European Christmas Market Travel
I am so excited. Next month, I’m heading to Germany and Austria to get my Christmas Market fix. It will be a quick trip to Munich and Salzburg, two of my favorite cities in the entire world. I’m there as a guest of my favorite German and Austrian tour provider. I can’t wait to tell you more about my getaway once I’m back home!
Have you been dragging your feet on your winter holiday vacation? Worried about the cost of flights? Here’s my quick tip for any vacation planning. Google Flights is your friend! You can do a search from your home airport to anywhere. Seriously…you can type in (Home City) to ANYWHERE! Add your dates and Google Flights will show you what’s available. I like to look at direct flights but you can also look for 1-stop flights and set your minimum layover. (I recommend 2.5 to 5 hours—the friendly skies are not very friendly these days.) Also, if you plan on checking bags, make sure you select adding luggage. Google Flights is really such a great tool. Once you find the flight that works, I recommend booking directly with the airline. Do not use a 3rd party service you’ve never heard of.
Back to my trip…Late November and early December is a fantastic time to visit Europe, particularly everything from Strasbourg and onwards eastwards. It’s Christmas Market time! Which means getting cozy with mulled wine in city centers, all decked out with Christmas decorations.
Here are some of the best cities to visit in Europe for Christmas Market season, along with some of my fave hotels and what I can do for you. Need some Christmas spirit and ready to book? Book a complimentary vacation consultation here.
Vienna, Austria
Vienna's Christmas markets are renowned for their elegance and sophistication. The historic city center transforms into a winter wonderland, with beautifully decorated stalls offering traditional handicrafts, festive delicacies, and mulled wine. Vienna was my first solo trip ever, back when I was in college at Notre Dame and studying in Innsbruck, Austria. I stayed in a great youth hostel in central Vienna with the fluffiest of down comforters — I only ever sleep with down comforters to this day — and I met so many interesting people from all over the world.
The Sacher Hotel Vienna is a legendary luxury hotel, known for its rich history, impeccable service, and world-famous Sacher-Torte. I love the location of this hotel—great for shopping. This is a Virtuoso property where I can VIP your stay with complimentary breakfast, priority for upgrade, and a hotel credit.
Other Activities: Explore the stunning Schönbrunn Palace, visit the historic St. Stephen's Cathedral, or enjoy a concert at the Vienna State Opera.
Typical Snack: Punschkrapfen, a delicious pastry filled with apricot jam and topped with powdered sugar.
Salzburg, Austria
Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart, is a picturesque city with a charming Christmas market. The historic Old Town is adorned with festive lights, and the market offers a variety of traditional Austrian handicrafts, including hand-painted ornaments and wooden toys. I spent two weeks in Salzburg many years ago, studying German! (And hanging out at the famed Augustinerbrau, which is another story.)
Hotel Goldener Hirsch is a historic luxury hotel with elegant rooms, a gourmet restaurant, and a spa. This is a Marriott Stars & Luminous property where I can VIP you with complimentary breakfast, priority for upgrade, and a hotel credit.
Other Activities: Visit the Hohensalzburg Fortress, explore the Mirabell Palace and Gardens, or enjoy a classical music concert.
Typical Snack: Salzburger Nockerl, a fluffy dessert made with egg whites, sugar, and flour.
Strasbourg, France
Strasbourg's Christmas market is one of the oldest and most famous in Europe. The historic center of the city is transformed into a magical winter wonderland, with over 300 wooden chalets selling traditional Alsatian handicrafts, festive decorations, and delicious treats.
Cour du Corbeau is a luxurious boutique hotel located in a historic 16th century coaching inn. This is an Accor HERA property where I can VIP your stay. (Accor owns Sofitel, a French hotel chain where I can VIP you at most properties. Accor also owns Fairmont.)
Other Activities: Explore the beautiful Gothic cathedral, visit the Petite France district, or take a boat tour on the Ill River.
Typical Snack: Bredele, a variety of traditional Alsatian cookies.
Cologne, Germany
Cologne's Christmas markets are a festive extravaganza, with multiple markets scattered throughout the city. The main market, located in the historic Old Town, offers a wide range of traditional German handicrafts, including hand-blown glass ornaments and wooden toys.
Excelsior Hotel Ernst is a historical hotel in the heart of Cologne. This is a Virtuoso property where I can VIP your stay with complimentary breakfast for two, priority for upgrade, and a hotel credit.
Other Activities: Visit the iconic Cologne Cathedral, explore the historic Old Town, or take a boat tour on the Rhine River.
Typical Snack: Reibekuchen, potato pancakes topped with applesauce and bacon bits.
Prague, Czech Republic
Prague's Christmas markets are a magical experience, with the historic city center illuminated by festive lights. The main market, located in the Old Town Square, offers a variety of traditional Czech handicrafts, including hand-painted ceramics and wooden toys.
The Four Seasons Hotel Prague is a luxurious hotel with stunning views of the city. I am a Four Seasons Preferred Partner — the only loyalty program the Four Seasons has! — and can VIP your stay. (Never book a Four Seasons hotel without a travel advisor.)
Other Activities: Explore the historic Prague Castle, visit the Charles Bridge, or take a boat tour on the Vltava River.
Typical Snack: Trdelník, a sweet pastry coated in sugar and nuts.
Budapest, Hungary
Budapest's Christmas markets are a festive delight, with the stunning backdrop of the Danube River. The main market, located in Vorosmarty Square, offers a variety of traditional Hungarian handicrafts, including hand-embroidered textiles and hand-painted ceramics.
Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace Budapest is a luxurious Art Nouveau hotel with stunning views of the Danube River. I am a Four Seasons Preferred Partner — the only loyalty program the Four Seasons has! — and can VIP your stay. (Never book a Four Seasons hotel without a travel advisor.)
Other Activities: Visit the Buda Castle District, explore the historic Jewish Quarter, or take a thermal bath.
Typical Snack: Kürtőskalács, a chimney cake coated in sugar and cinnamon.
Zurich, Switzerland
Zurich's Christmas markets are a festive delight, with the beautiful backdrop of the Swiss Alps. The main market, located in the Old Town, offers a variety of traditional Swiss handicrafts, including hand-carved wooden toys and Swiss watches. On my trip wish list this year? A Swiss extravaganza! I want to visit all the mountain villages and hike from hut to hut.
The Dolder Grand is a luxurious spa hotel with stunning views of the city and the Swiss Alps.
Other Activities: Explore the historic Old Town, visit the Swiss National Museum, or take a day trip to the Swiss Alps.
Typical Snack: Raclette, a melted cheese dish served with potatoes and pickles.
No matter which destination you choose, you're sure to have a magical Christmas experience. Now that you know how to find great flights, let me know how I can VIP your trip! Book a complimentary vacation consultation here.
About Krista
I’m a Notre Dame grad and a Chicago Booth MBA based in Palm Beach, Florida. But I spent over 11 years living and working in London, England, selling financial data. My career and personal travel have taken me all over the world. To date, I’ve been to 78 countries. Now I bring the joy of travel to others at a Virtuoso travel advisor. Let me make your next vacation seamless for you.
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