Christmas Celebrations are so much different in Europe!
Christmas Market Memories
Strasbourg Christmas 2009
Sixteen years ago, I visited my very first Christmas market in Strasbourg, France. The air was crisp, the scent of mulled wine and roasted nuts drifted through the cobblestone streets, and everywhere I turned, locals were celebrating centuries-old traditions. That night, I realized there’s nothing quite like the magic of a European holiday season — and it’s a joy I’ve loved sharing with fellow travelers ever since!
I had long heard about Europe’s Christmas Markets, and even though I had been bringing people to Europe for over a decade, my teaching job kept me from traveling during the school year. But this year, everything lined up with my holiday break, so we hopped on a plane and off we went to Zurich. Being a Florida boy, anytime snow is involved, it adds an extra element of fun. And oh my, we encountered lots of snow as we drove from Zurich to Neuschwanstein. Waking up the next morning at Hotel Ernberg, near Reutte, Austria, I opened the balcony doors to mountains steeped in fog and blanketed with snow, an alpine winter wonderland!
Leaving Austria’s Tyrol, we drove through the vineyards and hills, beyond Lake Constance, and into Bavaria’s Black Forest. This time of year, the higher elevations were dusted with fresh fallen snow, mountain streams rushing downhill beside the road, and Christmas decorations everywhere. The normally tourist-laden vacation towns were mostly shuttered for the season, but even so, they beamed with twinkling lights, bright ornaments, and smoke gently wafting from chimneys.
Christmas Markets come by many names in Europe, and each region has its own term for its Christmas Market. However, the common factor is that they all focus on Christ’s birth. You see, the Christian heritage runs strong across Europe, and there is no doubt Christ is the underlying purpose for all the hustle and bustle of the Christmas Markets. That’s why around the first week in December, folks in these areas prepare for the arrival of Jesus and Christmas Day, with celebrations, worship, prayer, and personal spiritual preparation. Many count down with Advent wreaths and even huge Advent calendars on building shutters and windows, awaiting Christ’s arrival on December 25.
The idea of “Santa Claus” doesn’t even enter the mind when associated with Advent and the preparation of Jesus’ birth on December 24 and 25. Santa-like figures, such as Saint Nicholas, Weihnachsmann, and Sinterklaas, usually arrive on December 6, commonly known as Saint Nicholas Day. Usually, children are visited by these figures in the early hours of December 6 and given small gifts, such as fruit and candy.
In some Alpine locales, such as Austria, Bavaria, Slovenia, Hungary, and the Czech Republic, the Krampus arrives on the evening of December 5. This half-goat, half-demon creature has a wretched face, curvy horns, wicked fangs, a long, pointed tongue, and carries a whip. The Krampus arrives to torture and punish naughty children. The creatures often appear in restaurants, town squares, and on the streets of villages and cities. However, I’ve never seen them in a Christmas Market, perhaps because the Christ-child and St. Nicholas keep them at bay.
Why Christmas Markets there instead of here?
Europe’s Christmas markets are more than just a place to shop — they’re a living tradition. From the classic red and white stalls of Nuremberg to the storybook medieval charm of Salzburg, each market is a window into local culture. You’ll find hand-carved ornaments, regional treats, and festive music echoing through historic town squares. For many, it’s the highlight of the year — and a perfect way to connect with the heart of Europe.
Our Christmas Market Tours: Experience the Magic
Christmas Markets fun!
Looking for something a little different? Our Christmas Markets Germany, France & Italy Tour blends the best of three countries: France’s Alsace, the Black Forest in Germany, Strasbourg, Füssen, Bolzano, and Munich. And if you’re craving even more variety, the Christmas Markets in Central Europe Tour journeys through Nürnberg, Prague, Vienna, Bratislava, and Budapest — each city with its own festive flair.
What Makes Our Tours Different?
- Small Groups: 6-18 people traveling with a close-knit group of like-minded explorers.
- Local Connections: Meet artisans, sample regional specialties, and experience traditions first-hand. Enjoy relaxing at our small hotels with character in the thick of the Christmas market action.
- Stress-Free Planning: We handle the logistics so you can soak up the magic. Our prices are all-inclusive; there are no extras or add-on costs.
- Expert Guides: Our team brings decades of experience and a deep love for European culture.
- Free time every day is built in for you to get out and explore on your own.
- Eating well is a priority, so you’ll enjoy about half your dinners at some of David’s best choice restaurants and inns. Enjoy breakfast every morning at our hotels.
Special Holiday Offer!
Book any of our discounted tours by August 15, 2025, and enjoy $300 off 2025 departures. This is the perfect time to secure your spot for a once-in-a-lifetime holiday adventure!
Ready to Celebrate the Season?
Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned market-hopper, there’s always something new to discover. Take a look at all our upcoming tours and destinations, and let’s make this holiday season unforgettable — together!
