Jet2.com and Jet2CityBreaks are adding two festive favourites to their winter 2026/27 programme, launching new Christmas market flights from the Essex Airport to Strasbourg and Colmar.

The budget airline will operate twice-weekly services to Strasbourg on Thursdays and Sundays between November 26 and December 20 2026, offering travellers easy access to two of France’s most picturesque destinations for the festive season.

Strasbourg, home to one of Europe’s oldest and most famous Christmas markets dating back to 1570, transforms every winter into a dazzling scene of lights, wooden chalets and seasonal treats.

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Nestled in the Alsace region, the city blends French and German culture, with its historic Grande Île — a UNESCO World Heritage site — becoming a centrepiece of the celebrations.

Those heading to nearby Colmar, another fairy-tale gem of Alsace, can fly into Strasbourg and continue their journey by train.

Colmar’s charming old town, cobbled streets and canals provide the backdrop for a series of smaller markets that together create one of Europe’s most atmospheric festive settings.

The expansion brings Jet2 and Jet2CityBreaks' total to 15 Christmas market destinations from 13 UK airports, marking their biggest winter schedule yet.

Steve Heapy, chief executive of Jet2 and Jet2holidays, said: “We are seeing continued demand for Christmas market breaks, so we’ve added two new festive favourites – Colmar and Strasbourg – for winter 2026/27. This gives holidaymakers even more choice when it comes to discovering Europe’s winter wonderlands.”

The full programme runs from November 2026 to January 2027, featuring destinations including Barcelona, Berlin, Budapest, Copenhagen, Prague and Vienna.

© Eastern Daily Press