Christmas Markets
From Berlin to Riga, Prague to Vienna: all across Europe, Christmas-lovers can visit these cities for a chance to experience the magic of these famous Christmas markets.
There’s nothing quite like a chilly evening spent strolling through a traditional Christmas market during the festive season. Indulge in all things Christmas as you shop, stroll and sip on spiced mulled wine against the backdrop of a quaint town square, Baroque palace or enchanting castle.
Get your Christmas shopping off to a fun and festive start with our selection of Christmas market breaks. Revel in Germany’s seasonal gemütlichkeit (good cheer), or take in the romantic surroundings of Vienna Christmas Market. Take a stroll through the festively lit lanes between chalet-like market stalls, and discover the charming, unique atmosphere of a Christmas market break.
Whether you'd like to spend your time at a European Christmas market admiring the fine handmade crafts on offer and shopping for unusual gifts, sipping a cup of glühwein as you gaze at glittering Christmas lights, or even ice skating in the middle of a town square, our Christmas market holidays are a wonderful way to welcome in the festive season.
From the Berlin Christmas Market to the Riga's market in the picturesque Old Town Square, join us to immerse yourself in a truly festive experience away from home. Visit some of the largest and oldest Christmas markets and explore elegant historic cities, or watch local craftsmen – from bakers to glassblowers and wood carvers – work their magic in the Christmas markets of smaller villages.
Wherever takes your fancy this festive season, you’re sure to find something to match in our range of Christmas markets holidays.
Our featured Christmas market holidays for 2023
Whether you’re looking for a far-flung Christmas market in snowy Krakow, or want to keep it close to home in Edinburgh, Newmarket Holidays has the perfect tour for you.
- 1 Excursion Included, 3 Meals Included
- Flights Included - 5 Airports
- 11 December 2023
- 1 Excursion Included, 3 Meals Included
- Flights Included - 4 Airports
- 30 November 2023
- 1 Excursion Included, 3 Meals Included
- Flights Included - 8 Airports
- 01 December 2023
- 1 Excursion Included, 3 Meals Included
- Flights Included - 7 Airports
- 05 December 2023
- 2 Excursions Included, 3 Meals Included
- Flights Included - 5 Airports
- 15 December 2023
Christmas Markets for solo travellers
Newmarket Holidays welcomes solo travellers on all our Christmas market breaks. In fact, many of our customers choose to join our tours on their own. And the best part is: you won’t really be alone. With a group of like-minded travellers and a friendly, informative tour manager (as well as incredible locals all over the world!), you can truly enjoy the experience without any of the planning stress. Joining a Christmas market break as a solo traveller is also a guaranteed way to feel safe and confident when travelling alone. While you can join any of our regular tours on your own, we also have a range of tours designed exclusively for solo travellers.
Our Christmas Market Destinations
Each spot in Europe adds its own unique twist onto their Christmas markets, whether that is with the location, the food or the traditions. Take a look through our Christmas Market tour destinations to find out which one sounds like your perfect fit. Many also include optional excursions to other parts of the country, so be sure to look on the tour pages to see the entire itinerary.
Vienna
In Vienna, we'll explore the Christmas markets of Spittelberg and Freyung Square. Our guides will help you discover traditional Austrian crafts, decadent chocolates, and aromatic Lebkuchen amidst the classical Viennese architecture. Be enchanted by the city's glamour, the children's carousel, and the beautiful Rathausplatz ice rink.
Prague
Journey through Prague's main Christmas markets located in Rynek Główny – Europe's largest square. Our guides will navigate through the sea of stalls, enriched by Czech glassware, garnet jewellery, and traditional lace. Amidst the Gothic and Baroque architecture, soak in the festive energy, highlighted by carol singers and the resonating tolls from the Astronomical Clock.
Switzerland:
Spending three nights in Château-d'Oex, you’ll be treated to the Christmas markets at Montreux, where stalls are adorned with Swiss crafts, cuckoo clocks, and mouth-watering cheese. Savour Swiss chocolates, Raclette cheese, or warm cider amidst snow-dusted chalets and the breath-taking mountainous backdrop.
Riga
Riga's Old Town Square Christmas market is steeped in tradition. Our guides will show you the first-ever decorated Christmas tree location, the old town’s cobblestone streets filled with stalls offering Latvian mittens, aromatic candles, and amber jewellery. Savour traditional gingerbread or Black Balsam, all amidst the backdrop of snow-dusted mediaeval architecture.
Krakow
In Krakow, we'll guide you through the Rynek Główny, a central square hosting the festive market. Nestled beneath the Cloth Hall and St. Mary's Basilica, enjoy stalls filled with artisan crafts, warm woollens, and local honey. Experience the joy of a Polish Christmas, enhanced by the enticing smells of grilled kielbasa and the warmth of mulled wine.
Berlin
Berlin hosts over 60 Christmas markets, from the Tyrolean wonderland of the 'Winterwelt' on Potsdamer Platz to the traditional stalls nestled in the shadow of the ruined towers of Kaiser Wilhelm-Gedächtniskirche. From historical charm to modern innovations, Berlin's markets offer something for everyone. With our guides, sample Bratwurst, gingerbread, and Glühbier, or find a handcrafted gift amid an exciting atmosphere of live music and carnival rides.
Edinburgh:
Edinburgh's Christmas markets centred in East Princes Street Gardens are a delight. Explore rows of wooden pavilions offering local crafts, Scottish tartan gifts, and mouth-watering local produce. With us, enjoy the glittering cityscape from the top of the Big Wheel and feel the Christmas spirit come alive.
Budapest
Budapest’s Vorosmarty Square and St. Stephen's Basilica markets are truly magical. Let us guide you through the labyrinth of stalls offering embroidered textiles, pottery, and artisan chocolate. Experience the stunning light shows on the Basilica's facade while indulging in chimney cakes or a hearty bowl of goulash.
Hamburg
Join us in exploring Hamburg's markets, from Ghesenmarkt Square to Gerhart-Hauptmann-Platz. Discover stalls offering smoked fish sandwiches, maritime antiques, and handmade crafts. Enjoy the taste of hot Feuerzangenbowle, and be swept away by the charm of the city's canals and historic port atmosphere.
Zagreb
Zagreb's award-winning Advent market spreads across several locations, including Jelačić Square and Zrinjevac Park. With our guides, explore the city’s stunningly illuminated streets, discover unique Christmas ornaments and handcrafted gifts. Indulge in a variety of Croatian delicacies like fritule pastries, accompanied by heartwarming live music and performances.
Christmas Market FAQs
First Christmas Market holiday? Here are a few questions you might have.
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What are the best Christmas Market tours?
Our top Christmas market tours include those in Prague, Krakow, Vienna, Berlin, Edinburgh, Riga, Budapest, Hamburg, Switzerland, and Zagreb. Each tour is unique and offers a rich immersion into local traditions and holiday festivities.
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What is a Christmas Markets tour?
A Christmas market tour is a guided trip through festive markets, providing insights into local traditions, customs, and culinary delights. It offers the opportunity to experience the city’s holiday spirit, often set in historical squares and iconic locations.
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When’s the best time to go on a Christmas Markets tour?
The best time to go on a Christmas market tour is during the Advent period, typically from late November until Christmas Eve. However, the opening dates can vary, so it's best to check specific dates for each location.
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Where are the best Christmas Markets?
Almost all capital and major European cities have Christmas markets. The best markets can be found in Amsterdam, Prague, Kraków, Berlin, Vienna, Edinburgh, Montreux, Riga, Bruges, Brussels, Zagreb, Ljubljana and Lyon.
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What can I expect to find at Christmas markets?
Christmas markets offer a wide range of products, from traditional food and drinks to handmade crafts and unique gifts. You'll find stalls selling decorations, festive delicacies, artisanal crafts, and often featuring live performances and carol singing.
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What are the typical opening hours of Christmas markets?
Typically, Christmas markets open in the late morning around 10 or 11 am and close in the evening, often around 8 or 9 pm. However, hours can vary depending on the city and the specific market.
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Is it possible to find unique and handmade gifts at Christmas markets?
Absolutely! Christmas markets are the perfect place to find unique and handmade gifts. From traditional crafts in Krakow to artisan chocolates in Switzerland, there's something for everyone.
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Are there any specific foods or drinks associated with Christmas markets?
Each region has its specialties: Glühwein and Bratwurst in Germany, chimney cakes in Budapest, cheese in Switzerland, and more. Our guides can help you navigate the culinary delights of each market.
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Are Christmas markets crowded, and how can I navigate through the crowds?
Christmas markets can get crowded, especially on weekends. Our guided tours can help navigate the crowds and ensure you experience the best each market has to offer.
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Are there any special events or performances at Christmas markets?
Many markets feature live music, carol singing, and traditional dance performances. For example, Zagreb's Advent offers live music, and Berlin's markets often host choirs and brass bands.
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Are there any specific safety measures in place at Christmas markets?
Safety measures vary by location, but often include increased security, well-lit areas, and crowd management strategies. We ensure our tours operate in line with local regulations and safety guidelines.
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What are some unique traditions or customs associated with Christmas markets?
From the lighting of advent candles in Vienna to the historical maritime-themed market in Hamburg, each destination offers its unique traditions. Our guides will help you uncover these rich customs as you explore each market.
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