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The Upgraded Points Podcast · Dec 22, 2025 · 33 min

How to Visit Europe’s Christmas Markets on Points and Miles

European Christmas markets look magical in photos, and this week Katie proves they’re even better in real life. She just got back from Germany and Switzerland, and she’s breaking down the markets that were worth the trip, the ones that surprised her, and the exact route she followed. We walk through how she booked the whole thing with points, which redemptions delivered serious value, and how you can plan a similar December trip without overspending. We also cover timing tips, city-to-city transportation, what to expect in the crowds, and the food and handmade gifts you don’t want to miss. If you’ve ever dreamed of wandering Europe’s Christmas markets with a mug of glühwein in hand, this episode gives you everything you need to make it happen. Chapters: 00:00 The Upgraded Points Podcast Episode 37 00:50 Hilton x Explore Journeys 02:25 European Christmas Markets 03:30 Lufthansa 747 Business Class 07:47 Kimpton Frankfurt 12:44 Christmas Markets in Frankfurt and Cologne 14:01 Le Meridien Stuttgart 16:15 Markets in Stuttgart, Esslingen, and Heidelberg 20:17 Park Hyatt Zurich 23:05 Zurich Markets 25:35 Chris' Bad Dad Joke 26:07 SWISS Business Class 30:47 Listener Questions ✈️ Learn more at https://upgradedpoints.com/ 📧 Questions? Email us at podcast@upgradedpoints.com 📲 Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@upgradedpointspod 📲 Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/upgradedpoints/ 📲 Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/upgradedpoints 📲 Follow us on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@upgradedpoints ✉️ Upgraded Points Newsletter https://upgradedpoints.com/join-newsletter/

0:00 · The Upgraded Points Podcast Episode 37-33:08

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show notes

European Christmas markets look magical in photos, and this week Katie proves they’re even better in real life. She just got back from Germany and Switzerland, and she’s breaking down the markets that were worth the trip, the ones that surprised her, and the exact route she followed.

We walk through how she booked the whole thing with points, which redemptions delivered serious value, and how you can plan a similar December trip without overspending. We also cover timing tips, city-to-city transportation, what to expect in the crowds, and the food and handmade gifts you don’t want to miss.

If you’ve ever dreamed of wandering Europe’s Christmas markets with a mug of glühwein in hand, this episode gives you everything you need to make it happen.

Chapters:
00:00 The Upgraded Points Podcast Episode 37
00:50 Hilton x Explore Journeys
02:25 European Christmas Markets
03:30 Lufthansa 747 Business Class
07:47 Kimpton Frankfurt
12:44 Christmas Markets in Frankfurt and Cologne
14:01 Le Meridien Stuttgart
16:15 Markets in Stuttgart, Esslingen, and Heidelberg
20:17 Park Hyatt Zurich
23:05 Zurich Markets
25:35 Chris' Bad Dad Joke
26:07 SWISS Business Class
30:47 Listener Questions

✈️ Learn more at https://upgradedpoints.com/

📧 Questions? Email us at podcast@upgradedpoints.com

📲 Subscribe on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@upgradedpointspod

📲 Follow us on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/upgradedpoints/

📲 Follow us on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/upgradedpoints

📲 Follow us  on TikTok
https://www.tiktok.com/@upgradedpoints

✉️ Upgraded Points Newsletter
https://upgradedpoints.com/join-newsletter/

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13 chapters