My European Christmas Market Street Journey Itinerary

November 12, 2023

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I simply spent a wonderful ten days in Germany and France taking in a few of the finest 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 any scarcity of magical locations in Europe.

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

In the event you’re searching for the Finest 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 vital dates and ceaselessly requested questions.

Touring by way 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 come back down the chimney.

Christmas Market Ideas

For this specific 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 wonderful 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 6 years, so this information offers you the very best recommendations on experiencing Christmas markets and my itinerary for a superb journey.

There may be a lot that goes into planning an epic journey overseas, particularly throughout the holidays! With my European Christmas market highway journey itinerary, it is going to hopefully make your journey planning course of a breeze.

How lengthy do you have to plan for a visit? It will in fact rely on what you wish 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.

Do not have 11 days? That is okay! I am going to share the cities that it’s good to discover, what you need to undoubtedly see/do, and the way lengthy it takes to journey from metropolis to metropolis.

You may completely see so much in much less time! One week continues to be loads of time to see and do so much, you would possibly simply wish to minimize out a number of stops alongside the way in which.

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 value it.

Many will let you know to ebook accommodations forward of time, and I agree, however ensure that the cancellation coverage is versatile, particularly when you anticipate there is likely to be adjustments alongside the way in which. We have been going to spend extra time in Germany, however because the markets have been canceled, we ended up staying longer in France and getting final minute accommodations.

Our European Christmas Market Street Journey Itinerary

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

Cologne
Aachen
Monschau
Trier
Metz
Ribeauvillé
Kayersberg
Eguisheim
Riquewihr
Colmar
Strasbourg
Baden-Baden
Heidelberg
Frankfurt

If that looks like so much… 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 so much! To me, this did not really feel rushed. I used to be touring with my mother and she or he stored up as effectively. I do are likely to pack in so much once I journey, however I would not have it every other 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 way 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

I like to recommend utilizing a price range web site like Priceline or Hotwire to discover a rental automobile. Nevertheless, I keep away from automobile rental locations like Thrifty and Funds! 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’ll be able to generally drop off your rental automobile at a distinct location, however normally it must be throughout the identical nation. Hold 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 $600 in whole with taxes and costs to lease a automobile.

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

Cease 1: Cologne

Christmas markets are a European custom that date again to the thirteenth century, and Cologne is likely 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 twenty fourth till December twenty third, with greater than 100 stalls promoting every part 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 preferred 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 positioned at Neumarkt and options fairly white stalls with darkish shingled roofs and a myriad of stars. There’s a stupendous 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 adorned stalls, and a festive ambiance. Cologne’s “Heinzelmännchen” legend is considered one of my favorites. The Heinzelmännchen are pleasant family spirits which are used all through the market as decor. You may additionally discover a lot of wooden crafts right here.

Nicholas Village – I completely ADORE this stunning market! You are greeted with a speaking moose, joyous Christmas music, and sizzling Kartofelpufer (see what to eat at a Christmas Market right here). Positioned in entrance of the gorgeous and historic Hahnentorburg, you’ll be able to 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 isn’t solely an extremely spectacular cathedral, however you will additionally discover the three sensible 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 stuffed with nice historical past, stunning church buildings and wonderful cafe outlets. It is considered one of my favourite cities, particularly throughout the vacation season – you will 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 can not 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 finest 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, Nevertheless, you’ll be able to simply head to Liege, Belgium, and Maastricht, The Netherlands. Being on the border provides it a sure feeling of worldliness.

Charlemagne constructed a monumental palace complicated 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 ambiance throughout the Christmas season. Aachen can also be house to the Cathedral of Aachen, which is a stupendous cathedral and one of many oldest in Europe.

I like to recommend visiting the Charlemagne Heart 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 is not as huge because it was earlier than, the gorgeous 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, huge, fats flakes! It was gorgeous. We meandered our method to the gorgeous city of Monschau. Monschau, a city within the Eifel area of Germany is a captivating and picturesque vacation spot with limitless half-timbered structure and a river operating by way of it.

Monschau was initially constructed round a fortress and presents a bevy of lovely buildings and a captivating setting for strolling. The Christmas market right here can also be very fairly, filled with conventional German foods and drinks, crafts, decorations, and music! I extremely advocate exploring Monschau when you’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 flippantly falling snow and take a number of footage! This could 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 likely one of the oldest in Germany and is about up within the medieval principal sq. by the unimaginable Trier Cathedral. Practically 100 adorned 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 exterior Palestine was established, by Saint Helena of Constantinople round 300 AD. In the course of the Center Ages it grew to become one of the vital vital cities in Europe and it stays an vital website for commerce and training at the moment.

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 incorporates quite a few items from earlier than then as effectively, together with an altar that’s stated to be over 1,300 years previous. 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 shocked at how a lot there may be 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 value visiting as effectively – Notre Dame d’Auschwitz, the fashionable artwork heart Centre Pompidou-Metz, and Le Temple Neuf is a stupendous church that appears extra like a fortress.

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 will discover gourmand meals markets on Place de la Comédie.

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

On our manner out of Metz the subsequent 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 stunning cease on on journey! Ribeauvillé is a stupendous, festive city in Alsace, France with a wealthy historical past and tradition. It is also identified 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 standard Christmas market.

The Ribeauvillé Christmas Market is the right 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 way of the medieval streets admiring vacation decorations whereas listening to dwell 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 fingers by the fireplace logs in the course of the road, comply with the parade of lights or have conventional cider mashed by hand with an enormous stone grinder. This was actually considered 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 the most effective 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 the most effective locations for Christmas with a mixture of German and French traditions.

Necessary word: 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 subsequent few stops have been truly happening over simply at some point 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 identified for its medieval structure and Christmas market.

Kayersberg is likely one of the most picturesque cities in Alsace with cobblestone streets, half-timbered buildings, and slender alleys lined with outlets promoting all types 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 definitely 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 stupendous village heart tucked away from the hustle of the bigger cities.

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

Cease 9: Riquewihr

Of the three stops of our Alsace Christmas market tour at the moment: 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 definitely 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 stupendous 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 subsequent.

La Petite Venise is considered one of my favourite areas with pleasant structure curving across the water. Additionally right here is considered 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 eager about it! I’ve eaten right here twice and it is simply a few of the finest meals you will have in Europe.

The Christmas market is stuffed with wood chalets with superbly illuminated streets and loads of photograph alternatives.

On our method to Strasbourg, we stopped on the large Koenigsbourg Fort, a medieval fortress on high of a mountain within the Alsace with an incredible view of the area. Once we went it was nearing nightfall and a cloud of fog engulfed the fortress, a lot in order that we may barely see! We nonetheless loved roaming across the spectacular fortress.

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