European Christmas Market Tours

Most European countries celebrate Christmas on 24 or 25 December. That said, the festive season begins with Advent, starting on the fourth Sunday before Christmas.

In late November or early December, you’ll see Christmas markets come to life, seasonal decorations go up, and cities draped in twinkling lights.

Europe is full of unique Christmas traditions you can experience firsthand during your tour.

Get into the festive spirit by visiting Christkindlmarkts (or “Christmas markets”). In cities like Munich, Vienna, and Salzburg, you’ll find beautifully decorated stalls selling handcrafted ornaments, toys, and local treats. A favourite tradition is drinking glühwein, a warm, spiced wine that keeps you cosy as you explore – you can even take home a cup as a souvenir!

Another popular European custom is Saint Nicholas Day. Celebrated on 6 December, children leave out their shoes, hoping for small gifts from the saint. In Alpine folklore, Saint Nicholas is joined by Krampus, a mischievous horned figure who punishes any naughty children.

If you’re in Austria or Germany around 5 December, you could see Krampus for yourself. At this time of year, some locals even dress up as Krampus and parade through the streets.

Carolling, dating back to medieval times, is another treasured tradition. Austria gave the world Stille Nacht (“Silent Night”), one of the world's most popular carols.

If you want to spend Christmas in Europe, there are many places to choose from. But if you're after a storybook experience – twinkling lights, festive markets, and mulled wine – Germany and Austria are the perfect choices.

If you're after a more relaxed atmosphere, you’ll love Austria’s smaller cities, like Salzburg and Innsbruck. Here, you can stroll through cosy markets surrounded by snow-capped mountains. Plus, you’ll find many stalls selling handcrafted gifts and locally made goods you won’t see in bigger markets.

For a different getaway, venture to the Arctic Circle and spend a magical Christmas in Lapland. You could stay in glass igloos, go reindeer sledding and visit Santa Claus Village. Or explore Iceland on Christmas tours that include ice-coated landscapes, warm hot springs, and Reykjavík’s twinkling lights.

You could also spend your Christmas break in Scotland, visiting Edinburgh’s Christmas markets and soaking up wintry scenes in the Highlands.

Check out this guide to the best places in Europe for Christmas for more inspiration.

Europe becomes a winter wonderland during the Christmas season. Here are a few ideas of what you can see and do around this time:

• Stroll through Europe’s best Christmas markets
• Try winter activities like ice skating in Vienna
• Attend a Christmas concert and listen to classic carols
• Savour traditional delights like spiced mulled wine and lebkuchen (“gingerbread”)
• See European capitals draped in sparkling lights and decorations
• Visit snow-dusted historic landmarks, like the magical Neuschwanstein Castle

No place in the world has Christmas markets quite like Europe. You’ve probably seen photos of Munich’s Bavarian markets or Vienna’s elegant town squares all over Instagram. Each place has its charm and special traditions.

You’ll find one of the highest concentrations of iconic markets in Germany and Austria. These countries are home to centuries-old traditions, with markets dating back to the 15th century. When you book a Christmas markets trip with Nordic Visitor, you’ll experience some of these must-see Christmas markets for yourself.

Here’s a taste of the top markets to visit in these European cities:

Munich:
• Marienplatz Christmas Market
• Christmas Village Market at the Munich Residenz
• Medieval Christmas Market at Wittelsbacherplatz
• Tollwood Winter Festival

Vienna:
• Christmas Market at Rathausplatz
• Schönbrunn Palace Christmas Market
• Karlsplatz Christmas Market
• Christmas Village at Maria-Theresien-Platz

Salzburg:
• Salzburg Christmas Market at Dom- and Residenzplatz
• Hohensalzburg Fortress Christmas Market
• Advent Market at Hellbrunn Palace
• Salzburg Cathedral Christmas Market

Innsbruck:
• The Fairytale Market in Old Town
• Maria-Theresien-Strasse Christmas Market
• Wiltener Platz Christmas Market
• The Family Market at Marktplatz

Most European Christmas markets start opening from mid to late November. In Munich, the popular Marienplatz Christmas Market usually begins in the last week of November. While Vienna’s main market at Rathausplatz often opens a bit earlier, around 14 November.

When planning your trip, it’s worth bearing in mind that some markets end on 24 December. Others, like Salzburg’s Christmas Market on Dom and Residenzplatz, continue until early January.

Our Christmas holiday tours in Europe run from the last week of November until a few days before 24 December. This allows you to experience the festive season at its best.

Yes, when you book a tour with Nordic Visitor, you can personalise your experience by selecting from a range of expert-curated optional extras.

For example, you can add guided tours, like a Sound of Music tour in Salzburg. See the movie’s original filming locations, including the gardens and Pegasus Fountain at Mirabell Palace. You could also visit Neuschwanstein Castle, which looks even more magical in winter, surrounded by the snowy Bavarian Alps.

In Innsbruck, glide up Alpine peaks on the Nordkette cable car. You’ll be surrounded by frosted landscapes and panoramic views of the Inn Valley and the city below.

To make your arrival and departure even smoother, it’s also possible to add private airport transfers. Plus, you can extend your trip with extra nights. Just ask your dedicated travel consultant for more information.

Absolutely, these Christmas market tours run from late November through the lead-up to Christmas. Check out the calendar for the tour you’re interested in to see exact availability and choose the date that works for you.