The ultimate European Christmas markets itinerary (2024)
Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year, undoubtedly! Who doesn’t love it when the cold streets turn into glittering dreamscapes? And every winter, all across Europe, lively Christmas markets brighten up the already enchanting atmosphere with old European traditions, fresh food, and twinkling lights. Soak up the Christmas Spirit in some of Europe’s most scenic cities by checking out some of our favourite European Christmas Market destinations. Our 9-day itinerary shows you the best of the best! Make your way from one winter wonderland to the next with a private car transfer with Daytrip!
Day 1: Zagreb, Croatia
When the Christmas time comes, every corner, little park, and square transform into a glimpse from a fairytale in Zagreb.
Zagreb's enchanting Advent, a Christmas celebration that has earned the title of Europe's Best Christmas Market three years running, has just gotten bigger and better in time! A series of holiday events are held in and around the city square, including concerts, ensembles, and dance groups among others. There’s also an ice park, Christmas Fair, and a live nativity scene to get you in the holiday spirit. Make sure to enjoy a cup of warm mulled wine and the igloo-shaped rakija bars!
Wandering through wooden stalls offering handcrafted ornaments, local delicacies, and warm Croatian specialties is one of the coziest walks you’ll take this winter. Ice skating in King Tomislav Square, the light displays in Zrinjevac Park, and the holiday spirit in Ban Jelačić Square turn Zagreb from the big city it is to a warm festive space. Here, you’ll also be enjoying live concerts, street performers, and holiday workshops!
From traditional fritule pastries to steaming hot štrukli, Zagreb's Advent treats both your senses and your soul.
After taking all Zagreb’s Advent has to offer in, get ready for a morning trip to the lovely city of Budapest.
Day 2: Budapest, Hungary
No wonder why the Christmas decorations in Budapest are considered as some of the best!
The Budapest Christmas Fair and Winter Festival takes over Vörösmarty Square, the heart of the city. 122 wooden stalls serve up snacks like sumptuous honey cookies, as well as festive Hungarian dishes like the stuffed cabbage or roasted pork knuckle. An outdoor stage hosts over 200 events for adults and children throughout season.
Near Vörösmarty Square, there lies another Christmas market by St. Stephen’s Basilica, and it features some of the coolest decorations around: a spectacular light show projected onto the church's facade and a central ice skating rink where children can skate around a stunning Christmas tree. P.S.: This market has been ranked among Europe's top Christmas destinations.
Main common feature of these markets is that Hungarian holiday cuisine takes center stage with a rich variety from kürtőskalács (chimney cake) and lángos (fried bread with toppings) to forralt bor (mulled wine) and fruit brandy pálinka. So Christmas is actually one of the best times to try the authentic Hungarian cuisine!
After a quick soak in one of Budapest's thermal baths will have you well-rested for your next destination, to see what Vienna has in store.
Day 3: Vienna, Austria
Vienna is the place to be for a truly festive Christmas atmosphere.
Vienna really gets into the spirit, with Christmas markets popping up all over the city, including right in front of the palace! Christmas World in City Hall Square features 149 stalls with traditional Christmas gifts, crafts, food, and more. Here. visitors can enjoy the festive lights, ice skating in the park, and even a gingerbread decorating workshop.
The tradition of Vienna’s Christmas markets date back to the 13th century. Since then, they have been transforming the imperial city into a magical winter destination from mid-November through December 26. The city hosts over 20 official Christkindlmärkte, though many, each has its own unique character and vibe, which is one of the reasons why Vienna is a great destination for experiencing the holiday season in Europe.
The largest and most famous market is Rathausplatz Christkindlmarkt which spreads before the neo-Gothic City Hall. Schönbrunn Palace hosts an elegant market in its baroque courtyard, providing an imperial backdrop for artisanal gifts and seasonal concerts. The Belvedere Palace market reflects in the palace's pond, creating picture-perfect holiday scenes while the Spittelberg market in the Biedermeier district, offers a more intimate experience with its narrow lanes and artistic offerings.
So as you see, you have plenty of options to make the most of your time in Vienna, before head to the city that’s one of the closest thing to a fairytale background.
Day 4: Salzburg Austria
Winter paints its prettiest pictures in Salzburg, and during Christmas it’s as glamorous as it gets!
With its roots in the 15th century, Salzburg’s Christkindlmarkt brings Austrian tradition to life at the foot of Hohensalzburg fortress. Over 95 exhibitors serve up delectable treats alongside stalls offering holiday gifts including: textiles, natural products, crafts, and toys. Along with the Christmas stands, the event program consists of several concerts, and even a sing-along! Around 100 carefully curated stalls showcase local handicrafts, traditional decorations, and seasonal treats. The towering Christmas tree and cathedral backdrop create postcard-perfect scenes, while choral performances and trumpet concerts from surrounding towers add to the magical atmosphere.
Mirabell Palace's market, on the other hand, offers a cozier setting, perfect for finding unique artisanal gifts and enjoying classical music performances. The Hohensalzburg Fortress market, perched high above the city, provides panoramic views and specializes in regional crafts and delicacies. Here, you’ll be enjoying local specialties like Mozartkugeln chocolates, warm Glühwein, roasted almonds, and Salzburger Christkindl bread. Traditional handicrafts are very tempting as well, hand-painted glass ornaments, wool products, and carved wooden figures are too good to resist!
Once you've picked up some of the best homemade gifts, take a short ride to Munich for some more holiday fun!
Day 5: Munich, Germany
Munich’s big city vibes are very much in harmony with all the Christmas glamor.
For one month, Munich puts being a thriving business center on hold and turns into Christmas Town, with around 20 different Christmas markets popping up all over the city. Right in front of the Munich Town Hall, the Christkindlmarkt has a prime location in the heart of the city. Festive live music, children’s crafts and games, gospel singing, ice skating, and delicious culinary delights are all part of this winter wonderland. You can also buy your loved ones Bavarian Christmas gifts such as wood carvings or glassware.
If you are looking for an alternative to the Christmas markets, make sure to visit the Tollwood Winter Festival - an alternative cultural festival and market running parallel to traditional Christmas markets. Located at Theresienwiese (where Oktoberfest is held), it offers an international twist with ethnic food, artistic performances, sustainable crafts, and heated tents featuring live music and theater. It's less touristy and provides a modern, multicultural contrast to traditional Christmas markets.
Next up? Nuremberg! A travel from Munich to Nuremberg by car in less than two hours is all that stands between you and some delicious homemade gingerbread.
Day 6: Nuremberg, Germany
German gingerbreads are both sweet and piece of arts!
Known as Germany’s ‘Christmas City’, with over 180 market stands you’re sure to find something to fulfill your Christmas wishes. The market is heady with the aroma of sizzling sausage as stands serve up the famous Nuremberg sausages. Don’t forget to sample the famous Nuremberg gingerbread, which has been baked in the city for over 600 years.
Say goodbye to Germany and hello to the fairytale city of Prague, Czech Republic on your next Christmas market adventure.
Day 7: Prague, Czech Republic
Prague’s Old Town Square is always magical, but with Christmas decorations, it is simply mesmerizing!
Traveling to Prague means seeing the Old Town Square filled with light and wonder in the Czech capital's the most famous Christmas market. Enjoy a hot mulled wine and a sweet trdelník (cinnamon rolled pastry) while basking in the glow of the huge Christmas tree. Beneath the famous Astronomical Clock, vendors offer traditional Czech products and homemade crafts, so be sure to stop by.
Just like in the other big cities, Prague has several other Christmas markets scattered around. One of them is in Náměstí Míru, in front of the glorious Basilica of St. Ludmila. This is also one of the earliest Christmas markets to start operating in the city.
After reveling in the beautiful, old, and narrow streets leading to shimmering Christmas markets in Prague, make your way to Dresden to experience Germany's oldest Christmas market!
Day 8: Dresden, Germany
Dresden’s Christmas market is as pretty walking through it as it looks from above.
Dresden is home to Germany’s oldest Christmas market. With 11 different markets to explore, this already captivating city comes alive with festivities. Watch glass-blowers, bakers, and carvers practice their crafts while enjoying some seasonal treats. Also be sure to check out the world’s tallest Christmas pyramid (14 meters) and the world’s biggest nutcracker.
Last (but certainly not least), turn your compass towards Berling for your final stop on our ultimate Christmas Market guide!
Day 9: Berlin, Germany
Everything in Berlin is mesmerizing, so no doubt its Christmas Market is as well!
Have you always thought of Berlin as the big industrial city with full of culture and parties? Well, somehow it’s more than that! Germany’s capital transforms into its Christmas capital with between 50-100 Christmas markets filling the city. Some of the most well known are the Gendarmenmarkt, Opera Palace, and Alexanderplatz. In each, expect to find festive holiday food, crafts, and live performances. ice-skating. If the Berlin image still hasn’t changed in your mind, then try the ferris wheel at the Red Town Hall market as a little cherry-on-top of your Christmas trip!
Congratulations! You just completed Daytrip's ultimate Christmas market itinerary. With a full belly and douse of holiday spirit, it's time to fly home! Until next year👋
