christmas market travel packages

Christmas Market tours

Drink hot mulled wine and marvel at sparkling Advent displays in historic squares across Europe. Get in the holiday spirit when you visit these iconic Christmas markets on our trips.

September 2024

Showing 1–4 of 4 tours

Christmas Markets of Germany, Switzerland & Austria

14 days | 16 days with Budapest extension

4.4 out of 5 stars

Christmas Markets of Historic Germany

12 days | 15 days with Vienna extension

4.7 out of 5 stars

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Christmas Markets of Budapest, Vienna & Prague

11 days | 14 days with Salzburg extension

4.5 out of 5 stars

Christmas Markets of Eastern Europe

15 days | 18 days with Berlin extension

What travelers are saying about our Christmas Market tours

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5 out of 5 stars

1st-time traveler Renee

So glad that we took this trip for our first time to Europe. We were able to experience the cultures of 6 different cities. Spending 3 days in 4 of them gave us a chance to see... Read more of Best trip ever!

Traveled in Dec 2023 on Christmas Markets of Eastern Europe

19th-time traveler Melodee Ann

I loved this tour & our Tour Director, Paul was amazing he went above & beyond all the time. He was available for any questions any of us had. He arranged many extras that we had... Read more of Awesome Christmas Market Tour

3rd-time traveler Sherry

This trip was sweet but short because of my hip Had dislocated And we had to fly back home earlier than expected it was two days into our trip that this had happened and this is... Read more of Very sad this happened

Traveled in Dec 2022 on Christmas Markets of Eastern Europe

12th-time traveler Pat

The Eastern European Christmas Markets' Tour has all the components of a great tour. In addition to the historical significance of this area of the world, the tour offers superb... Read more of A Winter Wonderland

3rd-time traveler Beth

This was a wonderful trip. The different markets in the different countries really got you into the Christmas Spirit. Atto, our tour director, went out of his way to make sure... Read more of Great way to get into the Spirit!

5th-time traveler David

Good time. Great areas to visit. Might be better to allow more personal time though. Some days were crammed with activity. Pace can be slower.

Traveled in Nov 2022 on Christmas Markets of Eastern Europe

2nd-time traveler Peggy

This tour of Christmas markets of Eastern Europe was not only fun but historic. The Christmas markets were awesome selling Eastern European food, mulled wine, and all kinds of... Read more of Fun and Historical Tour of Eastern Europe

2nd-time traveler Jane

The Christmas Market tour was Fabulous. Our tour Guide Constantine was Very Informative & Brilliant. He taught us so much history & culture of the regions we visited. He was a... Read more of Christmas Markets

Christmas Market Visits & Tours

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• Christmas Market in Vienna (Vienna, Austria)
• Christkindlesmarkt in Salzburg (Salzburg, Austria)
• Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremberg (Nurmeburg, Germany)
• Christmas Market in Cologne (Cologne, Germany)
• Christmas Market in Tallinn (Tallinn, Estonia)
• Winter Wonders in Brussels (Brussels, Belgium)
• Strasbourg's Advent Market (Strasbourg, France)
• Basel Christkindlmarkt (Basel, Switzerland)

Cruising Europe Christmas Markets

Christmas markets in europe.

• Hot food and drinks - prepared in traditional ways, this is one of the best times to get a taste of the true flavor of central Europe.
• Handmade souvenirs, like ornaments, toys, and artisanal goods.
• Singing, dancing, and cultural celebrations on every corner. 

Christmas Market Traveler Stories

Magical christmas markets on the danube, christmas markets on the rhine, why travel with adventure life, recognized by.

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Christmas Markets of Germany

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Shop and Sip Glühwein at Germany’s Premier Christmas Markets on This 8-Day Guided Tour

Take a once in a lifetime trip across Germany, sipping beer in Munich, dining on German delicacies in Berlin and experiencing the Christmas pyramids in Dresden. This immersive Christmastime tour highlights the delights of the Nuremberg Market’s Christkindlmarkt stalls—with the chance to sample authentic German Rostbratwürste, and the musical surrounds of the Leipzig Market, where locals gather to sing and celebrate the festive season. On your Local Expert Tour of Dresden, see iconic city sights like the enormous Procession of the Dukes mosaic, Zwinger Palace and the Semper Opera House. Dresden is also home to Germany’s oldest Christmas market where you can taste Christstollen—a traditional Christmas cake recipe dating back to medieval times.

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Gate 1 Christmas Markets Tours 2023, 2024 - Gate 1 Christmas Markets River Cruises

Gate 1 christmas markets river cruises 2023 and 2024.

Since river cruises provide the similar open-air feeling of cruising with significantly less people accounted for, they have grown considerably in popularity. Gate 1 has taken advantage of this growing popularity with European river cruises, particularly their Christmas Markets river cruises that visit various countries like Austria, Germany, the Netherlands, and more. While the selection Gate 1 Christmas Markets River Cruises for 2023, 2024 and beyond have more itineraries listed further below, we have given brief summaries for featured ones here:

8 Day Christmas Markets of Germany and Austria

Price from 1349.00 Visits to Munich, Nuremberg, Salzburg, Vienna

8 Day Christmas Markets of Switzerland & France

9 day christmas markets of budapest, ljubljana & vienna, 9 day alpine christmas markets.

Featured Christmas Markets to explore on this Gate 1 Christmas Market tour are those in Munich, Heidelberg, and Mainz with city tours offering the opportunity to explore Strasbourg, the Black Forest, Linderhof Castle and more!

Gate 1 Christmas Markets Tours 2023 and 2024

While Gate 1’s Christmas Markets river cruises take visitors on trips down the beautiful rivers of Europe with stays aboard the ships themselves, the landlocked tours are nothing to be sneezed at. With access to wider areas to explore and tour, it should come as no surprise that these tours are as popular if not more so than the aforementioned river cruise itineraries. Here are some featured Gate 1 Christmas markets tours for 2023 and 2024

4 Day Quebecs Christmas Market

CODE: CA-4DYQBCM-PKG-24 OPERATOR: Gate 1 Popularity: 10 -->

9 Day Christmas Markets of Romania

CODE: RO-9DCHMARO-PKG-24 OPERATOR: Gate 1 Popularity: 8 -->

9 Day Baltics Christmas Markets

CODE: PL-LT-LV-EE-9DBALTICCM-PKG-24 OPERATOR: Gate 1 Popularity: 9 -->

CODE: DE-CMbudLjuvie-PKG-22 OPERATOR: Gate 1 Popularity: 9 -->

9 Day Christmas Markets of Poland, Prague and Berlin

CODE: PL-CZ-DE-9DCHMAPLPB-PKG-24 OPERATOR: Gate 1 Popularity: 10 -->

9 Day Christmas Markets of Central Europe

CODE: CZ-SK-HU-9DCHMCEU-PKG-24 OPERATOR: Gate 1 Popularity: 10 -->

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18 Christmas Markets in Europe You Need to See (2024 Guide)

By: Author Sylvia

Posted on Last updated: January 23, 2024

Are you looking for the best Christmas Markets in Europe? You came to the right place. 

Christmas is approaching and we can’t wait to put up the Christmas tree. Let’s for a while forget about the stress to buy Christmas presents and the crowded shopping centers and focus on what Christmas should be all about.  Having a joyful time with friends and family members.

There is no better place to do that than at these cozy and fairy-tale-like Christmas markets.  

Call your friends, put on a pair of warm shoes, and meet them at one of the markets below to collect stories about the past year.

Ambiance guaranteed!

Here is the list of the best Christmas markets in Europe. 

There is a really good chance that this post contains affiliate links. If you click one of them, we may receive a small commission (for which we are deeply grateful) at no extra cost to you.

Table of Contents

Europe Christmas Markets You Must See

Christmas Market in Cologne

• Contributed by Sarah and Justin from Travel Breathe Repeat.

The best Christmas Markets in Europe are in Cologne, Germany.

There are seven major Cologne Christmas Markets ( Koln Christmas market), so you absolutely will have your fill of fun and food during your time there. 

Each market has a different theme so they look and feel quite distinctive.

Under the gorgeous Cologne Cathedral, you’ll find the most traditional market.

Nearby, you can enjoy a bit more whimsy at the market in the Old Town, which is watched over by wooden elves.

This is our favorite market because it’s the biggest and has an ice skating rink.

The market by the harbor is appropriately nautical-themed with ship-shaped huts.

Further in at Neumarkt, is the Angel’s Market where angels roam sprinkling glitter on happy children.

A few blocks away is a smaller, more relaxed market at Rudolfplatz. It feels very neighborhoody and more of a local spot.

Also nearby you can find the small yet fun Heavenue market, billed as the gay Christmas Market that’s welcoming to all. It features pop-art-styled tents and live music.

And up at Stadtgarten is the market for shopping as they have more unique crafts on offer. 

All of the markets have delicious food including traditional Christmas Market fare and some more interesting dishes. And of course, they all have the all-important Glühwein, which will keep you warm as you roam the aisles.

You can walk or take public transportation between most of the markets. There’s also the Christmas Market Express trolleybus that takes visitors to see the four biggest markets. It’s especially great for people with mobility issues and kids.

You can definitely see them all the markets in an, albeit busy, day. But there are a lot of other great things to see and do in Cologne, you should definitely make a weekend trip out of it.

Bremen Christmas Market

• Contributed by Arzo from Arzo travels. 

Bremen´s Christmas Markets are the most beautiful ones in Germany (and probably in the world).

Okay, this is coming from a local but seriously, the markets are well-known all over the world because they are gorgeous. 

There are two main Christmas markets to visit in Bremen – Schlachte Zauber  and the main one at the market square.

Both are located in the city center and are easily reachable – it takes a 10-minute walk from the main train station and is a 10-minute tram ride from the airport.

You can easily walk from the market square to the Schlachte Zauber.

So, it is perfect to spend your whole afternoon/evening here.

The Market Square Christmas Market houses 176 stalls –  food, snacks, drinks, and shops!  There are even carousels for kids (and also for us adults).

Of course, mulled wine (Glühwein) is also big and you’ll find many stalls selling some. But whether you are into sweets, hearty or healthy food – you’ll find all kinds of food and snacks here.

So, come with an empty stomach – because there are also even more food stalls at the Schlachte Zauber.

There you’ll find about 100 “snow-capped” wooden huts, selling drinks, all kinds of food, and merchandise.

If you are looking for some last-minute Christmas presents then you might find something here.

In addition to all the lights, stalls, and carousels there are also events -, especially for the kids. Visit Santa – yes, Santa is in Bremen for the 4 weeks before Christmas – or watch some short shows to have the best experience.

Frankfurt Christmas Market

• Contributed by Jorge & Claudia from Travel Drafts

The Christmas Markets in Frankfurt is one of the largest and oldest in Germany, dating back to 1393.

The market is a Christmas wonderland with an enormous Christmas tree, a big merry-go-round, decorations, and food stalls embraced by the scenic surroundings of the Römerberg and St Paul’s Square.

This year the Christmas Market starts on the 25th of November at 5 pm with the singing of Christmas carols by the Frankfurt Opera.

Another iconic event of the market is the Chiming of Frankfurt’s Church Bells on the 30 of November.

Between 4.30 and 5 pm all the churches of Frankfurt chiming their bells. In total there are 50 bells and the sound echos all around the city.

The Frankfurt Christmas Market is also the ideal place to buy Christmas gifts from Christmas decorations to sweets and to cookie cutters.

If you think about a Christmas-related gift you’ll probably find it there.

It is also a place to eat with so many traditional dishes.

You should try the Kartoffelpuffer (potato pancakes), the Flammkuchen (German version of a pizza), the wood-fired salmon (definitely a must), the wurst with bread, and mustard (any kind of wurst), the Lebkuchen (Gingerbread), and many others.

For the kids, there are plenty of activities to do, like the Santa Claus visit in the Römerberg Square, riding the Historical Steam Train, and the carrousels.

You will need at least 2 days to explore this market, but besides the Market, there are plenty of other things to do in Frankfurt in Winter .

Get in the festive mood in Germany with this 9-day tour of German Chrismas Markets: Best Christmas Markets in Germany

Switzerland

Werdmuhleplatz Christmas market in Zurich

• Contributed by Shelley from Lifejourney4two.

Just a few minutes’ walk south of Zurich’s main train station, just off Bahnhofstrasse, you’ll find the Werdmuhleplatze Christmas market.

This is our favorite of all the Zurich Christmas markets. 

It not only has the classic Swiss chalet style stalls packed full of Christmas goodies, but it also has the famous, ‘Singing Christmas Tree’.

Each day, various choirs, fill the tiered podium within the Christmas tree to become the tree’s decorations and serenade the audience with carols and Christmas cheer.

The choirs change around and depending on the program and time of day, you could be listening to soul and gospel choirs or school and youth choirs.

Listening to the ‘Singing Christmas Tree’ gives a whole new special experience to visiting this gorgeous Christmas market. 

Here you can enjoy the Christmas tunes as you sip on gluhwein or hot chocolate and there is even a wooden chalet devoted totally to traditional swiss cheese fondue.

There are plenty of culinary delights to choose from and a nostalgic carousel tops off the Christmas feel.

You can spend quite a while here soaking up the Christmas atmosphere.

The choirs normally perform for about 30 minutes and make sure to leave extra time after that to peruse the stalls and partake in some delicious local delicacies.

This is a wonderful Christmas market in Switzerland, where you can take time to relax, be entertained, and start your Christmas celebrations.

Konstanz Christmas Market

• Contributed by Wendy from The Nomadic Vegan.

I visited a lot of Christmas markets during the six years that I lived in Switzerland, but the one I remember the most fondly is actually not in Switzerland itself but just across the border in the lakeside German city of Konstanz.

Many people come not only from all over Germany but also from neighboring Switzerland and Austria to visit this unique market.

The official name of the market is Weihnachsmarkt am See, which in German means “Christmas market on the lake”.

And the most distinctive feature of the market is that it does take place not just along the shores of Lake Constance but even on the lake itself!

The highlight has to be the “Christmas Ship” anchored in the harbor. On board, you’ll find plenty of stalls selling local arts and crafts, as well as an ice bar with a 360-degree panoramic view of the lake and its surroundings.

It’s open seven days a week during that period, but if you want to avoid the worst of the crowds you’re best of coming mid-week if possible.

And if you’re arriving from Switzerland by train, check the SBB railway company’s website for special deals. They also offer promotions on fares to Christmas market towns during the season, and when I visited I got 50 percent off the train fare as well as a whole bottle of glühwein for free!

There are about 170 stalls at the market, so you could easily spend half a day here soaking up the atmosphere and sipping on a mug of glühwein or another warm beverage.

United Kingdom

Winter Wonderland, London (UK) 

Contributed by Eniko from Travel Hacker Girl.

London has many Christmas markets, but one of the best and most popular ones is Winter Wonderland. The market is so huge, that it takes up a big chunk of Hyde Park.

Even though it is technically a Christmas market, it very much resembles a theme park.

There are several rides, such as roller coasters, haunted houses, mirror mazes, bouncy castles, and bumper cars. But that is not all! You can try ice skating around a Victorian bandstand.

In the evenings there are several shows you can book tickets for in advance. If you want a laugh then visit the comedy show or the circus.

There are many events for families with children as well, such as Paddington on Ice or Santa Land.

Of course, you won’t go hungry during your visit. There is a wide variety of food stalls, that cater to anyone.

You can eat vegetarian food, French crepes, Spanish churros, Hungarian chimney cake, or German sausages.

You can also do your Christmas shopping and buy some lovely hand-crafted products. You can easily spend a whole day at Winter Wonderland.

Visiting the market is free, however, the rides, food, and shows cost extra and they are not cheap.

The market tends to get busy at the weekends and evenings, so try and visit outside these times if it is possible.

Christmas in London  is magical and one of the best places to experience this is Winter Wonderland. 

Christmas Market at Southbank Center, London

• Contributed by Sarah and Justin from Live, Dream, Discover. 

The Southbank is a popular area with locals and visitors any time of year but as Christmas in London approaches it turns into a festive wonderland.

Southbank Center hosts a winter festival from early November to early January which includes fun-filled shows and entertainment.

There’s even a turn-of-the-century circus called Circus 1903.

Some of the events are ticketed but many are free such as the admission to our favorite part of the festival…the fabulous Christmas Market.

The market is set up on the riverbank in front of the center and emulates the look of a German Christmas market with wooden chalets draped in greenery and lights.

The chalets are filled with vendors selling traditional seasonal treats and trinkets such as hot spiced cider, Christmas ornaments, and cozy knitted scarfs.

There will also be fun pop-ups around the Southbank Center Christmas Market like the Bar Under the Bridge, The Circus Bar, and Jimmy’s Lodge.

Our favorite pop-up spot is Bar Under the Bridge which has an alpine-style lodge theme with fleece rugs, board games, and heated booths.

But perhaps the best part about this Christmas market is the location.

Imagine strolling along the River Thames among twinkling lights, sipping mulled wine, eating mince pies, and listening to Christmas carols while browsing the festive wares.

Is there anything more Christmasey than eating, drinking, and being merry in jolly old England?

How to get there:

Thanks to the awesome London underground with nearby stops like Waterloo, Embankment, and Charing Cross it’s easy to get to Southbank.

There are also bus stops nearby as well as a boat that stops at the nearby Festival Pier.  

Cambridge Christmarket (UK)

• Contributed by Rai from A Rai of Light.

Just when the winter chill sets in over the Cam River, the Christmas markets in and around Cambridge bring a much-welcomed festive atmosphere to the city.

Even more so than at any other time in the year. The city’s squares and streets are lit up and there’s no better way to get into the cheerful spirit than a visit to the market. Here you will find over sixty lively, closely packed stalls that are a delight to wander through in your search for something good to purchase.

Even though a couple of the vendors sell traditional gifts and souvenirs from London , there are many offering local arts and crafts, handmade jewelry, books, and vinyl records.

You might just get all your shopping done in one place. I particularly enjoy the wide variety of good food and drink stalls, sampling cuisine from around the world.

The market is open every day from the second week in December until the first week of January.

The location adjacent to the St. Mary’s Church makes for a convenient stop as you are never too far from it no matter where in the city you find yourself.

The North Pole Cambridge festival which takes place at the same time also features a pop-up ice rink, fairground rides, and an alpine bar.

Expect to spend more than two hours here and prepare to get into some serious festive cheer all while sipping on hot chocolate or hot spiced wine well into the night.

Tuileries Garden Christmas Market, Paris

• Contributed by Elisa from World in Paris.

Paris at Christmas time is a wonderful place to be. It’s one of the best places to visit in Europe in winter. 

Apart from the Christmas decorations and lights, there are many Christmas markets, and almost all the central Arrondissements of Paris have one!

Among all the Christmas Markets in Paris , the one located at the Tuileries Garden is my favorite one.

For me, it is great to visit this Christmas market while enjoying one of the most beautiful gardens in Paris, with such an interesting history behind it and there are so many things to do, apart from shopping, that I could spend all day, weather permitting.

For those who have not been to Paris in the last few years, this Christmas Market replaces the one traditionally located along the Champs Elysées. The Tuileries Garden is more central than Champs Elysées (Paris 1), more zen than Paris’ main avenue plus the park is big enough to host around 100% wooden stalls.

The main highlight of this market, apart from the Tuileries Garden itself, is the quality of the offer with more than 80% of the stalls proposing products, food, and drinks all made in France.

Apart from the park’s usual games, the Christmas market hosts a Ferris wheel, an ice skating rink, and free activities for children so kids will be spoilt for choice if they get bored of shopping.

Personally, I like the stalls selling vin-chaud (the local version of the Glühwein) so when I visit the Tuileries Christmas market I make sure to stop at one of these stalls.

Strasbourg Christmas Market

• Contributed by Brianna from Curious Travel Bug.

The Strasbourg Christmas Market in France is one of the oldest in Europe, operating since 1570. Christmas takes over the whole Grande Île (old town), a UNESCO site, making Strasbourg one of the best Christmas markets in Europe.

Strasbourg is a great  winter destination in France  to explore the Alsatian Christmas culture and traditional foods.

The highlight of the market is the huge Christmas tree in the main square, Place Kleber, and wandering the more than 300 stalls with a cup of mulled white wine.

The entire old town is decorated with Christmas decorations and lights, which make for a magical sight in the evening.

The Strasbourg Christmas market is actually made up of multiple markets. Each of the squares in Strasbourg has a Christmas market with a different theme.

There are traditional market stalls where you can find decorations and mulled wine and hot apple cider and traditional Alsatian cookies and gingerbread.

There are also non-traditional markets like the alternative market. The alternative market puts an emphasis on locally made products as well as vintage clothing and antiques in an effort to have an environmentally friendly Christmas.

My favorite market is the guest country market.

Each year, Strasbourg invites a different guest country to take over one of the squares and have a market that showcases Christmas traditions, food, and products from that country.

It’s easy to spend a day exploring all of the Christmas markets Strasbourg has to offer.

It’s worth staying overnight in the city rather than doing it as a day trip from Paris to see all of the Christmas lights at night.

In addition to the market, the Strasbourg Cathedral displays multiple nativity scenes inside the church that are worth seeing. 

Visit the Strasbourg, Innsbruck, Freiburg & other Christmas Markets with this highly-rated tour: Alpine Christmas Markets

Czech Republic

Prague Castle, Prague

• Contributed by Veronika from Travel Geekery. 

It’s been only a few years since Prague Castle has been hosting its own Christmas market, but I can’t think of a better setting! And definitely one of the best places to go in Prague in the winter .

Prague Castle complex is large and it encompasses a small square that’s empty for most of the year.

However, towards the end of November, it comes to life with a Christmas market.

You’ll find the usual goodies: mulled wine and hot mead to drink, sausages, and chimney cakes to stuff your belly with.

The prices may be a little higher than at Prague’s other Christmas markets, but it’s nothing dramatic.

If you get lucky, you might experience a performance by the castle choir.

When I visited the market last winter, we got to listen to some and it was beautiful. Essentially it’s a choir of Prague Castle guards.

All the magic helps overcome the fact that you need to go through security frames to get inside the castle complex and you never know how long the line is going to be.

You can spend easily half an hour to over an hour, depending on how much you’re enjoying the local atmosphere and whether you take to walking around the castle complex too.

• Contributed by Hannah & Adam from Getting Stamped.

If you are looking for one of the biggest and best Christmas markets in Europe, make your way to Budapest, one of the cheapest places to travel in Europe , for the Vörösmarty Square Christmas Market.

This market is the biggest and longest market in Budapest that takes place right in the heart of the city, which provides beautiful scenery. 

This is one of our favorites because it starts earlier than most.

The food stalls will remain open until New Year’s Day.

We love going around the food stalls and craft vendors, as the local artists sell a diverse selection of craftwork and pieces.

Just imagine enjoying your food and spirits in the town square while listening to local live music – it is simply the best! 

It is up to you how long you spend at this market – squeeze everything into one day or visit it over a few days!

Make sure you leave enough time to stop and get a piece of cake at the Szamos pastry shop. The coffee-caramel-flavored torte is to die for. 

If you are looking for somewhere to stay, consider the Kempinski hotel. It is the perfect location for exploring this particular market, as you can see it from your room. You can find  cheap flights to Budapest here. 

And if you have some extra time in Budapest, we suggest checking out a neighboring market in front of St. Stephen’s Basilica that is less than 700 meters away from Vörösmarty Square. It’s a newer market, opening just in 2011, but a must-stop.

The basilica backdrop makes it the most picturesque Christmas market in Budapest ! 

Wrocław Christmas market

• Contributed by Karolina from Lazy travel blog.

One of the best Christmas markets in Europe, Wroclaw’s famous winter wonderland will come to life from the 22nd of November until the 31st of December.

Possibly the largest market in Poland, this festive event takes over the Rynek Market Square, Plac Solny, and the nearby streets, Olawska and Swidnicka.

During this time, market stalls brimming with artisan products that consist of beautiful handmade wooden crafts and delicious Polish delicacies fill the area. Everywhere you walk, you are followed by the scent of cinnamon and pine.

An attraction that is perfect for all ages, the market features an enchanting fairy forest, locally known as Bajkowy Lasek, where animatronic characters tell stories to the children passing through.

Within the market, the Fireplace House is the perfect place to warm oneself on cold Polish winter’s night.

Coupled with a hot cup of mulled wine from one of the distilleries available in the market, it is the perfect spot to take a quick pause and admire the wonderland that sprouts in the middle of Wroclaw once a year.

Aside from the quaint wooden stalls and amusement rides, a lineup of parades and performances can be seen at the beginning of December.

The best ones to catch are the traditional Christmas parade on December 9th and the parade of  Wroclaw  elves on December 16th. On December 23rd, the shows close with the voices of the Christmas Carols Singers Parade.

An amazing way to mix with the locals and learn more about Polish culture, join the residents of Wroclaw as they watch the Christmas tree light up on December 6, or join them as they feed the needy and lonely on the 24th of December.

Moscow (Russia)

• Contributed by Liza from Tripsget.

Moscow is not a typical Christmas Market destination, however, the decorations and the Christmas Market I’ve seen in the capital of Russia were among the best ones I’ve seen in Europe.

Russia celebrates Orthodox Christmas which happens on the 7th of January, rather than on the 24th of December. Hence, Christmas Markets in Moscow start a bit later than everywhere in Europe and finish later as well.

Moscow gets decorated around the middle of December and all the celebrations finish after the 14th of January.

The decorations in Moscow are actually spread all around the city, so you have to walk a lot and you will probably need a day to see all of them.

The best part of the Christmas market in Moscow is Red Square.

There are a huge ice skating rink and lots of Christmas stalls selling souvenirs, food, and hot drinks. It does get cold in Russia (it can be anything from +3 up to -25 degrees celsius in Moscow in December), so you will consume a lot of hot drinks.

One of the best hot drinks to try is the Russian honey mead. It has a bit of alcohol, but not too much and it helps you get warm.

The main department store in Moscow, GUM , also gets decorated from the inside and the outside, so make sure to visit it as well.

Another beautiful area to visit is Lubyanka: there are more stalls on the Nikolskaya street and a huge light tunnel.

The is a second light tunnel around the Tverskoi Boulevard. Finally, you can head to the Bolshoi theatre and visit a small Christmas market outside on the square as well. 

Belfast Christmas Market

• Contributed by Allan from It’s sometimes Sunny in Bangor.

There was a time when Belfast was one of the last places to be for a tourist holiday, where tourism was set around war, with the “Troubles in Northern Ireland”, alcoholics such as the great George Best, and of course the titanic, a big sinking ship.

So there really wasn’t a lot of positives coming from the city before the millennium.

But these days it really is a well-developed tourist destination yet it still manages to hold the same character and local charm to escape the busy tourist crowds.

And it’s also just a nice compact destination with more than enough things to do in Belfas t for a short winter break.

Wintertime is always my favorite time in Belfast when the city center is dressed in festive lights and Christmas baubles but more so for the annual Christmas Market located at Belfast City Hall.

A rather prestigious backdrop for what is Belfast’s interpretation of those better-known Christkindlmarkt of continental Europe.

So similar to the city, it does feel more local and less ‘touristy’ than many, although the set-up is not so different from the similar stalls including the German and Swiss favorites like frankfurters, schnitzels, cheese raclette, and of course Glühwein (mulled wine).

And while it is a relatively small market it is also compact and quite precise to cover all sorts of interests including a Christmassy Helter Skelter for the kids and charity stalls for various good causes.

But some of the better-known attractions each year include the “Meats of the World” stall which sells some unlikely burgers such as ostrich and kangaroo burgers, and of course, there is a heavy focus on the central beer tents where most people escape to warm up with some big stein mugs of Paulaner.

And the traditional Belfast craic (banter) is best found in the later hours with opening times from 17:00 PM until late. 

Durbuy Christmas Market

• Contributed by Paulina from Paulina on the Road.

Durbuy is also known as the smallest city in the world. Indeed there are only a few hundred people living in one of the quaintest cities in Belgium.

Even though the town is small in size, its Christmas Market is BIG. Indeed, plenty of wooden cabins are put up in the main square of the city.

Here you can find all kinds of sweets and some of the most typical Belgian foods such as French fries, sausages from the Ardennes, and chocolate. 

Several artisans from Belgium and France make their way to Durbuy in order to sell their handicrafts at the Christmas Market. If you are looking for some original Christmas gifts, this is the place.

However, the most typical and unique thing to eat at the Durbuy Christmas Market is the foie gras on hot potatoes. It’s truly unusual.

During the weekends, the Christmas Market gets crowded and some of the wooden chalets even host dancing parties. That makes Durbuy Christmas Market one of the best Christmas Markets in Belgium.

It’s only a 1h30 minutes drive from Brussels, one of the prettiest cities in Europe.

Christmas Markets at Tivoli Gardens

• Contributed by Derek from Everything Copenhagen.

Christmas in Europe is magical, and Scandinavia is an especially brilliant region to experience a European Christmas.

Denmark and the capital of Copenhagen provide the best backdrop for a Scandinavian Christmas. Within Copenhagen, the best Christmas Market is found at Tivoli Gardens. 

The Christmas Markets at Tivoli Gardens opens on 16 November and runs until 5 January. The amusement park and Christmas Market is open from 11 am until 23 pm Sunday through Thursday and an extra hour on Friday and Saturday nights. Tivoli is open on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and New Years Day but with altered hours. 

You could easily spend all day at the Tivoli Gardens Christmas Market. That’s because there is so much to do inside of Tivoli.

You do have to pay an entrance fee, but it’s worth it for all of the events, entertainment, and activities within Tivoli Gardens. Visitors can enjoy the food and drink vendors, gift shops, and decorations that are common at Christmas Markets. 

Tivoli is an urban amusement park and the rides are operational during the Christmas season – they even get a festive makeover.

In the center of Tivoli Gardens is an iconic Christmas tree decorated with crystal Swarovsky ornaments and over a thousand lights.

There are nightly holiday laser light shows at the lake to the music of The Nutcracker . Santa Claus has a home in Tivoli’s Pantomime Theatre, there are Christmas parades each weekend and fireworks between Christmas and New Year’s Eve. 

Tivoli is a fantastic place to visit at any time of the year. It was the inspiration for Disneyland and full of old-world charm that shines through at Christmas.

Visit it yourself and you will agree!

La Fira de Santa Llucia, Barcelona

Contributed by Mar from Once in a Lifetime Journey.

La Fira de Santa Llucia is the Christmas market located in Barcelona taking place on Avinguda de la Catedral, right in front of Barcelona’s Cathedral in honor of Saint Lucy, a Catholic saint, and martyr.

The market has been operating every year since at least 1786 and it was set up as part of celebrations honoring the saint who has a chapel inside the Cathedral. It will celebrate its 237th anniversary in 2023.

The specific start date of the market changes every year but it is always around the end of November, and the market remains open until the 23rd of December.

Unlike other markets in Europe, you cannot find food or drinks here.

The market sells traditional Christmas decorations and items only, some of which are the typical figurines and objects that are exclusively used as part of the Catalan Christmas traditions and you will not find them anywhere else in the world outside of Catalonia.

The market is split into a few sections by the types of objects that are being sold. There is an area devoted to figurines that we use to make Nativities, one to green objects such as trees or door decorations, one for crafts like candles, and a smaller one for instruments such as simbombes.

Spend some time looking at the caganer figurines and at the pooping log.

A caganer is a pagan tradition that includes the figurine of a Catalan farmer pooping with his pants down. We add caganers to the Nativity scene and every year, new figurines of famous characters and celebrities are added to the repertoire of caganers.

The pooping log is a tree log to which we give a face that is wearing a traditional Catalan red hat. We feed him for weeks leading up to Christmas Eve so that kids can hit it with a stick while singing a song and get presents the log “poops” in return. Yes, it is a very unique Catalan Christmas celebration.

Because Santa Llucia is not very big, you will not need more than an hour to go through all the aisles.

When you get tired, cold, or hungry, head out to any of the cafeterias around the Cathedral and continue to observe the buzz.

Barcelona is a fantastic city to visit. You can easily spend a couple of days here. If you have only one day in Barcelona, take a look at this one day in  Barcelona itinerary. 

Let’s hope we haven’t made it too hard for you to choose. 

We had a wonderful time creating this list.  We visit at least two Christmas markets every year so this list has given us inspiration for many years to come.  We can’t wait to hear the choirs perform in Zurich and the Christmas boat in Konstanz must be a unique experience as well.  

Enjoy this festive season and remember, it’s the most wonderful time of the year!

See our web stories that accompany this post. 

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Christmas Festivals

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Christmas and festival inspiration

Music festivals, spiritual celebrations & Christmas tours

The world is full of wonderful festivals and we’ll take you to some of the best. Join our Local Specialists and get under the skin of the most famous celebrations from Christmas in Europe to Holi in India.

Christmas in Europe

An enchanting winter wonderland awaits in Europe with our Christmas travel experiences. Indulge in mulled wine and gingerbread as you wander the city squares, Christmas stalls and magical fairy lights. See handcrafted toys, hear joyful carols and discover old-world traditions. From Dresden's Striezelmarkt to Vienna’s Christkindlmarkt, this will be your best Christmas vacation yet.

Colorful festivals in Asia

You’re never too far away from a festival in Asia, with a calendar packed with spiritual events. We’ll meet local families in India who will show you how to perform the puja sacred ritual of Diwali, or celebrate Holi by throwing bright powder. In Japan, we’ll experience the ancient Takayama Festival and admire the beautifully carved floats that date back to the 17th century.

Party in the USA

The United States loves to celebrate and you’ll find a wonderful variety of festivals across the country. We’ll take you to Albuquerque to see the spectacular Balloon Fiesta, where hundreds of hot air balloons take to the sky. If you’re in the mood for some music, head to New Orleans for their annual Jazz Festival that celebrates the music and culture of the Southwest.

All you need to know about Christmas Festivals

How do they celebrate christmas in europe.

Christmas is celebrated differently all over Europe, from the traditional Christmas Eve feast in France to the arrival of Sinterklaas in the Netherlands on December 5th. Other popular Christmas traditions include the Queen of Lights festival on December 13th in Norway and St Nicholas Day on December 6th in Germany.

Where is the best place in Europe to spend Christmas?

The best places in Europe for a Christmas vacation are Austria, Germany, Switzerland and Russia. You’ll find enchanting Christmas markets, magical fairy lights, delicious festive food, a blanket of snow, and plenty of Yuletide cheer. Enjoy a mug of mulled wine, go shopping for handmade crafts, and keep watch for Santa Claus.

What are the best European festivals?

Europe is known for its incredible festivals, full of music, food and drink, and old-world traditions. Some of the best European festivals include the Christmas markets of Germany, Switzerland and Austria, St. Patrick’s Day in Ireland, and the Carnival of Venice in Italy.

Where is the best place to go for Christmas markets?

Our Christmas market breaks take you to the best places to experience the beautiful Christmas markets including Austria, Germany, Switzerland and Russia. The cities with our favorite Christmas markets include Vienna in Austria, Dresden and Munich in Germany, Lucerne in Switzerland, and Moscow in Russia.

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Europe Christmas Markets: Budapest to Zagreb

8 days | discover the festive markets of hungary, austria, slovenia and croatia.

It’s the most wonderful time of year, particularly when its set in some of Central Europe’s prettiest and most historic cities. Get in the Christmas spirit exploring festive markets in cities decorated in full Christmas splendour, browsing local handicrafts from traditional wooden stalls, sampling delicious regional specialties and taking in endless winter scenes along the way. Indulge your senses in intoxicating Budapest, browse Austrian handicrafts hopping between Graz’s 14 charming markets, and be immersed in spectacular winter scenery in Ljubljana and fairy-tale like Lake Bled. Finish up in Zagreb, which transforms into a magical illuminated wonderland for its month-long Advent festival.

Trip overview

• This trip takes you to a variety of Christmas markets across central Europe. Contrast the various traditions, cuisines and of course, mulled wine, in several amazing cities.
• Hungary’s intoxicating capital becomes even more magical when draped in fairy-lights and dusted with snow at Christmastime. Try delicious local specialties like chimney cakes and potato dumplings at its main market at Vorosmarty Square.
• Why settle for one Christmas market when you could have 14? Visit Graz’s main market at Hauptplatz Square, then make your way through as many as you wish.
• Bled’s fairy tale-like scenery – which includes an 11th-century cliff-top castle, a stunning lake and a picturesque island topped with a church – is a dream to explore. See it for yourself.
• Zagreb transforms into a glorious illuminated winter wonderland during its month-long Advent Festival. Spend two days savouring the sights, taking in acres of fairy-lights, huge Christmas trees, nativity scenes, ice-rinks, mulled wine stalls and igloo-shaped rakija (a potent local drop) bars.
• While the Christmas markets we visit are all beautiful, they can get very busy, so please be prepared for crowds. We'll also spend a considerable amount of time outdoors, and as it is winter it would be advisable you bring warm clothing and are adequately prepared for the weather.
• The primary means of transportation on this trip is by train. Train travel is a fast way to traverse long distances, allowing you to avoid traffic jams and arrive right into the city centre. Trains are comfortable and often decked out with air conditioning, toilets, a snack bar (or vending machine) and power points. Please note that you'll have to carry your own luggage on and off the train, so make sure it doesn’t exceed our weight and size recommendations. You can find this information in the 'Packing' section of the Essential Trip Information.
• Hotels in Europe often don't have double beds, but rather two single beds that can be pushed together.
• On this trip you must pack as lightly as possible because you will be expected to carry your own bag and although you won't be required to walk long distances with your luggage (max 30 minutes), we strongly recommend keeping the weight under 15kg / 33lb. Most travellers carry their luggage in a backpack, although an overnight bag with a shoulder strap would suffice if you travel lightly. Smaller bags or backpacks with wheels are convenient although we recommend your bag has carry straps to accommodate the cobbled streets, uneven surfaces, stairs and steps you are likely to encounter while carrying your luggage. You'll also need a day pack/bag to carry water and a camera etc for day trips.

View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2023 - 31 December 2024

Szia! Welcome to Budapest, Hungary's intoxicating capital. Make your own way to the hotel, where your trip begins with a 6 pm welcome meeting. There are no planned activities for today, but if you arrive early, there is plenty to do and see. This historic city, complete with hilltop castle overlooking the Danube, is beautiful any time of the year, but it becomes even more magical at Christmas time when it's draped in lights and dusted with snow. Perhaps get a first impression of the city on an afternoon stroll, taking in its charming mix of Roman, Gothic and Turkish architecture, or head to Fishermen’s Bastion – a white-stoned, seven-towered structure that looks straight from a fairy tale – for the best view of Budapest. After your important evening meeting, perhaps head out with your new travel buddies and tour leader for dinner, then take a night walk along the Danube River to see the surrounding buildings and bridges lit up in lights. Not to be missed are Budapest's funky 'ruin pubs'.

• Hotel (1 night)

There are no meals included on this day.

If you can't arrange a flight that will have you arrive in time for today's welcome meeting, you may wish to arrive a day early so you're able to attend. We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). If you're going to be late, please inform the hotel reception. We'll be collecting your insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting, so please have these on hand.

Get acquainted with Budapest on a morning orientation walk with your tour leader, finishing with a visit to the Budapest Christmas Fair at Vorosmarty Square. Not only is this the oldest and biggest Christmas market in Budapest, it is frequently cited as one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in the world. Discover why as you browse wooden stalls selling local handcrafts, as your senses are treated to wafts of fresh Hungarian pastries (like chimney cakes and home-made strudel), dodolle (potato dumplings), grilled sausage, paprika-infused goulash and other various street foods fill the air. Don’t miss sampling a freshly baked chimney cake (Kurtoskalacs) or dough shaped as a cone, covered in sugar and cinnamon. Enjoy an included food tasting and a warming glass of mulled wine in the market. Afterwards, you have a free afternoon to further explore on your own. You might want to check out some of the smaller markets scattered around the city – head to Deak Ferenc Steet (frequently called Fashion Street), Varoshaza Park, St. Stephen’s Basilica, Erzsebet Square and Gozsdu Udvar to find just a few – or jump on a tram and make your way to City Park for outdoor ice skating in front on the gorgeous Vajdahunyad Castle. Follow this is a warm soak in the Budapest baths. Keep the Christmas spirit going in the evening, taking in festival music at one of the many venues in town.

• Budapest - Christmas Snacks and Mulled Wine Tasting
• Budapest - Leader-led orientation walk
• Budapest - Christmas Market

Travel by train to Graz (about 6 hours). Austria’s second largest city has no less than 14 Christmas markets open over the holiday season. Start off with a visit to the main one at Hauptplatz square in front of the town hall. Find vendors selling a mix of traditional Austrian handicrafts and culinary treats, a towering Christmas tree decked in lights and a carousel for the young at heart.After take a spectacular funicular ride up to The Schlosberg Castle for a visit and to experience some high-altitude Christmas Markets that are right inside. On your way down you can choose to either go on food, via the WW2 tunnel or as an optional activity, should you feel more adventurous, via the tallest indoor slide in the world. The slide is 64m tall and more than 170m long. In the evening, an advent calendar is projected on the town hall to great effect. Afterwards, enjoy free time to explore a few more of the markets scattered around town; all 14 are within easy walking distance. 

• Graz - Christmas Market Visit
• Graz - Schlosberg Castle Visit and Funicular Ride

Travel by train to Slovenia’s capital, Ljubljana (about 3.5 hours). Set amongst grand lakes and mountains, Slovenia’s picturesque towns offer an idyllic backdrop at any time of year. But in winter, the spectacular scenery becomes even more captivating with a dusting of snow and frost-covered trees. Upon arrival, set out to explore the town with your leader and visit the main Christmas market on the banks of Ljubljanica river. Perhaps head out to Metelkova Mesto in the evening to experience the local nightlife.

• Ljubljana - Christmas Market

Today you’ll take a one-hour bus ride to the lakeside town of Bled. Gifted with immense natural beauty, Bled ranks among the most beautiful alpine resorts in the world; its fairy tale-like scenery – which includes an 11th-century cliff-top castle, a stunning lake and a picturesque island topped with a church – is a dream to explore. Depending on the weather, you can choose to visit Bled Castle, join your leader on a 6-kilometre/4-mile walk around the lake or climb to Ojstrica viewpoint for some amazing vistas. Warm up with coffee or hot chocolate and a slice of kremsnita (Bled’s famous cream cake) before taking the public bus back to Ljubljana.

• Bled - Day Trip to Lake Bled

Travel to Zagreb this morning (about 2.5 hours by train). Nestled below Mt Medvednica, Croatia’s thriving capital is an exciting winter destination. A month-long Advent festival transforms the city into an illuminated winter wonderland, complete with acres of fairy-lights, huge Christmas trees, nativity scenes, temporary ice rinks, mulled wine stalls and igloo-shaped rakija (a potent local drop) bars. The Christmas market here is considered among the best in Europe. Head out on an evening walking tour to see the city in full Christmas splendour. A local guide will provide an insight into Croatian Christmas tradition, such as why Croatian’s used to keep their turkeys out on their balconies before Christmas dinner.

• Hostel (1 night)
• Zagreb - Walking Tour of Christmas Markets with Local Guide

Take in the panoramic view of Zagreb on the cable car ride to Sljeme, the summit of Medvednica mountain. If you weren’t fortunate enough to see snow at previous destinations on this trip, you’ll likely get the chance to experience a true winter wonderland here in the mountains, which always see a fair bit of snow during the winter. Savour the snow-covered sights on a short walk with your tour leader, before enjoying a traditional Croatian lunch. Feast on local specialties like soup, meat stew or sarma (cabbage rolls stuffed with meat), then return to Zagreb for your final night.

• Zagreb - Cable car to Sljeme

Today you’ll have a chance to enjoy traditional Croatian lunch. Keep in mind that Croatian cuisine is meat based. Even though there will be a vegetarian option available, it may be limited.

Your festive adventure come to an end after breakfast. There are no planned activities for today.

7 breakfasts, 1 lunch

Train, Public bus, Taxi

Hotel (7 nights)

Dates and availability

Important notes.

1. A single supplement is bookable on this trip, subject to availability. Please speak to your agent for further information.

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

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Christmas Tours & New Year Holiday Packages

Whether you’re into extraordinary gift-giving or looking for the best places to ring in the new year, the festive season is a magical time for everyone. See the star-studded skies in  Egypt , wander through dazzling Christmas markets in  Europe , or take advantage of  Japan’s inviting snow season ! Choosing where to go during the end-of-year can be tricky, so we’ve gifted you with the best Christmas tours and new year holiday packages that are just waiting to be unwrapped! 

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White Christmas

Snow is falling outside and a warm fire is blazing indoors. There are many ways to fulfill your dream of a winter wonderland. Stroll through  Europe’s famous Christmas markets  looking for gifts, soak in  Iceland ’s hot springs while the Northern Lights dance in the sky, or enjoy a thrilling dog sled ride in  Canada .

Sunny Christmas

On the other hand, a sunny vacation is a perfect antidote to the winter blues, and the place to do that is the Southern Hemisphere—you can’t catch the winter blues when it's summer! Visit  New Zealand  and  Australia  for a traditional beachside Christmas, or explore  South Africa’s  history and wildlife. 

Tropical Christmas

And sometimes you just want to escape the Christmas hustle and bustle for a year. That’s when a tropical adventure comes in handy. Explore the culinary scene of Thailand , marvel at the incredible cityscapes of Singapore , or explore the cultural treasures and natural wonders of  Sri Lanka .

What to do on a Christmas holiday package or a New Year tour

On an adventure

Enjoy la pura vida in Costa Rica while zip-lining through the rainforest or relaxing on the beach

Escaping to nature

Marvel at the Northern Lights in Iceland ’s night sky while splashing in a hot spring

Taking time out

Fill you up with the sun and fresh food, soak up a new culture, and refresh your yoga skills in Bali

Under the midnight sun

Experience the midnight sun on an Antarctic cruise  or make friends with penguins at the South Pole 

Embracing culture

Discover a new level of culinary delights, art and traditions with a Christmas tour in Italy

Sighting the Big Five

Spend your holidays spotting the Big Five on a Christmas safari in one of Kenya ’s national parks

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• Moscow   Saint Petersburg

White Christmas 2025

Enjoy the snow season in one of the most famous winter wonderlands in the world, Russia. See the majestic St Petersburg in its magnificent glory, then travel to the vibrant capital, Moscow. Experience Russia of Leo Tolstoy's novels & celebrate New Year as Russians do. Moscow and St Petersburg will dazzle you with stunning architecture & cultural heritage. as well as lovely Christmas markets.

Celebrate New Year or Christmas - or both - in Russia!

Four days of guided sightseeing tours with professional English-speaking guide and entrance tickets included: St Petersburg 2 days, Moscow 2 days

Hermitage, Kremlin, Troyka ride & Christmas markets- the best Russia has to offer in winter

Discovery Russia 24/7 English-speaking support line in Russia

Group tours are escorted. 20 guests per group maximum .

New Year gala dinner and party in Moscow

Day 1, Arrive Moscow

Day 2, Kremlin & New Year

Day 3, Discover Moscow Part II

Day 4, To St Petersburg at leisure

Day 5, The Hermitage & Iconic Cathedrals

Day 6, Catherine's Palace and Troyka

Day 7, At leisure

Day 8, Farewell

Transportation

• High-speed train St. Petersburg to Moscow, standard class, 4 hours ride. Please inquire about business or 1st class upgrade and flight options
• Meet & greet at the airports/train stations
• Private return airport/train station transfers
• Private transportation on tours as per program in a comfortable a/c car/minivan/bus (except on walking tours)
• Metro pass in Moscow
• New Year Dinner and Party with entertainment program (for Festive Date departures)
• Troyka ride
• Exploring Russian Christmas markets
• Full-day (8 hours) guided tour of St Petersburg: Highlights include Winter Palace and the Hermitage, Isaac Cathedral, Kazan Cathedral, Peter & Paul Fortress and Cathedral, and Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood
• Day (6 hours) guided tour of Pushkin/Tsarskoe Selo: Highlights include Catherine’s palace & Amber room, Troyka ride experience
• Full-day (8 hours) guided tour of Moscow: Highlights include the Moscow Kremlin, the Kremlin Armory, the Red Square, Saint Basil's Cathedral (outside), GUM, the Bolshoi Theatre (outside), Novodevichy Convent (outside), Sparrow hills, Christmas markets
• Second full-day (8 hours) guided tour of Moscow: Highlights include Tretyakov State Art Gallery, Kolomenskoye Estate & Wooden Palace, Metro tour, VDNKh

Entrance tickets & visas

• Entrance tickets to all included sightseeing attractions (except optional)
• Russian Visa supporting documents, including an official visa invitation letter, and step-by-step guide on how to apply for your visa

We value your comfort

• 24/7 support before and during your trip with us
• Best places to stay, to eat, to go out and have fun - safe and secure with the tour operator that specializes in Russia. Tips already included
• Group tours are fully escorted by a bilingual tour director
• Group tour 22 ppl maximum

CHECK OUT WHAT OTHERS SAY ABOUT TRAVELLING WITH US

Lorena D'Souza: travelled with Discovery Russia in January this year and did their essential Russia tour of St Petersburg and Moscow and would absolutely recommend

I was a little apprehensive about travelling to Russia but really had nothing at all to worry about. Discovery Russia organised everything from pick ups to private tours, metro cards and provided a very useful guide to completing the visa processes.. We were NEVER left in a museum with an audio guide (which at times can be disengaging), but rather had a guide talk to us about the most popular and historically significant items/artworks. The tour guides were beyond knowledge, professional and always had our interests at heart. Furthermore, the company provides Russian SIM cards and our tour manager Tati was available literally available 24/7, always checking our transfer our tour guide had arrived. I can not recommend this company enough if you are thinking about travelling to Russia.

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Red Square Christmas Market, Moscow

On a few occasions, I had the opportunity to spend winter in Moscow (check out here the top places to see in Moscow ). Winter in Moscow may sound daunting for some. It is cold, yes, -20C is not a walk in the park for most. But there are attractions to keep you warm, like having some mulled wine at the biggest Moscow Christmas market. On my winter trips to the Russian capital, I visited the Red Square Christmas Market on several occasions and will tell you more about it this interesting event that usually starts in mid-November and end early February.

I’m a fan of Christmas markets myself, and I’ve been known to travel to Germany, where you find some of the best Christmas markets in Europe , just to enjoy them, or even the ones in London . So finding this one at the end of January was a pleasant surprise.

But why is this Christmas market still open so late in January, when in the rest of Europe they close before the New Year? The reason for that is that are Russian Orthodox Christians , and the Orthodox celebrate “Christmas” on 7th January. That’s when they have their holidays, and many businesses close for a whole week. And since the Russian winter is not only heavy, but long, it makes sense to keep the market open until later.

The Red Square Christmas market is set around one of Moscow’s largest ice rinks and also has an amusement park for children. The market itself is not so big, considering the vastness of Red Square. Thank goodness size doesn’t always matter, especially when you are surrounded by the imposing walls of the Kremlin , the colourful St Basil’s Basilica and the G.U.M. shopping centre.

All stalls are already open very early in the morning, so you could have a good cup of coffee and stroll in the snow. This Christmas market is perfect to buy typical Russian souvenirs, like the babushka – those dolls with many others inside.

So, if you’re looking for a different Christmas market experience for this year, why not consider the beautiful and utterly Russian Red Square Christmas market? Just make sure you’re warm enough, as temperatures can plummet to -25!

This season, the Red Square Christmas Market will be shorter than usual, opening from December 18th to January 10th, 2022.

Pedro has travelled to almost 120 countries and has made his nest in London. He has also lived in Spain, Australia, the US, Georgia and Turkey. A former hotel management professional, he loves exploring local cultures, is now learning his 8th language and has a soft spot for the Middle East and the CIS countries.

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• Enjoy A Joyous Christmas In Moscow With These Vibrant And Unique Experiences In 2024

Moscow is the most populous city in Russia and is also its capital city. Millions of tourists visit Russia and Moscow is the top tourist destination in the city. Moscow has over 13 million people and is a great choice for tourists to visit in the summer months as well as in winter. Christmas in Moscow is truly beautiful as Moscow often gets snowfall during the holiday season. The festive mood is in the air and there are many tourist attractions in the city during Christmas. Moscow is a major world city and a major political and economic capital in the Eastern European region.

Weather In Moscow During Christmas

If tourists want to enjoy a white Christmas in Moscow, they have to look at the average temperatures and weather conditions in the area during Christmas. The average temperature in Moscow is usually below freezing during Christmas and snow is a routine event during this time. Wearing thermal clothing and warm clothing is essential and packing such clothing items for Christmas in Moscow makes sense.

When Is Christmas In Moscow

Christmas in Moscow is celebrated on 25 December but according to the Gregorian calendar which falls in the first week of January. Christmas is observed throughout Russia and the Russian Orthodox Church plays a critical role in this celebration. There is a festive mood, many tourist attractions, and the celebration is something tourists enjoy when they visit Moscow. The following are some of the tourist’s attractions for people visiting Moscow during Christmas.

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12 Things To Do In Moscow During Christmas

Moscow is possibly one of the finest Christmas destinations. It is a heavenly wonder of celebrations and fun. The lights go shining and festive spirits get high. Here are the things you should look out for on your trip to celebrate Christmas in Moscow 2022:

• Journey Into Christmas Festival In Moscow
• Ice Theatre at Novopushkinsky Public Garden
• Moskva Fair On Tverskaya Ploshchad
• Kremlin Russian Christmas Market
• Red Square Christmas Tree
• Christmas Restaurants in Moscow
• Dorogomilovsky Market Christmas
• Ded Moroz Parade in Moscow
• White Christmas in Moscow
• Magic Forest on Manezhnaya Square
• International Christmas Theatre on Tverskaya Street
• Park Zaryadye

1. Journey Into Christmas Festival In Moscow

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Journey into Christmas is an annual event that starts on 22 December in Moscow kicking off a series of events related to Christmas during the holiday season. This Christmas festival is spread over 30 venues in Moscow and tourists can enjoy different types of events in the city. The journey into Christmas festivals has many events like shows, theatres, and art classes. Moscow is the perfect Christmas destination as thousands of lights are put up across the city, especially in central areas like areas around the Kremlin, and popular spots like Tverskaya Ulitsa and Tverskoy Bulvar.

What’s Special : The beautiful attractions of the city

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2. Ice Theatre At Novopushkinsky Public Garden

Would it not be fun watching performers waltzing on the ice rink? You must have seen ice hockey games but this is something unique. Moscow is a prodigy in ice ballet performances. Ice ballet performances of famous plays like The Nutcracker, Swan Lake, and Cipollino are one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city and much-awaited on Christmas day in Moscow. These are legendary ballets that have made Moscow famous all over the world.

Location : Moscow, Russia, 123104 Timings : 11 am to 10 pm, Mon-Fri, 10 am to 10 pm, Sat-Sun 

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3. Moskva Fair On Tverskaya Ploshchad

Christmas celebration in Moscow is not complete without the Christmas fairs in the city. There are many Christmas fairs in the city Moskva Fair on Tverskaya Ploshchad, but this is one of the best Christmas decorations in Moscow. There are hundreds of stalls that appear at these fairs selling Christmas items, food items, and they also include some recreational stalls especially for children visiting these fairs. There are also many stalls that sell souvenirs and special items that Russia is known for at these fairs and are very popular with tourists visiting Moscow.

Location : Moskva, Russia, 125009

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4. Kremlin Russian Christmas Market

Moscow’s Christmas markets are famous all over the world. Christmas Markets in Moscow are visited by tourists and locals and there are some great stalls at these markets. With the Kremlin as a majestic backdrop, the Red Square Christmas Market is a wonderful choice for tourists. This market sells souvenirs, Christmas decorations, Matryoshka Dolls, and Khokhloma painted toys. The market is spread out around skating rinks which are enjoyed by a large number of people while visiting this market.

Location : Moscow, Russia, 103132 Timings : 9 am to 5 pm

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5. Red Square Christmas Tree

Christmas Trees are an essential part of the celebration of Christmas. The main Christmas tree in Moscow is placed in the Red Square every year and this is a truly spectacular tree with decorations and lights making it a major tourist attraction during Christmas at Moscow. The tree is usually chosen by experts every year and the main Christmas tree has to be of a specific height and diameter and needs to be aesthetically beautiful. Every year there is a different theme for the decorations of the main Christmas tree in Moscow. Christmas Trees are put up all over the city around 20th December every year. Hundreds of places throughout the city put up Christmas trees all over Moscow.

Location : Red Square, Moscow, Russia, 109012

6. Christmas Restaurants In Moscow

One of the main tourist attractions in Moscow is the traditional Russian cuisine served during Christmas at Moscow. There are many great restaurants in the city to enjoy. Restaurants like Streat, Uhvat, Oblomov, and Ottepel. Other good restaurants in the city include Lepim i Varim, Severyane, and Pasticceria Don Giulio are other great restaurants in the city. You will be drooling in no time when you smell the aroma and look at the table laden with delicious Christmas special foods.

What’s Special : The specially-themed dishes

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7. Dorogomilovsky Market Christmas

Dorogomilovsky Market is a great market in the city and tourists in Moscow can enjoy a great time at such markets during Christmas. Tourists can experience traditional Christmas meals in Russia that include traditional delicacies like meats, kholodets, pies, pierogies, kalachi, blinis, kompots, kissel, and many types of sweet dishes. These dishes are also available at Christmas markets and Christmas fairs in Moscow and it is a great experience for tourists visiting Moscow.

Location : Ulitsa Mozhayskiy Val, 10, Moscow, Russia, 121151 Timings : 8 am to 8 pm

8. Ded Moroz Parade In Moscow

Ded Moroz means Santa Claus in Russian. There is a Ded Moroz Parade in Moscow every year where hundreds of people dress up like Santa Clause and participate in the parade. This is a fun time in Moscow and a very popular tourist attraction in the city. It is a grand spectacle which you ought not to miss if you are traveling to Russia because this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. You will fall in love with the colorful extravaganza during the time of festival.

What’s Special : The festive celebration of locals

9. White Christmas Celebration In Moscow

Christmas in Moscow 2022 has a number of events planned for the year. There are ice slides near the Kremlin, beautifully decorated parks, white theatre on Kilemtovsky Lane, and skating and walking parks all over the city. The Revolyutsii Square in Moscow has giant ice slides with the view of the Kremlin which are a lot of fun for the tourists. Why Christmas in Moscow is called white is because lakes get frozen, everything is laden with white snow and you can enjoy drinking the famous Russian Vodka during this time.

What’s Special : The rides and slides

10. Magic Forest On Manezhnaya Square

The Magic Forest on Manezhnaya Square has around 300 trees and it truly feels like a walk around the forest while visiting this area during Christmas in Moscow. The famous performance of 12 Months is a part of the show at this event making it a top choice for tourists. Come, be a part of the Moscow journey at this Magic Forest happening right in the heart of the city. This winter festive decoration is something you should not miss during Christmas in Moscow.

What’s Special : The decoration in the trees

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11. International Christmas Theatre On Tverskaya Street

International Christmas Theatre is a great choice for tourists visiting Moscow during this time of the year and there is a list of major events in Moscow during Christmas. On the famous Tverskaya Street in Moscow, tourists can enjoy staged fairytales and really get into the Christmas mood. Come, be a part of theatrical journey during Christmas in Moscow.

What’s Special : The special performances

12. Park Zaryadye

Tourists can enjoy a beautiful stroll at the Park Zaryadye which is lit up with Christmas lights and Christmas decorations throughout the Christmas season. Celebrations begin on December 22nd and end around 14th January next year. This is a great park to visit in the evening or night to see the lights at Christmas.

Location : Varvarka Street Household 6, Structure 1, Moscow, Russia, 109012 Timings : Always open

10 Reasons Why Russia Is The Ultimate Christmas Destination

Here are some reasons that make Russia the ultimate Christmas destination and how best you can experience Moscow Christmas .

• The Lit Christmas Markets
• Shopping At GUM
• Quirky Christmas Decorations
• Having Champagne For Breakfast Is A Christmas Tradition
• Experience Riding On The Bullet Train In Winter
• You’ll Go Bananas Over Russian Souvenirs!
• You’ll Love The Hospitality During Christmas
• Russia Is Even More Beautiful In Winters
• It’s The Best Time To Enjoy Hot Russian Meals
• Red Square Winter Festivities Should Not Be Missed

1. The Lit Christmas Markets

The Moscow Christmas Market 2022  is going to be an incredible spectacle and will offer some of the most unbelievable personages. You should make sure your itinerary allows you to roam around the glam and glitzy markets in Moscow or anywhere else in Russia for learning about Russian Christmas traditions, seeing the gold-red-green decor, buy unique things, and gorge on freshly baked plum cakes and cookies.

2. Shopping At GUM

The Grand Mall (or GUM) located at Moscow’s Red Square is an extravagantly decorated shopping arcade where you’ll be fascinated with the Christmas decor with garlands, postcards, Christmas trees, candies, and more. But what will actually blow your mind are the awesome Christmas deals on international brands and merchandise sold here. It’s the best place to find authentic, high-quality products in Russia that are not over-priced.

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3. Quirky Christmas Decorations

You’ll absolutely love the unique and creative Christmas decorations all across Moscow. The prominent places and many small streets and cafes will be lined up with postcards as garlands, socks with candies, large Christmas trees, lights, and much more, all with a touch of Russian heritage and culture. You’ll be able to find something to click everywhere you turn your head. The best time to witness the awesome Christmas decor in Moscow will be night-time when eye-warming lights will be twinkling everywhere.

4. Having Champagne For Breakfast Is A Christmas Tradition!

Totally bizarre, isn’t it? But it’s a thing in Russia and the locals strongly follow the tradition. Imagine having toast and coffee in a cafe on Christmas Eve and suddenly being served a tall and shimmering glass of Champagne! This sweet surprise will surely make your day! Throughout the Christmas holidays in Russia, people are served champagne for breakfast every year without fail. Why are you still waiting?

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5. Experience Riding On The Bullet Train In Winter

There’s no better experience than riding the famous bullet train of Russia that will give you an instant adrenaline rush, and no better time to ride it than the winter season when it’s not choked with tourists. The Sapsan bullet train gives you the chance to travel between the two biggest cities of Russia – Moscow and Saint Petersburg, which also happen to be the two best places to celebrate Christmas in Russia!

6. You’ll Go Bananas Over Russian Souvenirs!

Moscow Christmas is a treat for shopaholics across the world. People from different parts of the world visit this city for the range of Christmas goodies, gifts, and souvenirs that are available here. Most of these are quirky Russian handicrafts that make excellent souvenirs for the festive season. You can grab things like Christmas balls painted with Russian stories, crystal snowflake ornaments and jewelry, crystal keychains, paper mache figurines of Santa Claus and Rudolph, pearl necklaces, babushka (Russian dolls), cute fragrance bottles, oddly shaped liquor bottles, and much more.

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7. You’ll Love The Hospitality During Christmas

Russian people are known to be very sweet and helpful, but when you’re there during Christmas, you’ll actually feel that their hospitality and generosity are sort of amplified during the festive season. If you’re lucky, you might even get invited to a Russian afternoon tea experience by a generous local living near you! Don’t shy away from striking a friendly conversation in cafes and markets. You never know, you may end up bagging a discount on your meal or your Christmas shopping, respectively!

8. Russia Is Even More Beautiful In Winters

This is one of the most fabulous reasons for an avid traveler and nature lover to visit Moscow during the Christmas season. The whole city, as well as the surrounding areas and hills, turn into a winter wonderland in December, making this place ten times more beautiful than it already is! And if you add sparkling lights, lit Christmas trees, and merrymaking to this pleasing white landscape, the stunning vision will simply blow your mind!

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9. It’s The Best Time To Enjoy Hot Russian Meals

Borscht is the best kind of food for surviving the Russian winter and wintertime is the most ideal season to try borscht in Moscow, Russia. Russian cuisine is nutritious and absolutely delicious. There won’t be a better time than the biting Russian winter to walk into a nice and cozy cafe and enjoy a steaming hot plate of Russian food like Borscht. And the best part is, you’ll get to taste a variety of Christmas dishes like stuffed Turkey, roast beef, plum cakes, rolls, and the likes.

10. Red Square Winter Festivities Should Not Be Missed!

The Red Square is the Rockefeller Center of Russia – brimming with the energy and festive spirit of Christmas in Moscow. At this point, stalls open really early in the morning during Christmas time and you can do anything here from taking a stroll in the snow, watching street performances, have a cup of steaming coffee and cake, or buy Christmas trinkets and souvenirs like a babushka. It’s also a great place for buying Moscow Christmas lights for decorating your Christmas tree.

With The Red Square Turning White, Snowfall In Moscow Hits A 100-Year High!

Moscow is a truly great city and millions of tourists visit this city. A visit to Russia during Christmas is a great option as there are many special events taking place in the city during this time. Christmas in Moscow is usually a white Christmas as it snows during this time of the year. It is a little cold in Moscow during this time of the year but the truly special Christmas in Moscow totally makes it worth it for tourists to visit Moscow during Christmas.

Disclaimer: TravelTriangle claims no credit for images featured on our blog site unless otherwise noted. All visual content is copyrighted to its respectful owners. We try to link back to original sources whenever possible. If you own the rights to any of the images, and do not wish them to appear on TravelTriangle, please contact us and they will be promptly removed. We believe in providing proper attribution to the original author, artist or photographer.

Please Note: Any information published by TravelTriangle in any form of content is not intended to be a substitute for any kind of medical advice, and one must not take any action before consulting a professional medical expert of their own choice.

Frequently Asked Questions For Christmas In Moscow

What does Russia do for Christmas?

Russia celebrates Christmas with just as much enthusiasm as any European or American destination, only with a little Russian touch. You’ll find Christmas markets, decked up Christmas trees, people exchanging gifts and some even dressed up as Santa during this festive season in Russia.

Is December a good time to visit Russia?

December is a great time to visit Russia for those who want to witness Christmas in Russia and play in the snow.

How cold is Russia in December?

The average temperature in Moscow in December is 9°C. It ranges from a minimum of 4°C in the night time to a maximum of 13°C in the daytime.

Does it snow in Moscow in December?

Yes, you’ll be able to experience snowfall in Russia in December.

What is a traditional Russian Christmas dinner?

Russians enjoy the common Christmas dinners like roast beef, hot rolls, grilled vegetables, plum cakes, and wine. You may even find Borscht as an addition to a traditional Christmas feast in Russia.

What is there to do in Moscow in December?

There’s plenty to do in Moscow in December. You can play in the snow, shop at the Christmas markets, have coffee at the many decorated cafes, go ice skating, ride the bullet train, and explore the famous tourist attractions like the Kremlin.

What should I wear in Moscow in winter?

You should wear proper winter clothing in Moscow in winter since it tends to get really cold. Jackets, sweaters, scarves, hats, boots, gloves, and layers of woolens are an absolute must.

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Ekta Maheshwari

Ekta believes that unless you are not riding on a wave you are not living at all. She is a foodie and loves binge-watching Game of Thrones. When she’s not living her dream you can find her in the kitchen cooking.

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