CHRISTMAS MARKET TOURS

tailor-made festive journeys around you

EUROPEAN CHRISTMAS MARKETS

CHRISTMAS MARKET TOURS EUROPE

We are thrilled you are interested in Christmas market tours in Central Europe. There are countless festive experiences waiting for you across Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Liechtenstein. Whether it is wandering the medieval streets of Rothenburg ob der Tauber, exploring Vienna’s grand Christkindlmarkt, or discovering hidden Alpine villages in Switzerland and Liechtenstein, we can create your personal festive journey for you.

What makes a Christmas market tour truly special is taking the time to soak up the atmosphere, enjoy local seasonal treats, and discover the traditions that make each market unique. From sipping mulled wine in historic squares to tasting regional pastries and handcrafted gifts, every stop is an opportunity to immerse yourself in the holiday spirit.

Choosing the right markets, planning your visits around special festive events, and combining Christmas markets with scenic winter villages, Alpine walks, or cultural excursions is crucial for an unforgettable holiday experience. Here are just a handful of the festive markets and winter experiences you can explore on a Christmas market tour through Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Liechtenstein.

The sounds of Christmas and the aroma of cinnamon, mulled wine, and roasted almonds fill the streets. Christmas markets invite you to wander among twinkling lights and beautifully decorated stalls, exploring festive treasures at every turn. Soft snowflakes may drift from the sky on crisp winter days, while steaming cups of mulled wine or punch warm your hands and sweet, hearty treats tempt your taste buds. Every year, these annual Christmas markets in Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Liechtenstein offer experiences that capture the true spirit of the season.

CHRISTMAS MARKET TOUR

GERMANY'S CHRISTMAS MARKETS & CASTLES

8 days from/to Frankfurt

Step into the joy of Christmas in Germany. Experience some of the most famous Christmas Markets in Germany. Embark on a magical winter journey to the Christmas markets in romantic Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Nuremberg, Munich and Heidelberg.

from AUD 3,259.00 per person

CHRISTMAS MARKET TOUR

SWITZERLAND CHRISTMAS MARKETS

5 days from Zurich to Geneva

Experience the magic of Switzerland’s festive season on a journey through enchanting Christmas markets in Zurich, Lucerne, Interlaken and Montreux, surrounded by stunning Swiss winter scenery.

from AUD 2,849.00 pp

CHRISTMAS MARKET TOUR

CHRISTMAS MARKETS OF AUSTRIA

8 days from/to Vienna

Immerse yourself in Austria’s enchanting Christmas spirit, exploring traditional Christmas markets, wandering through historic towns, enjoying festive Austrian treats and taking in stunning alpine scenery.

from AUD 4,379.00 pp

TAILOR-MADE, PRIVATE PERSONAL CHRISTMAS MARKET TOURS

While our sample itineraries provide inspiration, every journey we design is fully tailor-made to your preferences.

Your Christmas Market tour through Central Europe can be fully tailored to your preferences. Choose the destinations and festive experiences that inspire you, from historic German towns and Austrian Christkindlmarkt to Swiss Alpine villages and charming Liechtenstein markets. Travel at your own pace, whether you prefer a slow, immersive journey or wish to visit multiple markets and regions in one trip. Along the way, select the experiences that excite you most: wandering twinkling markets, festive Alpine villages, winter walks, cultural encounters, local culinary delights, or seasonal events and concerts. Accommodation is fully customisable, from 3-star hotels to luxury stays that complement your festive adventure. Your travel style can be private, guided, or fully independent with expert advice, and your Christmas Market tour can seamlessly integrate into a broader European journey, either before or after a river cruise, or combined with trips to other nearby countries. Every itinerary is designed to reflect your interests, pace and dream experiences, creating a festive adventure through Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Liechtenstein that is truly yours.

THE ORIGINS OF CHRISTMAS MARKETS

Christmas markets trace their origins back to medieval Germany, where towns would host festive winter markets to celebrate the Advent season. The Dresden Striezelmarkt, first held in 1434, is considered Germany’s oldest Christmas market and remains a highlight of the festive calendar, famous for its traditional crafts and the iconic "Dresdner Christstollen", Stollen cake. Originally, these markets allowed local artisans and farmers to sell seasonal goods, handcrafted gifts and festive foods in the weeks leading up to Christmas. Over the centuries, the tradition spread across Central Europe, inspiring enchanting holiday markets in Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Liechtenstein. Today, Christmas markets blend centuries-old customs with twinkling lights, mulled wine, gingerbread treats and artisanal decorations, offering travellers an authentic way to experience European winter culture. Each Christmas market has its own character and unique charm, offering locals and travellers alike a one-of-a-kind festive experience in every town and village.

CHRISTMAS MARKETS IN GERMANY

Germany’s Christmas markets are a centuries-old tradition, offering a magical blend of history, culture and festive cheer. Nuremberg, home to one of the world’s oldest Christkindlesmärkte dating back to the 16th century, enchants visitors with its medieval streets, handcrafted ornaments, the original Nuremberg Lebkuchen (gingerbread) and the chance to meet the traditional Christkind who opens the market each year. Munich’s markets blend Bavarian charm with festive flair. Rothenburg ob der Tauber, a storybook medieval town, hosts market stalls that transport visitors to a fairytale winter wonderland, with candlelit strolls, handcrafted decorations and the famous “Reiterlesmarkt” procession.In the Alpine town of Berchtesgaden, markets set against dramatic mountain scenery offer horse-drawn sleigh rides, artisan crafts, and local Bavarian treats, while Regensburg, with its medieval castle and UNESCO-listed Old Town, invites visitors to festive concerts and a variety of Christmas markets held throughout the city. Northern Germany’s Baltic Sea towns add a maritime twist with seafood delicacies, harbourfront markets and traditional lighthouse visits. From twinkling lights and traditional performances to mulled wine and ginger bread, Germany’s Christmas markets promise a truly unforgettable festive journey through the country’s rich history and diverse regions.

CHRISTMAS MARKETS IN AUSTRIA

Austria’s Christmas markets are among Europe’s most enchanting, combining imperial elegance, alpine traditions, and centuries-old festive customs. Vienna’s famous Christkindlmarkt, set in front of the illuminated City Hall, delights visitors with beautifully decorated stalls, classical concerts and traditional Austrian specialties such as Kaiserschmarrn, Germknödel and mulled wine. In Salzburg, markets beneath the Hohensalzburg Fortress create a romantic atmosphere of baroque architecture, choral music and handcrafted gifts, while Innsbruck’s Old Town market, framed by the snow-dusted Alps and the Golden Roof, offers breathtaking scenery and Tyrolean traditions. Smaller alpine towns across Austria provide a more intimate experience to enjoy torchlit walks, Krampus and Perchten traditions and regional crafts passed down through generations. From glittering lights and festive music to historic squares and alpine backdrops, Austria’s Christmas markets offer a magical winter journey rich in culture, tradition and unforgettable seasonal charm.

CHRISTMAS MARKETS IN SWITZERLAND

Switzerland’s Christmas markets combine festive charm with spectacular winter scenery, creating a magical holiday atmosphere in historic cities and alpine villages alike. Zurich hosts some of the country’s largest and most elegant markets, including the famous Christkindlimarkt in the main railway station (Zurich HB), featuring a sparkling Christmas tree adorned with thousands of crystals, as well as the beloved Singing Christmas Tree, where local choirs perform festive songs on a tiered, tree-shaped stage in the open air. Basel’s Christmas market, set in the picturesque Old Town, is one of Switzerland’s oldest and largest, with beautifully decorated stalls, artisanal gifts, and traditional Swiss treats. In Lucerne, markets along the lakeside and within the preserved Old Town offer seasonal crafts and snow-dusted alpine views, while Montreux, on the shores of Lake Geneva, enchants visitors with its lakeside Noël market and Santa Claus grotto. Smaller markets, such as Rapperswil’s charming “Christkindlimärt” and the Bremgarten Christmas market, provide an intimate and festive atmosphere with local delicacies.

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