My European Christmas Market Street Journey Itinerary

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 positioned 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 children!

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 certainly one of my favorites. The Heinzelmännchen are pleasant family spirits which are used all through the market as decor. You may 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). Situated in entrance of the gorgeous and historic Hahnentorburg, you’ll be able to 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 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!

Town is full of 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 night time drove on to cease 2!

Cease 2: Aachen

I am unable to imagine I lived in Germany for 3 years and by no means visited Aachen! This metropolis has been named as having among 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’ll be able to simply head to Liege, Belgium, and Maastricht, The Netherlands. Being on the border offers 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 a beautiful environment in the course of the Christmas season. Aachen can be dwelling 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 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 huge 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, huge, fats flakes! It was beautiful. We meandered our solution to the beautiful city of Monschau. Monschau, a city within the Eifel area of Germany is a captivating and picturesque vacation spot with countless half-timbered structure and a river operating by way of it.

Monschau was initially constructed round a fort and provides a bevy of lovely buildings and a captivating setting for strolling. The Christmas market right here can be very fairly, filled with conventional German food and drinks, crafts, decorations, and music! I extremely suggest exploring Monschau when 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 evenly falling snow and take just a few photos! This may 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 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 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 essential sq. by the unimaginable Trier Cathedral. Almost 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 exterior Palestine was established, by Saint Helena of Constantinople round 300 AD. Throughout the Center Ages it turned probably the most necessary cities in Europe and it stays an necessary web site for commerce and schooling at present.

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 incorporates quite a few items from earlier than then as nicely, together with an altar that’s stated to be over 1,300 years outdated. 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 shocked 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 had been constructed by well-known artists like Marc Chagall and Jean Cocteau. Metz has loads of different locations price visiting as nicely – Notre Dame d’Auschwitz, the trendy artwork heart Centre Pompidou-Metz, and Le Temple Neuf is an attractive 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 gourmand 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 an attractive gentle show, and Place Saint Jacques for nice meals. See all of the Christmas markets right here.

On our method out of Metz the subsequent day, we stopped at Porte des Allemands, the unique fortress and gatehouse to the 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 surprising cease on on journey! Ribeauvillé is an attractive, 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 right 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 way of the medieval streets admiring vacation decorations whereas listening to stay 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 in your Vin Chaud (mulled wine!). Stick round at night time for unknown creatures from fairy tales and legends will roam the road!

Heat your fingers by the fireplace logs in the course of the road, observe the parade of lights or have conventional cider mashed by hand with an enormous stone grinder. This was really 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 delightful cities with among the finest 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 among the finest locations for Christmas with a mixture of German and French traditions.

Vital word: the Ribeauvillé Christmas market is ONLY two weekends a 12 months! So plan accordingly. Normally the primary and second weekend of December.

Cease 7: Kayersberg

The following few stops had been truly going down over simply at some point 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 identified 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 outlets 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 probably the most lovely cities within the Alsace with an attractive village heart tucked away from the hustle of the bigger cities.

Eguisheim is nestled within the wine area, so all of the Vin Chaud tastes scrumptious! When you’re right here at night time, stick round for a tour from the Evening Watchman who will inform you tales of Eguisheim’s previous!

Cease 9: Riquewihr

Of the three stops of our Alsace Christmas market tour at present: 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 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 instances 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 comfortable cafes. It is an attractive place to go to any time of the 12 months however excellent for Christmas! There are six Christmas markets all inside strolling distance and every prettier than the subsequent.

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 provides a 35 euro plat du jour that makes my mouth water simply occupied with it! I’ve eaten right here twice and it is simply among the finest meals you may have in Europe.

The Christmas market is filled with picket chalets with fantastically illuminated streets and loads of picture alternatives.

On our solution to Strasbourg, we stopped on the large Koenigsbourg Citadel, a medieval fort on high of a mountain within the Alsace with an important 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 might 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 night time.

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 certainly one of my favourite cities. It is dwelling to the European Parliament, an unimaginable 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 among the finest in Europe with a towering Christmas tree (nearly 100 toes excessive), festive lights, and wonderful stalls promoting all types of goodies. I might wander round these markets for hours! The Christmas tree at Place Kleber the image of “Strasbourg, Capital of Christmas” can be the tallest adorned Christmas tree in Europe

I urge you to be sure to go away sufficient time to see Strasbourg each in the course of the day and at night time to actually get a really feel for its magic. There are 300 stalls unfold all through the town and among 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 dwelling to probably the most spectacular Christmas markets in Germany with round 200 stalls, that includes conventional picket 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 fort and a well-preserved Sixteenth-century city. I truly lived in Heidelberg for 3 years so I do know my method round this metropolis very nicely! I like the Christmas market right here that is additionally unfold all through the primary avenue, Hauptstrasse.

The market is small however charming with a number of native distributors promoting their wares. I additionally love the market by the ice skating rink that is proper underneath the fort. Such an attractive spot! See my full information to the Heidelberg Christmas market right here. Heidelberg can be dwelling 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 heart of the town.

Frankfurt is SO underrated for Christmas. Completely lovely, nice stalls, meals, and a brilliant attractive city sq.!

The “Christkindlesmarkt” and has round 180 stalls promoting all types of goodies from gluhwein to sausages.

Frankfurt can be dwelling to the Christmas markets on the Römerberg, an attractive sq. within the coronary heart of downtown. Right here you could find a Christmas tree that is over 10 meters excessive (about 32 toes) 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 $200 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 outdated city and an attractive place to stick with an important view, an important 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 accommodations.

Trier – Vacation Inn Specific – Additionally a giant fan of Vacation Inn Specific, easy however good accommodations.

Metz – Campanile Metz Centre Gare. Straightforward place to discover Metz with free avenue parking.

Colmar – Lodge 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 residence, hearth, lovely views, and two full bedrooms.

Heidelberg – Lodge Panorama – an important lodge on the high of the Hauptstrasse.

Frankfurt – Moxy Airport Lodge – an important finances spot when you have an early morning flight.

Complete Funds For Christmas Market Journey

When planning a European Christmas market journey, budgeting is a key issue to make sure you can take pleasure in all of the magical experiences with out pointless stress. This is a breakdown of the most important prices for our 10-day itinerary by way of Germany and France:

Flights

Our roundtrip flights from Dallas to Frankfurt price roughly $900 per particular person, however costs can differ extensively based mostly on while you guide and your departure metropolis. Think about using flight comparability instruments and reserving nicely prematurely to safe the very best offers.

Lodging

We prioritized budget-friendly accommodations with simple parking and central areas, spending round $1,800 complete for 10 nights. This averages to about $180 per night time, however your prices may fluctuate relying on the season and your preferences for lodging.

I might be simple right here, we stayed in finances accommodations. These should not fancy accommodations with facilities. These are accommodations like Ibis and Lodge B&B. Wanting again I would favor one thing a bit nicer.

Transportation

Renting a automotive gave us the liberty to discover smaller cities and take scenic detours. The automotive rental price us $800 for 11 days, together with taxes and charges. Gasoline and tolls added one other $200 to our complete. Then there have been tolls (they’re fairly dear in France and parking charges) which added one other $150. When you’re choosing public transport or a river cruise, prices may differ however may present financial savings in different areas.

Meals and Drinks

We indulged in a mixture of avenue meals, informal eating, and the occasional sit-down meal, spending about $60–$200 per day for 2 individuals. That totals round $700–$900 for the journey. Christmas market treats like glühwein, bratwurst, and crepes had been surprisingly reasonably priced and a significant spotlight.

Actions

Most Christmas markets are free to enter, however further prices got here from visiting sights like museums and cathedrals, which averaged round $350 for the journey. Elective actions, equivalent to ice skating or Ferris wheel rides, added a little bit additional enjoyable for a further $50–$100.

Souvenirs and Buying

From handcrafted ornaments to domestically made items, we put aside $300 for souvenirs. The markets supply distinctive and budget-friendly choices for items that make excellent mementos.

Complete Price

All in all, the overall price was roughly $5,750–$7,000. Adjusting in your journey group measurement, itinerary, and private spending habits, you’ll be able to plan a magical Christmas market journey to suit your finances.

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Suggestions for Funds-Pleasant Journey

• Guide Early: Flights, accommodations, and automotive leases are usually cheaper when reserved prematurely.
• Take into account Off-Peak Instances: Visiting markets on weekdays or early within the season can lower your expenses and assist keep away from crowds.
• Versatile Lodging: Go for accommodations with free cancellation insurance policies to adapt to any sudden modifications.
• Eat Good: Take pleasure in avenue meals at markets and pack snacks for lengthy drives to save lots of on eating prices.
• Follow Your Funds: Maintain monitor of your spending with an app to keep away from surprises on the finish of your journey.

Touring Europe at Christmas is a magical expertise that doesn’t have to interrupt the financial institution. With considerate planning, you may make reminiscences that final a lifetime!

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 Street Journey itinerary will make it easier to plan your subsequent journey! From Strasbourg to Metz and Cologne, you actually cannot go unsuitable exploring these lovely cities with their festive lights and bustling streets filled with distributors promoting all types of goodies!

What a incredible journey! When you’re in search of a festive and charming European journey, you should definitely try these wonderful cities throughout Christmas.