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Christmas markets, fairytale cities and snow-covered mountains… this was the trip that started my love of travel.

Europe has a very special place in my heart. It was my first big overseas adventure and opened my eyes to just how much of the world there was to explore.

On my first trip to Europe, a friend and I spent almost a month travelling through Europe on a Contiki tour over Christmas.

I was not prepared for just how much I would fall in love with Europe, and experiencing it at Christmas made that first adventure feel even more magical.

The Magic of European Christmas Markets

Twinkling lights fill historic town squares, wooden chalets line the streets and the smell of gingerbread, roasted chestnuts and Glühwein (mulled wine) fills the air.

The markets are about so much more than shopping, with Christmas music, ice skating, carousels, Ferris wheels, traditional crafts and plenty of festive food and drinks.

European Christmas markets are not simply somewhere you go shopping. They are an experience.

Christmas Markets to Add to Your List

One of the best things about Christmas markets in Europe is that no two destinations feel quite the same. From traditional German markets to grand European cities and fairytale old towns, these are some of the Christmas markets I would have on my list.

Prague, Czech Republic — My personal pick. I feel like Prague does not get enough credit at Christmas. Old Town Square, the Astronomical Clock and beautiful historic buildings make the whole city feel like a real-life fairytale.

Vienna, Austria — For the classic European Christmas experience. Think grand buildings, beautifully decorated squares, Christmas punch and traditional market stalls.

Nuremberg, Germany — For tradition. Its famous Christkindlesmarkt is all about gingerbread, Nuremberg sausages, handcrafted decorations and classic German Christmas atmosphere.

Dresden, Germany — For history. The Striezelmarkt is one of Germany’s oldest Christmas markets and is famous for traditional crafts and Dresden Stollen.

Cologne, Germany — For the setting. There are several markets across the city, but the Christmas market beneath Cologne Cathedral is hard to beat.

Strasbourg, France — For fairytale Christmas charm. Half-timbered buildings, beautiful decorations and a mix of French and German Christmas traditions make Strasbourg particularly special.

Budapest, Hungary — For something a little different. Combine Christmas markets and Hungarian food with beautiful architecture, the Danube and Budapest’s famous thermal baths.

When should you visit?

Most European Christmas markets begin opening from mid to late November, with December generally being the heart of the Christmas market season.

 

Christmas Market River Cruises

If you are thinking of visiting the European Christmas markets, consider experiencing them on a river cruise.

It is a wonderful way to visit several destinations in one holiday without constantly packing and unpacking. You can wake up in a new city, spend the day exploring Christmas markets and historic towns, then return to the comfort of your ship and sail to your next destination.

Two of the most popular options are the Rhine and Danube.

A Rhine Christmas market cruise can include destinations such as Cologne, Strasbourg and Basel, while a Danube Christmas market cruise can include Budapest, Vienna, Linz and Passau.

Choose the Rhine if you are drawn to traditional German Christmas markets, historic towns and a mix of German and French influences.

Choose the Danube if Vienna, Budapest, grand European cities and Central European Christmas traditions appeal to you.

Personally, I think the Rhine does Christmas just that little bit better. The traditional German markets, storybook towns and festive atmosphere are hard to beat.

 

My Tips for Visiting Europe’s Christmas Markets

Visit more than one market. Every market has its own food, traditions and atmosphere.

Visit after dark. This is when the lights come on and the markets really come alive.

Try the local food and drinks. Glühwein, gingerbread, bratwurst, raclette, pastries and roasted chestnuts are all part of the experience.

Bring home a Christmas decoration or market mug. They make wonderful souvenirs and memories of your trip.

Dress warmly. Layers, gloves, a good coat and comfortable waterproof shoes are essential.

Check the dates. Christmas market opening dates vary, so check before booking your flights, accommodation or river cruise.

 

The Memories That Stay With You

I recently caught up with the friend I travelled with, and we found ourselves reminiscing about this trip. We are in very different chapters of our lives now, yet we could still remember so many little moments so vividly.

It reminded me that while the trip ends and the photos disappear into albums, the memories and friendships you make while travelling stay with you forever.

I would go back to Europe at Christmas in a heartbeat.