What makes European Christmas markets special compared to regular markets?

You'll step into a world of authentic holiday traditions that go back hundreds of years. Take Dresden's market in Germany - it's been running since 1434 and still serves the original medieval recipe for Christstollen cake. In Budapest, bakers make kürtös kalács pastries right in front of you over open fires, just as they've done for centuries. One TourRadar traveler put it perfectly: "The markets were absolutely beautiful with the cities aglow with lights, stalls of crafts and delicacies abound." Picture yourself shopping for handmade ornaments and sipping mulled wine in historic town squares, with places like Prague's St. Vitus Cathedral or Vienna's Schönbrunn Palace in the background.

When is the best time to visit European Christmas markets?

Plan your trip between late November and December 23rd to see these markets at their liveliest. Most markets, including the famous ones in Nuremberg and Vienna, open around 10am and stay busy until 9pm. Early December is your sweet spot - the holiday spirit is in full swing but the crowds are still manageable. Just remember that most markets wrap up on December 23rd. As one TourRadar traveler points out: "If you want to be sure all markets are open, go a few weeks before Christmas Eve." Expect temperatures between 35-45°F (2-7°C), and if you're lucky, some snow to complete the winter wonderland feel.

What are the must-visit Christmas markets in Europe?

Each market has its own special character, but a few really stand out. Dresden's Striezelmarkt is Germany's oldest, famous for traditional crafts and that incredible Stollen cake. In Vienna, the Christkindlmarkt at Rathaus puts on an amazing light show against beautiful Baroque buildings. Budapest's Vörösmarty Square market is great for finding unique Hungarian crafts and watching local performers. One TourRadar traveler said it best: "The heart of festivities in cities like Prague's Old Town Square and Nuremberg's main square are absolutely magical." Don't miss the markets at Cologne Cathedral and Heidelberg Castle - these incredible buildings make the perfect backdrop for your Christmas shopping.

What kind of accommodations can I expect on a Christmas markets tour?

You'll stay in comfortable hotels right in the city centers, making it easy to pop out to the markets whenever you want. In Vienna, many tours book you into the InterContinental, while in Budapest you might stay at the beautiful Corinthia Hotel. Prague's Grandior Hotel puts you just minutes from the Old Town Square markets. If you're taking a river cruise, ships like the S.S. Maria Theresa feel like floating luxury hotels, with super comfortable Savoir® Beds and soft Egyptian cotton sheets. A TourRadar traveler mentioned: "The accommodations were excellent and conveniently located, allowing us to easily explore the markets in the evening and return to a cozy retreat."

How large are tour groups for Christmas market trips?

Your group size will usually be between 15 and 40 people - enough to make friends but not so many that you feel lost in a crowd. River cruises can carry about 150 passengers total, but they break into smaller groups of 20-25 when you visit markets and go on guided tours. Here's what one TourRadar traveler said: "Our group of 33 was perfect - large enough to be social but small enough to navigate the busy markets comfortably." Smaller groups work especially well at popular spots like Dresden's Striezelmarkt or Vienna's Christkindlmarkt when they get busy.

What's the best way to get between different Christmas markets?

Tour companies make getting around really simple. You'll travel between cities in comfortable buses, or if you're on a river cruise, you'll sail along the Danube between places like Budapest, Vienna, and Passau. Once you're in a city, you can usually walk between markets or hop on public transport. One TourRadar traveler noted: "The high-speed train from London to Paris made it easy to experience markets in different countries." Most tours use comfortable buses with experienced drivers who know the best routes between popular markets like Dresden's Striezelmarkt and Prague's Old Town Square, so you can just relax and enjoy watching the winter scenery go by.

What are the most magical Christmas market destinations in Europe?

The most enchanting markets happen in the historic hearts of European cities. Vienna's Rathausplatz and Munich's Marienplatz really come alive during market season. Nuremberg's market is one of the oldest and most famous - you'll understand why when you smell the gingerbread and roasted almonds. In Budapest's Vörösmarty Square, you can watch bakers make traditional kürtős kalács pastries right in front of you. Salzburg's market feels extra special with the Alps in the background, and Berlin's Gendarmenmarkt has a great mix of traditional crafts and excellent food. Nice hotels like the Westin Grand Munich and Hotel Astoria Lucerne put you right where you need to be to explore it all.

European Christmas Markets Tours & Trips

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In-depth Cultural
Baltic Capital Cities (Christmas)
4.3 (45 traveler reviews)
Destinations
Lithuania Latvia Estonia
Age Range
16 to 85 year olds
Operated in
English
Operator
Explore!
14% Off
Duration
8 days
From $3,240
NZ$2,800
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Europe Escape Christmas & New Year
4.5 (11 traveler reviews)
"Had an amazing experience of Europe with Gayle as tour leader."
Shereen, traveled in December
Destinations
Italy Austria Germany Netherlands Belgium France Switzerland+1 more
Age Range
10 to 75 year olds
Operated in
English
Operator
Expat Explore Travel
14% Off
Duration
12 days
From
NZ$4,105
$411 now + easy payments of $411
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Festival & Events
Christmas in Central Europe, Vienna to Berlin
4.2 (5 traveler reviews)
"The itenerary was well planned to see as many Christmas markets."
Grace, traveled in December
Destinations
Vienna, Salzburg, Munich, Berlin
Age Range
12 to 99 year olds
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
14% Off
Duration
7 days
From
NZ$3,019
$636 now + easy payments of $283
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Classic Europe Christmas & New Year
5.0 (6 traveler reviews)
"Best tour ever. The tour was amazing and exceeded all expectations."
Gretchen, traveled in December
Destinations
England France Switzerland Italy Austria Germany Netherlands Belgium+2 more
Age Range
10 to 75 year olds
Operated in
English
Operator
Expat Explore Travel
14% Off
Duration
14 days
From
NZ$5,165
$517 now + easy payments of $517
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Munich Christmas Markets
4.0 (2 traveler reviews)
"The tour was very knowledgeable and funny, and the guide was very sweet and helpful with directions."
Lisa, traveled in December
Destinations
Munich, Dachau
Age Range
18 to 80 year olds
Country Region
Bavaria
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Euroadventures
14% Off
Duration
4 days
From
NZ$739
$296 now + easy payments of $55
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Explorer
Dreamy Christmas Markets: Budapest to Munich
4.5 (2 traveler reviews)
"The Christmas markets were wonderful and our guides were knowledgeable and took care of us so well."
Melissa, traveled in December
Destinations
Hungary Slovakia Austria Germany
Age Range
18 to 69 year olds
Operated in
English
Operator
Travel Talk
40% Off
Duration
8 days
From $3,963
NZ$2,378
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River Cruise
Christmas Markets on the Danube
3.5 (2 traveler reviews)
Destinations
Austria Hungary Slovakia Czech Republic
Age Range
18 to 99 year olds
Regions
Vienna Budapest PragueDanube+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Tours of Distinction
40% Off
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8 days
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River Cruise
Christmas on the Danube featuring a 6-Night Danube River Cruise (Wurzburg to Vienna)
4.0 (8 traveler reviews)
Destinations
Wurzburg, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Nuremberg, Regensburg,Passau,Wachau,Emmersdorf an der Donau,Durnstein,Vienna+5 more
Age Range
up to 99 year olds
River
Danube
Operated in
English
Operator
Collette
40% Off
Duration
9 days
From
NZ$6,749
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Explorer
Magical Christmas Markets of Austria and Germany (Innsbruck to Munich)
4.8 (13 traveler reviews)
Destinations
Seefeld, Innsbruck, Salzburg, Oberammergau, Munich
Age Range
5 to 99 year olds
Mountain
Alps
Operated in
English
Operator
Collette
4% Off
Duration
8 days
From $4,749
NZ$4,549
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In-depth Cultural
Alpine Christmas Markets (Small Groups)
4.6 (17 traveler reviews)
"Overall trip was very good."
Robert, traveled in December
Destinations
Germany Austria France Switzerland
Age Range
up to 99 year olds
Operated in
English
Operator
Insight Vacations
4% Off
Duration
9 days
From
NZ$6,296
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In-depth Cultural
Europe Christmas Markets: Budapest to Zagreb
Destinations
Hungary Austria Slovenia Croatia
Age Range
15 to 99 year olds
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
5% Off
Duration
8 days
From $3,370
NZ$3,202
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In-depth Cultural
Alpine Christmas Markets (Classic)
4.6 (17 traveler reviews)
"Excellent we enjoyed it very much."
Sylvia, traveled in November
Destinations
Germany Austria France Switzerland
Age Range
up to 99 year olds
Operated in
English
Operator
Insight Vacations
15% Off
Duration
9 days
From $5,650
NZ$4,803
$300 now + easy payments of $646
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In-depth Cultural
Christmas Markets of Germany (Classic)
4.9 (14 traveler reviews)
"Great trip- very friendly host."
MK, traveled in December
Destinations
Berlin, Brandenburg, Leipzig, Dresden, Nuremberg,Rothenburg ob der Tauber,Munich+2 more
Age Range
up to 99 year olds
Operated in
English
Operator
Insight Vacations
15% Off
Duration
8 days
From $4,925
NZ$4,186
$300 now + easy payments of $486
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Festival & Events
Christmas Markets of Austria, Germany and Switzerland
4.2 (7 traveler reviews)
"Good itinerary and eight days just right."
Kevin, traveled in December
Destinations
Austria Germany Liechtenstein Switzerland
Age Range
up to 99 year olds
Mountain
Alps
Operated in
English
Operator
Trafalgar
15% Off
Duration
8 days
From $4,995
NZ$4,246
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In-depth Cultural
German Christmas Markets
4.3 (3 traveler reviews)
"Enjoyed the many Christmas markets. Loved the extra option trips."
Mary, traveled in December
Destinations
Offenbach, Nuremberg, Dresden, Leipzig, Berlin
Age Range
up to 99 year olds
Operated in
English
Operator
Trafalgar
15% Off
Duration
8 days
From $4,295
NZ$3,651
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