Unforgettable Christmas Market Tours in Europe [in 2024]

/ October 20, 2024

There’s nothing quite like strolling through the most enchanting Christmas Markets in Europe. From the twinkling lights to the mulled wine these markets open the window into the holiday traditions, unique flavors, and local crafts.

Planning to visit Europe during the festive season and don’t know what to do? Or maybe you aren’t convinced visiting a Christmas Market should be on your list?

Here, we’ve handpicked some of the best Christmas Markets Tours on the Old Continent. Get a front-row seat to the heartwarming charm of these winter wonderlands.

>> Want to get an in-depth feel of what the European Christmas Markets are about? Check out this article: The Magic of Christmas: Charming European Christmas Markets to Add to Your Bucket List [in 2024]

Austria

Vienna

>> book your accommodation in Vienna

Come end of November, all of Austria turns into a winter wonderland, but during the holiday season, Vienna transforms into a fairy tale landscape, home to iconic Christmas Markets.

As one of Europe’s grandest capital cities, Vienna enchants visitors not just with its summer beauty and rich cultural heritage but as a magical winter destination too.

If you are one of the many people visiting this wonderland, you can book the Christmas Market Vienna Tour. A local guide will show you various famous markets, including the one in front of the Rathausplatz. You’ll tastel the magical winter drinks like mulled wine and punches with rums or satisfy your sweet tooth with the amazing Austrian sweets.

Private tours, on another note, can be an useful way to explore the city if you have the cash and want to have the guide to yourself. Some guided tours, such as the Private Christmas Markets Walking Tour Vienna, even includes door to door pick up. It will take you around the most famous place like Arts & Crafts Market at St. Charles’ Church, and the Old Vienna Christkindlmarkt at Freyung, the Hofburg Palace. A guided walking tour can save you quite a bit of time so you can just focus on other activities.

If you’d rather cozy up in the warm room or at a restaurant in the evening, but you still want to enjoy the trill of visiting Christmas Markets, there is a way you can make it happen. The Christmas Markets & Shopping Vienna experience will give you that. For four hours you’ll enjoy a bunch of activities, such as exploring the local food market of Naschmarkt, visiting the traditional Christmas markets in the city center, and more.

But Vienna is also a classical music hub, no matter when you visit. During the festive season, however, even the concerts become… magical. Many music lovers already know about the New Year’s Eve concert. And if you haven’t managed to snatch tickets, you can always attend the one at Schönbrunn Palace. Mix it up with the Christmas Market on this tour: Christmas at Schönbrunn Palace Vienna: Classical Concert and Christmas Market. It includes a Schönbrunn Palace Concert tickets and a Christmas culinary voucher for the food stands at the Christmas Market. Take time to discover culture, music, and traditions.

Read more about:
>> 3 Days in Vienna during Winter
>> Christmas Markets in Vienna, Austria [updated 2024]




If you’d like to explore other parts of Austria, too, you can opt for a day trip from Vienna and visit the Salzburg Christmas Market as well. This Salzburg Christmas Market & City Tour ensures that you’ll be amazed by this gorgeous city and fully enjoy the spirit of the Holidays. Try the traditional snacks and drinks and immerse yourself in the cultural and spiritual atmosphere.

Another fascinating Christmas market in Austria is the Innsbruck Christmas Market. Located in the heart of the Austrian Alps this hidden gem, an old historic town, with breath taking vistas, and cozy holiday spirit.
Or you can book the Innsbruck Christmas Market Tour . During the festive season it transforms into a magical Christmas wonderland. Enjoy the authentic Christmas market, set against the backdrop of Innsbruck’s historic old town.

If you’d like to explore a Christmas Market in another country, Bratislava is a great choice. If your time and budget allows it you can book the Hrad Devin and Bratislava Christmas Market Private Tour. The tour allows you to visit the majestic Devin Castle and Bratislava Christmas Market. Once the capital of Hungary, Bratislava is still a rather hidden gem. To this day it remains affordable but offers the magical charm of bigger Christmas Markets.

Slovakia

Bratislava

>> book your accommodation in Bratislava

Staying on the river Danube, another famous capital is Bratislava. The city’s tumultuous history contributed to the melting pot of cultures that you can encounter today. The Hungarian influences can be found in everything from food to architecture.

Its Christmas Market, however, is way lesser known than Vienna’s. And it’s still a charming winter escape, for those who want to explore tradition and history.

You can certainly enjoy it by yourself. But, most often, a guided tour will enhance your experience. This Christmas Market Tour of Bratislava gives you the chance to immerse yourself in the local traditions. The tour starts at 5 pm so make sure you dress up properly and be ready to taste all the local food like the Ciganska burger or warm up with some hot punch.

And if you’d like to both get the bearings of the Old Town and learn which are the best foods to try, the Bratislava Christmas Market Food Tour might be up your alley. Four food tastings and two alcoholic drinks are included. What better way to get started on appreciating the local dishes?

Hungary

Budapest

>> book your accommodation in Budapest

Continuing our exploration of the Christmas Markets alongside the Danube we arrive in Budapest, capital city of Hungary.
Here, as at most of the European Christmas Markets you can enjoy the local traditions, some local variants of the traditional winter and holiday sweets and drinks.

Discovering the numerous markets on your own can be an amazing experience but if you are limited on time, you could try one of the following tours or experiences.

Budapest Christmas Market Tour is a small group tour, during which a local will guide you through three markets. You’ll walk in the city under the twinkling holiday street lights, enjoying tradition and culture, listening to myths and stories. the tour starts from the Opera House, in one of the most beautiful parts of the city and includes a 30 min visit of the St. Stephen’s Basilica, a walk on the Danube River promenade, ending at Vorosmarty square to check out the famous Christmas Market.

Another tour that guides you through the streets from the Opera House to Vorosmarty, is Budapest Wonderland – A Christmas Market Tour with Chimney Cake & Mulled Wine. This is a short tour of about 2 and half hour, passing by The Gresham Palace, and includes a mulled wine and chimney cake tasting at one of the markets visited.

The Private Walking Tour at Christmas Market with Mulled Wine and Chimney Cake is a great alternative, which includes hotel pick up and can be tailored to your needs and interests, discovering the winter traditions at your own pace.

Want to mix in some sightseeing with visiting the markets? Yes, there’s a tour for that too! Budapest’s Magical Christmas Markets experience is a private tour that starts from Vorosmarty Square, taking you to explore the city by foot, visiting the Hungarian Parliament square, Adrassy Avenue, admiring the holiday decor and lights, and tasting local traditional sweats and drinks. It ends at St. Stephen’s Basilica and its beautiful square, hosting one of the largest holiday markets in the city.

How about stepping away from the usual destinations and discovering other iconic city locations, veiled in holiday lights? The Special Magical Christmas Tour in Budapest tour will take you from the Budapest Parliament building through Kossuth Lajos Square and Liberty Square, to the Exchange Palace, discovering local charm, history, and culture.

Read more about:
>> Top 7 Reasons to Visit Budapest During Winter
>> Top Budapest Tours, Excursions, and Experiences [in 2024]

The capital is also a great base to explore the rest of Hungary. So, take the opportunity and visit Eger Christmas Market and Castle. Explore the medieval town of Eger during the holiday season, visiting Eger Castle and the surrounding Christmas Market, enjoy local history, sweets, foods, and drinks.

Just around an hour away by car is Esztergom, another historic town, hosting a wonderland Christmas Market. This Christmas markets guided tour in Esztergom helps you learn more about Saint Adalbert Theological Centre of the Catholic Church, the starting point of the tour, making your way through Szent István Street, the Basilica of Esztergom and the Dark Gate.

If you’ve set your base in Hungary’s capital but want to explore other countries, how about taking a day trip to Vienna? This Full Day Private Tour in Vienna Christmas Market from Budapest gives you the chance to discover Wiener Staatsoper, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Schonbrunner Gardens, and the Rathausplatz market just to mention some iconic places. Departure is at a reasonable hour (at 9 am).

Czech Republic

Prague

>> book your accommodation in Prague

Prague is home to the largest castle complex in the world, and one of the greatest Christmas Markets in Europe, dating back to the Middle Ages. Its stalls may not be as lavishly decorated as their German and Austrian counter parts, but they still managed to wow its visitors.

If you are visiting around the Holidays and you need a guide to make your way through this charming city, you can book a Walking tour in Prague Christmas Market and Festivities . You’ll visit the nativity scenes, immerse yourself in the cultural heritage, and see iconic places. Enjoy a taste of the local cuisine and warm yourself up with a local hot beverage.

Another option is the Discover Prague’s Christmas Market Magic with a Local tour. You’ll learn about the Christmas markets through the eye of locals as you visit them, and explore local tradition, cuisine, and culture. This tour starts at Charles Bridge, visits the Old Town’s Stare Mesto, and ends at Wenceslas Square.

If you are visiting Europe and have made Prague your hub, you can take a day trip to Germany and enjoy the Dresden Christmas Markets And Old Town Tour – From Prague tour. It’s a 9 to 10 hour long daytrip, during which you’ll visit the amazing town of Dresden, and its fairy tale Christmas Market. You will be passing by the Semper Opera House, The Dresden Zwinger, Dresden Castle , Kathedrale Sanctissimae Trinitatis, Augustus Bridge, Bruehlsche Terrasse, Albertinum, visit Frauenkirche Dresden, Stallhof, and enjoy the Dresden Christmas Market for a few hours.

France

Moving on to France, we’ll bask in the variety of Christmas Markets, all teeming with traditions. Many of the most well-known markets are hosted by towns near the German border, the capital shouldn’t be missed either.

Strasbourg

>> book your accommodation Strasbourg

One of the most popular and oldest Christmas Markets in France takes place in Strasbourg. If you’d like to dive deeper into the history and culture of the place, book the Strasbourg Christmas Market Private Walking Guided Tour. After the hotel pick up you’ll walk through the atmospheric Christmas Market. The tour can be customized to your interests, so you’ll be sure to get the most out of the experience!

If you don’t mind meeting and socializing with fellow travelers, the Strasbourg Christmas Market Small Group Walking TourUnusual treasure hunt at the Christmas markets in Strasbourg experience can be a great choice whether you travel alone or with friends. Starting from Place Kléber and guided by an app (yes, phone app), you’ll create memorable moments on this treasure hunt. You’ll have to do various missions and earn points. Fun, right?

Colmar

>> book your accommodation Colmar

Maybe a lesser-known Christmas market is the Colmar one in France. Take a 2-hour challenge and find the hidden clues, in this game, that helps you discover the Christmas Markets. Download the app, follow the instructions and go on an adventure with the Unusual treasure hunt on the Christmas markets of Colmar. Solve puzzles, take pictures, discover culture, create memories, and save photos. This is the perfect adventure in a holiday setting. Who will have the most points!?

How about a multi-national experience? Departing from Colmar, get ready for Christmas across the 3 borders and discover three European markets in Germany, France and Switzerland. This 9-hour long daytrip allows you to visit markets in Basel, Freiburg, and Neuf-Brisach, and will guide you through a culinary delight, tasting traditional food, sweets, and drinks. Be sure you don’t get too much of that tasty mulled wine, though.

Paris

>> book your accommodation in Paris

Even though Paris, the capital city of France is not the most known for it’s holiday Christmas Markets, we can’t forget that the City of Love is dressed in a romantic mood and lights during December.

While visiting, a good way to spend your time is joining one of the many tours the city offers during the holiday season.
One of the many private tours you can enjoy is the Paris Christmas Market & Chocolate Private Tour with Local Guide. Your guide will walk you through history, tradition, such as the Saint Germane de Pres neighborhood, and will help you visit the landmarks you wish to see. Try out delicious macarons, caramels, or one of the many Christmas specialties, and drink a hot chocolate that will keep you warm even if the weather is cold.

Paris Christmas Illuminations and Local Festivities Private Tour gives you the chance to discover the capital city of France, soaking in the holiday spirit, visiting landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Champs Elysees, Galeries Lafayette’s famed Christmas windows display, Paris Christmas trees, or the Luovre holiday decor. Explore the city during the Christmas season by foot and public transportation in the company of one of the guides, tasting traditional foods and drinks, and forget about planning anything on your own.

For those who enjoy both outdoor activities and with cold, Paris Christmas Guided Tour by Bike could be the perfect way to spend time in Paris during your holiday visit. Starting and ending at the Opera, this tour will have you paddle by the Eiffel Tower, Christmas Markets, Champs-Élysées, Trocadéro, Centre Pompidou, and many more.

Germany

So what the land of beer has to do with Christmas Markets? Quite a lot, it’s where they originated! And Krampus is also a presence that’s felt at the markets in every city, town and village. Dating back to Medieval Times the holiday traditions are an essential part of Germany from late November to the beginning of January.

Dresden

>> book your accommodation in Dresden

One of the most well-known and loved Christmas holiday destinations is Dresden, home to one of the first and oldest markets in the world.

You can enjoy the market on your own or if you want to have a guide you can opt for a few tours, and organized experiences.
Walking Tour of Historic Dresden with a Christmas Touch. It is a short 2 hour tour organized during the Advent period, guiding you through Dresden’s historical center, the Christmas Market, and most if it’s iconic locations. Starting from Schlossplatz and ending at Dresden Altmarkt you will have the chance to walk by the Royal Palace, the Semper Opera, the Frauenkirche, and the Zwinge, Germany’s oldest Christmas Market and the Stollen. Discover old traditions and holiday foods.

Discover Dresden’s Christmas Market Magic with a local guide is a short 1 hour tour touching the main attractions and locations, where you can see and enjoy traditions through the eyes of locals. The tour starts from Julius Otto Monument and ends at the Altmarkt.

Dresden Private Christmas Market Tour With A Professional Guide , is a Christmas Market tour during which you’ll walk in the company of a local guide, enjoying the Old Town, Catholic Court Church, Semper Opera House, Zwinger Palace, Dresden Castle, House of Wettin the newly rebuilt Lutheran Church of Our Lady, Striezelmarkt Christmas arch and the Neumarkt Christmas Market. This guide will help you discover the local industries, hand made products, and culture.

Bavaria

Germany being one of the largest countries in Europe, has a great cultural diversity. If you want to enjoy the Winer Holidays in Bavaria, embark on an unique experience in Oberaudorf, and book yourself an amazing fun and educational cooking class. The Bavarian Christmas Market Cooking Class will have you learning to make some Christmas market classics, so next year surprise your loved ones with a special Bavarian holiday meal. Pickup from Munich is possible for an additional fee.

Ulm

Ulm, a German town between Stuttgart and Munich, has its own little Christmas Market, opened from late November to early January. And if you want to explore it, check out the Ulm Christmas Market Tour With A Professional Guide. Visit Ulm’s Christmas market and dive into a local culture, discovering traditional drinks, and embarking on a culinary adventure. This short 1 hour long tour will introduce you to the amazing winter wonderland and holiday vibes of this quiet town and town square.

Greece

Wait, what? A summer destination has a Christmas Market? Of course it does! Who doesn’t like a warmer Christmas? And Crete is perfect for that!

The Fabulous Christmas in Old Town Rethymno tour allows you to experience the old town of Rethymno and discover Greet traditions, music, food, and drinks soaking in the Venetian architecture. The tour also takes you to the nearby villages of Margarites and Anogeia.

Tour starts at Rethymnon Municipal Garden, passing by the Guora Gate, Mikrasiaton Square, the old town and ending at the Catholic Church of Saint Anthony of Padua.

Looking for something else?

Christmas Markets are centers of culture and social activities all over Europe, and almost every city, town, or village has one. Listing all of them would be a challenge but we can mention some tours worth checking out:

Note: this article includes links that may qualify as affiliate links. If you book through them, I may earn a small commission.

One thought on “Unforgettable Christmas Market Tours in Europe [in 2024]”

  1. Pingback: Targurile de Craciun din Viena [2024] | PrinArad

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