Visiting European Christmas Markets
- Kim • • • • • • • • • •
- Jul 31
- 6 min read
I have been going to European Christmas Markets for about 10 years, now. I haven't been able to go every year, but every few years, I manage to get over to some. This year we will be taking a group on a Christmas Market River Cruise on the Rhine and then on to Paris for a few days to see it all decorated for Christmas. Here are few fast facts about European Christmas Markets: 1. They are mostly traditional in the Germanic region of Europe. That can mean areas like Germany, Austria, and parts of France. Plus, you'll find some charming markets in Prague, Budapest and Poland. There may be other areas of Europe that have markets, but they are either areas that are close to Germany, used to be part of Germany (or, the Austrian Hungarian Empire) at one time (like Alsace) or added markets in more modern times to attract tourism.
They are called CHRISTMAS markets. If you call them "Holiday Markets" or "Festive Markets", you will be swiftly corrected by locals. They use the word "Christmas".
Almost all European Christmas Markets will have a public creche or nativity in them and the town is very proud of it.
Some towns will have more than one Christmas Market and often, one is dedicated to more hand-made items. Those are the best markets.
Dresden has the earliest recorded Christmas Market in 1434. It was held just one day on Christmas Eve. Many markets open the first weekend of Advent and close on Christmas Eve. You can't go after Christmas and find open markets. Christmas Markets in bigger cities may open in late November.
Many cities have locally designed collector's mugs for hot wine and cider. You pay a deposit for the mug and can keep it as a souvenir or return it for your deposit. Some cities are moving to eco-friendly plastic cups, though. They still have a special design, but aren't as charming.
What is the best way to visit European Christmas Markets? All the times we have gone, we have had a car and driven between them. But, parking can be VERY difficult - especially in villages where the markets might only be open on weekends. This year, we will take a river cruise to visit some of the Christmas Markets. At the end of our river cruise in Strasbourg (which calls itself the Capitol of Christmas), we have arranged for a mini coach to transport my group to some of the smaller villages we can't get to on public transportation. Those will be weekend-only Christmas Markets and I expect it will be very busy with limited parking. That's why we opted to hire a small bus instead of renting cars.
That being said, really, the best and least stressful way to visit European Christmas Markets will be on river cruise (where the ship will be decorated and the food will be festive) or a small group guided tour on a luxury coach bus where you can sit back, relax and enjoy the scenery. The coaches will be able to drop you off, go park wherever they need to park and then pick you back up close to the markets.
Which companies offer the best tours or river cruises for visiting European Christmas Markets?
Almost all the river cruise companies will offer a Christmas Market River Cruise. You have to be aware of the timing, though. Some offer something called "A Taste of...." and those may have just one or two stops with markets that are actually open. They usually take place in late November and may cross into the first weekend of December. You will probably see markets setting up in some towns but not actually open. These are usually less expensive river cruises and more attractive to people who don't know why it's called "Taste of Christmas" or whatever they name it. But, then those people often end up disappointed when they realize they only get to one or two open markets. Some river cruise companies offer a shorter cruise than normal. My cruise in December is just 5 days and 4 nights long. It goes from Cologne, Germany to Strasbourg, France. It is shortened because there isn't any time in Cologne (so we are arriving a day early), nor is there time in Strasbourg (so we are staying 2 days). Those shorter cruises may work better for people who either want to do the river cruise with a land portion or want something short so they can get home and put up their Christmas tree. We are combining our cruise with Paris for 4 days at the end. It's a 2-hour train ride from Strasbourg.
Which Rivers Do Most Christmas Market River Cruises Take Place On?
The Rhine and Danube account for around 80% of Christmas market cruise itineraries due to their iconic markets and well-developed cruise routes. The Main is often a secondary focus, included in 10–14-day cruises. Other rivers may have stops that include Christmas Markets, but the majority of the markets will be found on the Rhine and Danube.
As a river cruise specialist, I can help you find the right company, price and itinerary for you to visit European Christmas Markets. Some companies are still trying to fill their boats for 2025 and are offering some incentives, but cabin selection may be limited. All companies are booking for 2026 and a few even have their 2027 itineraries open for booking. If it's something you are dreaming of in the near future, let's get shopping for the right river cruise for you! Contact me to get started.
What Does a Guided Small Group Land Tour to Christmas Markets Look Like?
A small group guided land tour usually consists of up to around 40 people. Most companies use luxury coach buses to transport guests. These often have comfortable seats with a drop-down footrest, cup holders and USB ports for charging your phone. You will be spread out on the bus and not feel crowded or squished. I've seen coffee machines on some buses. Your luggage will be stored underneath the seating area so you don't have to drag it up on the bus. You will be able to sit back and enjoy the view as you drive through some of the most charming areas of Europe. Many companies only have you in the bus for up to 2 hours a day. There generally are not long drives. The itineraries are laid out to get you from place to place quickly so you can maximize sightseeing.
What Is Included in a Small Group Guided Tour of European Christmas Markets?
All of them will include hotels with breakfast. You will often be able to request a twin or double bed so it's perfect for a friend trip. You may have an occasional included special themed lunch or dinner. Most hotels will be 3-5 star depending on the company and cost of your tour. I'm generally satisfied with hotel choices but will always check them out for you before booking a tour. Your hotels will not generally be right off the Christmas Market town squares because the coach bus has to get to the hotel and it's not easy or even not permissible in some towns. There will often be some other excursions than just the markets - doing a walking tour or castle visit - before offering you free time to visit the Christmas Markets. And, you'll have an experienced tour director who is well-versed in the areas you'll be traveling in and can suggest places to eat or see on your own and make sure you are well taken care of in an unfamiliar area.
There is still availability on some Christmas Market River Cruises and Christmas Market Land Tours for 2025. I am seeing that some departures are offering discounts of up to 15% for bookings this year. These companies are trying to fill cabins and seats. Availability may be limited so it's best if you have flexible dates. There are also some early booking incentives for 2026 and 2027 reservations that may include lower deposits and airfare deals.
Are you ready to start looking for your European Christmas Market tour or river cruise? Let me help you find the right fit that gives you the most relaxing, festive and stress-free way to see those charming Christmas Markets you've always wanted to see! Email me at Kim at Millcreektravel dot com for more information!
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