Europe is home to some of the most enchanting Christmas markets in the world. From twinkling lights and the aroma of mulled wine to handcrafted ornaments and festive treats, Christmas markets offer an unparalleled experience for travelers during the holiday season. In this comprehensive guide, we explore the best Christmas market tours across Europe, highlighting their unique charm, activities, and must-visit locations.
What Are Christmas Markets?
Christmas markets, or Weihnachtsmärkte, originated in Germany in the late Middle Ages. These markets celebrate the Advent season, offering festive food, drinks, and holiday-themed goods in picturesque settings. Over time, the tradition has spread across Europe, becoming a cherished holiday experience for locals and tourists alike.
Top Countries for Christmas Market Tours
Germany
Germany is the birthplace of Christmas markets and home to some of the most famous ones in the world. Key destinations include:
- Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt: Known for its historic charm, this market features over 180 wooden stalls selling traditional crafts, gingerbread, and mulled wine.
- Dresden Striezelmarkt: Established in 1434, it’s one of the oldest markets, famous for its giant Christmas pyramid and Stollen cake.
- Cologne Christmas Market: Set against the stunning Cologne Cathedral, this market offers a magical ambiance with artisan goods and live music.
Austria
Austria Christmas markets are synonymous with elegance and tradition:
- Vienna Christmas Markets: From the grand Rathausplatz market to the quaint Spittelberg market, Vienna’s festive spirit is unmatched.
- Salzburg Christkindlmarkt: Nestled in the historic Old Town, this market exudes romance and charm.
- Innsbruck Christmas Markets: With the Alps as a backdrop, Innsbruck’s markets are perfect for a white Christmas.
France
France Christmas markets combine festive cheer with culinary delights:
- Strasbourg Christmas Market: Known as the “Capital of Christmas,” Strasbourg offers a mix of German and French traditions.
- Colmar Christmas Market: With its fairy-tale setting and illuminated half-timbered houses, Colmar is a dream destination.
- Paris Christmas Markets: From the iconic Champs-Élysées market to the charming Montmartre stalls, Paris dazzles during the holiday season.
Switzerland
Switzerland markets bring a unique Alpine twist:
- Zurich Christmas Markets: Explore the market at Zurich Main Station, home to a 50-foot Swarovski tree.
- Montreux Noël: Located on the shores of Lake Geneva, this market offers Santa visits and a magical light display.
- Basel Christmas Market: Voted the best in Europe in 2021, Basel boasts beautiful decorations and high-quality crafts.
United Kingdom
The UK markets blend tradition with modern festivities:
- Manchester Christmas Markets: Known for its international food stalls and festive atmosphere.
- Edinburgh Christmas Market: Set in Princes Street Gardens, it features rides, an ice rink, and Scottish specialties.
- Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market: A traditional market with a stunning ice rink in a historic setting.
Must-Have Experiences at Christmas Markets
- Savor Traditional Foods: Indulge in treats like bratwurst, roasted chestnuts, and gingerbread.
- Shop for Handcrafted Goods: From ornaments to candles, Christmas markets are treasure troves of unique gifts.
- Enjoy Mulled Wine and Hot Chocolate: Stay warm with these festive drinks, often served in souvenir mugs.
- Listen to Live Performances: Carol singing, choirs, and local bands enhance the holiday spirit.
- Take Part in Activities: Ice skating, carousel rides, and storytelling for children are common.
Planning Your Christmas Market Tour
Best Time to Visit
Most Christmas markets open in late November and run until Christmas Eve. Some extend into early January, perfect for post-Christmas travelers.
Tour Packages
We offer curated tours covering multiple markets. Look for packages that include transportation, accommodation, and guided experiences.
What to Pack
- Warm clothing and comfortable shoes.
- A reusable shopping bag for your purchases.
- A camera to capture the festive magic.
Top Christmas Market Tours by Region
Central Europe
A Central Europe tour could include Vienna, Prague, and Budapest, each offering its unique take on Christmas.
- Vienna: Admire the illuminated Rathausplatz market.
- Prague: Visit Old Town Square for its towering Christmas tree.
- Budapest: The market at St. Stephen’s Basilica features artisan goods and delicious treats.
Northern Europe
Explore Scandinavia for a snowy Christmas experience:
- Copenhagen: Tivoli Gardens transforms into a winter wonderland.
- Stockholm: The Gamla Stan market is known for Swedish crafts and delicacies.
- Helsinki: Senate Square hosts a cozy market with Finnish specialties.
Western Europe
Discover iconic markets in France, Belgium, and the Netherlands:
- Brussels Winter Wonders: Famous for its light and sound show.
- Amsterdam Christmas Markets: From Leidseplein to Museumplein, Amsterdam offers festive markets and ice skating.
- Paris: The La Défense market is a modern twist on the classic Christmas market.
Sustainable Christmas Market Tours
Many markets are taking steps toward sustainability, including:
- Eco-friendly stalls: Vendors using recyclable materials.
- Local products: Promoting regional crafts and food.
- Green transportation: Encouraging visitors to use trains or buses.
Tips for an Unforgettable Christmas Market Tour
- Arrive Early or Late: Avoid crowds by visiting during off-peak hours.
- Plan Your Budget: Set aside funds for shopping, food, and experiences.
- Take a Guided Tour: Learn about the history and traditions from local experts.
- Explore Beyond the Main Market: Smaller markets often have unique offerings.
Europe’s Christmas markets are a magical blend of tradition, culture, and festivity. Whether you’re drawn to the romance of Paris, the historic charm of Nuremberg, or the Alpine beauty of Switzerland, there’s a market to suit every traveler’s dream. Plan your tour early to make the most of this enchanting holiday experience.
Detailed 10-Day Christmas Market Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Munich, Germany
- Highlights:
- Visit the famous Marienplatz Christmas Market, one of the oldest in Germany.
- Stroll through wooden stalls selling handcrafted ornaments, Bavarian treats, and mulled wine.
- Evening: Enjoy dinner at a traditional Bavarian beer hall.
- Tips:
- Try the lebkuchen (gingerbread) and bratwurst.
- Take a photo of the beautifully illuminated New Town Hall.
Day 2: Nuremberg, Germany
- Travel: 2-hour train ride from Munich.
- Highlights:
- Explore the Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt, famous for its traditional wooden stalls.
- Visit the Children’s Market for family-friendly activities like carousel rides.
- Sample the local specialty, Nuremberg sausages and glühwein (mulled wine).
- Tips:
- Look for handcrafted Christmas angels, a signature souvenir.
Day 3: Salzburg, Austria
- Travel: 3-hour train ride from Nuremberg.
- Highlights:
- Visit the Salzburg Christkindlmarkt in the Old Town.
- Attend a live choir performance in front of the Salzburg Cathedral.
- Explore the nearby Hellbrunn Advent Magic, a smaller market with fairy-tale vibes.
- Tips:
- Enjoy traditional Austrian treats like kaiserschmarrn (sweet pancakes) and hot punch.
Day 4: Vienna, Austria
- Travel: 2.5-hour train ride from Salzburg.
- Highlights:
- Start at the Rathausplatz Christmas Market, known for its stunning light displays.
- Visit the romantic Belvedere Palace Christmas Village.
- Enjoy ice skating at the Vienna Ice Dream rink near City Hall.
- Tips:
- Try apfelstrudel and sachertorte with a cup of Viennese coffee.
Day 5: Prague, Czech Republic
- Travel: 4-hour train ride from Vienna.
- Highlights:
- Visit the Old Town Square Christmas Market, known for its towering Christmas tree.
- Explore the smaller Wenceslas Square Market for local crafts.
- Evening: Attend a classical music concert in one of Prague’s historic churches.
- Tips:
- Don’t miss the trdelník (chimney cake) filled with warm Nutella or cream.
Day 6: Dresden, Germany
- Travel: 2.5-hour train ride from Prague.
- Highlights:
- Explore the Dresden Striezelmarkt, the oldest Christmas market in Germany.
- Admire the giant Christmas pyramid and enjoy Stollen cake, a local specialty.
- Visit the Frauenkirche Church and its festive surroundings.
- Tips:
- Purchase a traditional wooden nutcracker or smoker figurine.
Day 7: Strasbourg, France
- Travel: 5-hour train ride from Dresden.
- Highlights:
- Visit the Strasbourg Christmas Market, the largest in France.
- Stroll through Place Kléber and marvel at the massive Christmas tree.
- Enjoy a riverboat tour for unique views of the illuminated city.
- Tips:
- Try flammkuchen (Alsatian flatbread) and hot spiced cider.
Day 8: Colmar, France
- Travel: 1-hour train ride from Strasbourg.
- Highlights:
- Explore the Colmar Christmas Market, famous for its fairy-tale setting.
- Visit the five themed markets spread across the town’s historic quarters.
- Evening: Take a guided walking tour of the illuminated Old Town.
- Tips:
- Purchase locally made Christmas ornaments and Alsatian wines.
Day 9: Zurich, Switzerland
- Travel: 2.5-hour train ride from Colmar.
- Highlights:
- Visit the Zurich Main Station Christmas Market, home to a giant Swarovski Christmas tree.
- Explore the Old Town Christmas Market for unique Swiss crafts.
- Evening: Enjoy a fondue dinner at a traditional Swiss chalet.
- Tips:
- Take a stroll along Bahnhofstrasse, Zurich’s main shopping street, adorned with festive lights.
Day 10: Montreux, Switzerland
- Travel: 3-hour train ride from Zurich.
- Highlights:
- Explore the Montreux Noël, set along the shores of Lake Geneva.
- Visit Santa’s House on Rochers-de-Naye for breathtaking views and festive activities.
- Evening: Relax at a lakeside café with a warm drink.
- Tips:
- Look for Swiss chocolate and handcrafted cuckoo clocks.
Special Features of Christmas Markets
Unique Activities
- Workshops: Learn to bake traditional Christmas cookies or make wreaths at markets like Innsbruck and Vienna.
- Light Displays: Many markets, like Brussels and Copenhagen, feature spectacular light shows.
- Santa Visits: Markets like Montreux Noël have interactive Santa experiences for children.
Local Treats to Try
- Germany: Schupfnudeln (potato noodles) and glühwein.
- Austria: Maroni (roasted chestnuts) and punsch (spiced punch).
- France: Pain d’épices (spiced bread) and vin chaud (mulled wine).
- Switzerland: Raclette cheese and Basler Läckerli (spiced cookies).
Budget-Friendly Tips for Christmas Market Tours
- Book Early: Secure accommodations and train tickets months in advance.
- Choose Multi-City Passes: Save on transportation with regional rail passes.
- Stay in Nearby Towns: Avoid high prices by staying in smaller towns near popular markets.
12. Sustainable Christmas Market Travel
- Opt for Trains: Reduce your carbon footprint by traveling via Europe’s efficient train network.
- Reusable Mugs: Many markets encourage reusable mugs for drinks to minimize waste.
- Support Local Artisans: Choose locally made products over mass-produced items.
Comment (0)