From ice skating rinks to Christmas markets, these airports make holiday travel fun
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It's the most wonderful time of the year ... to be at an airport. No, seriously. Hear us out.
For many reasons, holiday travel can be challenging, but your time at the airport doesn't have to be miserable. The airport can be an almost jolly part of the holiday travel experience if you end up at one that gets into the holiday spirit. There are a few airports that pull out all the stops, complete with festive activities and amenities that go well beyond a brightly decorated Christmas tree or menorah display.
This time of year, certain airports worldwide host ice skating rinks, full Christmas markets and even flights to the "North Pole." Here are some of the most impressive ways to get in the holiday spirit while transiting through airports this holiday season.
Browse Munich's famous Christmas market
Europe's tradition of charming Christmas markets returns to Munich International Airport (MUC) from Nov. 17 through Dec. 31, 2023. It runs every day from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. (except Christmas Eve, when it closes at 4 p.m.).
There's ice skating and curling every day on the fir tree-lined ice skating rink from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. It costs just 5 euros ($5.43) to skate (and skate rental is free) for an unlimited period or 25 euros ($27.13) to use a curling court for an hour.
Here, you can stock up on handblown glass ornaments, artisan crafts and mulled wine. If shopping isn't your thing, listen to live music or, depending on when you pass through, enjoy a magic show, face painting or even a visit from the big man himself.
Related: The Munich Airport has its own full-fledged Christmas market
Reenact 'Home Alone' at Chicago's O'Hare
At Terminal 3 in Chicago's O'Hare International Airport (ORD), the iconic 8-foot-long red bows, 7,500 white lights and numerous illuminated doves weren't just props used as the McAllister family ran down the hallway in "Home Alone." These holiday decorations have been a staple of this international hub for decades.
The airport's #ChiOnTheFly entertainment brings Santa and Mrs. Claus and live music to the airport through the holiday season.
While in Chicago, keep an eye out for Santa on the decorated Chicago Transit Authority's Allstate CTA Holiday Train, which has been around since 1992 (minus a few years during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic).
Related: Ferris Bueller's Chicago: Reliving the '80s in a city that never stands still
Visit a Christmas cabin at the Helsinki Airport
If your flights take you near Gate 40 at the Helsinki Airport (HEL), you can pop into a free Christmas Cabin with an elf door, a Finnish sauna and the sights and smells of the holiday season.
Should you hope to see the Finnish Christmas Cabin but won't make it through the airport during the holiday season, don't worry. It's there year-round, so it will be waiting whenever you visit Helsinki.
Related: Searching for Santa: A once-in-a-lifetime trip in Finland's snowy Arctic
Fly to the North Pole with United
Did you know that occasionally, United Airlines offers fantasy flights, seasonal flights that involve bringing the holidays to especially festive airport gates for some special families? For more than 30 years, the team has created these holiday experiences for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families. The airline works with local hospitals at its different hubs and changes up the recipient base annually.
These short flights take off, fly around and give the kids and their guardians an incredible inflight experience before landing at the "North Pole," where Santa and his elves (in this case, United employees and volunteers) greet children and throw an awesome holiday luncheon.
Related: Flight of a lifetime: United sends some very deserving children to the North Pole
Check out Singapore Changi's Festive Village
If you happen to fly through Singapore between Nov. 4, 2023, and Jan. 1, 2024, be sure to visit the show-stopping Changi Festive Village. As if Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) didn't already have enough you can do — the massive slide is one of our favorite must-dos — the airport comes alive around the holidays, thanks to its seasonal village.
This year's theme is Candy Wonderland, with a "snow show" several times every evening, candy-themed carnival games, a mega-bouncy house, go-karts, an ice house and a sweet train ride. The indoor winter wonderland also has live musical entertainment.
If you really love spending time at the airport, there's a "Candylicious Night at the Airport" sleepover which includes a chocolate workshop, tours of the airport and even a pop-up tent in the middle of all the candy fun.
Related: Singapore presents new details on Changi's future Terminal 5
Last-minute holiday travel tips
We hope you'll encounter holiday magic and excitement no matter which airports you transit through this season. However, if your trip ends up feeling like it was orchestrated by the Grinch instead of Buddy the Elf, here are some tips to keep you moving:
- Retreat to an airport lounge where you can sit in relative peace and quiet, refresh and grab something to eat or drink. There are many credit cards that confer airport lounge access, and there are also policies that may help active-duty military travelers too.
- Dine at an airport restaurant courtesy of the Priority Pass membership. This benefit comes with several credit cards, such as the Chase Sapphire Reserve® and the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card. There's even a new grab-and-go airport lounge concept in Denver.
- Have your TSA PreCheck membership in order, and consider enrolling in Clear as well. Here are some ways to save on Clear, including trial memberships currently available.
- If you don't have any reduce-the-line tools at your disposal, see if you can make a reservation to get through airport security faster.
- Don't forget to use these tips on how to survive holiday air travel with kids and consult this tried-and-tested guide to flying with kids of every age, too, if you're traveling with younger members of the family.