How to Plan a Trip to the Christmas Markets

A Guide to Planning a Wonderful Whirlwind Trip to the European Christmas Markets

Planning a trip to Europe to visit the Christmas Markets is exciting, but can also be overwhelming! There are markets in cities and towns all over Europe, and even multiple markets within the same city. Narrowing down which ones to visit, how to get around, what to buy, and a thousand other questions, are part of fun and anticipation of your trip.

*This post contains affiliate links, so I may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through links on my site at no additional cost to you.

I am in the process of planning another trip to the European Christmas Markets, and thought I would share a few tips on how to build a travel itinerary and put together your dream trip. If you are more comfortable taking a guided tour, I’ll provide some recommendations and links at the bottom of this post.

• How to put together a Christmas Market itinerary
• Top Christmas Market Destinations and Sample Itineraries
• What to Know Before You Go
• Guided tours
• More in-depth information

Above photos: Christmas Market delights

How to Put Together a Christmas Market Itinerary

• Do your research
• Know what you want
• Build a detailed travel itinerary document

Do Your Research

You’re reading this, so obviously you got this one. The one thing I would caution anyone against is showing up without a plan. Sure, you can bee-bop around a few places and stumble upon markets and advent festivities without trying too hard. But, you might also miss out on experiences and regret it later. It is always a good idea to do your research ahead – know how to get there, the opening dates and events taking place, market specialties, etc.

While researching any travel destination, you will learn a lot. When you actually get there, you’ll feel a little less lost. Street names and buildings will ring a bell. You’ll have a general understanding of what to expect and minimize disappointments.

Know What You Want

Here are a few questions to ask yourself as you start narrowing down your options:

• Are there specific places you want to visit?
  • Clearly, some Christmas Markets are more well-known than others. These may top your list, but are there any others that maybe aren’t as well-known? Do you want to work-in a visit to a smaller, more intimate setting? Are there any towns where you have a personal heritage connection? Are there any historical landmarks you want to see? Do you want to see a well-preserved medieval town or are you less interested in history? Choosing one or two places to “anchor” your trip is a great starting point to building your itinerary.
• How much time do you want to spend in each location?
  • Ah, this is a tough question. What is the perfect balance of Quality vs. Quantity for you? Do you want to see as many different markets as possible? Or, it is more important to limit so much racing around? It is really different for everyone! On my first visit to any place, I tend to cram as much in as I possibly can. If I go back at a later time, I tend to go slower and take in the smaller pleasures. For the Christmas Markets, you can cover a lot of ground in a short amount of time. So, if you’re up for it, I recommend a full, face-paced schedule. It is a flurry of Christmas fun:)
• What types of Christmas Markets do you want to see?
  • There are big markets, small markets, crafty markets, artsy markets, foody markets, ethnic markets, traditional markets, kid-focused markets, high-end markets, and the list goes on. The only market type that I wasn’t a fan of were the ones that were heavy on the food stalls. After one brat, I’m done and ready to shop. If there isn’t much else to see, the market is a bit of a bust for me. I recommend getting around to the different types just to experience what’s out there. Naturally, the larger markets are going to have something for everyone. So, if you are limited on time, I would recommend the markets that are historically known for being the best.
• What are some of the other key points-of-interest you could see and are they open in December?
  • The villages throughout Europe are wonderful places to visit year-round and have many other attractions. During the winter months, the opening hours can vary. So, be sure to check ahead and plan out your schedule accordingly. We usually made time to visit a couple historical places or museums early in the day – and then arrived at the Christmas market late-afternoon or early evening. Markets are typically open later in the evening (and have extended hours on weekends). But, again, be sure to check opening dates and hours ahead.
• Geographically, which places make the most sense in the overall flow of the trip?
  • Unless you don’t mind giving up a significant part of your trip to sitting in a car or on a train, take a careful look at Google maps and understand the amount of time between each location (and the hidden gems in between!). Plan each stop in an order that make sense. Duh. Also, I suggest starting and ending points in cities with international airports. You can fly into one city and out of another. It typically does not drastically change the cost of airfare, but can drastically expand the area you can cover without any back tracking.
• How will you get there? Are there train stations? Does Uber operate there? Will you need a car?
  • I love the trains in Germany. They operate great schedules and have stations in just about every Christmas Market town you would want to visit. On the occasion there is a place you want to see that is a bit out of the way, you can always rent a car for part of your trip. Personally, I enjoy not having the stress of driving (or getting lost) in a foreign country. I also usually do a check to see if there is a Ride Share App (e.g., Lyft, Uber, taxi service, etc.) that operates where I’m going in case my hotel is a bit of walk from the station. By the end of our week, our luggage was pretty heavy and dragging suitcases on public transportation would have been a struggle. A splurge on an Uber ride was worth every penny.
• Are there any “Gold List” hotels or restaurants that you want to book?
  • Europe is full of luxury hotels, historic B&Bs, and amazing restaurants. If you’ve screen captured any gorgeous photos that you’ve told yourself you must try, by all means, do it. But, chances are a few other people have read the reviews, too. Be sure to make reservations early so you don’t miss out on something that clearly made an impression and inspired you.

Build a Detailed Travel Itinerary Document

As you answer the questions above, you may want to take notes or start a document to layout your day-by-day schedule. I’ve started creating pretty detailed itineraries for all of my trips that include time allowances for attractions, walking maps, dining reservations, hotel information, transportation schedules, advance ticket purchases or city discount cards, shopping ideas, etc. I even go as far as notating the sunrise and sunset times – it matters! There are some things you can only see in daylight. Likewise, you’ll want to time your stroll down famous avenues after dark to enjoy the beautiful Christmas lights.

Ya, lots of detail. Worst case scenario, you don’t get to all of it. I find having that level of organization helps me get the most out of my travel budget. At the same time, it is a vacation. No need to be hurried and stressed. We get to what we get to, we linger when we want to linger. I have no problem skipping over something on my itinerary if I’m not feeling it, but it is nice to understand the trade offs while making that decision as opposed to feeling I missed out on something after I’ve returned home.

Top Christmas Market Destinations and Sample Itineraries

After several rounds of Christmas Markets, and another in the works, I have put together a few itinerary suggestions that require about a week each. I think 6 – 10 days is a good length of time, spending 1 – 2 nights in each place. You may want to plan to spend more time in your arrival and departure cities because there are usually multiple markets in larger cities, as well as more historical attractions.

Bavaria, Germany

The very best destination for Christmas Markets is Bavaria, Germany. If you are planning your first trip, this is the region I would recommend. Munich and Frankfurt are the two main international airports. I recommend Munich as your arrival city. For your departure, either Munich or Frankfurt can work, and airfare may help you decide.

Above photos: Munich Christmas Market

Austria

The Christmas Market in Salzburg, Austria is one of my favorites. It is super easy to get to from Munich, and can easily be incorporated into a Bavarian itinerary. However, if you are interested in seeing more of Austria, including the glitz and glam of Vienna, you might want to save Salzburg for a dedicated Austrian itinerary. I still recommend Munich as your arrival city because Salzburg is just an hour away by train. You can also fly directly into Salzburg, but airfare might be higher and add a stop.

Above photos: Salzburg Christmas Market

Alsace, France

Alsace, France is another region speckled with adorable little towns that put on some of the grandest displays of holiday cheer. There are a few ways to approach Alsace. One option is to start out in western Germany, visiting the towns of Cologne, Heidelberg, and Stuttgart. The other option is to start out in Paris, train over to Alsace, and depart from Basel (or vice versa). We did Option #1 because Cologne was high on my list. If you are short on time, I would recommend Paris or Basel as your arrival/departure cities.

Above photos: Colmar, France

Poland and Saxony, Germany

I’m currently in the process of planning this trip, and I’m SO excited! Poland requires some extra time and effort to get to from Texas, but it is going to be worth it. The southern region of Poland is reasonably close to Saxony, Germany. So, the plan is to cross into Germany and make our way back down to Munich. Berlin was another option, but the airfare and flight schedules weren’t great. We also looked up all the little towns Saxony and Thuringia that host Christmas Markets, but just couldn’t squeeze them all in with the limited time we have.

These are just a few examples. There are so many more great Christmas Market cities across Europe, and endless ways to configure an itinerary. Hopefully these examples are a good starting point for mapping out your plan.

What to Know Before You Go

Once you’ve settled into an itinerary and know which places you will be visiting you can start booking your flights and hotels. In the weeks leading up to your departure, you can tackle your packing list and more of the fine details.

• What to pack
  • The weather across central Europe varies significantly. We’ve experienced mild weather in the 40s F, and days of snow. Check the weather often leading up to your departure so you can make last minute adjustments. Generally, though, you’ll need cozy base layers, outerwear, and comfortable, waterproof shoes/boots.
  • Check out my Christmas Market Packing Guide here.
• Currency
  • In recent experience, most market stalls accept credit cards. However, it is still wise to carry cash. The first order of business when I arrive at an international destination is to pull cash in local currency out of the airport ATM machine. My bank reimburses me for any ATM fees and gives me the best currency conversion rate. Be sure to research your bank’s policy ahead and determine the best method for you.
• Hotel proximity
  • When booking your hotels, be aware of the proximity to the central train station (if that is how you will be traveling from place-to-place) and to the market center. In some cases, you can roll your luggage a few blocks to your hotel. Other places, you may have to utilize the local public transportation system (e.g., trams, taxis, etc.) or your ride share app (e.g., Uber), or a pre-booked transfer. Either way, know ahead of your arrival how you will get to your hotel and to the market. We usually arrive by train, and are on-foot from there — with the occasional tram or Uber.
• Phone apps
  • There are always a handful of phone apps that are helpful to pre-download and have at the ready. For example, your airline, any chain hotels you’ll be staying at, DB Navigator (trains in Germany), Uber, walking maps, your bank (in case you have problems using your credit/debit card), etc.
  • Just in case your wi-fi or cellular data isn’t cooperating, ALWAYS have your itinerary and bookings downloaded to your files or printed. I travel with a small folio of my travel documents and it has saved us more than once.
  • While we are on the topic of phones, be sure to activate your international calling/data plan or purchase a SIM card for local service. For short stays, I usually just accept the international daily rate (around $10-$15 per day). For longer stays, you may want to go the SIM card route. You can also just keep your cellular data off (i.e., stay in airplane mode), and utilize the free wi-fi networks (they are spotty, but sometimes you can get by).
• Travel insurance
  • Some credit cards offer travel insurance as a benefit when booking through their travel portal or with your card. I recently had to file a claim for trip interruption due to an illness, and Chase Sapphire Reserve declined it (despite my hospital stay documentation). So, I caution anyone relying on a credit card for trip insurance. Instead, consider purchasing trip insurance through a reputable insurance company, such as World Nomads. Disclosure: I receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. I do not represent World Nomads. This is not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.
• Booking in advance
  • It is always nice to take in some historic attractions or tours while visiting the Christmas Markets. If you have something in mind, it is a good idea to solidify your plans in advance by booking, purchasing tickets online, making reservations, etc. This is true for dining, as well. We mostly ate at the markets, but there were a couple occasions where we needed a restaurant couldn’t find an open table to save our lives (looking at you, Colmar).
• Getting your loot back home
  • I believe I have this note on every single Christmas Market post I’ve published. You’re going there to shop so be prepared to get it all back home safely. I usually pack a duffle bag inside my luggage and slowly fill it up throughout my trip. I pack light so I have plenty of room for anything I need to take back in my checked luggage. I also take bubble wrap and a small flat box (that I later assemble) to make sure my glass ornaments make it back in one piece! The box should fit inside your carry-on duffle bag for your flight home.
  • Check out my Christmas Market Shopping Guide here.

Guided Tours

Guided tours are great for so many reasons. Some folks just prefer a pro that takes all the guesswork and stress out of the equation. Guided tours can also be helpful for mobility impaired, novice travelers, or large groups.

If you are interested in a guided tour in a specific city, I recommend booking through Viator or GetYourGuide. Both of these websites provide numerous tour options and experiences in cities around the globe, including private tours. Just plug in the place and dates of your trip to explore all the options. I think these tours are especially great for booking outdoor adventures, cooking classes, and skip-the-line tickets.

If you are interested in an escorted tour for the duration of your trip, you may want to consider a river cruise! The trips with Uniworld Boutique River Cruises look absolutely magical. The best part about a river cruise is that you only have to unpack once. No hauling your luggage from hotel to hotel.

More In-Depth Information

I have been to most of the Christmas Markets mentioned in this article and have published posts with more detailed information about where to stay, things to see, and specific Christmas Market information.

Thank you for reading my post! Please feel free to add friendly comments or questions below!