themes » christmas markets
Join Europe’s Christmas Cheer
Experience Europe at its most festive by spending Advent or Christmas in the Old Continent.
From the most popular Christmas markets in Central Europe to lesser-known events and celebrations in the warmer South, there’s no shortage of holiday cheer in Europe and JayWay Travel can be your guide to enjoying a merry vacation like no other.
Suggested Christmas Market Itineraries Throughout Europe
Here are a few sample bespoke Europe Christmas Markets itineraries. These itineraries can be customized, with destinations added or swapped, based on your preferences. Pick one as a starting point, or just tell us when and where you’d like to go and we’ll build a completely custom itinerary just for you.
* Starting price is per person, in US Dollars, based on double occupancy in 3 star accommodation, in the most affordable month an itinerary is offered. Airfare to Europe is not included.
Click on your choice of itinerary, select the number of travelers in your party, month of travel, and desired star level of accommodation to get an approximate price. Submit the enquiry form with any additional details and we can start planning your customized trip.
featured hotels
for a honeymoon in Croatia
featured hotels
for a honeymoon in Croatia
Puglia, Italy
Palazzo Presta
4-Star Hotel
lake como, Italy
Le Quattro Dame
4-Star Hotel
Sorrento, Italy
Laqua Countryside
4-Star Hotel
Puglia, Italy
Palazzo Presta
4-Star Hotel
lake como, Italy
Le Quattro Dame
4-Star Hotel
Sorrento, Italy
Laqua Countryside
4-Star Hotel
Visit The Most Cheerful Christmas Markets in Europe
The Birthplace of Christmas Markets
The country that invented Christmas markets, Germany boasts a wide array of Advent and Christmastime celebrations. The indisputable star of German Christmas markets is Munich. From late November to a couple of days before Christmas, the fairytale-like city transforms into a Christmas wonderland that impresses everyone, children and adults alike. In Dresden, over twelve different Christmas markets await while Frankfurt features the grandest German Christmas market, dating back to the distant 1393.
The Queen of Christmas Markets
Germany may have invented Christmas markets but Austria is probably the most popular Advent and Christmas destination and for good reason. Austrian Christmas markets are renowned for their splendor with Christmas decorations lighting up entire cities and stalls selling everything from delicious treats – including the ubiquitous mulled wine – to handmade ornaments showing up at every turn. In Vienna, several locations host Christmas markets, but the one outside the Town Hall is a sight to behold and so are the vibrant Christmas markets held in beautiful Salzburg.
The Whitest of Christmases
If you’ve already experienced Central Europe’s Christmas markets, why not head further north to the Baltics for your next jolly vacation? Both Latvia and Estonia compete with Germany for bragging rights of having the world’s first Christmas tree, and that’s enough of an intriguing reason in its own right to visit any – or all – of the Baltic countries for Advent or Christmas. The tiny yet wondrous medieval old town of Estonia’s capital, Tallinn, feels like a real-life fairytale when all its Christmas decorations are up, while Riga, Latvia’s gorgeous first city, holds one of the brightest Christmas markets at its beyond-words stunning historic main square. Yet, for many, the prettiest Christmas trees are to be found in Vilnius, Lithuania’s picture-perfect capital. For the white Christmas you’ve been dreaming of, there’s no better place than the Baltics.
For a Warmer Christmas Vacation
If your idea of an Advent or Christmas trip involves warmer temperatures and fewer crowds, take the road less traveled and head to Croatia instead. The country’s bustling capital Zagreb transforms into a mecca of festive cheer from late November to early January, inviting visitors to join locals as they welcome the Christmas and New Year’s season.
No matter what kind of a Christmas vacation you’re dreaming of, Europe has something for everyone and JayWay Travel will help you pick the best Advent and Christmas destinations for your personalized itinerary.
Key European Christmas Market Dates
Rathausplatz Christkindlmarkt (Vienna, Austria)
Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt (Nuremberg, Germany)
Christkindelsmarik (Strasbourg, France)
Old Town Square Christmas Market (Prague, Czech Republic)
Vorosmarty Square Christmas Market (Budapest, Hungary)
Town Hall Square Christmas Market (Tallinn, Estonia)
Advent (Zagreb, Croatia)
Fira de Santa Llucia (Barcelona, Spain)
14th November – 26th December 2025
28th November – 24th December 2025
26th November – 24th December 2025
29th November 2025 – 6th January 2026
15th November – 31st December 2025
21st November – 27th December 2025
29th November 2025 – 7th January 2026
28th November – 23rd December 2025