I simply spent a wonderful ten days in Germany and France taking in a few of the finest Christmas Markets that Europe has to supply! I’ve completely adored the Christmas Markets in Europe ever since I moved overseas, and exploring some new markets this 12 months made me notice there is no such thing as a scarcity of magical locations in Europe.
Whether or not you’re eager to plan a Christmas Market highway journey itinerary or simply need to see my route, this information will share what we did, the place we stayed, and my suggestions for the very best issues to do.
For those who’re in search of the Greatest Christmas Markets in Europe take a look at this information. This additionally shares the small print about Christmas Markets all through Europe: Germany, France, Switzerland, Austria, and extra. It additionally shares vital dates and incessantly requested questions.
Touring by Europe at Christmas makes me really feel like a child once more. I get these excited butterflies and anticipation like I am ready for Santa to come back down the chimney.
Christmas Market Ideas
For this explicit journey, I used to be touring with my mother in Germany and France. We flew from Dallas to Frankfurt, picked up a rental automotive, and headed straight to Cologne. I am ALWAYS requested about rental vehicles. Sure, Europe does have glorious public transportation, however I personally love renting a automotive for ease of journey and never having to attend. Particularly for visiting a few of the smaller cities, it is only a lot simpler. Plus, you are by yourself schedule and might pull off wherever you want! Like we did when it began snowing in Germany!
I’ve traveled Europe extensively for the previous 8 years, so this information provides you with the very best tips about experiencing Christmas markets and my itinerary for a superb journey.
There may be a lot that goes into planning an epic journey overseas, particularly through the holidays! With my European Christmas market highway journey itinerary, it is going to hopefully make your journey planning course of a breeze.
How lengthy must you plan for a visit? This may after all rely upon what you need to see and do, we spent about 11 days touring which is an excellent journey that was jam-packed with Christmas markets, museums, sightseeing, and nice meals.
Do not have 11 days? That is okay! I am going to share the cities that you’ll want to discover, what you must positively see/do, and the way lengthy it takes to journey from metropolis to metropolis.
You possibly can completely see lots in much less time! One week remains to be loads of time to see and do lots, you may simply need to minimize out a couple of stops alongside the way in which.
Now whereas we have been touring we did must drastically change our plans since Christmas markets have been canceled in some cities. However since we have been versatile, and had a automotive, we have been in a position to re-route our journey! And it was so price it.
Many will inform you to e book resorts forward of time, and I agree, however make certain the cancellation coverage is versatile, particularly should you anticipate there could be adjustments alongside the way in which. We have been going to spend extra time in Germany, however for the reason that markets have been canceled, we ended up staying longer in France and getting final minute resorts.
Our European Christmas Market Highway Journey Itinerary
Here is a quick have a look at our stops on our 10-day journey.
- Cologne
- Aachen
- Monschau
- Trier
- Metz
- Ribeauvillé
- Kayersberg
- Eguisheim
- Riquewihr
- Colmar
- Strasbourg
- Baden-Baden
- Heidelberg
- Frankfurt
If that looks as if lots… it is as a result of it’s! With a automotive and a can do perspective, together with a plan, you actually can see and do lots! To me, this did not really feel rushed. I used to be touring with my mother and he or she saved up as properly. I do are inclined to pack in lots after I journey, however I would not have it some other approach.
Whereas there are 14 cities listed, some are so small, we noticed a number of in a day. Right here was our journey itinerary:
Day 1: Flew into Frankfurt and explored Cologne (2 hour drive from Frankfurt to Cologne)
Day 2: Cologne, drove to Aachen (1 hour drive from Cologne to Aachen)
Day 3: Aachen
Day 4: Aachen, drove to Monschau (45 minute drive) and explored Monschau, drove to Trier, Christmas Market in Trier at evening (Monschau to Trier is about an hour and a half drive)
Day 5: Trier, drove to Metz, Christmas markets at evening in Metz (1 hour, 15 minute drive from Trier to Metz)
Day 6: Metz, drove to Ribeauvillé, explored Ribeauvillé (Our longest drive of the journey, 2 hours and 18 minutes from Metz to Ribeauvillé, since you are going by the Vosges mountains)
Day 7: Explored Kayersberg, Eguisheim, Riquewihr, drove to Colmar (all of those cities are inside half-hour of each other!)
Day 8: Colmar, drove to Strasbourg (1 hour to drive from Colmar to Strasbourg)
Day 9: Strasbourg, drove to Baden-Baden (45 minute drive from Strasbourg to Baden-Baden)
Day 10: Baden-Baden, cease within the Black Forest, drove to Heidelberg (an hour drive from Baden-Baden to Heidelberg)
Day 11: Heidelberg and drove to Frankfurt (1-hour drive from Heidelberg to Frankfurt)
Our whole drive time was about 14 hours in 11 days. To me, that is good, and did not in any respect really feel like we have been within the automotive an excessive amount of.
❄️ Europe Packing Should Haves! ❄️
🧥 Coat – Vital for any winter journey! This one doesn’t disappoint
👖 Thermal Leggings – Retains you heat all day.
👕 Thermal Undershirt – Added Heat
🥾 Boots– These hold you cozy and are sturdy sufficient to put on within the snow
🧦 Wool Socks– hold your toes heat and dry
🧤 Telephone Appropriate gloves – These work so you may nonetheless take footage of the Christmas lights!
🧳 Baggage – That is my go-to carry-on!
🔌 Common Adapter – Greatest for nation hopping
👜 Crossbody Bag – The perfect for preserving you fingers free and your stuff protected
☃️ Beanie – A should for preserving heat (and looking out cute!)
🔥 Hand heaters – The key to by no means being chilly!
🧣 Scarf – So key to packing much less is to have equipment like scarves to change it up!
Get my full packing record right here!
Renting a Automotive
I like to recommend utilizing a finances web site like Priceline or Hotwire to discover a rental automotive. Nonetheless, I keep away from automotive rental locations like Thrifty and Finances! I rented a automotive with Sixt and thought the customer support was nice.
As quickly as we landed in Frankfurt I used to be in a position to get the rental automotive on the airport and drive it for the size of our journey. I returned it again to the airport in Frankfurt on the finish of our 11 days.
Now, you may generally drop off your rental automotive at a unique location, however often it must be throughout the similar nation. Maintain that in thoughts when renting.
I do not often add automotive rental insurance coverage, since I’ve insurance coverage already.
I ended up paying about $600 in whole with taxes and costs to hire a automotive.
Now, let’s hit the highway for Christmas markets in Europe!
Do not need to drive? I like to recommend happening a Christmas Market river cruise! We host our personal customized journeys! Discover out extra right here!
Cease 1: Cologne
Christmas markets are a European custom that date again to the thirteenth century, and Cologne is among the most well-known Christmas market locations in Germany. The markets in Cologne are unfold all through town with over-the-top decor, themed markets, and unbeatable Christmas spirit.
The Kölner Christkindelsmärik is held yearly often from November 18 till December twenty third, with greater than 100 stalls promoting all the pieces from natural meals to conventional German decorations. The most well-liked stall is undoubtedly the Bratwurst stand, the place you should buy freshly grilled sausages with scrumptious mustard and toppings.
A few of my favourite markets are:
Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom) – that is the preferred market and is held in entrance of the dazzling Cologne Cathedral with a stage for music, a huge, glowing Christmas tree, and loads of lovely stalls within the Roncalliplatz.
Angel Market – This lovely market is situated at Neumarkt and options fairly white stalls with darkish shingled roofs and a myriad of stars. There’s an attractive carousel and loads of nice treats and Glühwein. Look ahead to the angels using horseback handing out sweet to youngsters!
Heinzel’s Winter Fairytale – That is only a sensational spot with ice skating, sparkly decorations, lavishly adorned stalls, and a festive environment. Cologne’s “Heinzelmännchen” legend is one in all my favorites. The Heinzelmännchen are pleasant family spirits which are used all through the market as decor. You will additionally discover plenty of wooden crafts right here.
Nicholas Village – I completely ADORE this lovely market! You are greeted with a speaking moose, joyous Christmas music, and sizzling Kartofelpufer (see what to eat at a Christmas Market right here). Positioned in entrance of the gorgeous and historic Hahnentorburg, you may sip Glühwein out of a boot!
There are 7 markets all through town and I like to recommend you discover all of them! On our first day, we explored the Cologne Cathedral Christmas Market, Heizel’s and Kolner Hafen- Weihnachtsmarkt.
On our second day in Cologne, we toured the Cologne Cathedral. Right here is just not solely an extremely spectacular cathedral, however you may additionally discover the three clever males’s bones preserved! The well-known Shrine of the Three Kings is a spectacular gold field! The cathedral alone is a whole day journey in itself!
The town is stuffed with nice historical past, lovely church buildings and wonderful cafe retailers. It is one in all my favourite cities, particularly through the vacation season – you may really feel such as you’re in a real-life Christmas film!
We additionally continued exploring the Christmas markets, the Angel Market and Nicholas Village. Then that evening drove on to cease 2!
Cease 2: Aachen
I am unable to consider I lived in Germany for 3 years and by no means visited Aachen! This metropolis has been named as having a few of the finest Christmas markets in Europe and it is simple to see why. Aachen is a spa city and borders each Belgium and the Netherlands. Our plan was to go to each Belgium and The Netherlands on this journey however we determined to skip and keep in France and Germany, Nonetheless, you may simply head to Liege, Belgium, and Maastricht, The Netherlands. Being on the border provides it a sure feeling of worldliness.
Charlemagne constructed a monumental palace complicated of buildings which is now the place the Christmas Market takes place. Round 800 A.D., the Aachen Cathedral was constructed, then later a Gothic chancel. The Domschatzkammer (treasury) homes medieval relics together with Charlemagne’s shrine, which was erected over his burial place in 814 A.D.
The town has a wealthy historical past and a beautiful environment through the Christmas season. Aachen can also be residence to the Cathedral of Aachen, which is an attractive cathedral and one of many oldest in Europe.
I like to recommend visiting the Charlemagne Middle which tells the historical past of town of Aachen and Charlemagne. Aachen was the 2nd largest metropolis in Germany, after Cologne in 1250, however WWII devastated the city. Now, although it isn’t as large because it was earlier than, the gorgeous structure and wealthy historical past, together with the Christmas markets, make it a beautiful vacation spot.
I like to recommend spending two days right here (we spent two nights right here) exploring the city – it’s extremely walkable, taking within the Christmas markets, and exploring the cathedral and museums.
Cease 3: Monschau
As we left Aachen the snow began falling in nice, large, fats flakes! It was beautiful. We meandered our technique to the beautiful city of Monschau. Monschau, a city within the Eifel area of Germany is a captivating and picturesque vacation spot with limitless half-timbered structure and a river working by it.
Monschau was initially constructed round a citadel and provides a bevy of lovely buildings and a captivating setting for strolling. The Christmas market right here can also be very fairly, stuffed with conventional German foods and drinks, crafts, decorations, and music! I extremely advocate exploring Monschau should you’re ever in Western Europe throughout winter time – it is completely lovely!
It is a brief cease and a really walkable city. Simply get misplaced and discover!
As we drove out of Monschau we stopped within the forest close by to see the calmly falling snow and take a couple of footage! This might even be a incredible place for a hike.
Cease 4: Trier
After Monschau we drove to Trier, about an hour and a half drive. I’ve traveled to Trier in the summertime earlier than so it was good to see it for Christmas. We spent the night on the Christmas market, and the morning exploring the city.
It was a chilly winter night in Trier, Germany. The Christmas market was damaged into two and stretched throughout the principle sq. the place I had simply walked as much as get some mulled wine and roasted chestnuts. It was busy with folks milling about grabbing their favourite vacation decorations or chit-chatting with associates whereas having fun with heat drinks or scrumptious meals.
The Christmas Market in Trier is among the oldest in Germany and is about up within the medieval major sq. by the unbelievable Trier Cathedral. Practically 100 adorned cubicles promote scrumptious Langos, mulled wine and humanities and crafts.
Trier is a city in Germany with a wealthy historical past and tradition.
Trier was the oldest Roman metropolis in Europe, based by Emperor Augustus of Rome. It is also the place the primary Christian bishopric outdoors Palestine was established, by Saint Helena of Constantinople round 300 AD. Throughout the Center Ages it turned one of the vital cities in Europe and it stays an vital website for commerce and training as we speak.
I like to recommend visiting Trier Cathedral – its Gothic structure dates again to about 1300 A.D., making it one of the spectacular church buildings in Western Europe! The cathedral comprises quite a few items from earlier than then as properly, together with an altar that’s mentioned to be over 1,300 years previous. There are many Roman ruins and delightful palaces all through the city. Some highlights are the Porta Nigra, Karl Marx Home, the Roman Amphitheater, Aula Palatina, and Kurfürstlicher Palace.
Cease 5: Metz
I used to be pleasantly stunned at how a lot there may be to do in Metz! The primary cease on our tour was the Cathedral Saint-Étienne de Metz, which dates again to the eleventh century. Inside are lovely stained glass home windows that have been constructed by well-known artists like Marc Chagall and Jean Cocteau. Metz has loads of different locations price visiting as properly – Notre Dame d’Auschwitz, the fashionable artwork middle Centre Pompidou-Metz, and Le Temple Neuf is an attractive church that appears extra like a citadel.
Like different bigger cities, the Christmas market is unfold all through town. Not solely are there markets, however there are additionally the magical gentle shows, “Sentiers des Lanternes“, all through. I like to recommend stopping by the cathedral on the tourism workplace to get a map of every of the markets and locations for gentle shows.
Subsequent to the Cathedral is a neon Ferris wheel together with a market. You could find connoisseur meals markets on Place de la Comédie.
I additionally advocate the normal Christmas market at Place Saint Louis, the Place de la République-Esplanade with the Christmas pyramid, Place d’Armes J-F Blondel with an attractive gentle show, and Place Saint Jacques for excellent meals. See all of the Christmas markets right here.
On our approach out of Metz the following day, we stopped at Porte des Allemands, the unique fortress and gatehouse to town of Metz. It is a fast and simple cease.
Subsequent, we took our longest drive of the journey from Metz to Ribeauvillé.
Cease 6: Ribeauvillé
This was my favourite and most stunning cease on on journey! Ribeauvillé is an attractive, festive city in Alsace, France with a wealthy historical past and tradition. It is also recognized for its TRUE medieval Christmas market! This tiny village packs a punch with magnificence, spirit, and enjoyable. Everybody within the city will get in on the normal Christmas market.
The Ribeauvillé Christmas Market is the proper place to get into the winter spirit. The market stretches from Place du Temple to Place Saint-Louis and has greater than 100 cubicles of all sizes promoting scrumptious mulled wine, meals, arts and crafts, ornaments and souvenirs. You can get misplaced among the many stalls whereas having fun with conventional French meals like scalloped potatoes with cheese or strolling by the medieval streets admiring vacation decorations whereas listening to dwell music. You may even see a camel or two strolling the road!
Simply park and stroll across the city! Put together to be entertained by the road performers, acrobats, stilt walkers, and extra. You even flip in your cash for some beads to pay on your Vin Chaud (mulled wine!). Stick round at evening for unfamiliar beings from fairy tales and legends will roam the road!
Heat your fingers by the hearth logs in the midst of the road, comply with the parade of lights or have conventional cider mashed by hand with an enormous stone grinder. This was really one in all my favourite locations I’ve ever been!
Ribeauvillé is a good cease in your European journey as a result of it is one of the distinctive and delightful cities with probably the greatest Christmas markets I’ve ever been to! Everybody on the town is in costume, the meals is scrumptious, and also you get a style of actual, medieval specialties.
The Alsatian area is actually a gem and probably the greatest locations for Christmas with a mixture of German and French traditions.
Essential observe: the Ribeauvillé Christmas market is ONLY two weekends a 12 months! So plan accordingly. Often the primary and second weekend of December.
Cease 7: Kayersberg
The subsequent few stops have been really going down over simply sooner or later since these cities are so small and simple to discover. Beginning with Kayersberg.
Kayersberg is a small city on the outskirts of Colmar, France. It’s recognized for its medieval structure and Christmas market.
Kayersberg is among the most picturesque cities in Alsace with cobblestone streets, half-timbered buildings, and slender alleys lined with retailers promoting all types of issues from meals to crafts to jewellery.
You won’t be able to withstand in any respect the scrumptious specialties, particularly, bredeles, their well-known Christmas biscuits with almonds, nuts, anise, chocolate or vanilla. Candy or salty kougelhopfs, which is a hoop cake made with brioche, fruitcakes, or beraweckas, or little brioche males referred to as mannalas!
We spent the morning right here earlier than driving simply quarter-hour to Eguisheim.
Cease 8: Eguisheim
Eguisheim is the smallest of the Alsace cities I visited on this journey, however a gem and definitely worth the cease! This picturesque city has tiny, slender streets, generally even half streets laden with half-timbered buildings strewn with garlands, teddy bears, and extra.
That is named one of the lovely cities within the Alsace with an attractive village middle tucked away from the hustle of the bigger cities.
Eguisheim is nestled within the wine area, so all of the Vin Chaud tastes scrumptious! For those who’re right here at evening, stick round for a tour from the Night time Watchman who will inform you tales of Eguisheim’s previous!
Cease 9: Riquewihr
Of the three stops of our Alsace Christmas market tour as we speak: Kayersberg, Eguisheim, and Riquewihr, Riquewihr was my favourite. The town is ablaze with twinkling lights and festive decorations.
You will discover an abundance of half-timbered, pastel-colored buildings, fairly streets, and a myriad of stalls promoting your favourite Christmas treats.
Riquewihr is the smallest of the Alsace cities I visited on this journey, however a gem and definitely worth the cease! This picturesque city has tiny, slender streets, generally even half streets laden with half-timbered buildings strewn with garlands, teddy bears, and extra.
We drove from Riquewihr on to Colmar so we might have the day to discover Colmar, solely a couple of 30-minute drive.
Cease 10: Colmar
I have been to Colmar many occasions and I by no means tire of this fairytale metropolis that was the inspiration for Disney’s Magnificence and the Beast.
Colmar is a metropolis within the coronary heart of Alsace and it is surrounded by half-timbered buildings, cobblestone streets, and comfy cafes. It is an attractive place to go to any time of the 12 months however good for Christmas! There are six Christmas markets all inside strolling distance and every prettier than the following.
La Petite Venise is one in all my favourite areas with pleasant structure curving across the water. Additionally right here is one in all my favourite eating places within the area, Winstub de la Petite Venise. This Michelin star restaurant provides a 35 euro plat du jour that makes my mouth water simply fascinated by it! I’ve eaten right here twice and it is simply a few of the finest meals you may have in Europe.
The Christmas market is filled with wood chalets with superbly illuminated streets and loads of photograph alternatives.
On our technique to Strasbourg, we stopped on the large Koenigsbourg Citadel, a medieval citadel on prime of a mountain within the Alsace with an excellent view of the area. Once we went it was nearing nightfall and a cloud of fog engulfed the citadel, a lot in order that we may barely see! We nonetheless loved roaming across the spectacular citadel.
We drove to Strasbourg that night to benefit from the wondrous lights of Strasbourg at evening.
Cease 11: Strasbourg
A go to to the Alsace simply is not full and not using a cease in Strasbourg. The biggest metropolis and capital of the area, Strasbourg is one in all my favourite cities. It is residence to the European Parliament, an unbelievable cathedral, and is among the oldest (and prettiest) cities in all of France.
Throughout Christmas, Strasbourg comes alive with decor, lights, and a magical setting of joyous meals and wine.
The Christmas markets in Strasbourg are a few of the finest in Europe with a towering Christmas tree (virtually 100 toes excessive), festive lights, and wonderful stalls promoting all types of goodies. I may wander round these markets for hours! The Christmas tree at Place Kleber the image of “Strasbourg, Capital of Christmas” can also be the tallest adorned Christmas tree in Europe
I urge you to ensure you depart sufficient time to see Strasbourg each through the day and at evening to actually get a really feel for its magic. There are 300 stalls unfold all through town and a few of the finest gentle shows unfold all through the streets!
You possibly can see my full information to Strasbourg at Christmas right here!
Cease 12: Baden-Baden
Baden-Baden is a chic metropolis famed for its spas and thermal baths.
The town is residence to one of the spectacular Christmas markets in Germany with round 200 stalls, that includes conventional wood chalets promoting native produce and festive trinkets. Sadly, this 12 months’s Christmas market is closed.
There’s additionally a well-known on line casino right here. However my favourite half about this metropolis is its proximity to the gorgeous Black Forest!
We took a brief drive from Baden-Baden as much as the gorgeous ski resort Mehilskopf. The snow on the bottom made for a picturesque setting.
Cease 13: Heidelberg
Heidelberg is a small metropolis with an attractive citadel and a well-preserved Sixteenth-century city. I really lived in Heidelberg for 3 years so I do know my approach round this metropolis very properly! I like the Christmas market right here that is additionally unfold all through the principle road, Hauptstrasse.
The market is small however charming with a variety of native distributors promoting their wares. I additionally love the market by the ice skating rink that is proper below the citadel. Such an attractive spot! See my full information to the Heidelberg Christmas market right here. Heidelberg can also be residence to the oldest college in Germany so there’s loads of historical past and tradition to be explored right here.
You possibly can see my full information to Heidelberg right here!
Cease 14: Frankfurt
We drove an hour from Heidelberg to Frankfurt which is a extra industrial metropolis with skyscrapers and high-rise buildings. Nonetheless, the Christmas market here’s a conventional really feel with a big sq. within the middle of town.
The “Christkindlesmarkt” and has round 180 stalls promoting all types of goodies from gluhwein to sausages.
Frankfurt can also be residence to the Christmas markets on the Römerberg, an attractive sq. within the coronary heart of downtown. Right here you’ll find a Christmas tree that is over 10 meters excessive (about32 toes) and stroll alongside the retailers promoting conventional German crafts.
See my full information to the very best Christmas Markets in Germany right here.
The place to remain
We stayed at principally finances properties, all-around $100 or much less an evening with quick access for parking and to town facilities.
Cologne – Lowenbrau Cologne: My favourite keep! That is proper within the coronary heart of the previous city and an attractive place to stick with an excellent view, an excellent restaurant, and a surprisingly budget-friendly worth.
Aachen – B&B Resort Aachen-Metropolis – I’ve stayed at many B&Bs, they’re easy, and budget-friendly however sensible resorts.
Trier – Vacation Inn Specific – Additionally a giant fan of Vacation Inn Specific, easy however good resorts.
Metz – Campanile Metz Centre Gare. Simple place to discover Metz with free road parking.
Colmar – Resort Ibis – probably the most finances keep.
Strasbourg – Vacation Inn Specific Strasbourg.
Baden-Baden – Aparthotel Volgergasse, a bit pricier however this keep is probably the most luxurious! A full condominium, hearth, lovely views, and two full bedrooms.
Heidelberg – Resort Panorama – an excellent resort on the prime of the Hauptstrasse.
Frankfurt – Moxy Airport Resort – an excellent finances spot you probably have an early morning flight.
READ ALL THE CHRISTMAS MARKET GUIDES!
Greatest Christmas Markets in Europe
Greatest Christmas Markets in Germany
Greatest Christmas Markets in France
Greatest Christmas Markets in Switzerland
What to Eat & Drink at A Christmas Market
Final Christmas Market Itinerary
The Greatest Winter Locations in Europe
Photographs to Encourage a Journey to Christmas Markets
I hope this European Christmas Market Highway Journey itinerary will enable you to plan your subsequent journey! From Strasbourg to Metz and Cologne, you actually cannot go fallacious exploring these lovely cities with their festive lights and bustling streets stuffed with distributors promoting all types of goodies!
What a incredible journey! For those who’re in search of a festive and charming European journey, make sure you take a look at these superb cities throughout Christmas.
