Discover 3 Magical European Christmas Market Tours

For those seeking an enchanting holiday experience, exploring the festive Christmas Markets in European cities like Germany, Austria and Switzerland, is a must for a complete winter wonderland experience. These markets offer delightful treats like mulled wine, hot chocolate, and an array of handcrafted gifts, making your holiday season truly magical. Here are three of the best Christmas Market tours this season.

A Magical Winter Getaway Across Germany with Friends New and Old

Contiki, the social tour company for 18-35 year olds is encouraging travelers to stuff their stocking with unique handmade gifts while experiencing the beauty of Germany during the holidays on their 7-day German Christmas Markets itinerary. Starting in Frankfurt, travelers will immediately jump into their first Christmas market, shopping artisanal goodies in endless street markets adorned with string lights and colorful Christmas trees. They’ll then travel to Cologne to visit the cathedral meant to house the Three Wise Men before exploring the various Christmas markets across the city.

In Stuttgart travelers can admire the city’s renowned traditional architecture before falling for the charm of one of Europe’s oldest and liveliest markets, brimming with antiques and handmade wooden toys before working on their Yuletide skills with a gingerbread-making class in Nuremberg. Travelers will end their adventure in Munich where they’ll visit the fairytale-like Neuschwanstein Castle, before heading to their last Christmas Market to gather last-minute gifts for loved ones.

Discover Iconic Winter Wonderlands in Austria, Germany and Switzerland

Guests can travel on a magical journey through the Christmas market capitals of the world with stops in Vienna, Munich, Zurich and more on the 8-day Christmas Markets of Austria, Germany and Switzerland itinerary from guided vacation company, Trafalgar.

Guests will dive headfirst into the markets of Vienna alongside a Local Specialist where they’ll be in awe of the handmade toys, gifts, tasty treats and festive decorations throughout the city. In Munich, travelers will savor local brews from a traditional Bavarian restaurant before shopping beside marvelous Christmas trees and dazzling lights at the holiday market. Guests will then be welcomed into Innsbruck, a storybook countryside village that will immerse travelers in a truly whimsical spirit, with views of mountains and traditional Bavarian architecture. Finally in Lucerne, guests will fall in love with the city’s old town feel. They’ll enjoy lunch with a local family before spending time exploring the wooden market stalls and a beautiful Christmas carousel with Glühwein to end off a magically festive vacation.

Indulge in a Winter Escapade Across Vienna, Ljubljana and Zagreb

Travelers can immerse themselves in winter wonderland magic across Croatia, Slovenia and Austria on premium tour company, Insight Vacations’ 8-day Christmas Markets of Croatia Slovenia and Austria itinerary. Guests will begin their journey in Zagreb where they’ll explore the city’s festive Christmas Market, Zrinjevac Park and take a funicular to St. Marks’ Church and the Lotrščak Tower.

Venture to the famous Postojna caves in neighboring Slovenia to marvel at stunning stalactites, stalagmites, columns and curtains. Then travelers will explore the medieval capital city of Ljubljana and the local Christmas markets to sample deliciously sweet treats and drinks. Travelers will also visit Bratislava and stroll by a mosaic of buildings and festive markets, with a Bratislava Christmas market food tour to feast on traditional and festive foods. Guests will travel to Vienna for the end of their trip to tour the famous Ring Road and head into the heart of the city to explore various Christmas markets.