) is kicking off the holidays season with their 19th annual Winter Market. Every year, the market is turned into a winter wonderland with a 50-foot tall Christmas tree decorated with 5,000 lights and an additional 450 pine trees. Visitors can enjoy more than 40 stands that offers seasonal foods until December 30. At at the center of the market is the 600-square-meter ice rink, where travelers can lace up their skates for free. This year's edition of the ever-popular Christmas Market is now open in the Munich Airport Center Forum (MAC), a covered outdoor space between the two terminals.
2. Singapore Changi Airport
Want to experience a white Christmas in Singapore? Head over to Terminal 3 at Changi International Airport (SIN) and enjoy a one-of-a-kind experience. The airport has drones lighting up the terminal departure hall, forming snowflakes. This year's theme is Hello Kitty and Friends, which entails an array of holiday theme displays, games and activities. Get ready for some kawaii awesomeness with performances by Hello Kitty and Friends every weekend until January 5. If you're still not getting your fill of adorable characters, go check out the Christmas tree at Terminal 1 departure hall. In conjunction with the year-end gifting season, eight limited-edition Sanrio character plush toys are up for grabs exclusively at the airport.
3. Los Angeles International Airport
Los Angeles World Airports, Westfield and DFS are helping travelers get into the holiday spirit by providing festive entertainment in LAX terminals. The airport kicked off the holiday season with the annual Santa Fly-In at the Flight Path Learning Center where Santa emerged from the skies, handing out gifts to 350 local elementary school students. Holiday decorations include lit snowflakes and icicles on the iconic silver letters at the airport entrance on Century Boulevard. Even the infamous LAX sign is decorated with wintry stars and icicles accented by the pylons' blue glow. While there, don't forget to catch a selfie with Santa at Tom Bradley International Terminal.
4. Zürich Airport
A Swiss holiday hub, Zürich Airport (ZRH) is decked out with over 500,000 lights throughout the airport this season and visitors and travelers are treated to a very friendly holiday surprise from Frosty the Snowman and friends. As a part of the airport's snowmen campaign, travelers will discover dozens of friendly snowmen joining them on their journey, including at baggage claim. Zürich Airport's magical build-up to Christmas includes daily competitions, events for the whole family and, of course, countless ideas for gifts. Holiday events include an Advent brunch, fondue and wine tastings at airport restaurants; enjoy some free Swiss chocolate from Santa every weekend in December and make your holidays that much sweeter.
5. Vancouver International Airport
You can't help but hum a carol when you enter Vancouver International Airport (YVR): The sounds of seasonal music entertain arriving and departing passengers at each of the terminal. Be on the look-out for holiday perks for passengers including include free gift-wrapping for all purchases from December 15 to December 25. In addition to decorating the terminals, Vancouver Airport turns their holiday celebrations into a charitable cause for Quest Food Exchange. The airport has collected 1,057 hampers from the incredible YVR community, which means 1,057 families will be able to eat this winter.
6. Heathrow Airport
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas: Heathrow Airport (LHR) welcomes travelers this holiday season with daily events that are guaranteed to spread joy. Known for its famous ribbon tree, the airport decorates from terminal to terminal with bright trees. Daily Santa Claus appearances, carolers and a brass band are just some of the acts set to entertain travelers throughout the airport's terminals. To boot, Heathrow also has friendly "gift helpers" on hand in all terminals to help travelers find the perfect gifts for loved ones.
7. Washington Dulles International Airport
Tis the season for more over-the-top decorations. Travelers arriving at Washington-Dulles International Airport (IAD) will be greeted by holiday trees decorated by local school children, as well as Mr. and Mrs. Claus themselves. Those traveling on the Aerotrain can admire oversized holiday ornaments and decorations. Holiday music lovers are in luck, too as the airport features carolers, classical music performances and high school bands. If that isn't enough, travelers can partake in some last-minute holiday shopping.
8. Hong Kong International Airport
Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) rings in the seasonal cheer with Christmas decorations and an array of festive activities at the terminals. Various spots in the terminal turn into show stages for a lineup of singing, light show and other events featuring performances delivered by the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, members of the airport community, primary and secondary schools and other organizations.
9. Orlando International Airport
Even though Orlando doesn't get much snow, that doesn't stop the second-busiest airport in Florida from dazzling in a winter wonderland. For nearly 3 million travelers, the journey to spend the season with family and friends will take them through Orlando International Airport (MCO). Just before entering security, check out the 40-foot Christmas tree decorated with multi-colored LEDs, set in the atrium of the Hyatt Regency. MCO continues its tradition of brightening the busy holiday travel season with daily live performances from the Orlando Ballet Company of the Nutcracker.
Featured Image by Heathrow Airport
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| 2X miles | 2 miles per dollar on every purchase |
| 5X miles | 5 miles per dollar on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Business Travel |
| 10X miles | 10 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Business Travel |
Intro Offer
Earn 200K miles when you spend $30K in the first 3 months, and an additional 200K miles when you spend $150K in the first 6 monthsLIMITED-TIME OFFER: Earn up to 400K bonus milesAnnual Fee
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Why We Chose It
The Capital One Venture X Business Card has all the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card has to offer and more. It offers an incredible welcome bonus and requires an equally impressive spend to qualify. In addition, the card comes with premium travel perks like annual travel credit. (Partner offer)Pros
- The Capital One Venture X business card has a very lucrative welcome offer.
- In addition, the card comes with many premium travel perks such as an annual $300 credit for bookings through Capital One Business Travel.
- Business owners are also able to add employee cards for free.
Cons
- The card requires significant spending to earn the welcome offer.
- Another drawback is that the annual travel credit can only be used on bookings made through Capital One Business Travel.
- LIMITED-TIME OFFER: Earn up to 400K bonus miles: 200K miles when you spend $30K in the first 3 months, and an additional 200k miles when you spend $150k in the first 6 months
- Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, everywhere—with no limits or category restrictions
- Earn 10X miles on hotels and rental cars and 5X miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Business Travel
- With no preset spending limit, enjoy big purchasing power that adapts so you can spend more and earn more rewards
- Empower your teams to make business purchases while earning rewards on their transactions, with free employee and virtual cards. Plus, automatically sync your transaction data with your accounting software and pay your vendors with ease
- Redeem your miles on flights, hotels and more. Plus, transfer your miles to any of the 15+ travel loyalty programs
- Every year, you'll get 10,000 bonus miles after your account anniversary date. Plus, receive an annual $300 credit for bookings made through Capital One Business Travel
- Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®. Enjoy access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide, including Capital One Lounge locations and Priority Pass™ lounges, after enrollment
- Enjoy a $100 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Premier Collection
- This is a pay-in-full card, so your balance is due in full every month