The Ultimate Europe Christmas Market Itinerary: London to Vienna
Dreaming of visiting Europe at Christmas? From London’s Christmas lights to the traditional markets in Vienna, this two-week Europe Christmas market itinerary brings together some of the best places to experience the festive season.
I’ve visited all eight cities at Christmas, and this bucket list Christmas route includes plenty of my favorites! You’ll explore Paris, browse the markets in Strasbourg and Colmar, and stop in Munich, Nuremberg, and Salzburg before finishing in Vienna.
The best part? You can do the whole trip by train, so there’s no need to rent a car. This guide covers everything you need to plan it, including how to get between stops, where to stay, and which Christmas markets are worth visiting.
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Europe Christmas Market Itinerary Overview
Are you ready to experience the magic of the European Christmas markets? Let’s get into it!
This epic Christmas market itinerary takes you from London to Vienna, with eight cities to explore over two weeks. Here’s how I suggest splitting your time:
- Days 1–3: London
- Days 4–5: Paris
- Day 6: Strasbourg
- Day 7: Colmar (day trip from Strasbourg)
- Days 8–9: Munich
- Day 10: Nuremberg (day trip from Munich)
- Day 11: Salzburg
- Days 12–14: Vienna
Where to stay
For accommodation, I recommend using Strasbourg and Munich as bases for the day trips to save yourself a couple of hotel changes. Here’s the breakdown I suggest:
- London: 3 nights
- Paris: 2 nights
- Strasbourg: 2 nights
- Munich: 3 nights
- Salzburg: 1 night
- Vienna: 2 nights
London 
Vienna
How to travel between destinations
You can do this entire itinerary by train, so there’s no need to rent a car. I recommend taking morning trains between most stops to leave yourself time to explore in the afternoon and visit the markets after dark.
When it comes to booking, you can either buy individual tickets or use a rail pass. The best option depends on ticket prices for your dates and how much flexibility you want.
Using an Interrail pass
An Interrail Pass lets you travel with participating train companies across multiple countries without buying a separate ticket for every journey. It’s a very easy solution, however, it’s not always the best so keep on reading!
Since this is a multi-country itinerary, you’ll have to choose a Global Pass. The route above includes seven train travel days, counting the Colmar and Nuremberg day trips, so the 7-day pass is the perfect choice for you!
Your travel days don’t have to be consecutive (but they have to be within one month), so you can spend a few days exploring each city without using up your pass. You can also take multiple trains on the same travel day, meaning each return day trip only uses one day.
However, the pass doesn’t cover everything. Some trains require an additional paid seat reservation, including Eurostar between London and Paris and the high-speed services between France and Germany. Eurostar also has limited availability for pass holders, so I recommend reserving your London–Paris journey as soon as your dates are confirmed.
Before buying a pass, compare its price plus reservations against individual tickets because sometimes individual tickets work out better. You could also buy separate tickets for cheaper journeys, such as Strasbourg-Colmar, and choose a pass with fewer travel days. It’s really up to you!
Booking individual tickets with Omio
If you decide to book individual tickets, Omio makes it easy to compare train connections and prices without having to navigate a different website for every country. You can book through their website or app and keep your tickets together in one place.
Simply enter your departure city, destination, and travel date, then filter the results to show trains. I recommend checking the journey time and number of transfers alongside the price, as the cheapest ticket isn’t always the most convenient option!
Booking in advance can make a big difference, especially for longer journeys like London-Paris and Strasbourg-Munich. However, cheaper fares often come with stricter conditions, so check whether you can change or cancel your ticket before paying.
Days 1-3: London
London is a great place to kick off your Christmas trip, and with so many international flight connections, it’s easy to get to as well.
The Christmas markets aren’t the best on this route to be fully honest, but the decorations are truly next level! From the lights on Regent Street to the festive displays in Covent Garden, there’s so much to see, and it’s the perfect place to get into the Christmas spirit.
Getting to London: London has several international airports, with train connections into the city. From Heathrow, the Elizabeth line is a convenient option for reaching central London.
Where to stay in London: I recommend Covent Garden, Soho, or Piccadilly for a central location, or King’s Cross for easy access to the Eurostar. Hotel options include The Dilly, The Z Hotel Covent Garden, and Pullman London St Pancras.
Christmas market dates: Generally early November to early January, although some markets don’t open until later in November.
Best Christmas markets to visit:
- Hyde Park Winter Wonderland: Much more than a Christmas market, with fairground rides, ice skating, food stalls, and bars. I recommend allowing a few hours and booking your entry slot ahead.
- Southbank Centre Winter Market: A good spot for a snack and mulled wine while exploring the riverside. You can easily combine it with the London Eye and Westminster.
- Leicester Square Christmas Market: A small market that’s easy to fit in while exploring Covent Garden and Soho. Stop for a browse and something to eat rather than planning a whole evening around it.
- Winter by the River: The Tower Bridge views make this one worth visiting! Browse the gift stalls and grab a hot drink, ideally after dark when the bridge is illuminated.
Other things to do:
- See the Christmas lights: Explore Regent Street, Oxford Street, Carnaby Street, and New Bond Street on foot, or book a Christmas lights bus tour.
- Visit Covent Garden: Admire the giant Christmas tree and decorations, browse the shops, and stop for a drink.
- Browse London’s department stores: Head to Harrods, Liberty, and Fortnum & Mason for festive displays and Christmas shopping.
- Treat yourself to afternoon tea: Take a break from sightseeing with finger sandwiches and scones. The Kensington Palace Gardens Royal High Tea is one option to consider!
- Join a Borough Market food tour: Explore the market with a guide and sample your way around the stalls.
- Explore Westminster: See Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, then head inside Westminster Abbey if it’s on your list.
- Walk across Tower Bridge: Combine this London classic with a visit to Winter by the River.
Read more about Christmas in London
Days 4-5: Paris
The Christmas decorations in Paris rival London’s, and they’re my favorite part of visiting the city during the festive season! The markets are worth a browse, but it’s the decorated storefronts, Christmas lights, and atmosphere that make this stop special.
If you take a morning train from London, you’ll have around a day and a half to spend here. It’s not a lot of time for Paris, but it’s enough to see some of the festive highlights and get a feel for the city at Christmas.
Getting to Paris: Take the Eurostar from London St Pancras International to Paris Gare du Nord, a direct journey of around 2 hours 20 minutes. I recommend a morning departure, and remember to allow extra time at the station for security and passport checks.
Where to stay in Paris: I recommend staying around the Louvre, Opéra, or Le Marais for easy access to sightseeing and festive stops. Hotel Duminy-Vendôme and Hôtel Bellevue et du Chariot d’Or are two options worth checking out.
Christmas market dates: Generally mid-November to early January, although opening and closing dates vary by market.
Best Christmas markets to visit:
- Tuileries Garden Christmas Market: My top pick if you only have time for one! Browse the stalls for gifts and festive food, then try the fairground rides. It’s easy to combine with the Louvre and Place Vendôme.
- Notre-Dame Christmas Market: A smaller market at Square René Viviani, across the river from the cathedral. A good choice for French-made crafts and gifts while exploring the area.
- Saint-Germain-des-Prés Christmas Market: Stop by the wooden chalets along Boulevard Saint-Germain for a browse and something to eat. You can easily fit this into a walk around the neighborhood.
Other things to do:
- Visit Galeries Lafayette: Admire the Christmas tree beneath the glass dome, then head up to the rooftop terrace for free views over Paris.
- Stroll along the Champs-Élysées: See the Christmas lights after dark and combine your walk with a visit to the Arc de Triomphe for views from the top.
- Explore Place Vendôme: Check out the Christmas trees and decorated designer storefronts, then walk over to Le Village Royal for more festive decorations.
- Stop for hot chocolate: Take a break from sightseeing with a rich hot chocolate at Angelina or Carette.
- Take a Seine river cruise: Rest your feet while seeing the sights from the water, or choose a dinner cruise for an evening out.
- See the Eiffel Tower sparkle: Head to the riverside after dark for one of those classic Paris moments.
- Wander around Montmartre: Explore the streets around Place du Tertre and Sacré-Cœur, either independently or on a guided walking tour.
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Day 6: Strasbourg
Strasbourg is where this trip starts to feel like a traditional European Christmas market adventure! Between the half-timbered houses, decorated streets, and wooden stalls filling the squares, it’s a very different experience from London and Paris. There’s a reason it’s known as the Christmas Capital of Europe!
The historic center is compact, so you can see pretty much all the main Christmas sights in a day, even with the travel time from Paris. I recommend taking an early train, spending the afternoon browsing the markets, and heading out again after dark to see the lights and decorations.
Getting to Strasbourg: Strasbourg might look far from Paris on the map, but the high-speed train makes it an easy journey! Direct trains from Paris Gare de l’Est take around 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours, and you can walk into the old town from the station.
Where to stay in Strasbourg: Hotels can get pretty expensive during the Christmas season, and options are limited, so I recommend booking well in advance! Le Grand Hotel By Stay Collection and Hotel Saint Augustin are both conveniently located near the train station and within walking distance of the old town.
Christmas market dates: November 27 – December 24, 2026.
Best Christmas markets to visit:
- Place de la Cathédrale and Place du Château: Browse the stalls around the cathedral, with one of Strasbourg’s most impressive buildings as your backdrop. The two squares are right next to each other, so it’s easy to explore both.
- Place Broglie: Home to the historic Christkindelsmärik, which dates back to 1570. This is a great place to start browsing the traditional stalls for decorations, gifts, and festive treats.
- Place Kléber: Come for the giant Christmas tree and browse the charity stalls beneath it. I recommend returning after dark to see the tree illuminated!
- Terrasse Rohan and Place du Marché-aux-Poissons: A good stop for Alsatian treats, including traditional bredle Christmas cookies and white mulled wine. You can also enjoy the star decorations along the river.
Other things to do:
- Explore Petite France: Wander along the canals and cobbled streets lined with half-timbered houses.
- See the Christmas decorations: Walk along Rue des Orfèvres and Rue du Maroquin, and stop by Le Tire-Bouchon near the cathedral to see its teddy bear-covered facade. It’s one of Strasbourg’s cutest Christmas photo spots!
- Visit Strasbourg Cathedral: Step inside to admire the stained-glass windows, then climb the 332 steps to the viewing platform for views over the city and markets.
- Try Alsatian food: Sit down for tarte flambée, a thin, crisp flatbread traditionally topped with cream, onions, and bacon.
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Day 7: Colmar (day trip from Strasbourg)
Colmar is the cutest little place to visit at Christmas! Its colorful half-timbered houses are covered in decorations, and the markets are spread throughout the old town, so there’s plenty to enjoy as you walk between them.
It’s super compact, so a day trip is more than enough. You could even spend half a day here and head back to Strasbourg for anything you missed, although I do think Colmar is worth seeing after dark too!
If you’d like to see more of Alsace, you could join this Christmas market day trip from Strasbourg, which combines Colmar with stops in Riquewihr and Kaysersberg.
Getting to Colmar: Direct trains from Strasbourg take around 30 minutes, making this a really easy day trip! From Colmar station, allow another 15 minutes to walk into the old town. Check the return timetable before heading out so you can leave time to enjoy the lights after dark.
Christmas market dates: November 23 – December 29, 2026.
Best Christmas markets to visit:
- Place des Dominicains: Browse the wooden chalets beneath the Dominican Church for Christmas decorations and gifts. This is a lovely one to revisit after dark when the church is illuminated.
- Place de l’Ancienne Douane: Set around the Schwendi Fountain and surrounded by colorful buildings, this is one of Colmar’s prettiest market squares!
- Place Jeanne d’Arc: A good stop for regional food and wine, especially if you want to pick up some edible souvenirs.
Other things to do:
- Explore Petite Venise: Walk along the canals and stop on the bridges for views of the colorful half-timbered houses. It’s worth coming back after dark to see the lights reflected in the water!
- See the Christmas decorations: Wander through the old town and look out for the famous pink house, Maison au Pèlerin, decorated with stars and garlands.
- Warm up in a winstub: Take a break in a traditional Alsatian tavern for tarte flambée and a glass of local wine.
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Days 8–9: Munich
Next up is Munich, your first stop in Germany! The markets here give you plenty of variety, from the traditional stalls beneath the town hall at Marienplatz to markets with a medieval theme.
One thing I loved about Munich was the variety of ceramic mugs! After the plastic cups at the Alsace markets, these make a lovely change, and you can keep yours as a souvenir if you’re happy to forgo the €5 deposit.
With the journey from Strasbourg taking up part of Day 8, I suggest spending your first afternoon and evening around Marienplatz, then using the following day to explore more of the city and its markets. Munich also makes a convenient base for your Nuremberg day trip, so I recommend staying for three nights.
Getting to Munich: Unfortunately there are no direct trains between Strasbourg and Munich, so you’ll most likely need to change trains in Stuttgart. I recommend choosing a connection with just this one change, taking around 4–4.5 hours in total.
Where to stay in Munich: I recommend staying near Marienplatz for easy access to the markets, or near the main station for your Nuremberg day trip and onward journey to Salzburg. Mercure Hotel München Altstadt and Cocoon Hauptbahnhof are convenient options for each area.
Christmas market dates: November 20 – December 24, 2026 for the main Marienplatz market; dates vary for the others.
Best Christmas markets to visit:
- Marienplatz Christkindlmarkt: Start with Munich’s main market, where wooden stalls surround the giant Christmas tree beneath the town hall. It’s a great first stop for traditional decorations, festive snacks, and a mug of Glühwein!
- Munich Residenz Christmas Village: Set inside a palace courtyard, this market feels tucked away from the busy streets. Browse the stalls and stop for something to eat before continuing to nearby Wittelsbacherplatz.
- Medieval Christmas Market at Wittelsbacherplatz: This one offers something different, with costumed vendors, traditional crafts, and food cooked over open fires. A fun change from the more conventional markets!
- Pink Christmas: Head to Stephansplatz for Munich’s LGBTQ+ Christmas market, with pink lights, drag performances, and a lively atmosphere. A fun choice for an evening drink!
Other things to do:
- Climb St. Peter’s Church tower: Head up for views over Marienplatz, the town hall, and the Christmas market below. I recommend doing this during sunset or just after dark!
- Visit the Munich Residenz Museum: If you’d like a break from the cold, explore the palace interiors, including the impressive Antiquarium hall. You can combine this with the courtyard Christmas market.
- Browse Viktualienmarkt: Stop by Munich’s year-round food market for local produce and something to eat, just a short walk from Marienplatz.
- Have a meal at Hofbräuhaus: Try Bavarian food and beer in Munich’s famous beer hall. It’s touristy, but a fun option if it’s your first visit!
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Day 10: Nuremberg (day trip from Munich)
Nuremberg is home to one of Germany’s most famous Christmas markets, so it’s well worth adding to your itinerary! The Christkindlesmarkt fills the main square with red-and-white-roofed stalls, and the surrounding old town makes it easy to combine market browsing with sightseeing.
Come hungry, as this is the place to try Nürnberger bratwurst and Lebkuchen, the city’s famous gingerbread. I recommend staying until after dark to enjoy the market lit up before catching the train back to Munich.
Getting to Nuremberg: Take a direct ICE train from Munich Hauptbahnhof to Nuremberg Hauptbahnhof, which takes around 1 hour 40 minutes to 2 hours each way. The station is right by the old town, so you can start exploring on foot as soon as you arrive!
Christmas market dates: November 27 – December 24, 2026.
Best Christmas markets to visit:
- Christkindlesmarkt at Hauptmarkt: The main event, with red-and-white-roofed stalls filling the square beneath the Frauenkirche. Browse for traditional ornaments, try some Lebkuchen, and grab three little Nürnberger sausages in a bun, known as “Drei im Weggla.”
- Sister Cities’ Market: Just north of the main market on Rathausplatz, this smaller market sells food and gifts from Nuremberg’s international partner cities. It’s a fun change from the traditional German stalls.
- Children’s Christmas Market: Head to Hans-Sachs-Platz for a nostalgic carousel, a miniature train, and activities for kids. Worth a quick look even if you’re visiting without children!
Other things to do:
- Walk up to the Imperial Castle: Head uphill for views over Nuremberg’s rooftops. I recommend doing this before dark, then returning to the markets for the evening.
- Explore Weißgerbergasse: Take a stroll along this pretty street lined with colorful half-timbered houses. It’s a lovely addition to your walk around the old town!
- Walk along the Pegnitz River: Cross the wooden Henkersteg and stop at Maxbrücke for views of the bridge and the historic buildings beside the water.
Day 11: Salzburg
Salzburg is a lovely place to start the Austrian part of your trip, with Christmas stalls filling the squares beneath the cathedral and the fortress overlooking the old town.
It’s quite small so you can easily see all the markets and combine them with a little sightseeing, even if you have just one day. I recommend taking an early train from Munich, then spending the night here so you can enjoy the markets after dark before continuing to Vienna the following morning.
Getting to Salzburg: After the longer journey from Strasbourg, this one is nice and easy! Direct trains from Munich Hauptbahnhof to Salzburg Hauptbahnhof take around 1.5–2 hours. From the station, you can walk to the old town in around 20 minutes or take a bus.
Where to stay in Salzburg: For just one night, I recommend staying in or close to the old town so you can make the most of your time. Altstadt Hotel Hofwirt Salzburg puts you right in the historic center, while arte Hotel Salzburg is convenient for the station and within walking distance of the sights.
Christmas market dates: November 19, 2026 – January 1, 2027 for the main market at Domplatz and Residenzplatz.
Best Christmas markets to visit:
- Salzburg Christkindlmarkt: The main market spreads across Domplatz and Residenzplatz, with the cathedral as its backdrop. I’d make this your priority for traditional decorations, local treats, and a mug of punch after dark!
- Mirabellplatz Christmas Market: A smaller market near Mirabell Palace, with crafts, gifts, and festive food. It’s an easy stop on your way from the station to the old town.
- Stern Advent Market: Tucked into the Sternbräu courtyards between Getreidegasse and Griesgasse, this is a lovely little market to browse while exploring the old town.
- Hohensalzburg Fortress Advent Market: Combine a visit to the fortress with its courtyard market for local crafts, festive food, and views over Salzburg. It’s only open from Friday to Sunday during Advent, so check whether it falls on your visit!
Other things to do:
- Visit Hohensalzburg Fortress: Take the funicular up for views over the old town and surrounding mountains. You can combine this with the courtyard market if it’s open during your visit.
- Wander along Getreidegasse: Browse the shops beneath the wrought-iron signs and explore the little passageways leading off this old-town street.
- Stop by Mirabell Gardens: Take a short stroll for views toward the fortress. It’s an easy addition before or after the nearby Christmas market.
- Try an original Mozartkugel: Pick up one of the handmade chocolates at Café-Konditorei Fürst, or stay for coffee and cake to warm up between markets.
- Visit DomQuartier Salzburg: Explore the historic rooms and stop on the terrace for a lovely view over the main Christmas markets.
- Have coffee and cake at Café Sacher: Warm up with a slice of the famous Original Sacher-Torte and a coffee before heading back out to explore.
Days 12–14: Vienna
Vienna is a fantastic place to finish this Europe Christmas market itinerary! There’s so much variety here, from the huge market at Rathausplatz to smaller markets in pretty squares and stalls set against the city’s palaces.
You can spend as much time in Salzburg as you see fit, and then hop on a train and start exploring Vienna. With the rest of that day and two more days in Vienna, you can visit several markets, enjoy the decorations around the center, and still make time for a coffeehouse break or two.
Getting to Vienna: Direct trains from Salzburg take around 2.5 hours, so a morning departure leaves you plenty of time to explore that afternoon! Check your arrival station before booking, as ÖBB services generally arrive at Wien Hauptbahnhof, while WESTbahn uses Wien Westbahnhof.
Where to stay in Vienna: I recommend staying in or near the Innere Stadt so you can walk to many of the central markets and decorations. Hotel Post Wien is worth checking for a more affordable stay, while O11 Boutique Hotel Vienna is a more upscale option near the State Opera.
Christmas market dates: November 13 – December 26, 2026 for the main Rathausplatz market. Schönbrunn’s market opens earlier and stays open longer, from November 6, 2026 – January 6, 2027.
Best Christmas markets to visit:
- Rathausplatz: Vienna’s main Christmas market is a must, with the City Hall as its backdrop, an ice skating trail, and the famous Heart Tree. Come after dark to see the glowing heart fly across the square!
- Schönbrunn Palace: Browse the stalls for crafts, decorations, and festive food in front of the palace. It’s farther from the center, so I recommend combining it with a palace visit.
- Belvedere Palace: A smaller market with a beautiful palace setting. Stop for a warm drink and enjoy the view, especially once the lights come on.
- Stephansplatz: Right beside St. Stephen’s Cathedral, this is an easy market to fit into your sightseeing around the center. It’s usually very busy, but it’s scenic!
Other things to do:
- See the Christmas lights: Walk along Graben and Kohlmarkt after dark for the chandelier-shaped lights and sparkling canopy overhead.
- Take a coffeehouse break: Try Sachertorte at Café Sacher, Kaiserschmarrn at Demel, or coffee and cake at Café Central.
- Attend a classical concert: Spend an evening listening to music in one of Vienna’s historic venues. A Vivaldi Four Seasons concert at Karlskirche is one option worth considering.
- Visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral: Explore the interior, then climb the South Tower or take the lift up the North Tower for views over Vienna.
- Explore Schönbrunn Palace: Book a palace tour before visiting the Christmas market for a look inside the former imperial residence.
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