Experience The Spirit of the Season...
If you’ve never experienced the magic of Christmas markets in Europe, you need to GO! The spirit of the season truly comes alive in cities big and small. We were amazed at the beauty of the themed decorations, window displays, and beautifully embellished buildings. Together, locals and visitors fill the streets with holiday cheer. From the cozy warmth of mulled wine (Glühwein) to the festive smells of traditional foods (bratwurst and pretzels), these markets capture the heart of Christmas like nowhere else.
Be a smart traveler and dress accordingly. The weather can be cold and, occasionally, wet. Pack a hat, gloves, warm socks, and boots so you will be dry and warm. Our packing essentials page is a great resource for getting prepared.
Strasbourg, often called the “Capital of Christmas,” transforms its entire downtown into a winter wonderland with captivating window displays, elaborately decorated buildings, and a stunning tree display in the center of the city. Meanwhile, Munich’s themed markets—each with its own unique focus—make for a festive exploration, from the medieval style to the more traditional Christmas Village.
Head to Nuremberg and Stuttgart if you’re craving authentic holiday crafts with a more traditional feel, Nuremberg and Stuttgart. Nuremberg is also rich in history and famous for its Lebkuchen, a traditional German-style gingerbread cookie. These markets feature handcrafted ornaments, cozy winter clothing, and mouthwatering foods like bratwurst, gingerbread, and roasted nuts. We had the best Kartoffelpuffer (German potato pancakes) in Nuremberg.
A consistent staple prevalent at almost all markets is Glühwein, hot mulled wine. This traditional drink is an acquired taste and one that helps keep you warm while you walk through the markets. Our favorite is a version we had for the first time in Munich, which adds a shot of almond liquor. It was served in a charming mug with a picture of the Glockenspiel. As you travel from one market to another, you will see that each market has custom-designed mugs that make wonderful souvenirs.
This year, we’re revisiting some of our favorite markets and discovering a few new ones along the way. We love to take advantage of the fantastic rail system and are exploring markets in three countries. Beginning in Amsterdam, we will continue on to Cologne, Strasbourg, Regensburg, and Munich. In addition to the markets, we have added in a couple of extra daytime tours (Cruising the canals of Amsterdam, learning how to make stroop waffles, and a day trip to Neuschwanstein Castle).
Use our guide to plan a trip to the Christmas Markets in Europe. If you love Christmas like we do, this will be a trip filled with holiday magic. Follow our itinerary or select another region to explore. Just Go!
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us for specific information about our past trips. We love sharing our experiences with other adventurous travelers. The Christmas Markets are magical and never fail to bring out the wonder of the season – we can’t wait to soak in the festive atmosphere once again!
