Last Updated on January 19, 2026

We’re total Christmas enthusiasts and absolutely love exploring Christmas markets across Europe. Our first Christmas market road trip was back in 2019, and ever since, it’s become a regular tradition. Each year we try revisit our favourites while discovering a few new ones along the way — because let’s be honest, there’s always room for one more mulled wine or gingerbread treat!

Below, you’ll find a brief guide to each market we’ve visited. We update this post every year, adding new markets we’ve explored and refreshing details for those we’ve already fallen in love with. Think of it as our ongoing Christmas market scrapbook, perfect for planning your own festive adventures.

Belgium
Croatia
France
Germany
Italy
Netherlands

Belgium

Bruges, Belgium (2019, 2022, 2025)

Bruges has two main markets: one at Grote Markt (Market Square) and another at Simon Stevinplein (Simon Stevin Square). During our most recent visit, the market was set up right in the middle of Market Square, enclosed with a fence and multiple entrances. The surrounding area is beautiful, and the festive decorations really add to the charm.

Not far from Market Square is the smaller but still delightful market at Simon Stevinplein. Both markets are worth visiting, especially if you enjoy a lively, local atmosphere. Our favorite chocolate shop, The Chocolate Line, is conveniently located just around the corner, making it an easy stop for a sweet treat.

The town itself is always the highlight of any visit to Bruges. We loved wandering through the streets, exploring the sights, and popping into charming shops. The food scene is a real standout—so many chocolate and waffle shops to choose from. Honestly, what more could you want?

Croatia

Dubrovnik | Rijeka | Split

Dubrovnik, Croatia (2021)

Unfortunately, the Christmas market wasn’t very impressive. Only a few food stalls were open, and there were hardly any people around, so the atmosphere felt a bit flat. We hope to visit again, as the limited stalls and quiet vibe were likely due to COVID. Since we’ve never seen the market pre-COVID, it’s hard to compare, but it’s probably worth giving it another try in the future.

We had heard there might be a larger Christmas market inside one of the buildings, but we didn’t see any signs of it. It wasn’t open while we were there—perhaps because it was Sunday and late in the evening.

Since we were already in the old town, we decided to take a walk, enjoying the quiet streets and snapping photos of the unusually empty squares. Last time we visited in the summer of 2016, it had been very busy, so the calm was a refreshing change.

After a while, we returned to the market stalls for dinner. As we were finishing, it started to rain again. Luckily, we had enjoyed a couple of dry hours beforehand, so we made our way back to our accommodation. On the way out of the old town walls, we noticed a few extra food stalls in a small square across the road. We decided to check them out to see if they offered anything different from the stalls inside.

They mostly had the same food and drink options, but one stall had hot chocolate—Ben’s favourite! It was delicious, with “winter spice” Monin syrup, marshmallows, a cinnamon stick, and a star anise. Beautiful and tasty, it was the perfect way to end our evening.

Rijeka, Croatia (2021)

As soon as we rolled into town, we made a beeline for Trsat Castle, dramatically perched high on the hill above everything else. We’d seen photos of it glowing under Christmas lights and heard whispers of a festive market, so expectations were high. And honestly? It did not disappoint. The market was actually tucked inside the castle walls, and the lights were absolutely magical—one of the towers was completely lit up and impossible to miss.

The castle was open for everyone attending the Christmas market, which felt extra special since there’s usually an entrance fee. For the holidays, though, it was completely free. Inside, we wandered through rooms decorated for the season, including a cozy fireplace setup that was perfect for photos and a beautiful, oversized nativity scene. Between exploring the castle, tasting our way through the food and drink stalls, and enjoying the Christmas music filling the air, we were fully wrapped up in the festive spirit.

Eventually, we headed down to our accommodation by the water near the town center to settle in for the night.

The town itself was buzzing with holiday energy and had several market areas scattered around. One was just around the corner from where we were staying, packed with food stalls run by local restaurants. We grabbed something to eat and then continued walking toward the main part of town. The main strip was lined with gorgeous Christmas light displays, though many of the stalls were starting to close for the evening.

But the night was far from over. As we wandered a little farther, we stumbled upon another lively pocket of food and drink stalls with music pumping and people gathered around. Just a block away, we found yet another festive hub—this one with a live band. Everyone was singing, dancing, and clearly having the best time. It was joyful, loud, and full of holiday cheer—the perfect way to end such a magical evening.

Split, Croatia (2021)

In Dubrovnik, the Christmas market was set up in the open square between the city walls and the Palace, which felt like a pretty special setting all on its own. At the time (December 2021), entry into this main market area required showing a “green pass,” but once inside, the atmosphere made it well worth it.

Compared to some of the other cities we’d visited, this market felt especially lively. Twinkling Christmas lights were strung throughout the space, festive music played in the background, and the air smelled amazing thanks to the food and drink stalls scattered around. We couldn’t resist grabbing some sausage and pulled pork, which tasted even better enjoyed under the lights while soaking up the holiday vibe.

Right next to the main food area was another section with additional stalls and an ice-skating rink. This part didn’t require a green pass, so we wandered through it for a bit, watching skaters glide around and taking in the festive energy before moving on to explore more of the city.

Outside the markets, Dubrovnik felt calm and almost sleepy. Most of the shops were closed, and the streets were quiet as we strolled along the waterfront. We passed a few more market stalls, but they had already closed for the night. It was a peaceful, relaxed way to wrap up our evening in this beautiful city.

France

Amiens, France (2019)

Amiens wasn’t originally part of our plan, but it ended up being the perfect stop between destinations. We stayed for the night and decided to explore the town before moving on—only to discover that a Christmas market was in full swing. As it turns out, this was our very first Christmas market, which made it feel even more special.

The market stretched along the main shopping street in the heart of town, with rows of cozy wooden chalets lining the way. The decorations were especially charming, from a snow globe display featuring towering Christmas trees to a giant sled and Santa’s house, complete with a beautifully set dinner table inside. It all felt wonderfully festive and straight out of a holiday movie.

Beyond the market, Amiens itself completely won us over. The town is filled with stunning old buildings, and in one area, canals run alongside the streets, adding to its postcard-worthy charm. Along the main canal, we found a handful of restaurants and small shops, making it the perfect spot for a relaxed stroll after soaking up the Christmas market magic.

Metz, France (2019, 2021)

The Metz Christmas Markets are spread across several different squares throughout the city, each with its own theme. Some areas are dedicated entirely to food stalls—which, unsurprisingly, quickly became our favorite. Delicious smells filled the air everywhere we went.

One of the biggest highlights was the cathedral light projection show, and it was absolutely breathtaking. The entire façade of the cathedral was transformed by moving lights and imagery, and the show played multiple times throughout the evening. We loved it so much that we ended up watching it more than once.

Update 2021:
I was really excited to return to the Metz Christmas Market, especially to see the cathedral light show again. After checking into our accommodation, we rushed into town hoping to catch the evening projection—but sadly, there was no show. Overall, the market felt much smaller and less impressive than it had been just a couple of years earlier.

Update 2025:
While passing near Metz once again, we decided to check whether the cathedral light projection had made a comeback. Unfortunately, it hadn’t. We’re not sure if it was a one-time event or if it’s been permanently discontinued, but we haven’t seen it since 2019. Since Metz was slightly out of our way this time, we chose not to stop—though we absolutely would have if the lights were on.

Another standout experience was the Lantern Walk, which required crossing to the other side of the canal. This beautifully designed walk featured several playful, themed scenes and was a joy to wander through. One tip: the Lantern Walk closes earlier than the rest of the markets, so be sure to visit it before it shuts down for the night.

The town centre itself is easy to explore on foot, with a large pedestrian area lined with shops. Many of the streets were decorated with twinkling lights hanging overhead, which really added to the festive atmosphere and made wandering around the city feel extra magical.

Alsace France Region

The Alsace region quickly became one of our absolute favorite areas. The Christmas markets were incredible, but honestly, the towns themselves were just as enchanting. Tucked between rolling vineyards, these small medieval villages feel like something straight out of a fairytale.

If you’re visiting during the Christmas season—or really at any time of year—I can’t recommend staying in the region for a few days enough. Having extra time lets you slow down, explore the villages properly, and really soak in the stunning scenery instead of rushing from place to place.

We usually base ourselves near Colmar, which works perfectly as a home base. From there, it’s easy to hop in the car and explore the surrounding villages at your own pace, making the most of everything this beautiful region has to offer.

Colmar, France (2019, 2021, 2024, 2025)

This ended up being one of our favorite Christmas markets. It’s a great size—big enough to be exciting, yet still cozy and easy to explore. The town itself is absolutely beautiful, with plenty to see and do, even outside of the Christmas season.

Update 2025:
This is still one of our all-time favorite Christmas markets. This year, though, our trip looked a little different—we traveled by motorhome instead of by car, which definitely changed how we got around between towns.

We based ourselves in Sélestat with the motorhome and relied on trains and the Christmas market shuttle to reach our favorite markets. The shuttle, which departs from the Colmar train station, turned out to be a great way to get around and connect to several of the must-visit markets in the area.

We arrived about 30 minutes before the first scheduled bus departure and were surprised to find ourselves second in line. Not long after, the line grew quickly. Thankfully, two buses showed up for that first run, so everyone managed to get on. One thing we did learn, though, is that you really need to arrive at least 20 minutes early to secure a spot on the shuttle.

Overall, it worked out just fine—it was simply a little less flexible than what we’re used to when traveling by car. Still, being able to experience these markets again made it completely worth the extra planning.

The true highlight of the market was the Christmas carols along the canal. A group of schoolchildren floated down the canal in boats, singing festive carols, with Saint Nicholas bringing up the rear in the final boat. It was such a charming and unique experience, and it added something really special to an already wonderful market. This event doesn’t happen everyday so make sure you check with the Christmas market website for the latest schedule.

Another must-visit spot is the chocolate museum, which is packed with fun chocolate facts and creative displays—plus lots of free samples (always a win!).

The town is also perfect for wandering. One side is home to “Little Venice,” where winding canals create a picturesque setting and make for a lovely, leisurely walk. It’s the kind of place that invites you to slow down and simply enjoy the atmosphere.

Eguisheim, France (2019, 2022, 2024, 2025)

Eguisheim is yet another utterly charming village in Alsace. The buildings were beautifully decorated, and the Christmas touches sprinkled throughout the village only added to the magic. Every street felt festive, cozy, and full of character.

The town itself is small, which means the Christmas market is also on the smaller side—but in Alsace, it’s never really about how many stalls there are. It’s all about the atmosphere. The centuries-old buildings dressed up in Christmas decorations create that unmistakable holiday feeling, and the market stalls simply act as a lovely bonus that enhances the overall Christmas spirit.

Haguenau, France (2025)

We visited Haguenau for the first time in 2025. The market is about 30 minutes north of Strasbourg, and for a town of its size, it’s a really nice Christmas market. The food stalls were definitely a highlight—everything smelled amazing! I treated myself to some delicious pulled pork, while Ben went for his favorite pasta dish served inside a cheese block (I still have no idea what it’s called, but wow, it was tasty!).

Next to the Halle aux Houblons, there was a Christmas decorating competition with the local school children. Each class had decorated a tree, and we were invited to vote for our favorite. Honestly, it was nearly impossible to choose—every single tree was so creative and beautifully done!

Kaysersberg, France (2019, 2021, 2022, 2024, 2025)

Another beautiful Alsace village—honestly, they were all absolutely stunning. This one was a bit larger than some of the nearby villages, which gave it a slightly different feel while still keeping that storybook charm. A castle perched on the hill overlooks the town, and a small canal winds its way through the village, adding even more magic to the setting.

The Kaysersberg Christmas market only opens on weekends—Friday through Sunday—during the festive season. If you can, aim for a Friday visit; Saturdays and Sundays tend to get really crowded, so Friday offers a much more relaxed and enjoyable experience.

The Christmas market here featured a wonderful Stories and Legends display, with scenes inspired by classic fairy tales like Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and Little Red Riding Hood. Wandering through it felt like stepping straight into a childhood storybook.

The walkthrough display changes its theme every year, which keeps it fresh and exciting. Over time, we’ve seen everything from enchanting fairy tales to sparkling ornaments, nostalgic toys from different eras, and beautifully crafted textiles. Each year feels like stepping into a whole new story!

One of the most fascinating stops was the glass-blowing workshop, where you could watch artisans at work creating delicate glass ornaments and decorations right in front of you. It was incredible to see the process up close, and all of the handmade pieces were available for purchase in the shop next door—dangerous for anyone who loves unique souvenirs!

Update 2021:
The last time we visited the Alsace region, we only had a quick, late-afternoon stop in Kaysersberg. This time, we made sure to give ourselves plenty of time to explore—and it was absolutely worth it. The town is stunning on its own, but with all the Christmas decorations and festive touches throughout, it truly felt magical. There’s so much to see and explore, so make sure to give yourself plenty of time to wander the streets, take it all in, and soak up that enchanting holiday atmosphere.

Update 2025:
Since we were traveling around Alsace by motorhome, we relied on the Christmas Market bus to hop between markets. In Kaysersberg, the bus stop is about a 20-minute walk from the town center. From the drop-off point, you follow the main road straight into town. The walk is fairly flat and easy, but I didn’t see this info anywhere, so just a heads-up for anyone planning to use the bus—it’s a little longer than you might expect!

Mulhouse, France (2021)

Mulhouse was a new discovery for us, both the town itself and its Christmas market. There were a few smaller markets scattered throughout town, each with its own charm. In the town center, a grand cathedral is surrounded by stunning, colorful buildings—definitely a feast for the eyes. Mulhouse has now officially earned a spot on our “must-visit again” list, even outside of the Christmas season, because the town is just that cute and inviting.

Neuf-Brisach, France (2019)

The Neuf-Brisach Christmas Market was a completely different experience compared to most of the other markets we visited—and that’s part of what made it so special. We hadn’t even heard of it until our accommodation host suggested we check it out, and we’re so glad we did.

This market is themed around the 1700s. Straw covers the ground, workers are dressed in period outfits, and each stall offers demonstrations of traditional crafts from the era. There’s a room for bread making, blacksmithing, open-fire cooking, and lace work—each craft brought to life right before your eyes. We could have watched the blacksmith for hours as he carefully shaped a small horsehead from a simple iron rod.

Everything about this market feels old-world and traditional, giving it a completely unique atmosphere compared to the other markets in the region. It was a delightful, unexpected gem, and we’re so glad we stumbled upon it.

This market only happens for one weekend each year, so timing is everything. We were lucky to catch it in 2019, and ever since, we’ve been trying to go back—but the dates never seem to line up. It’s definitely a rare treat!

Riquewihr, France (2019, 2021, 2022, 2024, 2025)

Riquewihr is hands-down my favorite village in Alsace. Wandering through the old town, surrounded by centuries-old buildings, felt like stepping back in time. Everywhere we looked was absolutely stunning—the medieval architecture, the narrow cobblestone streets, the charming little corners—it was the kind of place you could spend hours, days, or even months just soaking in the atmosphere.

The Christmas decorations on the fronts of the buildings were the perfect finishing touch, enhancing the village’s natural beauty and making it feel even more magical. The festive spirit in the air makes the whole town feel like a Christmas fairytale.

Selestat, France (2019, 2025)

We included Selestat on our itinerary because it’s famous for its Christmas tree heritage—the town claims the first written mention of a Christmas tree—and the market was supposed to have a tree theme. Unfortunately, when we arrived around 11 a.m., most of the stalls were already closing. We weren’t sure if the market only runs for part of the day or if everyone was just taking a lunch break, but either way, there wasn’t much to see. Most of the stalls looked like typical street market setups, with only a small section clearly part of the Christmas market.

The market itself was very small, but the town had some lovely decorations on its buildings, and wandering around Selestat was still enjoyable. The tree theme was barely noticeable, which was a bit disappointing given the town’s claim to fame—but since the market wasn’t out of our way, it definitely wasn’t a total waste of time.

Update 2025:
Forget everything we said about Selestat in 2019—our revisit completely changed our minds! This time, we discovered everything we had missed before. The town is full of charm, and there are several Christmas markets scattered throughout, including plenty of tempting food stalls.

At the Complexe Sainte-Barbe, we found stunning displays of Christmas trees alongside artisan stalls. Upstairs, more artisans showcased their crafts, and there was even a tree-decorating competition. Each tree was made from different materials and decorated according to a unique theme. Voting for our favorite was nearly impossible—there were just so many amazing creations!

We also stopped by Sainte-Foy Church to see a chandelier made from 173 handblown glass ornaments from Meisenthal. Ben has been collecting these ornaments for years, so it was incredible to see them all displayed together in one place.

But my absolute favorite was the Saint-Georges Church exhibition on the history of the fir tree. Trees were hanging from the arches throughout the church, each representing a different era. One highlight for me was the 19th-century display featuring gingerbread and the traditional “bredele.” One of the gingerbread images matched exactly the design on a vintage advent calendar I inherited from my grandma—it was such a lovely, personal connection.

Selestat really surprised us this time, and we’re honestly embarrassed by our previous review. Clearly, we had just visited at the wrong time. We’ll definitely be returning—it’s a true Christmas gem!

Strasbourg, France (2019, 2021)

Strasbourg is one of the larger towns in Alsace, and its old, charming streets make it feel instantly magical—especially at Christmas. This was our first full-on Christmas town experience, and honestly, it was stunning.

The Strasbourg Christmas Market quickly became one of my favorites. Multiple squares across town were filled with market stalls, each with its own theme and a uniquely styled Christmas tree. Between the markets, the streets themselves were decorated for the season, so wandering from one square to another felt like strolling through a town completely wrapped in Christmas spirit. It was just perfect.

One market even had an alternative Christmas theme, with huts designed from recycled materials and a fluorescent-lit tree that really stood out. And the street decorations were incredible: chandeliers hanging over one street, giant presents over another, stars twinkling above a third, and angels floating over yet another.

But the real highlight? The decorations everywhere. Every building, every street, every rooftop of the market stalls—it all screamed Christmas. Walking through Strasbourg felt like stepping straight into a holiday postcard, and it was impossible not to get swept up in the festive magic.

Update 2021:
This year, the markets in Strasbourg were a bit smaller than the last time we visited (probably thanks to covid), but the town itself is still overflowing with Christmas magic. The buildings are beautifully decorated throughout, and the market stalls feel more unique and interesting than in many other towns. There’s a wonderful selection of Christmas decorations and gifts to browse, making it a joy to wander and soak up the festive atmosphere.

Turckheim, France (2019, 2022, 2025)

The Turckheim Christmas Market is on the smaller side, but the town has a really charming tradition: a giant advent calendar! The “calendar” is made up of three painted house fronts, and each night in December, local schoolchildren walk from the Town Hall, across the square, and open one of the windows to reveal a special Christmas scene. It’s such a sweet way to bring the town to life during the holidays.

Turckheim also offers a Night Watchman walking tour, which sounds like a fantastic way to explore the town. Sadly, the tour only runs on certain nights, and we visited on an off night. Even without it, the town itself was so cute that we could easily imagine how magical the tour would be.

Update 2022:
We couldn’t resist visiting Turckheim again to catch the adorable advent calendar presentation. This year, we were pleasantly surprised by a light projection show on the Town Hall! The display was perfectly aligned with the building, and the winter scenes were absolutely beautiful—such a magical addition to an already charming little town.

At the other end of town, another gate leads into the old town, and here there’s a charming projection that tells the story of a little boy trying to sell his Christmas tree. It’s such a sweet, festive touch that adds even more magic to wandering through Turckheim.

Update 2025:
We returned in 2025 to catch the advent calendar opening and the light projection show in Turckheim. Traveling by motorhome, we left it parked in Sélestat and hopped on the train from Colmar—a quick, convenient 10-minute ride that made visiting the town super easy.

Germany

Aachen, Germany (2019)

This was a small market set up around the cathedral, with a sweet gingerbread theme. Stalls were overflowing with all kinds of gingerbread treats, and there were even large gingerbread statues scattered throughout the market—it felt like stepping into a gingerbread wonderland!

The cathedral itself was breathtaking. From the outside, it’s beautiful, but the inside is absolutely stunning and well worth a visit. Entry is free, though there’s a small 1 Euro fee if you want to take photos.

Baden-Baden, Germany (2019)

Baden-Baden, famous as a spa town thanks to its Roman Baths, had a small but charming Christmas market just outside the town center. Several stalls were set up around the grounds next to the Trinkhalle, and nearby there was a larger area packed with food stalls—perfect for grabbing a delicious lunch while soaking up the festive atmosphere.

After exploring the market, we wandered around the town itself. Baden-Baden is full of lovely shops and charming streets, and some of the buildings had truly over-the-top Christmas decorations. It’s not a huge town, so a short stroll lets you see most of it, and it’s absolutely worth taking the time to enjoy.

Cologne, Germany (2019)

We really enjoyed our time in Cologne. Usually, we’re more drawn to the smaller, quaint town markets than the big city ones—but Cologne surprised us.

Being a larger city, Cologne has several Christmas markets scattered throughout, each with its own theme and vibe. Some of the highlights include the Cologne Cathedral Christmas Market, the Christmas Market in Cologne’s Old Town, the Angels’ Market, the Stadtgarten Market, the Harbour Market, and the Nikolausdorf.

Our favorite was definitely the Christmas Market in Cologne’s Old Town, also known as Heinzel’s Wintermärchen. The market is themed around the Heinzelmännchen—elf-like creatures from an old Cologne legend who would do all the housework while the townspeople slept. It’s also where the story of The Elves and the Shoemaker comes from! Every stall was playfully decorated with elves doing their “jobs.” For example, the pizza stall had a sign showing elves baking pizzas. It was whimsical, charming, and made wandering the market feel like stepping into a little holiday fairytale.

The other markets in Cologne were just as enjoyable to wander through. The market near the cathedral had a more traditional feel, and the cathedral itself made a stunning backdrop for all the stalls. The harbour market had a fun nautical theme, giving it a completely different vibe. Each market really had its own personality, which made exploring the city feel like a festive treasure hunt.

We spent a few days in Cologne, which still wasn’t quite enough time to see everything. If you’re planning a Christmas market adventure, the Cologne markets definitely deserve a spot on your list!

Esslingen, Germany (2019)

The Esslingen Christmas Market is a real standout—because it’s a fully themed medieval market.

Every detail is straight out of the Middle Ages: the stalls look like they’ve been plucked from a medieval town, the workers dress in period costumes, and there’s even a games area filled with old-fashioned medieval games—including one delightfully quirky game that involves a mouse! Walking through the market feels like stepping back in time, and it’s unlike any other Christmas market we’ve visited.

We made the rookie mistake of visiting Esslingen on a Saturday—and wow, it was packed! The streets were so crowded that we could barely move. We ended up leaving and heading to the Christmas Garden at Stuttgart’s Zoological and Botanical Gardens instead. It was a completely different experience—quiet, peaceful, and perfect for wandering freely among the stunning light displays.

The next day, we returned to the Esslingen Christmas Market, and it was a totally different story. With far fewer crowds, we could finally take our time, enjoy the stalls, and really soak up the medieval atmosphere. Definitely a good reminder: avoid Friday nights and Saturdays if you can!

Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany (2019)

Garmisch-Partenkirchen was an unexpected Christmas market stop for us. We were passing through the area and decided to drive into town to check out the wall murals painted on some of the buildings. While exploring, we stumbled upon the Garmisch-Partenkirchen Christmas Market.

It’s a small market, so probably not worth a special trip, but if you happen to be in the area, it’s definitely a charming little stop.

Kempten, Germany (2019)

While heading south to see King Ludwig II’s castles (and hoping to catch some snow), we decided to hunt for a local Christmas market—this led us to the Kempten Christmas Market.

It’s a small market and nothing particularly unique, so I wouldn’t recommend going out of your way just for it. That said, if you’re in the area, it’s a nice spot to grab some yummy food and a warm drink while soaking up a bit of festive cheer.

Nuremberg, Germany (2019)

The Nuremberg Christmas Market is set up in the square in front of the cathedral, and the surrounding streets are beautifully decorated with twinkling lights on the buildings and strung across the streets.

Every evening, a Christmas choir performs in front of the cathedral, filling the square with festive music and adding to the magical atmosphere.

Next to the main square, there’s a special area with stalls representing countries from all over the world, each offering Christmas goodies and treats unique to their region.

The market also had some playful Christmas scene displays—one of our favorites showed children playing in the snow, with one little skier hilariously fallen over in the middle of the scene! It’s those charming little touches that make the Nuremberg market so special.

Rothenberg, Germany (2019)

The Rothenburg Christmas Market is on the smaller side, but the town itself is absolutely stunning.

Rothenburg sits within medieval city walls that you can walk around, giving the town a wonderfully old-world feel. There are also some quirky and interesting museums, including a Christmas Museum and a Medieval Torture Museum—both worth a peek if you have time.

The town is full of charming Christmas shops, and one in particular had an incredible festive display that was hard to tear ourselves away from. In the evenings, you can join the Night Watchman Tour, a guided walk around the town full of fascinating history and stories that bring Rothenburg to life.

With its beautiful setting and traditional holiday activities, Rothenburg is the perfect backdrop for a Christmas market. Wandering its cobbled streets really feels like stepping into a festive storybook!

Rudesheim, Germany (2019)

The Rüdesheim Christmas Market is tucked into a charming little town along the Rhine River, and it quickly became one of our favorites. The market itself is small, but it packs a lot of charm—and the town offers plenty of fun activities to enjoy alongside it.

Every street is lined with Christmas stalls and twinkling decorations, giving the whole town a wonderfully festive atmosphere. Walking through Rüdesheim really felt like stepping into a Christmas postcard!

The Rhine River is famous for the many castles perched along its banks, and we were eager to see as many as possible. Unfortunately, many were closed for the winter season, so we only managed to visit a couple—but that didn’t stop the adventure.

As an extra treat, we hopped on a boat ride along the Rhine. While the special Christmas-themed cruises were already sold out, the regular ride still gave us a fantastic view of the castles from the river. Seeing them all lined up along the water was magical—and a perfect way to take in the fairytale scenery of the Rhine.

One of our absolute favorite stops in town was Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Museum—and honestly, it’s now one of our favorite museums ever. The museum is packed with antique mechanical musical instruments, many of which are still in working condition.

The tour was a blast! We got to see several instruments demonstrated, and hearing the music come to life was both fascinating and entertaining. Watching the intricate mechanisms at work while the melodies played made it such a memorable and unique experience. If you love music, history, or just quirky, wonderful things, this museum is a must-see!

Just a short walk from the museum, we found a cable car that whisks you up the hill to the Niederwald Monument. The ride itself is a treat—it glides over vineyards that produce the very wine you can sip during the trip! It was such a fun experience to enjoy a glass of wine literally from the fields below while taking in the views as we ascended.

We absolutely loved our time in Rüdesheim along the Rhine River. Between the charming Christmas market, scenic river views, and unique activities, it was a magical stop that we won’t soon forget.

Stuttgart, Germany (2019)

The Stuttgart Christmas Market is one of the largest—and oldest—we visited during our 2019 tour. The stalls were incredible, each covered in charming Christmas scenes that made browsing feel extra festive. While the surrounding town doesn’t have the same quaint charm as the smaller villages we explored, the beautiful stalls and decorations more than make up for it.

At one end of the city, a towering Christmas tree takes center stage, surrounded by dazzling light displays that make the whole area feel extra magical.

Just outside Stuttgart is the Christmas Garden, set in the city’s Zoological and Botanical Gardens. You can wander through the beautifully landscaped gardens while enjoying spectacular light displays. We had such a lovely evening strolling among the twinkling lights—it felt magical and peaceful all at once.

Not Christmas-related, but just outside Stuttgart, there’s a Pig Museum. Yes… a whole museum dedicated to pigs! The building is filled with rooms showcasing everything you can imagine—piggy banks, stuffed pig toys, kitchen gadgets, and so much more. It’s quirky, fun, and totally unlike any museum you’ve ever visited.

Ulm, Germany (2019)

The Ulm Christmas Market is a smaller market set up around the stunning cathedral, but there were actually more stalls than we expected. The town itself is fairly large, with plenty of great shopping options to explore alongside the market.

While we were there, we also went inside the cathedral—and it’s definitely worth a visit. The soaring steeple is incredibly impressive, making the market and its surroundings feel even more special.

Just outside the main market area, next to the cathedral, there’s a charming fairy tale corner. A little kids’ train circles the area, complete with tiny tracks you have to carefully cross over. The fairy tale scenes are simple but adorable, featuring all the classic, well-known stories—perfect for kids (and big kids at heart!) to enjoy.

Inside the market, there was also a large Steiff Bear display—a delightful Christmas scene filled with animated bears and winter animals. It was charming, whimsical, and added a wonderfully playful touch to the market.

Alongside the usual Christmas stalls, the market also had some fantastic food options. From savory treats to sweet indulgences, there was plenty to nibble on while soaking up the festive atmosphere.

Wiesbaden, Germany (2019)

The Wiesbaden Christmas Market was a quick stop for us on the way to another market. It’s a small market, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in charm. The Christmas lights were absolutely stunning—especially the tall lights glowing above the stalls, which gave the whole market such a magical, festive feel.

Wurzburg, Germany (2019)

The Würzburg Christmas Market was pretty average—nothing too fancy—but we didn’t visit the town specifically for the market. We were passing through and wanted to see some of Würzburg’s other attractions, including the Würzburg Residence, Marienburg Fortress, Würzburg Cathedral, and Hofkirche. The Christmas market was just a lovely bonus—a convenient stop to grab some food and soak up a bit of festive atmosphere while exploring the town.

Italy

Verona, Italy (2021)

Verona is one of my favorite cities—so romantic, charming, and full of streets I love wandering down. We hadn’t been back for a few years, so I was thrilled we had the chance to visit again—and at Christmas time, no less!

The town center was dotted with several areas of stalls and festive decorations, creating such a wonderful atmosphere that we ended up extending our stay by an extra night just to soak it all in.

Netherlands

Maastricht, Netherlands (2019)

The market itself was small but incredibly cozy, and we loved wandering both through the stalls and the surrounding streets.

Set in the main town square, the market had a festive ferris wheel and a giant ornament providing a stunning backdrop—perfect for getting into the Christmas spirit while exploring the area.