Whether it’s on Vienna’s Rathausplatz or Munich’s Marienplatz, opposite Strasbourg Cathedral or Salzburger Dom… the first time you lay eyes on one of Europe’s classic Christmas Markets will be a moment you won’t soon forget. Ancient squares around Gothic cathedrals or Baroque town halls have been magically transformed into winter wonderlands alive with twinkling lights, festive greenery, and visitors happily hopping from one brightly decorated booth to another in search of everything from hand-crafted ornaments to mouth-watering marzipan… and a little holiday cheer!
A Few of our Favorite Markets:
Prague, Czech Republic: Prague has several holiday markets with abundant helpings of luscious pastries, lighted Christmas trees, mangers, mulled wine and stalls selling local crafts.
Vienna, Austria: Filled with tradition and music, Vienna’s Christkindlmarkt is one of the largest in Europe. Strains of Haydn, Strauss and Mozart fill the air along with the scent of roasted chestnuts and beeswax candles.
Budapest, Hungary: Vörösmarty Square is transformed with cottage-like stalls filled with handmade wares, fragrant spices and delectable treats. Look for the windows of Gerbeaud Confectioners, decorated as a life-size Advent calendar.
Cologne, Germany: At least seven Christmas markets enliven the streets of Cologne, including smaller favorites like the Medieval Christmas Market outside the Chocolate Museum and a Floating Christmas Market!
Passau, Germany: Located in the historic town square, the market includes choir performances, organ concerts (the cathedral organ is huge and world-famous) and plenty of traditional Glühwein (mulled wine), Lebkuchen (gingerbread) and Bratwurst.
Heidelberg, Germany: Follow the sidewalk from square to square between downtown and the Cathedral to take in the full array of Heidelberg’s market. Enjoy castle views, an ice rink, regional delicacies and wonderful choir music.
Explore Christmas Market tours for 2011 and 2012
Why Europe Remains the World’s Most Rewarding Travel Destination
After more than 35 years of sending clients to Europe, our advisors at Atlas Travel Center can tell you something the guidebooks don’t always say clearly: every European country rewards slow travel. The travelers who come home raving aren’t the ones who checked twelve cities off a list — they’re the ones who lingered in a market, had a conversation with a local winemaker, or watched the light change over a harbor at sunset. Europe is best savored, not rushed.
That said, there are real logistics to master — and that’s where our expertise makes a meaningful difference. Rail passes versus point-to-point tickets, which airports have the smoothest connections, how far in advance to book the most popular museums and restaurants, which neighborhoods to stay in versus which to avoid — these are the details our agents have spent decades learning firsthand. Many on our team have visited the destinations they book, which means the advice you get from Atlas is grounded in real experience, not just brochure copy.
How Atlas Travel Center Plans European Trips
We work with a carefully vetted network of overseas partners — local guides, boutique hotels, and transportation providers — who share our commitment to quality and authenticity. Whether you want a fully escorted tour with a group, a custom independent itinerary, or a river cruise through the heart of the continent, we design the experience around you. Our group travel program is especially popular for European destinations: we handle all the logistics so you can focus on the experience.
Start Planning Your European Journey
Contact Atlas Travel Center to speak with an advisor who knows Europe deeply. We’re CLIA-certified, ARC-accredited, and have held an A+ BBB rating throughout our 35+ years in business. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning to a destination you love, we’ll make sure your European trip is everything you’re imagining — and more.
