What’s the most enchanting part of the holiday season? For many, it’s Europe’s charming Christmas markets! With their twinkling lights, handcrafted goods, and the delicious aroma of seasonal treats (not to mention mulled wine), these markets offer a truly magical way to celebrate. Whether you’re browsing festive stalls while cruising the Rhine or reveling in Switzerland’s winter wonderland, these five curated tours promise to ignite your holiday spirit.

Sail Through Europe’s Christmas Markets on a Floating Boutique Hotel

Experience the magic of Europe’s most famous holiday markets with “Uniworld Boutique River Cruises”, launching a special “Holiday Collection” of eight festive itineraries throughout December. These cruises combine visits to iconic markets with hidden seasonal gems. On board their cozy, luxurious ships, guests can sip holiday-inspired cocktails and enjoy festive onboard programs between stops.Must-haves include the new “Belgian Holiday Markets” tour, visiting the lesser-known but truly spectacular markets of Belgium, complemented by Germany and the Netherlands. Others in high demand are the “Classic Christmas Markets” along the German Main River and the *Rhine Holiday Markets*, traveling through Switzerland, France, and Germany.

Discover Germany’s Christmas Markets on a Magical Winter Getaway

Seeking that special holiday gift? Find them in Germany on a 7-day “German Christmas Markets” tour with “Contiki”, designed for travelers aged 18-35. Wander the cobblestone streets of Frankfurt, Nuremberg, and Munich, all lit up with festive cheer. See Cologne’s majestic cathedral, discover Stuttgart’s old town charm, and shop one of Europe’s oldest markets filled with antiques and handcrafted wooden toys. Itinerary includes a gingerbread-making workshop and a visit to Neuschwanstein Castle, straight out of a fairy tale.

Holiday Magic Across Vienna, Ljubljana, and Zagreb

Discover the hidden gems of Croatia, Slovenia, and Austria’s festive Christmas markets on Insight Vacations’ “Christmas Markets of Croatia”, Slovenia, and Austria. Start in Zagreb, Croatia’s capital, featuring the bustling Christmas market, Zrinjevac Park, and a funicular ride to landmarks such as St. Mark’s Church. The tour moves ahead to the Postojna Caves in Slovenia with their beauty and the charm of Ljubljana’s markets, all set in a medieval scene. Then, it heads toward Bratislava, capital of Slovakia, to celebrate Christmas by taking part in a food tour there followed by walking through the innumerable holiday markets around Vienna.

Iconic Winter Wonderlands in Austria, Germany, and Switzerland

Feel the festive spirit in Vienna, Munich, and Zurich with “Trafalgar’s Christmas Markets of Austria, Germany, and Switzerland”. Start off with Vienna where a local guide takes you through markets full of handmade toys, gifts, and festive treats. From there, you move on to Munich where you would drink traditional Bavarian beer before moving through the dazzling Christmas market. Then there is the fairy tale town of Innsbruck, nestled between towering alpine views, before the visit to Lucerne, where you can have lunch with a local family, visit wooden market stalls and warm up sipping warm Glühwein.

Uncover Hidden Gems in Central Europe’s Christmas Markets

Experience lesser-known treasures with “Unforgettable Travel’s Christmas Markets of Central Europe” tour. This customizable journey begins in Munich, where you’ll explore charming markets featuring handcrafted ornaments, wooden toys, and unique jewelry. Continue to Prague and Vienna, combining Old-World elegance with modern comforts. In Prague, enjoy a walking tour of the historic city center, while Vienna offers regal castles, palaces, and an authentic Viennese concert alongside its festive markets.

These curated European tours bring something for every holiday enthusiast from iconic destinations to off-the-beaten-path markets. Celebrate the season with a trip filled with festive charm, culinary delights, and unforgettable experiences!