WHY CHOOSE CHRISTMAS MARKET TOURS WITH INSIGHT VACATIONS?
1.
Created with You in Mind
From France to Poland, delve into iconic Christmas Markets with our incredible range of destinations.
2.
Travel in Small Groups
Your premium experience begins with the flexibility to choose your group size.
3.
'Business Class' Tours
Hand-picked hotels, top-rated dining and stress-free travel with your Travel Director taking care of the details.
Insight Vacations Is Rated 4.6 / 5 Based on 40,000+ Verified Reviews
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"My wife and I loved this trip, especially for the Xmas Markets. The places we visited were magical with a lot of history, we will definitely recommend to our friends and family."
"The vacation was excellent. Our tour guide Karin was so helpful, knowledgeable and friendly and took such good care of us. The local guides were excellent and overall the experience was one of the best vacations I’ve ever had."
Stop to taste seasonal treats as you discover the lost and forgotten Advent traditions that play a significant role in regional cultural revitalisation.
In Nuremberg, the Christkindlmarkt stalls are donned in traditional red and white cloth. Look out for the Nuremberg Plum People while you shop for local treats.
Exploring Strasbourg's Christmas Market is like stepping directly into a fairytale, where glittering lights and the scent of cinnamon enchant your senses.
Our blogs are a great way to find the best European Christmas Markets to visit. Whether you want to try the best gluhwein, indulge in a local Trdelník pastry, or buy a decoration straight out of A Christmas Carol, we've got a guide for you.
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What to Buy at a Christmas Market
Marvel at Europe's brightest Christmas Markets
Immerse yourself in the magic of Bavaria at Christmas
Discovering the magic of Europe’s Christmas Markets
Christmas Markets in Europe you need to visit this winter
Discover inspiring, magical moments captured by our guests exploring Christmas Markets in Europe
PRAGUE
Czech Republic
Down at the Old Town Square, Prague’s vibrant Christmas Market contrasts with the Gothic skyline. Beneath a giant Christmas tree, draped in a blaze of lights, locals browse the decorative wooden stalls. Enjoy a glass of Svařák, traditional mulled wine, along with the local Trdelník pastry.
One of the most elegant and stylish European Christmas markets, Vienna’s is set against a backdrop of a magnificent Baroque palace. Gather round steaming mugs of punch and tuck into fresh bread, strudel and more to fuel you as you explore the delicate crafts of a hundred artisans.
Munich’s Christmas market is set against the backdrop of its majestic Town Hall and Glockenspiel, the market transforms the city into a winter wonderland. A magnificent 25-meter-high Christmas tree adorned with 3,000 candles takes center stage, and the market proudly houses Germany’s largest Nativity scene.
Tracing its origins to 1570, Strasbourg’s Christmas market stands as France’s oldest market boasting the tallest decorated Christmas tree in Europe. Throughout December, Strasbourg is brilliantly illuminated as lights and decorations adorn streets, houses, windows and balconies, evolving each year.
Krakow’s picture-perfect main square is one of the largest medieval squares in Europe, full of sparkle and bustle during the festive period. The market stalls are set beneath the beautiful twin towered basilica of St Mary’s, and you can wander through the Old Town’s historic district.
Dating back to 1628, the Nuremberg Christmas Market isn’t just one of Germany’s oldest Christmas markets in Germany, but also one of the most famous. Across its 180 wooden stalls you can find handmade art and Christmas decorations as well as traditional German delicacies.
There may be a variety of activities for children, depending on the market, from hay bales to ice skating, and some have small rides or playgrounds. The main focus of a Christmas Market is the festive food and drink, crafts, and showcasing local traditions. But there's always a good chance of ice skating.
Are the markets wheelchair accessible?
The markets all take place outside and are wheelchair friendly although some are in cobblestone areas, which may be more difficult. If you require a wheelchair while you travel with Insight Vacations, or any of our sister brands, please ensure you complete the accessibility assessment prior to travel.
Are they only on in December?
Christmas Market dates change year on year and regionally. These generally start in the last week of November and will run until Christmas Day.
Do I need to carry cash with me?
This depends on the region. In Germany, Switzerland and Austria most vendors will take cards but in the Czech Republic or the Balkans then cash would be preferred by vendors in the market.
Are there washrooms?
This will depend on the market as they range in size. If a market does have washrooms, they will usually be portable restrooms and they may be limited in number.
Should I wear comfortable shoes?
Comfortable shoes are a must! There are not many places to sit down and the markets are set up for wandering, drinking gluhwein and shopping for handmade gifts and local treats.
Where in Europe is the best Christmas market?
The best Christmas market in Europe depends on what you want – whether it’s incredible local food, handmade gifts, ice-skating, historic architecture, or more. Germany is often seen as the king of Christmas markets, but that doesn’t mean it’s the only place to find them – Austria, Hungary, France and Poland are all worth a visit during Christmas.
Luckily, with our guided tours you don’t need to pick just one – with Insight Vacations you can explore Christmas markets across Germany, Austria, Poland and more.
Are Christmas markets in Europe worth it?
Absolutely! These markets are truly magical, with twinkling light shows, local market stalls, larger-than-life Christmas trees, and a wealth of activities to get stuck into.
What month do Christmas markets start in Europe?
Generally European Christmas markets begin around mid to late November, finishing in either late December or very early January.
Which Christmas market is best in Germany?
While Nuremberg's Christkindlesmarkt is Germany’s most famous and quintessential Christmas market, there are over 80 vibrant Christmas markets across Berlin that are great for food-lovers, while Dresden is great for those who want a more traditional experience.
What dates do Christmas markets start in Vienna?
Vienna's Christmas markets begin as early as the first week of November with the Schönbrunn Palace market. However, most markets such as Rathausplatz and Spittelberg open around mid-November, running until after Christmas with some even extending into January.
What is the Christmas city in Poland?
Kraków is known as the ‘Christmas city’ in Poland, likely because it’s home to one of the most picturesque Christmas markets in Europe. You’ll find the markets in Kraków’s Main Square, one of the largest medieval squares in Europe, overlooked by the stunning twin towered basilica of St Mary’s.
Do you need tickets for Prague Christmas markets?
No, entry is free to the Prague Christmas Markets so you don’t need a ticket – the markets are open from 10am to 10pm every day.