European Christmas Markets Itinerary By Train & Bus (2024)

Looking for the best route for a European Christmas Market itinerary?

You’re in the right place since the Christmas season is one of my favorite times to be in Europe. 

I’ve been exploring Europe’s top Christmas markets for over 10 years, and I’ve created the perfect itinerary that’s easily accessible by train or bus—no car required!

Whether you want to explore the full itinerary or just a segment, this guide offers flexibility for trips of any length.

Plus, I’ve included hidden gems for those interested in specific regions.

Let’s start planning your ultimate European Christmas Market adventure!

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. I hope you find the information here helpful!

This European Christmas Market itinerary takes you from Northern to South-Central Europe, starting in Belgium. 

While other Northern European countries also have great markets, we can’t visit them all in one trip! 

The itinerary is designed for travel by train or bus, so each stop is easily accessible using public transport.

You’d need about 3 weeks to cover all the places on this list. However, you can easily customize it if you only have a week or two.

The first stop on your Christmas market route is Belgium. We start our Christmas Market tour from the European capital of Brussels. 

Two days in Brussels is enough time to enjoy the Christmas Market, visit all the main tourist attractions in the city, and take a day trip to neighboring cities.

Strolling through the streets of Brussels, adorned for Christmas, is a delight! 

The majestic Christmas tree and market are located at the Grand Place, while the ice skating rink can be found at Place de Brouckère.

You must try Belgian waffles when in Brussels. They are quintessential Belgian delicacies. My favorite vegan waffles are from Veganwaff!

Official Christmas market website: Brussels Winter Wonders

Where to stay in Brussels for Christmas Market?

Budget backpacker option: Meininger Hostel is super highly rated. It is in a great location and a fantastic budget option for solo travelers!

Hotel option: I love the Urban Yard Hotel in an authentic historic Belgian building for a luxurious accommodation option. 

A visit to Bruges and Ghent Christmas Markets makes for a perfect day trip from Brussels. 

If you are in a rush, you can visit Bruges and Ghent in one day, as they are just a quick 20-minute train ride away from each other.

Otherwise, spend a day in each city to get the most out of the magical atmosphere of these medieval towns’ Christmas decorations.

Both cities have enchanting Christmas Markets with a backdrop of Flemish historic buildings along the charming canals. 

Official Christmas Market website: 

• Ghent Christmas Market
• Bruges Christmas Market

3. Cologne, Germany 

• Cologne Christmas Market Dates 2024: 18th November to 24th December 2024
• Travel: 2h train from Brussels

The Christmas Market in Cologne is one of the most beautiful in Germany. It spreads throughout the city with over 100 stalls offering German delicacies and various handmade Christmas gifts and ornaments.

There are 7 Christmas Markets in Cologne to enjoy, with the most popular one being the Christmas Market in front of the Cologne Cathedral.

Official Christmas market website: Christmas in Cologne

Where to stay in Cologne

• TOP choice: Legend Hotel
• Mid-range option: Motel One Köln-Messe
• Backpacker Hostel: Hostel die Wohngemeinschaft

Strasbourg is a self-proclaimed capital of Christmas and is considered the oldest Christmas Market in the world, dating back to the 16th century! 

You won’t be disappointed if your expectations are high after this introduction. 

Christmas decorations in Strasbourg are almost extravagant – massive stuffed bears, ornaments, and gifts hanging from the windows. 

Spend a day in Strasbourg strolling the cobblestone streets of La Petite France Quarter and admire artistically decorated Christmas ornaments and local product shops. 

You will find the giant 100m tall Christmas tree and ice skating rink on Place Kleber, and more than 300 market stalls are scattered around the city center.

Strasbourg Cathedral is a majestic sight any time of the year, but in December, it is home to a lively Christmas Market as well!

Alsace is a famous wine region, so you know that Mulled wine must be delicious as well! Remember to try Alsacian Bretzel, a salty snack popular in the region.

Official Christmas market website: Christmas in Strasbourg

Where to stay in Strasbourg for Christmas Market?

TOP choice: Le Lohkäs is a traditional historical house in the heart of the city center. 

Mid-range option:  Hotel des Arts is located just outside the Grand Ile, just a quick walk from all the attractions.

Backpacker Hostel: The People is perfectly located in Krutenau, a lively neighborhood slightly outside the historic center. 

Colmar Christmas Market is like a concentrated version of the Strasbourg Christmas Market and it is a great stop if you’re visiting European Christmas markets by train.

I suggest spending 2 days in Colmar so you can also visit Alsace villages on a day trip.

A day in Colmar is enough time to visit all the main attractions and explore 6 different markets in the city center of Colmar, each set up as a separate mini-village with a different theme. 

The narrow cobblestone streets and half-timbered houses of Colmar decked with Christmas decorations will make you feel like you’re in a Christmas movie.

Official Christmas market website: Christmas in Colmar

Where to stay in Colmar for Christmas Market?

Colmar is a small city, so as long as you are in the city center, you’re within walking distance of the Christmas market. 

• TOP Pick: Hotel Le Colombier
• Luxury Option: L’esquisse Hotel & Spa
• Budget Option: PAUL & PIA 

Alsace region is one of the most beautiful places to visit during Christmas time, so you should add the fairytale villages of Alsace to your itinerary.

The best way to visit the villages is on a day trip from Strasbourg or Colmar.

You don’t need a car as there are special Christmas shuttles available!

The villages along the Alsace wine route already look like they belong in a fairytale. Add Christmas decorations to the colorful half-timbered houses, and you have a recipe for an immaculate Christmas movie set.

If you want to visit several villages on the same day, you might consider booking a day tour of Alsace villages!

Riquewihr is the place to visit if you want to feel like you’re in Santa’s workshop. Immerse yourself in the holiday spirit, drink mulled wine, and buy handmade gifts in this hilltop village. 

Visit Ribeauvillé for a unique Medieval Christmas Market experience. Travel back in time, and learn more about ancient Christmas traditions and practices.

Official Christmas market website:

• Christmas Market in Riquewihr 
• Medieval Christmas Market in Ribeauvillé 

Germany has so many Christmas Markets that you could easily spend an entire December hopping from one to another and never get bored!

I picked Nuremberg as it is one of the oldest and most famous Christmas Markets in Germany. The tradition dates back to the 16th century, with the first mention in writing in 1628.

Also, it is ideally located in the middle of the country to connect this itinerary’s Western and Central European legs. 

If you visit the Nuremberg Christmas Market on opening day, you’ll get to see the market’s symbol, Christkind—a young blonde woman dressed as an angel—who opens the market and poses for photos with the children.

Official Christmas market website: Nuremberg Christmas Market

Where to stay in Nuremberg for Christmas Market?

Mid-range Hotel option: Hotel Prinzregent is a great mid-range option at a convenient location.

Budget backpacker option: Five Reasons Hostel is a great budget pick for solo female travelers. 

Prague is a city that feels like it belongs in a fairytale any time of the year, but it is a must-stop on Europe Christmas itinerary and one of the best places to visit in Europe in winter.

Cobblestone streets, picturesque buildings, and a castle on top of the hill?

Yes, all of that and more! Christmas decorations only enhance its ethereal vibes and it is a must-stop on your Christmas in Europe itinerary.

There are many Markets to choose from in Prague, but the main two are Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square in the city center. At Old Town Square, you can enjoy live performances and Christmas movie projections.

For a complete fairytale experience, visit the Christmas Market at Prague Castle, where you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped back in time while strolling through the cobblestone streets of the historic castle area.

Official Christmas market website: Prague Christmas Market

Where to stay in Prague?

Budget backpacker option: Hostel One is one of the best-rated hostels in Prague!

Splurge Hotel option: If you want to treat yourself to an exceptional hotel in the heart of the city, Hotel Leon D´Oro ticks off all the boxes!

Next up on our Christmas Market Itinerary is the capital of Slovakia – Bratislava. Bratislava is not often on the list of the best Christmas Markets in Europe, so it is almost like a hidden gem.

Christmas Market in Bratislava is not as extravagant as some on this list. It is smaller, cozier, and less crowded. 

Main Market is located on Main Square, with a few stalls that extend through to Franciscan Square. You can also enjoy an Ice Skating rink at square Hviezdoslavovo námestie, for a perfect winter wonderland experience. 

The best viewpoint is from the Old Town Hall. You get an excellent view of the Market beneath you and Bratislava castle in the distance.

Official Christmas market website: Christmas in Bratislava

Where to stay in Bratislava?

Mid-range hotel option: Elisabeth Old Town is perfectly located in the city center and a great option to enjoy Christmas in Bratislava. 

Budget backpacker option: Wild Elephants Hostel is a party hostel and a perfect place to stay and make friends traveling if you’re backpacking Europe solo. 

Austria is home to some of the best Christmas markets Europe has to offer.

Vienna is traditionally the most visited Christmas Market destination in Europe. That shouldn’t come as a surprise as they have one of the largest Christmas markets in Europe. 

You can visit more than 10 different Christmas Markets in Vienna, all around the city. 

Keep in mind that different markets have different opening times and not all of them are open for the entire duration of the festive season.

The best way to get around is to get a metro pass, as December in Vienna is very cold, and Schönbrunn Palace Christmas Market is too far to walk to anyway. 

You will find the main Christmas Market opposite the Rathaus city hall. With over 150 market stalls it is the biggest Market in Vienna. There is also a huge ice-skating rink around the trees for a unique ice-skating experience.

Altwiener is the oldest Christmas Market in Vienna, dating back to the 18th century. Today it offers a uniquely traditional Christmas Market experience.

I love how most Christmas Markets in Vienna had vegan food options!

Official Christmas market website: Christmas in Vienna

Where to stay in Vienna?

Mid-range hotel option: Room 55 is a great mid-range hotel option, close to the metro which means you’re in the center in a matter of minutes!

Budget backpacker option: Hostel Ruthensteiner is super well-rated, and I’ve never been disappointed with a Wombats Hostel.

While you could go directly to Ljubljana from Vienna, it would be a shame to miss out on Graz. This small Austrian town is a perfect stop for a cozy Christmas Market break.

One day in Graz is enough to visit all the Markets and main tourist attractions, such as Schlossberg and the Clock Tower, Graz Hauptplatz, and the City Hall.

Murinsel or Mur Island is another cool spot to visit. It is an artificial floating island in the middle of the Mur River.

You can visit 12 different Christmas Markets around Graz. The biggest Market is the Christmas Market on Hauptplatz.

Remember to stop by the Landhaushof courtyard to see the famous nativity ice sculpture!

Official Christmas market website: Graz Christmas Market

Where to stay in Graz?

Mid-range hotel: Hotel Drei Raben is a good budget option, close to the city center and well-rated.

Luxury hotel option: I love Schlossberghotel for a luxurious accommodation option in Graz. The view from the rooms is incredible!

The capital of Slovenia is home to one of the most underrated Christmas Markets in Europe. 

Ljubljana city center is rather small and makes for a perfectly cozy Christmas Market destination. 

Christmas Market stalls are on both sides of the river running through the city centre. Visit the Ljubljana Castle for a stunning panoramic view of the city and fairytale vibes.

I especially loved Prešeren Square, which is decorated with twinkling lights mimicking the night sky. 

Where to stay in Ljubljana for Christmas Market?

Budget backpacker option: AdHoc Hostel is the best-rated hostel in Ljubljana. Located in the heart of the old city, it is a great budget option for solo travelers!

Mid-range hotel option: I loved my stay in Viva Rooms. The location was absolutely perfect, just a 5-minute walk from Prešeren Square, and you could see the Church of the Annunciation from the window.

BONUS: Day trip to the Lake Bled

Lake Bled is a place from your winter fairytale dreams. Especially if you are lucky and get to see it covered in snow. It is a must-see destination that should be on your Slovenia itinerary.  

Lake Bled is just a short 1 hour 20 min bus ride from Ljubljana. Check the bus schedule and prices here! 

Alternatively, you can book a day tour from Ljubljana that combines a visit to Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj.

It’s magical in the winter!

When you visit Zagreb’s Christmas Market, you will find it hard to believe that Zagreb didn’t even have a Christmas Market just a few years ago! 

When I first moved to Zagreb in 2011, the Christmas Market was centralized in one giant tent on the main Ban Jelačić square that served mulled wine and sausages.

Today, with over 10 locations around the city, Advent in Zagreb is a winner of multiple Best European Christmas Market titles! That makes it a must-stop on this European Christmas market itinerary.

It is hard to pick the best Christmas Market in Zagreb because each one offers a slightly different experience. 

Zrinjevac Market is a splendid, luxurious market with an enchanting ice skating rink. Trees are covered in twinkling Christmas lights, and as you walk under them, you feel like you are in a fairytale. Ice skating in Ice Park is one of the best things to do in Zagreb!

You will find the best viewpoint and photo location at Gornji Grad Market. The viewing platform gets a holiday makeover and is a must-visit stop on your Christmas Market itinerary. The atmosphere is calmer and more intimate, so grab a cup of hot mulled wine and enjoy!

A weekend in Zagreb is a perfect city break to add towards the end of this itinerary, as Advent in Zagreb lasts until 7th January 2025. 

Official Christmas market website: Advent in Zagreb website

Where to stay for Advent in Zagreb?

• TOP choice: Met Boutique Hotel
• Mid-range option: Irundo Downtown Apartments
• Budget backpacker option: Swanky mint is highly rated and located right in the city center!

Finally, you will end your Christmas Market tour in Hungary’s capital – Budapest. 

I’ve saved the best for last!

Budapest is my personal all-around favorite Christmas Market destination. I’ve visited multiple times, and every time the holiday spirit in the city enchants me.

Plan to spend 2 days in Budapest to get the best of both sides of the city. Spend one day exploring the Pest side, and discover the medieval Christmas Market inside the Budapest castle.

The main Market takes place in front of St. Stephan Basilica. Another great market is at Vörösmarty Square, with plenty of food stalls.

My go-to Christmas Market food in Budapest is Kürtőskalács. You can find vegan Kürtőskalács in a small stand on the corner of Andrassy and Bajcsy-Zsilinszky streets!

Budapest is also one of the best European party cities, so you can stay here until the NYE!

Where to stay in Budapest?

• TOP choice: Dorothea Hotel
• Mid-range option: Opera Garden Hotel
• Backpacker budget option: I loved my stay in Wombat’s hostel, the location is unbeatable, right in the city centre.

What to wear at a Christmas Market?

Christmas Markets are open-air events, and December in Europe is cold. Therefore, remember to dress for the weather!

You might have seen photos of women strolling the Markets in jumper dresses. Trust me, it was just for a photo or in the unlikely event that it was 15℃.

Therefore, layering will be your best friend. A good, thick, winter jacket is a must, and so are waterproof boots. 

Wear a thermal underneath your jumper, double socks at night, and tights under your pants if it is something you like. I personally don’t find it necessary most of the time. A good warm scarf and gloves are a must!

Yes, full winter equipment is crucial when temperatures are under 0℃.

Check out my article on how to pack in a personal item backpack only, if you want to try out minimal packing this year!

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Final thoughts: European Christmas Market Itinerary

Spending Christmas in Europe is a fantastic idea, and this season is lively and picturesque with all the Christmas Markets dotted around the continent.

The best way to explore European Christmas Markets is to hop on a train or a bus and go on a Christmas tour.

Some of the places that must be on your winter in Europe bucket list are Strasbourg, Colmar, Bruges, Budapest, and Zagreb.

Book your accommodation and transportation on time, because this is a very popular time to travel in Europe!

If you’re also planning an NYE party, here are the best places for New Year’s in Europe to consider!