Picture this — you’re strolling down market stalls surrounded by twinkling lights with a cup of hot cocoa in hand. You’re taking in the sights and sounds — a towering cathedral decked out for the Holidays, the smell of baked goods in the air, and the sounds of bells off in the distance. Maybe some light snow is gently falling. Sounds magical, doesn’t it?

Here are five of my best tips for visiting Christmas markets in Europe

Visit more than one Market

Almost every European city hosts an annual Christmas Market, and the best part of Europe is that it’s easy to hop between cities. So why choose? Make it a tour and hit up more than one market on your tour.

Take the opportunity to explore smaller villages

You’ll find some of the top markets in big cities like Vienna, Prague, Hamburg, and more. But smaller towns throughout Europe also host pretty charming markets too. Christmas time is a great opportunity to go off the beaten path and explore some of these smaller villages and live like a local!

Plan your daily itinerary ahead of time

Not all markets in Europe are open at the same time. Some markets open halfway through November, and others in December. Some only run on weekends until a certain point in the Advent season - usually December 23rd or 24th. Before you commit to an itinerary, we’ll work together to make sure the dates and times match up with your trip.

Should you visit markets on the weekend or opt for weekdays? And what times of day are best? Some markets are much less crowded during the week and will be more enjoyable. You may also need to book tickets for special events like trains, ferris wheels and more in advance. These are insights I can help with as your travel advisor, so you can make the most of your market experience.

Show up prepared

You’ll want to go to Christmas markets armed with cash to buy treats, mulled wine, and trinkets. Some vendors do accept debit and credit card payments, but to be safe, it’s best to go with cash. You’ll also want to dress warm in layers, have a hat and gloves and wear comfortable waterproof boots. Don’t worry, it’s not as frigid as our Canadian winters!

Foodies, be on the look out for: bratwurst, beer gardens, apple cider, crepes, toasted nuts, pretzels and gingerbread!

And here’s one last pro tip: remember to leave room in your suitcase for any trinkets and gifts you’ll want to take home, or bring a foldable duffel bag.

You can do this itinerary on your own, join a guided tour or even take a river cruise that will let you just unpack once!

let’s create some memories!