I simply spent an excellent 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 yr made me understand there isn’t a scarcity of magical locations in Europe.
Whether or not you might be desirous 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 on the lookout for the Finest Christmas Markets in Europe take a look at this information. This additionally shares the main points about Christmas Markets all through Europe: Germany, France, Switzerland, Austria, and extra. It additionally shares vital dates and regularly requested questions.
Touring by means of 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 Suggestions
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 automobiles. 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 may 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 offers you the very best recommendations on experiencing Christmas markets and my itinerary for a wonderful journey.
There may be a lot that goes into planning an epic journey overseas, particularly in the course of the holidays! With my European Christmas market highway journey itinerary, it’s going to hopefully make your journey planning course of a breeze.
How lengthy do you have to plan for a visit? It will in fact rely on 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 will share the cities that it is advisable to discover, what it’s best to undoubtedly see/do, and the way lengthy it takes to journey from metropolis to metropolis.
You possibly can completely see rather a lot in much less time! One week continues to be loads of time to see and do rather a lot, you would possibly simply need to reduce out a couple of stops alongside the best way.
Now whereas we had been touring we did need to drastically change our plans since Christmas markets had been canceled in some cities. However since we had been versatile, and had a automotive, we had been capable of re-route our journey! And it was so value it.
Many will let you know to e-book motels forward of time, and I agree, however make sure that the cancellation coverage is versatile, particularly in the event you anticipate there is likely to be modifications alongside the best way. We had been going to spend extra time in Germany, however for the reason that markets had been canceled, we ended up staying longer in France and getting final minute motels.
Our European Christmas Market Highway Journey Itinerary
Here is a short 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 rather a lot… 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 rather a lot! To me, this did not really feel rushed. I used to be touring with my mother and he or she saved up as nicely. I do are inclined to pack in rather a lot 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 means of 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 complete drive time was about 14 hours in 11 days. To me, that is good, and did not in any respect really feel like we had 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 maintain you cozy and are sturdy sufficient to put on within the snow
🧦 Wool Socks– maintain your ft heat and dry
🧤 Telephone Appropriate gloves – These work so you possibly can nonetheless take photos of the Christmas lights!
🧳 Baggage – That is my go-to carry-on!
🔌 Common Adapter – Finest for nation hopping
👜 Crossbody Bag – One of the best for protecting you palms free and your stuff protected
☃️ Beanie – A should for protecting 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 checklist right here!
Renting a Automobile
I like to recommend utilizing a finances web site like Priceline or Hotwire to discover a rental automotive. Nevertheless, I keep away from automotive rental locations like Thrifty and Price range! I rented a automotive with Sixt and thought the customer support was nice.
As quickly as we landed in Frankfurt I used to be capable of 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 possibly can typically drop off your rental automotive at a distinct location, however often it must be throughout the similar nation. Hold 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 complete 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 without doubt one of the most well-known Christmas market locations in Germany. The markets in Cologne are unfold all through the 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 things 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 big, 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 a good looking 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 ambiance. Cologne’s “Heinzelmännchen” legend is certainly one of my favorites. The Heinzelmännchen are pleasant family spirits which might be used all through the market as decor. You may additionally discover a number of wooden crafts right here.
Nicholas Village – I completely ADORE this lovely market! You are greeted with a speaking moose, joyous Christmas music, and scorching Kartofelpufer (see what to eat at a Christmas Market right here). Situated in entrance of the gorgeous and historic Hahnentorburg, you possibly can sip Glühwein out of a boot!
There are 7 markets all through the 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 isn’t solely an extremely spectacular cathedral, however you may additionally discover the three sensible 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!
Town is stuffed with nice historical past, lovely church buildings and wonderful cafe outlets. It is certainly one of my favourite cities, particularly in the course of 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 can not imagine 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, Nevertheless, you possibly can 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.
Town has a wealthy historical past and an exquisite ambiance in the course of the Christmas season. Aachen can also be residence to the Cathedral of Aachen, which is a good looking cathedral and one of many oldest in Europe.
I like to recommend visiting the Charlemagne Middle which tells the historical past of the town of Aachen and Charlemagne. Aachen was the 2nd greatest metropolis in Germany, after Cologne in 1250, however WWII devastated the city. Now, although it is not as large because it was earlier than, the gorgeous structure and wealthy historical past, together with the Christmas markets, make it an exquisite vacation spot.
I like to recommend spending two days right here (we spent two nights right here) exploring the city – it’s totally 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 gorgeous. We meandered our technique to the gorgeous city of Monschau. Monschau, a city within the Eifel area of Germany is a captivating and picturesque vacation spot with infinite half-timbered structure and a river working by means of it.
Monschau was initially constructed round a fort and presents a bevy of gorgeous buildings and a captivating setting for strolling. The Christmas market right here can also be very fairly, filled with conventional German food and drinks, crafts, decorations, and music! I extremely suggest exploring Monschau in the event you’re ever in Western Europe throughout winter time – it is completely lovely!
It is a quick 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 frivolously falling snow and take a couple of photos! This could even be a implausible 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 primary sq. the place I had simply walked as much as get some mulled wine and roasted chestnuts. It was busy with individuals milling about grabbing their favourite vacation decorations or chit-chatting with pals whereas having fun with heat drinks or scrumptious meals.
The Christmas Market in Trier is without doubt one of the oldest in Germany and is ready up within the medieval fundamental 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 probably the most vital cities in Europe and it stays an vital website for commerce and training at this time.
I like to recommend visiting Trier Cathedral – its Gothic structure dates again to about 1300 A.D., making it probably the most spectacular church buildings in Western Europe! The cathedral comprises quite a few items from earlier than then as nicely, together with an altar that’s mentioned to be over 1,300 years previous. There are many Roman ruins and exquisite 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’s 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 had been constructed by well-known artists like Marc Chagall and Jean Cocteau. Metz has loads of different locations value visiting as nicely – Notre Dame d’Auschwitz, the trendy artwork middle Centre Pompidou-Metz, and Le Temple Neuf is a good looking church that appears extra like a fort.
Like different bigger cities, the Christmas market is unfold all through the 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’ll find connoisseur meals markets on Place de la Comédie.
I additionally suggest 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 a good looking gentle show, and Place Saint Jacques for nice 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 the town of Metz. It is a fast and straightforward cease.
Subsequent, we took our longest drive of the journey from Metz to Ribeauvillé.
Cease 6: Ribeauvillé
This was my favourite and most surprising cease on on journey! Ribeauvillé is a good looking, festive city in Alsace, France with a wealthy historical past and tradition. It is also identified 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’ll get misplaced among the many stalls whereas having fun with conventional French meals like scalloped potatoes with cheese or strolling by means of the medieval streets admiring vacation decorations whereas listening to reside music. You would possibly 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 to your Vin Chaud (mulled wine!). Stick round at evening for unknown creatures from fairy tales and legends will roam the road!
Heat your palms by the hearth logs in the course of the road, comply with the parade of lights or have conventional cider mashed by hand with an enormous stone grinder. This was actually certainly one of my favourite locations I’ve ever been!
Ribeauvillé is a good cease in your European journey as a result of it is probably the most distinctive and exquisite 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 really a gem and probably the greatest locations for Christmas with a mixture of German and French traditions.
Vital observe: the Ribeauvillé Christmas market is ONLY two weekends a yr! So plan accordingly. Often the primary and second weekend of December.
Cease 7: Kayersberg
The following few stops had been truly going down over simply someday since these cities are so small and straightforward to discover. Beginning with Kayersberg.
Kayersberg is a small city on the outskirts of Colmar, France. It’s identified for its medieval structure and Christmas market.
Kayersberg is without doubt one of the most picturesque cities in Alsace with cobblestone streets, half-timbered buildings, and slender alleys lined with outlets promoting all kinds 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 known 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 well worth the cease! This picturesque city has tiny, slender streets, typically even half streets laden with half-timbered buildings strewn with garlands, teddy bears, and extra.
That is named probably the most lovely cities within the Alsace with a good looking 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 Evening Watchman who will let you know tales of Eguisheim’s previous!
Cease 9: Riquewihr
Of the three stops of our Alsace Christmas market tour at this time: Kayersberg, Eguisheim, and Riquewihr, Riquewihr was my favourite. Town is ablaze with twinkling lights and festive decorations.
You may 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 well worth the cease! This picturesque city has tiny, slender streets, typically even half streets laden with half-timbered buildings strewn with garlands, teddy bears, and extra.
We drove from Riquewihr on to Colmar so we would have the day to discover Colmar, solely a few 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 a good looking place to go to any time of the yr however good for Christmas! There are six Christmas markets all inside strolling distance and every prettier than the following.
La Petite Venise is certainly one of my favourite areas with pleasant structure curving across the water. Additionally right here is certainly one of my favourite eating places within the area, Winstub de la Petite Venise. This Michelin star restaurant presents a 35 euro plat du jour that makes my mouth water simply eager about 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 stuffed with wood chalets with superbly illuminated streets and loads of photograph alternatives.
On our technique to Strasbourg, we stopped on the enormous Koenigsbourg Citadel, a medieval fort on prime of a mountain within the Alsace with a fantastic view of the area. Once we went it was nearing nightfall and a cloud of fog engulfed the fort, a lot in order that we may barely see! We nonetheless loved roaming across the spectacular fort.
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 with out a cease in Strasbourg. The biggest metropolis and capital of the area, Strasbourg is certainly one of my favourite cities. It is residence to the European Parliament, an unbelievable cathedral, and is without doubt one of 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 (nearly 100 ft excessive), festive lights, and wonderful stalls promoting all kinds 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 in the course of the day and at evening to actually get a really feel for its magic. There are 300 stalls unfold all through the 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 sublime metropolis famed for its spas and thermal baths.
Town is residence to probably the most spectacular Christmas markets in Germany with round 200 stalls, that includes conventional wood chalets promoting native produce and festive trinkets. Sadly, this yr’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 a good looking fort and a well-preserved Sixteenth-century city. I truly lived in Heidelberg for 3 years so I do know my approach round this metropolis very nicely! I am keen on the Christmas market right here that is additionally unfold all through the primary 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 fort. Such a good looking 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. Nevertheless, the Christmas market here’s a conventional really feel with a big sq. within the middle of the town.
The “Christkindlesmarkt” and has round 180 stalls promoting all kinds of goodies from gluhwein to sausages.
Frankfurt can also be residence to the Christmas markets on the Römerberg, a good looking sq. within the coronary heart of downtown. Right here you could find a Christmas tree that is over 10 meters excessive (about32 ft) and stroll alongside the outlets 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 the town facilities.
Cologne – Lowenbrau Cologne: My favourite keep! That is proper within the coronary heart of the previous city and a good looking place to stick with a fantastic view, a fantastic restaurant, and a surprisingly budget-friendly worth.
Aachen – B&B Lodge Aachen-Metropolis – I’ve stayed at many B&Bs, they’re easy, and budget-friendly however sensible motels.
Trier – Vacation Inn Categorical – Additionally a giant fan of Vacation Inn Categorical, easy however good motels.
Metz – Campanile Metz Centre Gare. Simple place to discover Metz with free road parking.
Colmar – Lodge Ibis – probably the most finances keep.
Strasbourg – Vacation Inn Categorical Strasbourg.
Baden-Baden – Aparthotel Volgergasse, a bit pricier however this keep is probably the most luxurious! A full condo, hearth, lovely views, and two full bedrooms.
Heidelberg – Lodge Panorama – a fantastic resort on the prime of the Hauptstrasse.
Frankfurt – Moxy Airport Lodge – a fantastic finances spot if in case you have an early morning flight.
READ ALL THE CHRISTMAS MARKET GUIDES!
Finest Christmas Markets in Europe
Finest Christmas Markets in Germany
Finest Christmas Markets in France
Finest Christmas Markets in Switzerland
What to Eat & Drink at A Christmas Market
Final Christmas Market Itinerary
The Finest Winter Locations in Europe
Pictures to Encourage a Journey to Christmas Markets
I hope this European Christmas Market Highway Journey itinerary will assist you to plan your subsequent journey! From Strasbourg to Metz and Cologne, you actually cannot go mistaken exploring these lovely cities with their festive lights and bustling streets filled with distributors promoting all kinds of goodies!
What a implausible journey! For those who’re on the lookout for a festive and charming European journey, you should definitely take a look at these superb cities throughout Christmas.
