European christmas market adventure tours

European Christmas Markets Tours & Trips

Don’t let the cold weather discourage you - Winter is the perfect time to explore Europe! If your favourite childhood memories take place around the arrival of Santa Claus, then you owe it to yourself to visit the most spectacular Christmas markets spread across Europe. Eat, drink and be merry across Central Europe on a festive river cruise, or explore on a toasty warm coach admiring the snowy landscapes around you.

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Why Visit Christmas Markets in Europe?

We've all seen those Hallmark Christmas movies where the main character dances in the snow through magical markets. As the clock strikes November first, European Christmas markets open shop in Germany, Austria, Hungary, the United Kingdom, and beyond, adding to the truly euphoric Christmas spirit in Europe.

While each market offers a completely different ambiance, they share many of the festive touches that make each experience feel like the perfect holiday dream. Close your eyes and imagine the narrow, cobblestone streets that are brought to life by eager attendees, jolly shopkeepers selling their wares, delicious local food, and twinkling white lights strewn across stalls and trees. Now add a hot cup of mulled wine (Glühwein) or rum-spiked berry-infused punch (Punsch) set to your favourite carols performed live, and you're starting to get the picture of a true Christmas market.

Best Christmas Market Destinations in Europe

Christmas Market Tips

How to Get There

Considering that there are Christmas Markets all over Europe, your options for how to get where you’re going are nearly endless. The major European airports reach some of the best Christmas Markets, including Manchester International Airport (Manchester, England), Vaclav Havel Prague Airport (Prague, Czech Republic), and Munich Airport (Munich, Germany). Upon arrival, you’ll want to invest in a Eurail Pass that offers hassle-free travel across Europe. You can buy different kinds of passes at different price points, so read up on which pass is right for you.

Where to Stay

Similar to your options in getting to your Christmas market, where you stay is very dependent on which market(s) you wish to visit. If you choose the market in London, don’t worry about being too close to the action since the Londen Underground is far-reaching and an efficient public transit option to get you anywhere you need to go. If you’re heading to the market in Prague, you’ll want to stay in the city centre to allow you easy access to the market’s festivities. If you’re heading to Manchester’s Christmas market, anywhere near the city centre is a good choice for accommodations. When in doubt, just try to be close to the city centre as possible as the Christmas Markets in Europe tend to be in the city squares or close-by.

Essentials

Money:: Withdraw money beforehand as most stalls only accept cash.
Clothes:: Dress warmly and layer up, Europe can get quite cool in the middle of winter.
Items:: Bring (or buy) a mug for your mulled wine and a pair of ice skates!
Hot Tip!: Read up on traditional carols before you visit so you can join in the Christmas cheer!

Christmas Markets You Can't Miss

Prague
Prague’s Christmas markets bring a special kind of festive energy to the Czech Republic where the entire city is illuminated with beautiful lights to ensure that the yuletide joy spreads across all of Prague. There are a few different markets to choose from, but the main ones are located at Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square which feature brightly decorated wooden stalls that sell items like scented candles and tree ornaments. You can't miss the creation of traditional foods and samplings of Trdelnik, a delicious hot sugar-coated pastry. You can even pay a visit to an animal stable at this market! The most impressive sight to behold, however, is the Christmas tree erected in the Old Town Square.

Annual Dates: 3rd December - 4th January

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London
London hosts its own spectacular Christmas market in the Queen's very own Hyde Park. The historical park transforms into a literal Winter Wonderland (that's the name of it) and attracts many local and international visitors. The market offers over 100 midway rides and attractions and features over 200 shops that offer a diverse selection of handcrafted gifts and treats guaranteed to get you into the festive spirit. This is an unmissable Christmas Market for those departing for a European adventure from London.

Annual Dates: 20th November to January 3rd

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Manchester
Manchester’s Christmas market began in 1999 and now attracts more than nine million visitors to the UK each year. The impressive market boasts 300 dazzling stalls that offer everything from drool-worthy food to handcrafted gifts. The festive favourite market is spread across ten various places in Manchester that each has its own distinct themes. You're in for a treat with magicians, street theatre, and watch live musical performances to bewitch you, all in the glow of Manchester Cathedral.

Annual Dates: 14th November to 21st December

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