The Ultimate European Christmas Market Itinerary (2023)
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Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year. 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, guided 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: Fly into ZagrebAdvent, Zagreb Croatia runs from November 27th-January 7thNamed the best Christmas Market of 2016, Advent in Zagreb has just gotten bigger and better over the years! 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. Enjoy a cup of warm mulled wine and the igloo-shaped rakija bars.
After warming up with some mulled wine, get ready for a morning trip to the lovely city of Budapest. Don't forget to check out some fun side trips along the way from Zagreb to Budapest.
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Day 2: Budapest, Hungary runs from November 18th-January 1stThe 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.
A quick soak in one of Budapest's thermal baths will have you well-rested for your next road trip from Budapest to Vienna to see what Vienna has in store.
Day 3: Vienna Christmas World, Vienna Austria runs from November 11th-December 26th
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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.
After a romantic couple's skate, get ready for tomorrow's trip to from Vienna to Salzburg - the picturesque city.
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Day 4: Salzburg Christkindlmarkt, Salzburg Austria runs from November 18th-December 26thWith 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!
Once you've picked up some of the best homemade gifts, take the short trip from Salzburg to Munich for some more holiday fun.
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Day 5: Munich, Germany runs from November 21st-December 24thFor one month, Munich 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.
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.
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Day 6: Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt, Nuremberg Germany runs from November 25th-December 24thKnown 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.
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Day 7: Prague, Czech Republic runs from November 26th-January 6thTravel from Nuremberg to Prague to see 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 trdelnik (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
After reveling in the beautiful Old Town Square, make your way from Prague to Dresden to experience Germany's oldest Christmas market.
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Day 8: Dresden Striezelmarkt, Dresden Germany runs from November 23rd-December 24thDresden 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), make your way from Dresden to Berlin for your final stop on our ultimate Christmas Market extravaganza!
Day 9: Berlin, Germany runs from November 21st-December 31st
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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. Enjoy the ferris wheel at the Red Town Hall market.
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 :)
