While visiting Europe in summer, I came across photos of the same streets I had walked, now blanketed in winter snow - a sight that, as an Australian, felt almost surreal. Unlike much of the world, where the seasons bring dramatic changes, Australia’s shifts are far more subtle. Witnessing a city shift so completely with the seasons made it feel like an entirely different destination, providing a whole other travel experience. This is exactly what I discovered when I toured Europe in winter to experience the magic that the European Christmas markets has to offer.
I believe that a Christmas in Europe is something everyone should experience at least once, not just for the delightful markets, but for the chance for us southern hemisphere folks to experience a white Christmas. But what’s the best way to do it? That’s where I can help! With over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, I know a thing or two about planning your perfect adventure, no matter the season.
Here are my top travel styles for experiencing the magic of Europe’s Christmas markets:
There’s nothing quite like the festive charm of Europe’s Christmas markets - twinkling lights, the scent of mulled wine and the joy of discovering handcrafted treasures. Imagine wandering through the festive stalls of Vienna, soaking in the holiday atmosphere of Cologne or marvelling at the enchanting lights of Strasbourg.
For a fully immersive experience where you can travel at your own pace, see the things that you want to see and take complete control over your holiday, a custom itinerary is the way to go.
Making all the necessary arrangements can get a little complicated, so employing a little help can ease the burden of travel planning. At JLW Travel, we specialise in tailor-made city stays, allowing you to explore these magical markets at your own pace.
With handpicked accommodations in prime locations, seamless transport arrangements and optional guided experiences, we ensure you can fully immerse yourself in each city’s seasonal traditions, delicious local delicacies and unique Christmas market offerings.
Embark on a magical journey through Europe’s enchanting Christmas markets with an expertly guided escorted tour. With a knowledgeable guide leading the way, you can fully immerse yourself in the joy and history of Europe’s most iconic holiday markets.
Escorted tours offer a hassle-free approach to travel. Your days are planned out for you, so you never have to worry about where you have to be or how you are going to get there. With free time set aside to explore at your leisure, the right tour offers the perfect balance of structure and flexibility.
I have had the pleasure of touring with several leading travel brands. Check out my top picks for Europe Christmas market tours.
Globus
Globus provides guided tours during the Christmas season, allowing travellers to experience holiday festivities in various destinations. While specific Christmas tours may vary annually, offerings often include visits to European Christmas markets and seasonal events in North America.
Cosmos
Cosmos caters to budget-conscious travellers, offering value-packed tours during the Christmas season. These tours provide opportunities to explore festive destinations without compromising on experience.
Insight Vacations
For a premium experience, Insight Vacations offers tours packed with perks including a selection of Christmas-themed tours that immerse travellers in the festive spirit of Europe’s renowned holiday markets.
Trafalgar
With a range of enchanting winter holidays, including Christmas market tours in Europe, travelling with Trafalgar involves indulging in seasonal delights such as mulled wine and gingerbread while exploring city squares adorned with magical fairy lights.
Contiki
Tailored for youth travellers, Contiki offers Christmas market tours that highlight Europe’s festive spirit. Guests can experience Germany’s famous markets in cities like Nuremberg, Dresden, Cologne, Hamburg and Berlin, enjoying traditional treats such as bratwursts and mulled wine.
Still unsure which tour is right for you? With so many options available, it can be difficult to choose the perfect one that matches your unique preferences. At JLW Travel, we can guide you through the options to ensure you select the best fit, so you can enjoy a stress-free and unforgettable festive getaway.
Imagine waking up in a new destination each day, stepping off your luxurious river cruise to explore charming towns, world-famous cities and magical landscapes, all without the hassle of packing and unpacking.
There are a number of leading cruise lines that offer a relaxed yet enriching way to explore Europe’s waterways. For a seamless, immersive and unforgettable Christmas cruise journey, my recommendations include Emerald Cruises, AmaWaterways, Scenic Cruises, Australian Pacific Touring (APT) and Avalon Waterways. From the romantic Danube to the fairytale-like Rhine and the gastronomic delights of the Seine or the Douro, unpack once and fully immerse yourself in a sailing experience.
So, what is the best way to experience Europe’s Christmas markets?
I’d love to give you a simple answer, but the truth is - there isn’t one! Every traveller has their own unique style and preferences - there’s no one-size-fits-all method to travel. Whether you choose a guided tour, a scenic river cruise or a combination of experiences, JLW Travel can create the perfect itinerary for you. Let us design your dream European Christmas adventure - one filled with festive magic and unforgettable memories and experiences.