My European Christmas Market Highway Journey Itinerary

I simply spent a wonderful ten days in Germany and France taking in a few of the greatest Christmas Markets that Europe has to supply! I’ve completely adored the Christmas Markets in Europe ever since I moved overseas, and exploring some new markets this yr made me understand there isn’t a scarcity of magical locations in Europe.

Whether or not you might be desirous to plan a Christmas Market street journey itinerary or simply need to see my route, this information will share what we did, the place we stayed, and my suggestions for one of the best issues to do.

For those who’re in search of the Greatest Christmas Markets in Europe take a look at this information. This additionally shares the main points about Christmas Markets all through Europe: Germany, France, Switzerland, Austria, and extra. It additionally shares essential dates and regularly requested questions.

A notice: one of the best ways to see the Christmas markets, in my view, is by way of a River cruise. You do not have to fret about accommodations, parking, driving, and so on. However having been to over 100 Christmas markets I need to share my guides with you 🙂

Touring by means of Europe at Christmas makes me really feel like a child once more. I get these excited butterflies and anticipation like I am ready for Santa to return down the chimney.

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Christmas Market Suggestions

For this explicit journey, I used to be touring with my mother in Germany and France. We flew from Dallas to Frankfurt, picked up a rental automobile, and headed straight to Cologne. I am ALWAYS requested about rental vehicles. Sure, Europe does have glorious public transportation, however I personally love renting a automobile for ease of journey and never having to attend. Particularly for visiting a few of the smaller cities, it is only a lot simpler. Plus, you are by yourself schedule and might pull off wherever you want! Like we did when it began snowing in Germany!

I’ve traveled Europe extensively for the previous 10 years, so this information provides you with one of the best tips about experiencing Christmas markets and my itinerary for a wonderful journey.

There’s a lot that goes into planning an epic journey overseas, particularly through the holidays! With my European Christmas market street journey itinerary, it should hopefully make your journey planning course of a breeze.

How lengthy must you plan for a visit? This can in fact rely on what you need to see and do, we spent about 11 days touring which is an excellent journey that was jam-packed with Christmas markets, museums, sightseeing, and nice meals.

Haven’t got 11 days? That is okay! I will share the cities that it is advisable to discover, what you must undoubtedly see/do, and the way lengthy it takes to journey from metropolis to metropolis.

You’ll be able to completely see rather a lot in much less time! One week continues to be loads of time to see and do rather a lot, you would possibly simply need to lower out just a few stops alongside the best way.

Now whereas we have been touring we did need to drastically change our plans since Christmas markets have been canceled in some cities. However since we have been versatile, and had a automobile, we have been in a position to re-route our journey! And it was so price it.

Many will let you know to e book accommodations forward of time, and I agree, however be certain that the cancellation coverage is versatile, particularly if you happen to anticipate there is likely to be adjustments alongside the best way. We have been going to spend extra time in Germany, however for the reason that markets have been canceled, we ended up staying longer in France and getting final minute accommodations.

Our European Christmas Market Highway Journey Itinerary

Here is a short have a look at our stops on our 10-day journey.

1. Cologne
2. Aachen
3. Monschau
4. Trier
5. Metz
6. Ribeauvillé
7. Kayersberg
8. Eguisheim
9. Riquewihr
10. Colmar
11. Strasbourg
12. Baden-Baden
13. Heidelberg
14. Frankfurt

If that looks like rather a lot… it is as a result of it’s! With a automobile and a can do perspective, together with a plan, you actually can see and do rather a lot! To me, this did not really feel rushed. I used to be touring with my mother and she or he saved up as nicely. I do are inclined to pack in rather a lot once I journey, however I would not have it another manner.

Whereas there are 14 cities listed, some are so small, we noticed a number of in a day. Right here was our journey itinerary:

Day 1: Flew into Frankfurt and explored Cologne (2 hour drive from Frankfurt to Cologne)

Day 2: Cologne, drove to Aachen (1 hour drive from Cologne to Aachen)

Day 3: Aachen

Day 4: Aachen, drove to Monschau (45 minute drive) and explored Monschau, drove to Trier, Christmas Market in Trier at evening (Monschau to Trier is about an hour and a half drive)

Day 5: Trier, drove to Metz, Christmas markets at evening in Metz (1 hour, 15 minute drive from Trier to Metz)

Day 6: Metz, drove to Ribeauvillé, explored Ribeauvillé (Our longest drive of the journey, 2 hours and 18 minutes from Metz to Ribeauvillé, since you are going by means of the Vosges mountains)

Day 7: Explored Kayersberg, Eguisheim, Riquewihr, drove to Colmar (all of those cities are inside half-hour of each other!)

Day 8: Colmar, drove to Strasbourg (1 hour to drive from Colmar to Strasbourg)

Day 9: Strasbourg, drove to Baden-Baden (45 minute drive from Strasbourg to Baden-Baden)

Day 10: Baden-Baden, cease within the Black Forest, drove to Heidelberg (an hour drive from Baden-Baden to Heidelberg)

Day 11: Heidelberg and drove to Frankfurt (1-hour drive from Heidelberg to Frankfurt)

Our whole drive time was about 14 hours in 11 days. To me, that is good, and did not in any respect really feel like we have been within the automobile an excessive amount of.

Renting a Automobile

One thing to notice about renting a automobile. It is undoubtedly doable. I’ve pushed in over 35 nations in Europe. If I can, so are you able to. The downside right here is the parking. We regularly handled lengthy wait instances due to busy Christmas markets. Which, is why I like to recommend a river cruise!

I like to recommend utilizing a price range web site like Priceline or Hotwire to discover a rental automobile. Nonetheless, I keep away from automobile rental locations like Thrifty and Price range! I rented a automobile with Sixt and thought the customer support was nice.

As quickly as we landed in Frankfurt I used to be in a position to get the rental automobile on the airport and drive it for the size of our journey. I returned it again to the airport in Frankfurt on the finish of our 11 days.

Now, you possibly can generally drop off your rental automobile at a distinct location, however normally it must be throughout the identical nation. Preserve that in thoughts when renting.

I do not normally add automobile rental insurance coverage, since I’ve insurance coverage already.

I ended up paying about $800 in whole with taxes and costs to lease a automobile.

Now, let’s hit the street for Christmas markets in Europe!

Do not need to drive? I like to recommend occurring a Christmas Market river cruise! We host our personal customized journeys! Discover out extra right here!

Cease 1: Cologne

Christmas markets are a European custom that date again to the thirteenth century, and Cologne is without doubt one of the most well-known Christmas market locations in Germany. The markets in Cologne are unfold all through the town with over-the-top decor, themed markets, and unbeatable Christmas spirit.

The Kölner Christkindelsmärik is held yearly normally from November 18 till December twenty third, with greater than 100 stalls promoting all the pieces from natural meals to conventional German decorations. The most well-liked stall is undoubtedly the Bratwurst stand, the place you should buy freshly grilled sausages with scrumptious mustard and toppings.

A few of my favourite markets are:

Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom) – that is the most well-liked market and is held in entrance of the dazzling Cologne Cathedral with a stage for music, a big, glowing Christmas tree, and loads of stunning stalls within the Roncalliplatz.

Angel Market – This stunning market is situated at Neumarkt and options fairly white stalls with darkish shingled roofs and a myriad of stars. There’s a fantastic carousel and loads of nice treats and Glühwein. Look ahead to the angels driving horseback handing out sweet to youngsters!

Heinzel’s Winter Fairytale – That is only a sensational spot with ice skating, sparkly decorations, lavishly embellished stalls, and a festive environment. Cologne’s “Heinzelmännchen” legend is certainly one of my favorites. The Heinzelmännchen are pleasant family spirits which might be used all through the market as decor. You may additionally discover a number of wooden crafts right here.

Nicholas Village – I completely ADORE this stunning market! You are greeted with a speaking moose, joyous Christmas music, and scorching Kartofelpufer (see what to eat at a Christmas Market right here). Situated in entrance of the attractive and historic Hahnentorburg, you possibly can sip Glühwein out of a boot!

There are 7 markets all through the town and I like to recommend you discover all of them! On our first day, we explored the Cologne Cathedral Christmas Market, Heizel’s and Kolner Hafen- Weihnachtsmarkt.

On our second day in Cologne, we toured the Cologne Cathedral. Right here is just not solely an extremely spectacular cathedral, however you may additionally discover the three clever males’s bones preserved! The well-known Shrine of the Three Kings is a spectacular gold field! The cathedral alone is a complete day journey in itself!

Town is full of nice historical past, stunning church buildings and beautiful cafe outlets. It is certainly one of my favourite cities, particularly through the vacation season – you may really feel such as you’re in a real-life Christmas film!

We additionally continued exploring the Christmas markets, the Angel Market and Nicholas Village. Then that evening drove on to cease 2!

Cease 2: Aachen

I am unable to consider I lived in Germany for 3 years and by no means visited Aachen! This metropolis has been named as having a few of the greatest Christmas markets in Europe and it is easy to see why. Aachen is a spa city and borders each Belgium and the Netherlands. Our plan was to go to each Belgium and The Netherlands on this journey however we determined to skip and keep in France and Germany, Nonetheless, you possibly can simply head to Liege, Belgium, and Maastricht, The Netherlands. Being on the border offers it a sure feeling of worldliness.

Charlemagne constructed a monumental palace advanced of buildings which is now the place the Christmas Market takes place. Round 800 A.D., the Aachen Cathedral was constructed, then later a Gothic chancel. The Domschatzkammer (treasury) homes medieval relics together with Charlemagne’s shrine, which was erected over his burial place in 814 A.D.

Town has a wealthy historical past and an exquisite environment through the Christmas season. Aachen can be house to the Cathedral of Aachen, which is a fantastic cathedral and one of many oldest in Europe.

I like to recommend visiting the Charlemagne Middle which tells the historical past of the town of Aachen and Charlemagne. Aachen was the 2nd largest metropolis in Germany, after Cologne in 1250, however WWII devastated the city. Now, although it isn’t as large because it was earlier than, the attractive structure and wealthy historical past, together with the Christmas markets, make it an exquisite vacation spot.

I like to recommend spending two days right here (we spent two nights right here) exploring the city – it’s extremely walkable, taking within the Christmas markets, and exploring the cathedral and museums.

Cease 3: Monschau

As we left Aachen the snow began falling in nice, large, fats flakes! It was beautiful. We meandered our technique to the beautiful city of Monschau. Monschau, a city within the Eifel area of Germany is a captivating and picturesque vacation spot with countless half-timbered structure and a river operating by means of it.

Monschau was initially constructed round a fort and presents a bevy of gorgeous buildings and a captivating setting for strolling. The Christmas market right here can be very fairly, filled with conventional German food and drinks, crafts, decorations, and music! I extremely advocate exploring Monschau if you happen to’re ever in Western Europe throughout winter time – it is completely stunning!

It is a brief cease and a really walkable city. Simply get misplaced and discover!

As we drove out of Monschau we stopped within the forest close by to see the frivolously falling snow and take just a few footage! This might even be a unbelievable place for a hike.

Cease 4: Trier

After Monschau we drove to Trier, about an hour and a half drive. I’ve traveled to Trier in the summertime earlier than so it was good to see it for Christmas. We spent the night on the Christmas market, and the morning exploring the city.

It was a chilly winter night in Trier, Germany. The Christmas market was damaged into two and stretched throughout the primary sq. the place I had simply walked as much as get some mulled wine and roasted chestnuts. It was busy with individuals milling about grabbing their favourite vacation decorations or chit-chatting with mates whereas having fun with heat drinks or scrumptious meals.

The Christmas Market in Trier is without doubt one of the oldest in Germany and is about up within the medieval essential sq. by the unbelievable Trier Cathedral. Almost 100 embellished cubicles promote scrumptious Langos, mulled wine and humanities and crafts.

Trier is a city in Germany with a wealthy historical past and tradition.

Trier was the oldest Roman metropolis in Europe, based by Emperor Augustus of Rome. It is also the place the primary Christian bishopric outdoors Palestine was established, by Saint Helena of Constantinople round 300 AD. Throughout the Center Ages it turned one of the vital essential cities in Europe and it stays an essential website for commerce and training immediately.

I like to recommend visiting Trier Cathedral – its Gothic structure dates again to about 1300 A.D., making it one of the vital spectacular church buildings in Western Europe! The cathedral accommodates quite a few items from earlier than then as nicely, together with an altar that’s stated to be over 1,300 years outdated. There are many Roman ruins and delightful palaces all through the city. Some highlights are the Porta Nigra, Karl Marx Home, the Roman Amphitheater, Aula Palatina, and Kurfürstlicher Palace.

Cease 5: Metz

I used to be pleasantly stunned at how a lot there’s to do in Metz! The primary cease on our tour was the Cathedral Saint-Étienne de Metz, which dates again to the eleventh century. Inside are stunning stained glass home windows that have been constructed by well-known artists like Marc Chagall and Jean Cocteau. Metz has loads of different locations price visiting as nicely – Notre Dame d’Auschwitz, the fashionable artwork middle Centre Pompidou-Metz, and Le Temple Neuf is a fantastic church that appears extra like a fort.

Like different bigger cities, the Christmas market is unfold all through the town. Not solely are there markets, however there are additionally the magical mild shows, “Sentiers des Lanternes“, all through. I like to recommend stopping by the cathedral on the tourism workplace to get a map of every of the markets and locations for mild shows.

Subsequent to the Cathedral is a neon Ferris wheel together with a market. You could find gourmand meals markets on Place de la Comédie.

I additionally advocate the normal Christmas market at Place Saint Louis, the Place de la République-Esplanade with the Christmas pyramid, Place d’Armes J-F Blondel with a fantastic mild show, and Place Saint Jacques for nice meals. See all of the Christmas markets right here.

On our manner out of Metz the following day, we stopped at Porte des Allemands, the unique fortress and gatehouse to the town of Metz. It is a fast and straightforward cease.

Subsequent, we took our longest drive of the journey from Metz to Ribeauvillé.

Cease 6: Ribeauvillé

This was my favourite and most surprising cease on on journey! Ribeauvillé is a fantastic, festive city in Alsace, France with a wealthy historical past and tradition. It is also recognized for its TRUE medieval Christmas market! This tiny village packs a punch with magnificence, spirit, and enjoyable. Everybody within the city will get in on the normal Christmas market.

The Ribeauvillé Christmas Market is the proper place to get into the winter spirit. The market stretches from Place du Temple to Place Saint-Louis and has greater than 100 cubicles of all sizes promoting scrumptious mulled wine, meals, arts and crafts, ornaments and souvenirs. You can get misplaced among the many stalls whereas having fun with conventional French meals like scalloped potatoes with cheese or strolling by means of the medieval streets admiring vacation decorations whereas listening to stay music. You would possibly even see a camel or two strolling the road!

Simply park and stroll across the city! Put together to be entertained by the road performers, acrobats, stilt walkers, and extra. You even flip in your cash for some beads to pay on your Vin Chaud (mulled wine!). Stick round at evening for unknown creatures from fairy tales and legends will roam the road!

Heat your palms by the fireplace logs in the course of the road, observe the parade of lights or have conventional cider mashed by hand with an enormous stone grinder. This was really certainly one of my favourite locations I’ve ever been!

Ribeauvillé is a superb cease in your European journey as a result of it is one of the vital distinctive and delightful cities with among the best Christmas markets I’ve ever been to! Everybody on the town is in costume, the meals is scrumptious, and also you get a style of actual, medieval specialties.

The Alsatian area is really a gem and among the best locations for Christmas with a mixture of German and French traditions.

Necessary notice: the Ribeauvillé Christmas market is ONLY two weekends a yr! So plan accordingly. Often the primary and second weekend of December.

Cease 7: Kayersberg

The following few stops have been really happening over simply sooner or later since these cities are so small and straightforward to discover. Beginning with Kayersberg.

Kayersberg is a small city on the outskirts of Colmar, France. It’s recognized for its medieval structure and Christmas market.

Kayersberg is without doubt one of the most picturesque cities in Alsace with cobblestone streets, half-timbered buildings, and slender alleys lined with outlets promoting all kinds of issues from meals to crafts to jewellery.

You will be unable to withstand in any respect the scrumptious specialties, particularly, bredeles, their well-known Christmas biscuits with almonds, nuts, anise, chocolate or vanilla. Candy or salty kougelhopfs, which is a hoop cake made with brioche, fruitcakes, or beraweckas, or little brioche males referred to as mannalas!

We spent the morning right here earlier than driving simply quarter-hour to Eguisheim.

Cease 8: Eguisheim

Eguisheim is the smallest of the Alsace cities I visited on this journey, however a gem and well worth the cease! This picturesque city has tiny, slender streets, generally even half streets laden with half-timbered buildings strewn with garlands, teddy bears, and extra.

That is named one of the vital stunning cities within the Alsace with a fantastic village middle tucked away from the hustle of the bigger cities.

Eguisheim is nestled within the wine area, so all of the Vin Chaud tastes scrumptious! For those who’re right here at evening, stick round for a tour from the Night time Watchman who will let you know tales of Eguisheim’s previous!

Cease 9: Riquewihr

Of the three stops of our Alsace Christmas market tour immediately: Kayersberg, Eguisheim, and Riquewihr, Riquewihr was my favourite. Town is ablaze with twinkling lights and festive decorations.

You may discover an abundance of half-timbered, pastel-colored buildings, fairly streets, and a myriad of stalls promoting your favourite Christmas treats.

Riquewihr is the smallest of the Alsace cities I visited on this journey, however a gem and well worth the cease! This picturesque city has tiny, slender streets, generally even half streets laden with half-timbered buildings strewn with garlands, teddy bears, and extra.

We drove from Riquewihr on to Colmar so we might have the day to discover Colmar, solely a couple of 30-minute drive.

Cease 10: Colmar

I have been to Colmar many instances and I by no means tire of this fairytale metropolis that was the inspiration for Disney’s Magnificence and the Beast.

Colmar is a metropolis within the coronary heart of Alsace and it is surrounded by half-timbered buildings, cobblestone streets, and comfortable cafes. It is a fantastic place to go to any time of the yr however good for Christmas! There are six Christmas markets all inside strolling distance and every prettier than the following.

La Petite Venise is certainly one of my favourite areas with pleasant structure curving across the water. Additionally right here is certainly one of my favourite eating places within the area, Winstub de la Petite Venise. This Michelin star restaurant presents a 35 euro plat du jour that makes my mouth water simply fascinated by it! I’ve eaten right here twice and it is simply a few of the greatest meals you may have in Europe.

The Christmas market is filled with picket chalets with fantastically illuminated streets and loads of photograph alternatives.

On our technique to Strasbourg, we stopped on the big Koenigsbourg Fortress, a medieval fort on prime of a mountain within the Alsace with an amazing view of the area. After we went it was nearing nightfall and a cloud of fog engulfed the fort, a lot in order that we may barely see! We nonetheless loved roaming across the spectacular fort.

We drove to Strasbourg that night to benefit from the wondrous lights of Strasbourg at evening.

Cease 11: Strasbourg

A go to to the Alsace simply is not full and not using a cease in Strasbourg. The most important metropolis and capital of the area, Strasbourg is certainly one of my favourite cities. It is house to the European Parliament, an unbelievable cathedral, and is without doubt one of the oldest (and prettiest) cities in all of France.

Throughout Christmas, Strasbourg comes alive with decor, lights, and a magical setting of joyous meals and wine.

The Christmas markets in Strasbourg are a few of the greatest in Europe with a towering Christmas tree (virtually 100 ft excessive), festive lights, and beautiful stalls promoting all kinds of goodies. I may wander round these markets for hours! The Christmas tree at Place Kleber the image of “Strasbourg, Capital of Christmas” can be the tallest embellished Christmas tree in Europe

I urge you to be sure to depart sufficient time to see Strasbourg each through the day and at evening to essentially get a really feel for its magic. There are 300 stalls unfold all through the town and a few of the greatest mild shows unfold all through the streets!

You’ll be able to see my full information to Strasbourg at Christmas right here!

Cease 12: Baden-Baden

Baden-Baden is a sublime metropolis famed for its spas and thermal baths.

Town is house to one of the vital spectacular Christmas markets in Germany with round 200 stalls, that includes conventional picket chalets promoting native produce and festive trinkets. Sadly, this yr’s Christmas market is closed.

There’s additionally a well-known on line casino right here. However my favourite half about this metropolis is its proximity to the attractive Black Forest!

We took a brief drive from Baden-Baden as much as the attractive ski resort Mehilskopf. The snow on the bottom made for a picturesque setting.

Cease 13: Heidelberg

Heidelberg is a small metropolis with a fantastic fort and a well-preserved Sixteenth-century city. I really lived in Heidelberg for 3 years so I do know my manner round this metropolis very nicely! I am keen on the Christmas market right here that is additionally unfold all through the primary road, Hauptstrasse.

The market is small however charming with plenty of native distributors promoting their wares. I additionally love the market by the ice skating rink that is proper below the fort. Such a fantastic spot! See my full information to the Heidelberg Christmas market right here. Heidelberg can be house to the oldest college in Germany so there’s loads of historical past and tradition to be explored right here.

You’ll be able to see my full information to Heidelberg right here!

Cease 14: Frankfurt

We drove an hour from Heidelberg to Frankfurt which is a extra industrial metropolis with skyscrapers and high-rise buildings. Nonetheless, the Christmas market here’s a conventional really feel with a big sq. within the middle of the town.

Frankfurt is SO underrated for Christmas. Completely stunning, nice stalls, meals, and an excellent beautiful city sq.!

The “Christkindlesmarkt” and has round 180 stalls promoting all kinds of goodies from gluhwein to sausages.

Frankfurt can be house to the Christmas markets on the Römerberg, a fantastic sq. within the coronary heart of downtown. Right here you’ll find a Christmas tree that is over 10 meters excessive (about 32 ft) and stroll alongside the outlets promoting conventional German crafts.

See my full information to one of the best Christmas Markets in Germany right here.

The place to remain

We stayed at principally price range properties, all-around $200 or much less an evening with easy accessibility for parking and to the town facilities.

Cologne – Lowenbrau Cologne: My favourite keep! That is proper within the coronary heart of the outdated city and a fantastic place to stick with an amazing view, an amazing restaurant, and a surprisingly budget-friendly worth.

Aachen – B&B Lodge Aachen-Metropolis – I’ve stayed at many B&Bs, they’re easy, and budget-friendly however sensible accommodations.

Trier – Vacation Inn Categorical – Additionally a giant fan of Vacation Inn Categorical, easy however good accommodations.

Metz – Campanile Metz Centre Gare. Simple place to discover Metz with free road parking.

Colmar – Lodge Ibis – essentially the most price range keep.

Strasbourg – Vacation Inn Categorical Strasbourg.

Baden-Baden – Aparthotel Volgergasse, a bit pricier however this keep is essentially the most luxurious! A full house, fire, stunning views, and two full bedrooms.

Heidelberg – Lodge Panorama – an amazing resort on the prime of the Hauptstrasse.

Frankfurt – Moxy Airport Lodge – an amazing price range spot when you’ve got an early morning flight.

Complete Price range For Christmas Market Journey

When planning a European Christmas market journey, budgeting is a key issue to make sure you can get pleasure from all of the magical experiences with out pointless stress. Here is a breakdown of the main prices for our 10-day itinerary by means of Germany and France:

Flights

Our roundtrip flights from Dallas to Frankfurt price roughly $900 per individual, however costs can fluctuate broadly based mostly on once you e book and your departure metropolis. Think about using flight comparability instruments and reserving nicely upfront to safe one of the best offers.

Lodging

We prioritized budget-friendly accommodations with straightforward parking and central areas, spending round $1,800 whole for 10 nights. This averages to about $180 per evening, however your prices would possibly fluctuate relying on the season and your preferences for lodging.

I can be simple right here, we stayed in price range accommodations. These will not be fancy accommodations with facilities. These are accommodations like Ibis and Lodge B&B. Trying again I would favor one thing a bit nicer.

Transportation

Renting a automobile gave us the liberty to discover smaller cities and take scenic detours. The automobile rental price us $800 for 11 days, together with taxes and costs. Gasoline and tolls added one other $200 to our whole. Then there have been tolls (they’re fairly dear in France and parking charges) which added one other $150. For those who’re choosing public transport or a river cruise, prices would possibly differ however can even present financial savings in different areas.

Meals and Drinks

We indulged in a mixture of road meals, informal eating, and the occasional sit-down meal, spending about $60–$200 per day for 2 individuals. That totals round $700–$900 for the journey. Christmas market treats like glühwein, bratwurst, and crepes have been surprisingly reasonably priced and a significant spotlight.

Actions

Most Christmas markets are free to enter, however further prices got here from visiting points of interest like museums and cathedrals, which averaged round $350 for the journey. Optionally available actions, akin to ice skating or Ferris wheel rides, added a little bit additional enjoyable for an extra $50–$100.

Souvenirs and Buying

From handcrafted ornaments to regionally made presents, we put aside $300 for souvenirs. The markets supply distinctive and budget-friendly choices for presents that make good mementos.

Complete Value

All in all, the whole price was roughly $5,750–$7,000. Adjusting on your journey group dimension, itinerary, and private spending habits, you possibly can plan a magical Christmas market journey to suit your price range.

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Suggestions for Price range-Pleasant Journey

• E-book Early: Flights, accommodations, and automobile leases are usually cheaper when reserved upfront.
• Think about Off-Peak Instances: Visiting markets on weekdays or early within the season can get monetary savings and assist keep away from crowds.
• Versatile Lodging: Go for accommodations with free cancellation insurance policies to adapt to any sudden adjustments.
• Eat Good: Get pleasure from road meals at markets and pack snacks for lengthy drives to avoid wasting on eating prices.
• Stick with Your Price range: Preserve monitor of your spending with an app to keep away from surprises on the finish of your journey.

Touring Europe at Christmas is a magical expertise that doesn’t have to interrupt the financial institution. With considerate planning, you may make recollections that final a lifetime!

READ ALL THE CHRISTMAS MARKET GUIDES!

Greatest Christmas Markets in Europe

Greatest Christmas Markets in Germany

Greatest Christmas Markets in France

Greatest Christmas Markets in Switzerland

What to Eat & Drink at A Christmas Market

Final Christmas Market Itinerary 

The Greatest Winter Locations in Europe

Pictures to Encourage a Journey to Christmas Markets

I hope this European Christmas Market Highway Journey itinerary will make it easier to plan your subsequent journey! From Strasbourg to Metz and Cologne, you actually cannot go improper exploring these stunning cities with their festive lights and bustling streets filled with distributors promoting all kinds of goodies!

What a unbelievable journey! For those who’re in search of a festive and charming European journey, make sure you take a look at these wonderful cities throughout Christmas.