Christmas Market tours

Expect a festive, well-paced itinerary filled with seasonal charm. You’ll visit markets known for their atmosphere and local traditions, enjoy guided sightseeing in each destination, and have time to explore, shop, and soak up the holiday spirit—all with the ease of expert planning and support.

Picture cobblestone squares glowing under strings of golden lights, the scent of cinnamon and roasted chestnuts in the air, and stalls brimming with hand-carved ornaments, woolen goods, and local treats you won’t find anywhere else.

At a European Christmas market, you’ll step into a world where holiday traditions come alive. Expect to sip steaming mugs of gluhwein (spiced mulled wine), sample regional specialties like gingerbread in Nuremberg, raclette in Switzerland, or vanillekipferl in Austria, and browse artisanal gifts that feel personal and one-of-a-kind.

Each market has its own personality—Vienna’s is elegant and grand, set against imperial architecture; Salzburg’s feels like a cozy Alpine postcard; and Innsbruck’s sparkles beneath snow-dusted peaks. You’ll hear carolers, see twinkling trees, and feel the kind of festive magic that’s hard to put into words—but easy to feel once you’re there.

Most Christmas markets in Europe open in late November—usually around the start of Advent—and run through Christmas Eve, with some staying open a few days into early January.

If you’re looking for that perfect mix of festive energy and fewer crowds, early December is the sweet spot. The lights are twinkling, the stalls are fully stocked, and the atmosphere is magical without being overwhelming.

Want to lean into the full holiday spirit? Visit closer to mid-December, when the markets are in full swing, choirs are singing, and the scent of mulled wine and roasted chestnuts fills the air. Just be sure to bundle up—it’s chilly, but that’s part of the charm.

And if you’re dreaming of snow-dusted rooftops and cozy evenings, mid-to-late December in Alpine towns like Innsbruck or Salzburg often delivers that picture-perfect winter wonderland.

Europe is full of holiday magic, but a few countries truly shine when it comes to Christmas markets.

• Germany is the gold standard. From the storybook charm of Rothenburg ob der Tauber to the grand scale of Cologne’s cathedral market, Germany’s markets are steeped in tradition, with handcrafted gifts, cozy food stalls, and gluhwein served in collectible mugs.
• Austria brings elegance and Alpine charm. Vienna’s markets glow against imperial architecture, while Salzburg and Innsbruck offer mountain magic, classical music, and snow-dusted stalls that feel like a fairytale.
• Poland offers a warm, welcoming spirit with a touch of old-world wonder. In Krakow, the market in Rynek Glowny (Europe’s largest medieval square) is a feast of hand-painted ornaments, hearty pierogi, and folk performances that light up the winter nights.
• Hungary is a hidden gem for holiday lovers. Budapest’s Christmas markets, especially the one at Vorosmarty Square, are known for their artisanal crafts, cinnamon chimney cakes, and the magical glow of the city’s historic architecture dressed in lights.
• Switzerland delivers cozy sophistication. Markets in Lucerne, Montreux, and Zurich are known for their lakeside views, artisanal gifts, and rich seasonal bites like raclette and spiced pastries.

Each country brings its own flavor, but they all share one thing: a deep love for the season and a knack for turning winter into something magical.

Yes, and here’s the festive truth: These tours are some of the most popular of the year, and they fill up fast. Between the twinkling lights, cozy traditions, and once-a-year magic, travelers tend to plan ahead—and so should you.

Booking early means:

• Better availability on your preferred dates and itineraries.
• Peace of mind knowing your holiday plans are set before the season gets busy.

Plus, many travelers treat these tours as a gift to themselves or a loved one—so they’re often planned months in advance. If you’re dreaming of sipping gluhwein in Vienna or browsing hand-carved ornaments in Krakow, don’t wait too long. The magic starts with a spot on the tour.