The Christmas Markets during the Christmas season is one excellent time to travel through multiple European cities. While it is undoubtedly one of the busiest times to explore the continent, Christmas’s festive feeling makes the experience incredibly pleasant. Plus, multiple destinations across Europe are littered with great Christmas markets, making travel more enjoyable and unique.
Related Posts
- 4 of the Best Multi-City European Christmas Market Itineraries
- 10 of the Best Europe Places to Visit in January for Amazing Events and Festivals
- Europe in February | 10 of the Best Europe Places to Visit in February for Special Events
Following are some of Europe’s best multi-city itinerary suggestions that you could follow to explore the best Christmas markets.
1. Zagreb-Budapest-Vienna
Zagreb, Croatia
The Advent market is the best Christmas market in the continent, for it has been voted to the top position three times in a row. Featuring a host of holiday events in and around the city square, there is a lot to keep you engaged and entertained. From concerts to dance groups to ensembles to an ice park, you can find something that will definitely suit your mood. Zagreb is indeed an ideal destination to kick start your multi-city trip.
Related: See our list of recommended hotels in Zagreb and the best things to do in Zagreb during your visit in addition to the Christmas market experience here.
Budapest, Hungary
The next stop in your itinerary should be in Budapest, where you should head to the Vorosmarty Square, the Budapest Christmas Fair site. This fair hosts over 200 events suited for both adults and children, spread throughout the season. You can also find excellent food here, with 122 stalls serving snacks and holiday specials.
Related: See our list of recommended hotels in Budapest and the best things to do in Budapest during your visit in addition to the Christmas market experience here.
Vienna, Austria
The final stop of your Christmas market multiple destinations’ itinerary should land you in Austria’s Vienna. Vienna Christmas World, Vienna’s famous Christmas market, is one very lively and exciting place to be, with stalls propped upright in front of the palace. So, you not only get to enjoy spending time purchasing and interacting with friends and family, but you also get to witness the splendor of the palace. There are over 149 stalls at the market every year, featuring Christmas snacks, cards, gifts, etc.
Related: See our list of recommended hotels in Vienna and the best things to do in Vienna during your visit in addition to the Christmas market experience here.
Related to this European Christmas Market Itinerary:
Find the best flights, train tickets, or rent a car for your European Christmas market trip to Zagreb, Budapest, and Vienna. Also, find the list of the best hotels to stay in in each city here. Need more ideas to add to your European Christmas market itinerary? Find top attractions and things to do in Zagreb, Budapest, and Vienna in addition to the Christmas Markets here.
2. Alsace-Zurich-Salzburg
Alsace, France
You begin your multiple destinations’ itinerary from Alsace, a gorgeous historical region in northeastern France. Your choice of the market in this area should be the unique Colmar Market, which is regarded as one of the most unusual French markets. The market is divided into five different venues, based on the type of entertainment provided. So, you always know what is in store when you head to a particular sub-market. There are market divisions for children, for food, for crafts, etc. Therefore, you can get everything from excellent food to remarkable crafts to fun activities for children.
Related: See our list of recommended hotels in Alsace and the best things to do in Alsace during your visit in addition to the Christmas market experience here.
Zurich, Switzerland
Next, you land in Zurich and head straight to the Christmas Market called Singing Christmas Tree (after relaxing a bit in your hotel room, obviously). The main attraction here is the Singing Christmas Tree, the namesake of the market. Every day, a choir gathers on a vertical stage, made to look like a Christmas tree, and sings carols. People love to sing along with the choir while munching on hot and delicious Christmas snacks from the stalls.
Related: See our list of recommended hotels in Zurich and the best things to do in Zurich during your visit in addition to the Christmas market experience here.
Salzburg, Austria
Salzburg forms the last stop of your Christmas market itinerary and is the best end one could wish for. The Salzburg Christmas market is propped at the base of the Hohensalzburg fortress near the Salzburg Cathedral. One of the most famous Christmas markets in the region, this market allows you to witness Austrian folk traditions while enjoying delicious roasted chestnuts, chocolate gingerbread, and the soothing mulled wine.
Related: See our list of recommended hotels in Salzburg and the best things to do in Salzburg during your visit in addition to the Christmas market experience here.
Related to this European Christmas Market Itinerary:
Find the best flights, train tickets, or rent a car for your European Christmas market trip to Alsace, Zurich, and Salzburg. Also, find the list of the best hotels to stay in in each city here. Need more ideas to add to your European Christmas market itinerary? Find top attractions and things to do in Alsace, Zurich, and Salzburg in addition to the Christmas Markets here.
3. Vienna-Prague-Dresden
Vienna, Austria
The Wiener Weihnachtstraum is another very famous Christmas market in Vienna. Located near the city center, it the ideal place to begin your Christmas market itinerary. With approximately 150 stalls in the market, an ice-skating ring, delicious gluhwein, fantastic lighting, and a lively atmosphere, the market does not let you get bored even for a moment. You can walk through the many rows of stalls and collect souvenirs to take back.
Related: See our list of recommended hotels in Vienna and the best things to do in Vienna during your visit in addition to the Christmas market experience here.
Prague, Czech Republic
Travel from Vienna to Prague to witness the city’s most stunning Christmas market. During the season, the Old Town Square of the city magically transforms and is filled with hundreds of stalls, lighting, and an aura of activity and buzz. One of the liveliest Christmas markets, this destination also allows you to take in the local architecture, especially the Astronomical Clock. You can enjoy deliciously mulled wine, sweet trdelnik and buy traditional Czech crafts and homemade products as collectibles.
Related: See our list of recommended hotels in Prague and the best things to do in Prague during your visit in addition to the Christmas market experience here.
Dresden, Germany
End your multi-city tour by visiting Germany’s oldest Christmas markets situated in Dresden. The city comes to life as soon as the market dates begin, with a total of eleven different markets propping up and flooding their surroundings with light and festive activities. You might not get a chance to explore all the fairs, but you must not miss Striezelmarkt. This is the biggest market in the region and dedicates itself to the local traditions.
Related: See our list of recommended hotels in Dresden and the best things to do in Dresden during your visit in addition to the Christmas market experience here.
Related to this European Christmas Market Itinerary:
Find the best flights, train tickets, or rent a car for your European Christmas market trip to Vienna, Prague, and Dresden. Also, find the list of the best hotels to stay in in each city here. Need more ideas to add to your European Christmas market itinerary? Find top attractions and things to do in Vienna, Prague, and Dresden in addition to the Christmas Markets here.
4. Florence-Munich-Krakow
Florence, Italy
Begin your itinerary from Florence, which is famous for its annual Christmas market. The Piazza Santa Croce in the city is converted to a Christmas marketplace, with the Franciscan Basilica serving as a backdrop for more than 50 stalls. So, not only do you get to enjoy the festive feeling of the fair but also you get to observe the remarkable views of the district’s architecture. Stroll around the stalls and take in the distinct Italian aura of the place while enjoying delicious gingerbread and strudel, the market’s highlights.
Related: See our list of recommended hotels in Florence and the best things to do in Florence during your visit in addition to the Christmas market experience here.
Munich, Germany
The Christmas market experience at Munich is none like the other, especially if you choose to explore the city’s Christmas Village at Munich Residenz. Every year, the organizers of the market transform Munich Residenz’s courtyard and make it look like a farming village in the Emperor’s Court. Walkthrough the stalls, chomping on some delicious food from the stalls, and enjoying the place’s vibe. Buy the many available crafts as souvenirs to show off to your friends and family later.
Related: See our list of recommended hotels in Munich and the best things to do in Munich during your visit in addition to the Christmas market experience here.
Krakow, Poland
If you wish to have a white Christmas experience, where you sing “walking through the snow on a one-horse open sleigh…” while actually walking through snow, then Krakow is the place you should visit. The city’s Christmas market is in the city’s main square. While here, you can enjoy a complete and fulfilling shopping experience, spiced nuts, boiled candies, and hand-painted Christmas baubles.
Related: See our list of recommended hotels in Krakow and the best things to do in Krakow during your visit in addition to the Christmas market experience here.
Related to this European Christmas Market Itinerary:
Find the best flights, train tickets, or rent a car for your European Christmas market trip to Florence, Munich, and Krakow. Also, find the list of the best hotels to stay in in each city here. Need more ideas to add to your European Christmas market itinerary? Find top attractions and things to do in Florence, Munich, and Krakow in addition to the Christmas Markets here.
Need help planning a multi-city European Christmas Market trip?
Planning to visit Europe to experience multiple Christmas markets but not sure where to begin? If you find this type of multi-city trip planning to be too complicated to plan on your own, we’re here to help!
At MultiCityTrips, multi-destination travel and complicated itineraries are our specialties. Contact us today to learn more about how one of our experienced travel experts/destination specialists can personalize your multi-city European vacations (with the most amazing Christmas Markets of course!) at the best price. Don’t want to start from scratch and need some trip inspiration? Check out our marketplace for customizable pre-designed packages available right now for many amazing European destinations.
To learn more about how our process of trip planning works in detail, please see our “How It Works” page or check out our video on “How to Plan a Multi-City Trip to Europe in 5 Easy Steps” here.
Have questions for us? Schedule a FREE Call with us here or contact one of the travel experts/destination specialists at [email protected], call/text us at (888)223-2316 today.
