Why I Ditched the Gifts and Went to European Christmas Markets Instead

It took a holiday that’s become highly commercialized and turned it back into a wholesome experience that I’ll never forget.

Every year, my husband and I struggle to think of what to get each other for Christmas. We usually end up gifting each other items that we don’t need and spending money for the sake of spending money.

That’s why, a couple of years ago, we decided to skip presents altogether and put our money toward a trip to visit Christmas markets around Europe instead. To say it was the best Christmas we ever had is an understatement. 

We drank mulled wine out of ceramic boots, rode in horse-drawn carriages through cobblestone streets, listened to choirs, and strolled around shops under a gentle snowfall. It was truly magical, like a Hallmark movie—and far more memorable than receiving an air fryer. Ever since then, we've made this an annual trip, and now it's our favorite yearly tradition.

Planning a trip like this may seem intimidating at first glance, but it’s surprisingly easier than it sounds. Here's how to plan a Christmas market trip.

Planning a Christmas Market Hopping Trip

Countries all over Europe host Christmas markets, making it difficult to choose which ones to visit. When trying to narrow them down, consider what you’re drawn to the most.

For example, if you’re looking for a small market in a scenic location, then Innsbruck, Austria, is a must-visit. If you want to travel around a city and experience different themed markets, then you should check out Munich, Germany. If you’re a foodie and love mulled wine, then Strasbourg, France, should be at the top of your list. There are tons of aggregation lists that can help you narrow down your choices.

The best part is that you don’t have to choose just one location (or even one country). Once you’re in Europe, traveling by train or plane between countries is simple and usually pretty affordable. The biggest expense for us is always the flight from the US, but if you're flexible, you can usually find some pretty good deals. We were even able to pay for our flights with credit card points one year, which was a major win!

The Best Time to Visit Christmas Markets

When my husband and I visit Christmas markets, we like to combine our vacation days with our holidays for a longer trip. (Yes, this does mean that we miss Thanksgiving day at home, but my family often celebrates the Saturday before Thanksgiving because it's easier to get everyone together.)

We usually take a redeye flight from Boston to a major European city the day before Thanksgiving and stay until the following Saturday. This gives us about 10 days in Europe, while only taking five days off from work (we love when we can find ways to maximize our PTO!). 

Where to Fly Into

When choosing a city to fly into, remember that once you get to Europe, it's much simpler to travel within the continent. So, we try to find the cheapest city to fly into that's relatively close to a Christmas market we want to visit, and then travel there by train. (For example: we flew into Munich when we wanted to visit markets in Innsbruck and Salzburg, Austria.)

We found the first week of December to be the perfect time to visit European Christmas markets. Since the markets were just opening, they weren’t overly crowded yet, the weather was mild, and we were still home in time to have Christmas with our families. Just make sure that you check the start dates of the markets you want to visit online, because the opening dates vary, and you wouldn't want to show up only to find you're too early.

Over the 10 days, we typically stay in four different locations and spend 2-3 days in each one. This gives us some extra time to explore the cities, try lots of new foods, and visit churches and castles while we're there. 

My Favorite Markets

So far, we've been to Christmas markets across Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Luxembourg, France, Belgium, and Czechia. Here are my personal favorite markets (in no hierarchical order), but please keep in mind that there are tons more markets out there that I haven't been to yet, and that these are just my personal opinions:

Colmar and Strasbourg, France

Both Colmar and Strasbourg feel like they're straight out of Beauty and the Beast, even without the decorations. I put them together because they're only an hour train ride apart, and if you're in the area, you should make it a point to visit both.

Both towns are stunning and feel like they're straight out of a fairytale (Colmar even more so). There are canals and bridges running through them, lots of little markets spread throughout the areas, the food was amazing, and they had our personal favorite blend of mulled wine (which is called vin chaud in French). And while you're in Strasbourg, you can also visit Cathédrale Notre Dame de Strasbourg.

Salzburg and Innsbruck, Austria

These are two very different markets with very unique vibes, but I put them together because they're a short train ride apart and they're both equally worth visiting.

Salzburg is the city where The Sound of Music was filmed, making it the larger and more well-known one. There are actually multiple markets spread around Salzburg, and they're all worth visiting (we were able to walk to them all in one day).

Innsbruck has a smaller and more local feel. It doesn't have hundreds of stalls, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in charm and views. The backdrop is the Austrian Alps, which you can also visit by cable car (don't miss this if you're in Innsbruck!)

I highly recommend that everybody do a trip like this at least once in their lives. It took a holiday that’s become highly commercialized and turned it back into a wholesome experience that I’ll never forget.

FAQ

What should I wear to a Christmas market?

Layers, layers, layers! European winters can be cold, especially when you’re walking outside for hours. Go for a warm coat, waterproof boots, thermal under layers, gloves, electric hand warmers, a neck wrap or scarf to cover your mouth and nose, and a hat that covers your ears.

What’s the must-try food or drink at a Christmas market?

You have to try Glühwein (hot spiced wine)—it’s basically the official drink of Christmas markets. For food, it depends where you are: bratwurst in Germany, trdelník in Prague, raclette in Switzerland, and waffles in Belgium are all classics. Basically, skip breakfast and come hungry.

When do Christmas markets usually start and end in Europe?

Most markets kick off in late November, usually around the last weekend, and run until Christmas Eve. Some even stay open until New Year’s. If you’re planning a trip, aim for early to mid-December for the best vibe without too much chaos.

Do I need to book Christmas markets in advance?

You don’t need tickets for the markets themselves, but if you’re visiting a popular city (like Vienna, Strasbourg, or Nuremberg), it’s important to book your accommodation early, since hotels fill up fast in December. And if you want to join a guided market tour or take a Christmas river cruise, definitely reserve those ahead of time.

Are Christmas markets family-friendly?

Absolutely! Kids love the lights, the music, and all the desserts, and hot cocoa. Many markets even have carousels, ice skating rinks, or visits from Santa. Just keep in mind that evenings can get very crowded, so I'd recommend going earlier in the day, right when the markets open around 10 or 11 am. 

How do I find the best Christmas markets in each city?

Most cities have a main market in the old town square, and often a few smaller themed ones nearby (like a medieval market or a local crafts fair). You can also check the official tourism websites—they usually have maps and event schedules.

How do I get around between Christmas markets or cities?

Europe’s train system is a traveler’s best friend. You can hop between major cities quickly and easily (and usually see some beautiful scenery on the way). Within cities, walking is best; most markets are in pedestrian areas. If it’s cold or you’re tired, trams and buses are reliable and easy to use.