Home » Travel Tips » 7-Step Guide – How To Plan A Trip To The Christmas Markets – Helpful Travel Tips
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Home » Travel Tips » 7-Step Guide – How To Plan A Trip To The Christmas Markets – Helpful Travel Tips
If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.
There’s something magical about visiting Europe’s Christmas markets — the scent of cinnamon and roasted chestnuts, stalls glowing with fairy lights, and mugs of steaming mulled wine warming your hands. If you’ve always dreamed of seeing the festive season come alive in postcard-perfect towns, planning your own Christmas market vacation is easier than you think. I’ve put together everything I learned from my trip to help you enjoy the experience without the stress — from choosing where to go, when to book, what to pack. So let’s Plan A Trip To The Christmas Markets This Year !!!
STEP 1 – When you plan a trip to the Christmas Markets, start by choosing the cities you’ve always wanted to see at Christmas time. Selecting the places you dreamed of visiting in winter — those picture-perfect towns where it looks like Christmas exploded in the best way. Some cities are famous for their markets, and for good reason. Think of places like Vienna, Strasbourg, Munich, Prague, or Colmar. Start there, then narrow it down based on what fits your travel style: big cities, charming villages, or a mix of both.
Explore what each market has to offer in terms of food, gifts, and entertainment. You may want to prioritize markets with unique features or themes. ….And now? Now you can start dreaming and planning:
Determine how much you’re willing to spend on the trip. Consider expenses like flights, accommodation, food, shopping, and activities. Although entrance to the markets are free, you KNOW you will be wanting to spend when you’re there. Having a budget guideline that clearly sets out your spending at the markets, is going to help you a lot to enjoy in stead of stressing the whole time.
🎒 Travel Tip(s)
Here’s how to budget: Set aside a daily cash allowance just for market spending. It’s easy to lose track when you’re caught up in the festive atmosphere, so having a fixed amount each day helps you enjoy guilt-free browsing (and buying).
Christmas markets typically start in late November and run through December. Check the specific dates for your chosen destinations and plan accordingly. Decide if there are other places you want to visit in the area as well. For now we are only going to focus on your market-vacation-planning.
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When you plan a trip to the Christmas Markets of your dreams – Double check everything: Always double-check opening dates and days for each market — some smaller ones close mid-December or don’t operate on certain weekdays.
Look for deals on flights and accommodations well in advance. If you’re not renting a car or don’t enjoy walking long distances, consider staying in the city center so you can reach the markets easily on foot.
I do recommend spending 2 days at least at each market, if you’re a Christmas-Fan like me. Many hotels offer airport transfers, so if you book close to the market you’ll be within easy walking distance and all the more you’ll be able to enjoy the festive atmosphere. (Keeping in mind you might pay more when you book closer to the market, so if you want to save a bit, be prepared to walk a block or two.)
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TRAVEL TIP: Early Planning is Key. Start planning at least 3-6 months in advance, especially if you plan to travel during peak holiday season. This gives you more options for accommodations and better deals on flights.
Celebrate and save on seasonal and holiday deals.
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We always book through our trusted travel partner — it just takes the stress out of planning, and we know we’re in good hands. I don’t like stressing when I go on vacation:
There’s no shortage of options. In Strasbourg alone, you’ll find over 1,000 places to stay — from cozy guesthouses to modern hotels. Search for accommodation >>>
When you Plan A Trip To The Christmas Markets – Keep this in mind: Europe can get seriously cold in winter, so pack warm clothing — layers, a proper coat, and comfortable waterproof walking shoes are a must.
I know people who planned the perfect Christmas market trip, booked everything… and then barely left the hotel because it was just too cold to enjoy. They ended up only popping out for an hour or so, missing most of what they came to see. Don’t let that happen to you — pack properly so the cold doesn’t ruin the experience.
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You need to keep warm: If you’re not used to the winters in Europe, you can invest in buying some “toe-warmers” for your shoes, thermal long underwear and lined waterproof boots.
Plan your days with a mix of market visits, sightseeing, and free time.
Starting with a good breakfast (so you don’t buy everything you see when you get there LOL), and allowing some “me-time”.
Remember most of the markets are at their best late in the evening. Be flexible, as you may want to spend more time at certain markets.
🎒 Travel Tip(s)
MAKE TIME: Don’t try to squeeze too much into one day. Christmas markets are best enjoyed slowly — with time to wander, snack, and soak up the atmosphere, especially in the evenings when the lights come alive.
Research local transportation options, like metro systems or trams, to get around the city. Consider getting a transportation pass if available. Renting a car gives you more freedom to go where you want to. It is all up to you. Bolt is always a safe and not so expensive way to get from point A to point B. However, remember my tip above: Staying close to the market will save on travel cost. Maybe a block or two from the market is not so bad…
Useful and Helpful stuff to keep in mind when you Plan A Trip To The Christmas Markets (From my experience):
Weather Check: Keep an eye on the weather forecast to be prepared for any changes in conditions.
Capture Memories: Don’t forget your camera or smartphone to capture the magical moments of the markets and the city’s festive decorations.
Flexible Dates: If possible, be flexible with your travel dates. Prices for flights and accommodations can vary significantly from one day to another during the holiday season.
Travel Insurance: Invest in comprehensive travel insurance that covers unexpected events like flight cancellations, lost luggage, or medical emergencies. It provides peace of mind during your trip.
Local Currency: Get some local currency before you travel or withdraw cash from ATM at your destination. Some markets may not accept credit cards, and you’ll want cash for small purchases anyway.
Skip the Weekends: Christmas markets tend to be less crowded during weekdays, allowing for a more relaxed shopping and dining experience.
Public Transportation Cards: Many cities offer tourist cards that provide unlimited access to public transportation. These can save you money and make it easier to explore.
Plan for Rest: Don’t overpack your itinerary. Allocate time for breaks, relaxation, and spontaneous discoveries.
Local Events Calendar: Check if there are any special events or performances happening during your visit. Some cities have parades, concerts, or theatrical performances during the holiday season.
Try Street Food: Don’t limit yourself to sit-down restaurants. Street food stalls at the markets often serve delicious local specialties.
Travel Adapters: Ensure you have the right power adapters for your devices. European countries may have different plug types.
Language Apps: Download language apps or carry a phrasebook to help with communication, especially if you’re traveling to non-English speaking countries.
Pack Light: Keep your luggage manageable. You might end up with lots of gifts and souvenirs, so leave room for them in your suitcase.
Local Etiquette: Learn some basic etiquette for the country you’re visiting. For example, in Germany, it’s customary to greet shopkeepers with “Guten Tag” (Good day) when entering a store.
Stay Hydrated: In the cold weather, it’s easy to forget to drink water. Stay hydrated, especially if you’re enjoying mulled wine or hot chocolate.
Airport Transfers: Arrange airport transfers in advance to avoid the stress of finding transportation upon arrival.
Download Offline Maps: Use apps like Google Maps to download offline maps of your destination. This is helpful for navigating without using mobile data.
Check Visa Requirements: Ensure you have the necessary visas for your trip. Requirements vary depending on your nationality and the countries you plan to visit.
Local Souvenirs: Look for unique local souvenirs that capture the essence of each market. These make great gifts for loved ones back home. However, keeping in mind your luggage restrictions if you’re flying back…
Travel Light on the First Day: Pack essentials like a change of clothes and toiletries in your carry-on in case your checked luggage is delayed.
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On this website, we share plenty of packing suggestions — and yes, some of the lists are long! But that’s just to cover everything you might need. From my own experience, it’s always better to pack as light as possible. You really don’t need 15 outfits for a 10-day trip. Travelling with a lighter suitcase means you’ll arrive feeling fresher, not worn out from dragging heavy luggage around — and that makes all the difference when it’s time to head out for the evening fun.
With these tips, your trip to Europe’s Christmas Markets will be well-prepared and even more enjoyable. Remember to embrace the holiday spirit and savor every moment of this magical experience.
Helping you to plan a trip to the Christmas Markets of your dreams: Article
By, Jo-Anne Naude Traveler, storyteller, seeker of hidden beauty. She captures life’s simple joys through journeys that inspire wonder, reflection, and a deeper connection to the world.
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PS: Below are links to trips you can do. Suggested itineraries. Let me know if this article helped you in any way to Plan A Trip To The Christmas Markets of your dreams.
