How to Plan the Ultimate Christmas Market Trip to Europe


Have you ever dreamed of spending time at the magical Christmas Markets of Europe? Wrapped up in your favorite scarf, you sip warm mulled wine as you stroll through ancient cobblestone streets.
Picture this: festive wooden stalls display their holiday treats and handicrafts, while the twinkling lights of a romantic European city cast a golden glow all around you. Imagine the air filled with the scent of cinnamon and roasted chestnuts, as snow softly falls, turning the scene into a real-life winter wonderland.
This scene has played out in my mind for many years. It has been a personal goal of mine to take the trip of a lifetime; to spend a magical holiday at the Christmas Markets in Europe. I’m captivated by the enchanting character of European cities.
I’m originally from Edmonton, Alberta. While Canadian cities boasts plenty of festive snow, we lack the old world charm and centuries of holiday traditions that is a quintessential European Christmas Market.
Let me guide you on how to plan the perfect European Christmas Market trip. There is plenty to consider; and I’ve spent the last 11 months ironing out the details.
Choose the Best Christmas Markets for Your Trip
The first task when planning a European Christmas Market trip is to pick which markets appeal to you the most. Deciding which markets to visit can be very exciting! There are 5 distinct types of European Christmas Market.

- Traditional German Christmas Markets (Weihnachtsmarkt)
These are the classic Christmas markets, typically found in cities like Cologne and Munich. Expect cozy wooden stalls, handmade ornaments, delicious bratwurst, and mulled wine (Glühwein). These markets often focus on local crafts, traditional foods, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. - Advent Markets
Popular in places like Austria (especially Vienna), Advent markets are smaller and often held in the weeks leading up to Christmas. They tend to be more focused on local traditions, Advent wreaths, and seasonal foods like roasted chestnuts and gingerbread.
Vienna’s Rathausplatz is a perfect example of an Advent market, with its grand city hall as the backdrop. For something truly unique, head to Gengenbach in Germany, where the entire town hall transforms into the world’s largest Advent Calendar House—known as “Das weltgrößte Adventskalenderhaus. - Medieval Christmas Markets
These markets, like the one in Provins, France, or Esslingen, Germany, transport visitors back in time. You’ll find market vendors dressed in historical costumes, medieval-style crafts, and entertainment like fire breathers or traditional minstrels. The atmosphere feels like stepping into a historic holiday celebration. - Scandinavian Christmas Markets
In places like Copenhagen, Stockholm, and Helsinki, Christmas markets have a more minimalist and nature-inspired feel. Scandinavian markets often feature beautifully crafted woodwork, cozy winter wear, and plenty of spiced glögg (mulled wine) and baked goods like lussekatter (Swedish saffron buns). - Artisan and Design Markets
In cities like Barcelona, Brussels, and Berlin, there are Christmas markets with a focus on contemporary or artisan-made products. These markets blend traditional holiday charm with modern craftsmanship, offering unique gifts, handmade jewelry, and local artwork, perfect for those looking for something a bit more eclectic.

Popular Markets around Europe
- Cologne, Germany – Cologne Cathedral in Cologne, Germany
- Helsinki, Finland – Senate Square in Helsinki, Finland
- Brussels, Belgium – Grand-Place in Brussels, Belgium
- Prague, Czech Republic – Old Town and Wenceslas Square
- Copenhagen, Denmark – Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen, Denmark
- Vienna, Austria – City Hall (on Rathausplatz) in Vienna, Austria
- Colmar, France – Around Old Town in Colmar, France
- Zagreb, Croatia – The entire city of Zagreb, Croatia
- Strasbourg, France – 5 in the city center of Strasbourg, France

Off-the-Beaten-Path Markets in Europe
- Aachen, Germany – Near the Cathedral in Aachen, Germany
- Esslingen, Germany – 3 Markets in the Center of Esslingen, Germany
- Graz, Austria – Several around the city center of Graz, Austria
- Lille, France – Place Rihour in the heart of Lille, France
- Trento, Italy – Found on the Piazza di Fiera/Piazza Cesare Battisti in Trento, Italy
- Luxembourg – Small European Country surrounded by France, Germany & Belgium.

Best Time to Visit
The Christmas market season starts in mid to late November in Europe. Look out for cities posting their market schedules during the summer or autumn months. Most of the markets run right up until Christmas day, with some markets running into the New Year.
To avoid the most crowded periods, consider visiting a European Christmas market in November. You’ll likely encounter less crowds, slightly warmer temperatures. The same can be said of the wind-down period after Christmas is over; smaller crowds and more space to move about.

Visiting the markets during the daylight hours will also provide some relief in terms of crowds. Most Christmas markets open just before noon.
To get into the true holiday spirit, visit a Christmas market on an evening as the lights turn on at sunset. Most locals also use this time to visit the markets, so you’ll find plenty of people ready to enjoy the festive atmosphere. Weekends also tend to see an increase in market visits.
Pro Tip: Do remember to check the individual schedules of the markets you intend to visit, because not ALL markets stay open after Christmas day.

Planning Your Christmas Market Route
It’s important to do some pre-planning when it comes to visiting Christmas markets in Europe.
This isn’t one of those holidays where you can just wing it, because hotels and accommodations sell out MONTHS in advance. For my family, I choose to book accommodations 10 months before our intended trip.
Map Out Your Journey
Is there a popular overseas journey from your home city, or a nearby international airport? It’s a great idea to set up flight notifications on a platform like Skyscanner or Google Flights. There are SO many amazing apps and websites to help create a seamless travel itinerary.
Start by researching a popular route that gets you into Europe. I recommend a city like Paris. Then you can start mapping out how to get to the next countries or cities. I really recommend taking a peek at Google Maps to get an idea of distances. The idea is to do a circular route; as flying into one city, and out of another can cost more money.
Check out my video below for an example of a circular route starting and ending in Paris, France. Make your own with the app called TravelBoast!
Transportation Options
When traveling to Europe to visit the Christmas markets, you have a few options to get around.
The first obvious one would be to rent a car. The second option is to take advantage of Europe’s cost efficient and extremely connected rail network. The final option is traveling by bus. While not as quick as a car or train; a bus journey will save you a whole wad of money, and allow you to savor the journey at a slower pace.
If you’re stuck on the best route and transport options, I highly recommend using the Rome2Rio app or website which gives you Flight/Car/Train/Bus options in 100’s of combinations.
Pro Tip: Scenic rail journeys can add to and enhance the festive spirit of the holiday. Picture traveling through the Swiss Alps on the Glacier Express, over the stone viaducts and through snow mountains – the stuff dreams are made of!

Traveling by Rail
Traveling by rail is likely the easiest and best way to get around different countries or cities in Europe. The rail system is nothing like the one we find in North America. Train tickets and routes are easily accessible in Europe, and very affordable.
Out-of-this-world scenic rail journeys are available through mountainous regions like Switzerland and Italy.
To book Rail Tickets, I can recommend a few options:
- Book Rail journeys with Rail Europe
- Price out journeys and routes with Trainline
- Book Flexi or Continuous Rail Passes with Eurail (or Interail if you’re located in Europe already)
Pro Tip: If you’re visiting multiple countries over a couple of weeks, book the ‘Global Flexi Pass‘ Eurail ticket like my family did to visit 4 countries and 13 cities. Click the photo below to start planning.

Traveling by Car
Renting a car is another great option to get around in Europe. Some travelers say that it’s the best way, because you can reach the small, quaint Christmas villages that don’t offer train connections. It also allows you more freedom; there is no waiting on trains or hurrying to the station for a set departure time.
Car Rentals in Europe can be very economical in terms of pricing. My family has used Car Rental Net for so many years with an amazing success rate that I decided to partner with them.
*Please remember if you’re traveling in the winter months through countries that get snow, that driving conditions may not be optimal. Rent a 4×4 or AWD car with winter tires.
Pro Tip: Check out my partner site for the best deals on rental cars: The T Word on Travel Car Rentals. See my Promo Deals below.

Traveling by Bus
Many travelers prefer to travel by bus. Traveling by bus is a way to slow down, and really enjoy the cozy winter scenery. Taking the bus is also a great way to save a whole bunch of money; perfect for the traveler on a budget! It’s such a great way to meet new people.
To book bus tickets, I recommend:
- Busbud – The world’s largest selection of bus tickets that includes all the popular routes and brands such as Flixbus, BlaBlaCar Bus + more.

How Long to Spend in Each Destination
When you’re new to planning a European Christmas Market tour, it’s easy to believe you can fit in a new city in every day. Unfortunately, the consensus from seasoned travelers is that is a mistake.
If you are hurrying from city to city in an effort to see as much as possible, you’ll miss out on the charm and atmosphere of the Christmas Season!
Instead, I recommend that you spend 2-5 days in each destination. Spending more than a couple days in a city gives you the opportunity not only to enjoy the beautiful Christmas markets, but to take in the local culture; maybe do a yummy food tour, or fun cooking class.
These types of activities will only enrich your holiday! It’s a great way to connect with locals AND your family over the holidays.

Where to Stay: Cozy Accommodation Tips
When visiting European Christmas markets, the best accommodations are those that provide easy access to market locations, have a festive atmosphere, and offer great value for the experience.
Here are some ideal options:
1. Boutique Hotels
- Why: They often capture the charm and local flavor of European cities, with cozy atmospheres and personalized service.
- Best For: Couples or travelers looking for a more intimate, luxury experience in cities like Vienna, Munich, or Prague.
- Perks: Many boutique hotels decorate for the holidays, adding to the festive experience.
2. City Center Hotels
- Why: Christmas markets are typically in the heart of the city, so staying centrally ensures you can walk to markets without relying on transport.
- Best For: Families or solo travelers wanting convenience in cities like Strasbourg, Cologne, or Budapest.
- Perks: Being close to key attractions, public transport, and major Christmas markets.
3. Bed & Breakfasts (B&Bs)
- Why: These accommodations often provide a warm, homey feel and are usually run by locals who can give great market tips.
- Best For: Travelers who want a more personal experience, especially in smaller cities like Bruges or Innsbruck.
- Perks: Breakfast included and local recommendations on hidden gems.
4. Historic Hotels or Inns
- Why: These hotels capture the old-world charm of Europe, perfect for travelers wanting to immerse themselves in the historical ambiance during Christmas.
- Best For: Travelers seeking a memorable experience in cities like Salzburg or Nuremberg.
- Perks: Often beautifully decorated for Christmas and located near iconic landmarks.

5. Apartments or Vacation Rentals
- Why: Ideal for longer stays, especially if you plan to explore multiple markets in the same country.
- Best For: Families or groups who need more space and flexibility, particularly in places like Berlin or Copenhagen.
- Perks: Kitchens to prepare meals, and some may offer views over markets.
6. Chain Hotels
- Why: For those who prefer predictability and modern amenities, chain hotels provide consistent service.
- Best For: Budget-conscious travelers in larger cities like Paris or Brussels.
- Perks: Loyalty programs, holiday deals, and proximity to transport hubs.
7. Countryside Chalets or Cottages
- Why: For a more serene and scenic holiday experience, consider staying in the countryside near cities with markets, like Lucerne or Innsbruck.
- Best For: Travelers looking for a peaceful escape with access to nearby markets.
- Perks: Picturesque settings and cozy, rustic vibes for a winter retreat.
Pro Tip: Renting an Airbnb or VRBO can sometimes be the most convenient if you’re bringing extended family and children. Just be sure to check the city regulations regarding short term rentals in the areas you plan on visiting.

What to Pack for Your Christmas Market Adventure
Depending on where you come from in the world, it might be hard to decide what kind of clothes you need to pack and wear when visiting the Christmas Markets in Europe.
I suggest bringing layers of clothes. While some Christmas markets might get snow, you also might get a mix of rain and snow making the streets wet and slushy. Therefore, waterproof clothing is optimal. It’s hard to warm up once the damp has set in, especially if you’ll be spending a lot of time outside.
Layers are important, because the inside of trains, buses and restaurants will be warm, or even hot. Being able to remove a layer or two will help you regulate your body temperature.
I also highly recommend packing merino wool items like socks, leggings, and long sleeve shirts. Merino wool wicks moisture away while keeping body heat in. It also takes several days for it to start absorbing body odors, so you spend less time washing clothes.
Clothes to Pack:
Other Items to Pack:
Check out my other post for a more in-depth look at What to Pack for Winter in Europe. There are lots of great tips, tricks and links to my favorite items.

What to Eat/Drink and Buy at European Christmas Markets
When visiting Europe to explore its enchanting Christmas markets, the festive experience isn’t complete without sampling the local culinary delights. Each country offers its own unique flavors, from savory sausages sizzling on grills to sweet pastries dusted with sugar.
Christmas markets across Europe are also filled with unique, handcrafted gifts that capture the magic of the season. Shoppers can find beautifully carved wooden ornaments, intricate glass baubles, and candles that fill the air with festive scents.
Classic Christmas Market Treats to Try by Country
Switzerland
- Raclette
- Swiss Fondue
- Basler Läckerli
Germany
- Bratwurst
- Lebkuchen
- Glühwein
Austria
- Wiener Schnitzel
- Kaiserschmarrn
- Vanillekipferl
France
- Crêpes
- Vin Chaud
- Bûche de Noël
Italy
- Panettone
- Torrone
- Arancini
Finland
- Glögi (Mulled Wine)
- Karjalanpiirakka (Karelian Pasty)
- Piparkakut (Gingerbread Cookies)

Most Popular Christmas Market Items to Buy
- Traditional Nutcrackers,
- Cozy Woolen Scarves
- Artisanal Treats
- Festive Home Decor
- Handmade Jewelry
- Locally Crafted Delicacies
- Christmas Pyramids
Read more about the best foods we tried at the Christmas Markets in Cologne.
Budgeting for Your Christmas Market Trip
On my website, I love to help fellow travelers budget for their holidays. It’s so important so we can keep traveling to all the places we love!
Let’s chat about budget expectations.
Set a Realistic Budget
Let’s start by setting a realistic budget for your holiday. How much money are you willing to set aside for this trip? Will you need to put some money aside every month?
I recommend setting up a separate bank account where you can save the money for your Christmas Market holiday, and watch it grow.
Spending Christmas holidays in Europe can be quite expensive. Just like the summertime, there are large groups of travelers coming to share in the festive atmosphere.
This means you can spend a little more than usual on hotel accommodations. Flights around Christmas can surge in price as well; it’s best to book flights 4-6 months in advance. Don’t wait until the last minute!
Keep in mind that prices can vary between countries, so plan for slightly higher expenses in more popular destinations (Switzerland) while balancing with budget-friendly choices in smaller markets. Set aside money for food, tours, and souvenirs as well.
Pro Tip: Why not have kids ask for some spending money for Christmas instead of toys and gifts? One less thing to budget for!

Create a Timeline to Start Booking
When deciding to head to Europe, my family started the planning process 11 months in advance. We looked at average flight costs, rail tickets and accommodation prices.
We started paying for things about 10 months in advance so that we could spread the cost out over the next several months. I created an easy-to-follow guide that you can print out and stick on your fridge below!
Download Your Ultimate Christmas Market Trip Planner: A Step-by-Step Timeline for Stress-Free Travel below.

Embrace Local Customs
When visiting Christmas markets in Europe, embracing local customs can make the experience even more special. Here are a few traditions to get into the festive spirit:
Toast with Glühwein – It’s customary to sip on warm mulled wine with friends or fellow visitors. Don’t forget to return your festive mug to get a deposit back or keep it as a souvenir!
Attend the Advent Celebrations – Many markets have advent wreath-lighting ceremonies or special events on each of the four Sundays leading up to Christmas.
Indulge in Local Specialties – Embrace the local food traditions by trying the regional Christmas treats and dishes unique to each country.
Support Artisans – Many stalls feature handcrafted goods from local artisans. Buying these gifts supports local craftsmanship and keeps traditional skills alive.
Sing Along to Carols – In some markets, carolers or live bands perform classic Christmas songs. Join in the singing or simply enjoy the live music as you wander the stalls.

Capturing the Magic: Christmas Market Photography Tips
Taking great photos at Christmas markets in both light and dark can be challenging but rewarding. Here are some tips for capturing the festive atmosphere:
In the Light of Day:
- Use Natural Light – Take advantage of daylight, especially in the morning or late afternoon, when the light is softer. Try to position your subjects with the market stalls behind them, avoiding harsh midday light.
- Look for Details – Focus on close-ups of ornaments, food, or decorations for sharp, vibrant shots. The colorful market stalls are perfect for detailed photos.
- Capture Market Scenes – Wide-angle shots of bustling market streets or picturesque settings can showcase the market’s festive vibe. Position yourself above the crowd, if possible, to get a full view.
- Golden Hour Magic – If you’re there at sunset, the warm tones of the “golden hour” create a magical atmosphere, making everything from the lights to the decorations look even more beautiful.

After the Sun Sets:
- Embrace Low-Light Photography – Use a higher ISO setting (but not too high to avoid grain) and a slower shutter speed to capture the festive lights without overexposing them. A tripod helps to avoid blur in lowlight.
- Capture the Glow – Focus on the warm glow of string lights, illuminated decorations, and glowing stalls. Look for reflections in puddles or windows to enhance the light.
- Bokeh Effect – Create a soft, blurred background by using a wide aperture (low f-stop) and focusing on a specific subject like a Christmas ornament or mulled wine mug, with twinkling lights in the distance.
- Find the Right Balance – Adjust exposure to capture both the brightness of the market lights and the dark surroundings. Underexposing slightly can prevent light sources from being washed out.
Pro Tip: Some markets require you to ask permission to take photos and video

Conclusion: Make Your Christmas Market Dream a Reality
Christmas markets in Europe are absolutely magical. Oh, to see the sights, smells the smells, and take in the festive atmosphere of everyone around you.
It’s a memory you’ll be sure to treasure forever! Why not start to plan your European Christmas Market Trip today? There’s no time like the present!
Final Tip: Don’t forget to start booking your accommodations as soon as you decide to take the trip! This will ensure you get the very best location at the very best price for your budget.
Which Christmas Market are you most excited to visit in Europe? Tell me in the comments below! I, for one cannot wait to see the Medieval Christmas Market in Esslingen, Germany.
Wishing you many blessings for a lovely holiday season,
Tanya
ps. Don’t forget to download an eSIM to stay connected while traveling to Europe. eSIMs are quick, easy, and cheap to buy. I also have a great post on beating jet-lag for kids and families.
Wow, such great information. I’d love to spend Christmas in Europe one year.
Thank you for this wonderful round-up of Europe’s best Christmas markets! Your descriptions capture the magic and charm of each place, and now I’m inspired to add a few new destinations to my holiday travel list. I love the holiday season and I especially appreciate the tips on what to try and the unique highlights of each market — it’s so helpful for planning a festive trip that’s filled with local flavour and seasonal joy.
LOVE this! You are really making the most of moving to Europe eh!? 😀 I have to admit, if we ever move back… this is the kind of mini trip we plan to make the most of.
I agree about now wanting to rush around like a mad-thing. Slowing down and spending several days to soak up the festive atmosphere sounds like a nice way to visit, even if it means you’ll see fewer cities.
You read my mind with this post – wanting to plan this for 2025! Thank you so much for your insight, great info. ?
Hello! My favourite Christmas Market takes place in Strasbourg, France. What’s yours?
Wonderful tips to make the most of your European Christmas market experience. While we enjoy most Christmas markets, the smaller markets tend to be the most memorable, where we can interact more (and have fewer crowds to deal with).
Great guide to Christmas travelling! such a great, great moment to visit Europe! Thank you !