5 Essential Tips For Visiting European Christmas Markets
Imagine you’re strolling through bustling walkways that lead through market stalls, surrounded by twinkling lights with a cup of hot cocoa or mulled wine in hand. The sights and sounds—a towering cathedral decked out for the Holidays, the smell of baked goods in the air, and the sounds of bells off in the distance—are nothing short of Christmas magic. Sounds amazing, doesn’t it?
This isn’t some holiday fairy tale—although it feels like it! You can live out this bucket-list Christmas experience every year throughout Europe. But with so many opportunities for holiday cheer, you’ll want to make sure you make the most of your Trip-of-Christmas-Future!
Here are five of my best tips for visiting Christmas markets in Europe
Visit More Than One Market
Almost every European city hosts an annual Christmas Market, and the best part of Europe is that it’s easy to hop between cities. So why choose? Make it a tour and hit up more than one market at one time. This year, I have clients that will visit Munich, Salzburg, Rothenburg, Dresden & Prague for their Christmas adventure—each spot with its own brand of charm and spirit.
Take the opportunity to explore smaller villages
You’ll find some of the top markets in big cities like Vienna, Prague, Hamburg, and more. But smaller towns throughout Europe also host pretty charming markets too. Christmas time is a great opportunity to go off the beaten path and explore some of these smaller villages.
Know Your Dates And Times
Not all markets in Europe are open at the same time. Some markets open halfway through November, and others in December. Some only run on weekends until a certain point in the Advent season. And very few operate after Christmas Day. Before you commit to an itinerary, we’ll work together to make sure the dates and times match up with your trip.
Plan your daily itinerary ahead of time
Should you visit markets on the weekend or opt for weekdays? And what times of day are best? Some markets are much less crowded during the week and will be more enjoyable. These are insights I can help with as your travel advisor, so you can make the most of your market experience.
Show up prepared
You’ll want to go to Christmas markets armed with cash to buy treats, mulled wine, and trinkets. Some vendors do accept debit and credit card payments, but to be safe, it’s best to go with cash. You’ll also want to dress warm and wear comfortable shoes. And here’s one last pro tip: remember to leave room in your suitcase for any trinkets and gifts you’ll want to take home, or bring a foldable duffel bag—shipping all of your treasures home can get expensive quickly. On almost every trip I take, I like to bring a foldable duffel bag that I stuff with dirty laundry for the trip home so there’s plenty of free space in my hard-sided luggage for any breakables.
Do you have questions about planning a trip to Europe for the Holiday season? This is the type of trip to start planning early! CLICK HERE to reach out.
