European Christmas Markets Tours & Trip Packages

European Christmas Markets Tours & Trips

19 European Christmas Markets trips. Tours from 16 tour companies. 0 reviews.

19 Trips match your criteria (1 - 19 shown)

Europe Christmas Markets: Budapest to Zagreb
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4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Budapest, Ljubljana, Zagreb

Highlights

  • This trip takes you to a variety of Christmas markets across central Europe. Contrast the various traditions, cuisines and of course, mulled wine, in several amazing cities.
  • Hungary’s intoxicating capital becomes even more magical when draped in fairy-lights and dusted with snow at Christmastime. Try delicious local specialties like chimney cakes and potato dumplings at its main market at Vorosmarty Square.
  • Why settle for one Christmas market when you could have 14? Visit Graz’s main market at Hauptplatz Square, then make your way through as many as you wish.
  • Bled’s fairy tale-like scenery – which includes an 11th-century cliff-top castle, a stunning lake and a picturesque island topped with a church – is a dream to explore. See it for yourself.
  • Zagreb transforms into a glorious illuminated winter wonderland during its month-long Advent Festival. Spend two days savouring the sights, taking in acres of fairy-lights, huge Christmas trees, nativity scenes, ice-rinks, mulled wine stalls and igloo-shaped rakija (a potent local drop) bars.

Themes

Cultural, High Adventure

What travelers are saying

"We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food Tour” and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our tour guide, Micol, was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of good information. It seems Micol knew many of the staff of the venues we visited, including the pasta making class we attended. Our group of 11 travelers was extremely compatible, which greatly added to the fun and enjoyment."

Trip dates & details
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Europe Christmas Markets: Munich to Budapest
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4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Budapest, Munich, Salzburg, Vienna

Highlights

  • This trip takes you to a variety of Christmas markets across central Europe. Contrast the various traditions, cuisines and of course, mulled wine, in several amazing cities
  • Munich's Christmas markets are probably the most famous of them all. Authentic Bavarian food, ale and music make this an unforgettable Christmas experience
  • Explore Salzburg’s markets and travel high above the rooftops of the Baroque historical district to the fully preserved castle, the Hohensalzburg Fortress
  • Vienna's Christmas markets are as ornamental as its architecture. Austria's capital provides a spectacular seasonal shopping affair, with tonnes of hand-crafted toys, candles and paintings on offer. Where better to pick up those last-minute gifts?
  • Jolly Budapest really embraces the Christmas spirit. Take a walk through the streets to find every street, tree and market lit up in lights

Themes

Cultural, High Adventure, Local Immersion & Homestays, Festivals & Special Events

What travelers are saying

"We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food Tour” and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our tour guide, Micol, was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of good information. It seems Micol knew many of the staff of the venues we visited, including the pasta making class we attended. Our group of 11 travelers was extremely compatible, which greatly added to the fun and enjoyment."

Trip dates & details
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Health Safety +

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Christmas Markets Along the Rhine
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4.6/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
River Cruise
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Amsterdam, Heidelberg, Heidelberg Castle, Koblenz, Strasbourg

Highlights

  • Visit Kaysersberg
  • Visit the nearby commune of Riquewihr, a renowned "wine village" known for its Rieslings
  • Enjoy a sightseeing tour by boat along Strasbourg's canals
  • Discover romantic Heidelberg, a historic university town
  • Explore Koblenz and stroll among the stalls of its wonderful Christmas Market
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Themes

50 plus, Cultural, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Festivals & Special Events

What travelers are saying

"I am a 12 time traveler with Grand Circle and OAT. But maybe no more. They are impossible to reach by phone without waiting for hours. I even tired their emergency phone number and was on hold for hours. What if I had been stranded in a foreign country? They cancelled my Eastern Europe to Black Sea Cruise in Sept 2021 and cited "covid" or "civil unrest" issues. Baloney. They cancelled because they did not sell out the cruise and lied about it to me. I know because I went with Viking during the same month with no excuses like Grand Circle gave me. Add to that they promised me a $1,000 credit on my next trip- which was to Antarctica in December. The invoice they sent me showed the credit- and 1 month later a new invoice arrived with the credit removed. Why? Another lie? Something is really wrong here with the company now and I would suggest be very careful with bookings as they are not the same company I traveled with for the past 12 years."

Trip dates & details
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Christmas Markets on the Rhine
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3.7/5 Great
39 reviews
River Cruise
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Amsterdam, Heidelberg

Highlights

  • Explore get a chance to visit Christmas Markets.
  • Enjoy Strasbourg city tour and visit Christmas Markets
  • Opportunity to cruise along Rhine Gorge, admiring many amazing castles
  • Experience cruise across the tranquil waters of Lake Lucerne
  • Drive to Rüdesheim experience wine tasting

Themes

50 plus, Cultural, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"I’ve sailed with AmaWaterways 4 times. They are the best! You become family. I can’t wait to sail with them again!"

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Christmas markets on the Danube
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3.7/5 Great
39 reviews
River Cruise
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Nuremberg, Prague, Vienna, Wachau

Highlights

  • Enjoy Christmas on Danube Crusing
  • Explore Linz, the second largest city in Austria.
  • Visit Melk’s magnificent Benedictine Abbey, one of Europe’s largest
  • Enjoy 2 nights in Prague, then visit multiple Christmas Markets on the scenic river route from Nuremberg to Budapest

Themes

50 plus, Culinary & Wine, Cultural, Small Ship Cruise, Festivals & Special Events

What travelers are saying

"I’ve sailed with AmaWaterways 4 times. They are the best! You become family. I can’t wait to sail with them again!"

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Vienna Christmas Market
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5/5 Excellent
1 reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Hofburg Imperial Palace, Vienna

Highlights

  • A visit to Schonbrunn Palace Markets
  • Explore Vienna
  • See the Hofburg Palace

Themes

Cultural, Festivals & Special Events

What travelers are saying

"We have travelled with this Company on numerous holidays and never had a complaint. The hotels we have stayed at have been clean, comfortable and staff friendly and efficient. Tour guides are good and very informative about places visited and the history of these places, Got back today from visiting Ireland and the Giants Causeway and again the holiday was excellent, the Station Hotel in Letterkenny was clean, comfortable with friendly staff and Brian Dodd certainly made sure we had a good holiday. Thank you to all concerned."

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Rhine Christmas Markets South
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5/5 Excellent
3 reviews
River Cruise
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Strasbourg

Highlights

  • Celebrate Christmas on Rhine Christmas Markets South
  • See the old Cathedral city, the World famous trade fairs.
  • Enjoy the history of more than 2000 years old Roman colony.
  • Observe on Strasbourg has played a significant role and had an eventful history
  • Points of interest are the St Martin and St Stephen cathedrals, the castle of Mainz and the Gutenberg Museum.

Themes

50 plus, Cultural, Festivals & Special Events

What travelers are saying

"See you tomorrow AROSA Bella & this will be our second time of cruise ship, first was AROSA Riva. Its gonna be fun & excitement!"

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Austrian Christmas Markets & MSC Seaside Maiden Voyage
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4.2/5 Great
100+ reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Barcelona, Cádiz, Miami, Salzburg, San Juan Islands, Venice, Vienna

Highlights

  • Get into the Christmas spirit visiting three of Austria's most beautiful Christmas Markets
  • Visit four European countries and three Caribbean Islands on this Caribbean and Mediterranean cruise combination
  • Cross the Atlantic Ocean aboard the world's newest cruise ship with great onboard amenities

Themes

50 plus, Cultural, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"Tour is advertised as an "active" tour. However, YMT sold the tours to seniors and others who were unable to walk more than 1/8 mile, unable to navigate stairs or had to walk with the aid of walkers. As a result, 80 percent of the "explorations" were to visitor centers, look out points, stores or washrooms, that were within 100 feet or less of the bus. This tour should be categorized as "relaxed". A big disappointment! The bus driver was friendly and accommodating and drove us safely from one site to another. He sold water to the guests in small bottles for $1 each. I think YMT should be more conscientious of the environment and at least offer bottle refills, especially since the guide practically demanded that each person drink one gallon of water per day. The tour guide was marginally knowledgeable about the area and spent too much time telling us about her private life and friends. She led one hike, but talked mostly about how the rains had changed the landscape. One day she left two guests at the hotel and wanted the people on the bus to take responsibility for not letting her know that people were missing. We were encouraged to find hikes to take on our own, which I felt compromised safety, especially when we had an hour or so to "explore" - there was no safety or backup plan, especially if something untoward happened on a hike. She opted out of taking us to the sunset tour of the Grand Canyon telling us that it was raining and we wouldn't be able to see anything. So a couple of us went to the site on our own and it was possibly one of the best experiences I had on the entire tour (and not a drop of rain!). I often felt bullied into purchasing lunches or meals "offered" by the guide, who made it sound like there were no other options. It was difficult to listen to her brag about how well she was doing and how happy everyone was, when many people were complaining that the tour was not what they expected - mostly because it was too active!!! The accommodations were mostly good - a couple of anomalies (one with a plugged sink and no hot water for a shower, another with a pervasive bad odor). The excursions offered at the time of booking were mostly unavailable later (except for the over-priced meals). Another disappointment because I booked the tour partly because of one of the excursions offered at the time of booking. I would not recommend this tour, because I don't think it is advertised correctly."

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European Christmas Markets Tour Selection Trips

  • Book your trip well in advance-- the holidays are a very popular time to travel.
  • Visiting markets likely won’t be the only item on the tour itinerary. Make sure to look into what other activities and destinations the tour offers.
  • If you are hoping to visit a market which celebrates a holiday other than Christmas, look into the markets beforehand. Many markets feature other holiday traditions including Kwanzaa and Hanukkah. 
  • If you are booking a river cruise, you’ll likely have to choose between the Danube or the Rhine. The Rhine passes through artsy, metropolitan cities like Amsterdam and Basel, while The Danube will take you to traditional, historic cities like Prague and Budapest.
  • You do not need to book a tour specifically for Christmas markets in order to visit one-- many European cities have them in November and December, so nearly any European tour during the holidays will get you to a market.

Additional details

Different Ways to See European Christmas mMarkets

One of the most popular ways to see Christmas markets is via a river cruise on the Danube or Rhine. Taking a river cruise is a great option if you want to visit many different markets and cities during the course of your trip. 

Another convenient way to see Christmas markets in Europe is by train. Train travel tends to be cheap, comfortable, and convenient in Europe. This is also a good form of transportation if you are visiting markets in smaller villages that do not have airports. Train travel is especially convenient for traveling within a country; for example, from London to Edinburgh or from Berlin to Nuremberg. 

Packing Suggestions

Winters in most areas of Europe can be very cold, so pack accordingly! A warm coat, hat, thick socks, and gloves are a must regardless of your destination. Pack clothing that can be layered so that you are prepared for varying temperatures. You may also wish to bring warm winter boots that can be worn in snow or sleet. Warm wool sweaters, scarves, and other garments are often sold at Christmas markets. 

When packing for your trip, make sure to leave room in your suitcase for souvenirs, clothing, and other items that you might acquire at the markets.  

How far in advance should you book?

Most travel experts recommend booking at least six months before traveling internationally to ensure the best deals and options on flights and accommodation. 

If you would rather avoid the stress of figuring out logistics, booking a group tour might be preferable to planning your own trip. With a guided tour, your itinerary, accommodation, and transportation is booked for you, so you can enjoy your holiday season stress-free. 

Top Countries for European Christmas Markets

Germany is the birthplace of the popular Christmas market, and arguably the best destination for visitors looking for a traditional Christmas market experience. There are markets in Nuremberg, Berlin, and Heidelberg, to name a few. Neighboring Austria also features a few world-famous markets, the biggest located in Vienna and Salzburg. 

The United Kingdom also features many extravagant Christmas markets, from London to Bath to Edinburgh. The ease of travel within the United Kingdom, whether by bus, train, or plane, makes this a great destination for winter travelers. 

Regardless of where you decide to visit in Europe, however, the chances are high that you’ll be able to find a Christmas market near you. Christmas markets aren’t limited to Northern Europe, either-- there are even markets in Italy, Croatia, and Greece.

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