globus christmas market tours 2022

'Tis the Season To Book European Christmas Market Tours

By Jason Sheftell

It may be a little early to start thinking about Christmas, but it's exactly the right time to start thinking about Christmas travel. Early booking specials to European Christmas Markets -- outdoor paths lined with stalls filled with Christmas trinkets, hand-crafted gifts, home-cooked foods, and lots of cheer, folly and music -- are available through several online booking travel providers. These package trips not only give you a festive glimpse of off-season Europe, they fill up your family's Christmas stockings with interesting, exotic, and innovative gifts. Held in and around town squares and churches in big cities and small towns, European Christmas Markets are joyous occasions for entire families and people of all ages.

So big is the European Christmas tour cottage industry becoming, Atlas Cruises and Tours have set up a website devoted to Christmas Market Tours (tel. 800/942-3301 ; www.christmasmarkettours.com ). Whether you want to experience the charm of a German European market or the fun nights of the Scandinavian markets, this site offers tours and deals to both.

Through the Atlas portal page, we found a land-only " Christmastime in Bavaria " trip through Globus Journeys (tel. 866/755-8581 ; www.globusjourneys.com ) that tours the Christmas markets in Central and Eastern Europe. Taking advantage of the musical and architectural highlights along the way, this package also makes stops to hear Christmas choirs and light installations. The ten-day package includes stops in Munich, Prague, Bratislava, Budapest, and Vienna. While all the Christmas markets have their individual charm, the Hungarian Christmas in Budapest is allegedly extremely heart-warming, combining children's choirs with chamber music, large flower displays and ice sculptures and great displays of Hungarian pride. Departing in early December through mid-December with the latest return dates taking place on Christmas Day, this trip starts at $1,199.

Not to be outdone, Gate 1 (tel. 800/682-3333 ; www.gate1travel.com ) provides links to their " Christmas Market " trips right from the home page. Among combination trips and Christmas specials, a six-day four-night air/land Christmas market special to Prague starts at $699 for travel departing on November 29 and December 6 and 13, 2006. Accommodations start at tourist class hotels and go up to the large, centrally-located Marriott Hotel in the center of the city, available at a small price upgrade. At the tourist class, the 53-room Dalimil Hotel is small, clean and well run hotel with simple amenities and an in-house restaurant serving Czech and international foods. Located a slight distance to the Old Town Center, the Dalimil offers the unique, fun, and local way to get to the town center -- a hop on for a few coins tram ride. With wide open windows and a century old track hugging the curves and offering sensational glimpses of the way of life along its route, trams are an easy and educational way to cruise around Prague. Also included in this trip is daily breakfast. Airport security fees and departure taxes are additional.

Another Gate 1 Christmas market tour is a unique eight-day six-night "Danube river cruise " starting in Hungary before making stops in Bratislava, Vienna, Melk, Salzburg and finally Passau before heading to Munich for the trip home. The eight-day trip departs on December 20, 2006. The air/land trip costs $1,319 with the same trip excluding airfare costing $699. Category upgrades are available for larger cabins. All meals are included while on the cruise. Your home for six-nights will be the large and modern river vessel the MS Johan Strauss. Built in 2004, this 415-foot long ship is practically brand new. All amenities are modern, including a fitness center, dining room, café, large sunning and sightseeing deck and television in the cabins. An additional feature included in this package is a captain's farewell dinner and a Sound of Music evening.

While they don't necessarily call them Christmas Market trips, Go-Today (tel. 800/227-3235 ; www.go-today.com ) has exceptional single city travel deals to Munich, Prague, and some Scandinavian cities. A three-night five-day air and hotel inclusive package to Munich with travel good from December 15, 2006 to January 3, 2007 starts at $749; a six-night Prague-Budapest air and land special good for the same time period starts at $1,039; and a Stockholm three-night trip with airfare and accommodations starts at $799. These Go-Today trips are the height of independent travel. They just get you there, give you somewhere to sleep, and feed you breakfast. The rest is up to you. The booking deadline for these European trips with Go-Today is August 10, 2006.

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Christmas Vacations

As the gold standard in first-class escorted travel for more than 80 years, Globus puts you in the holiday spirit with more included sightseeing and inside visits of the world's most awe-inspiring places. You won't just see the attractions—you'll get unique cultural experiences and little-known insights from expert Tour Directors. You'll become immersed in the essence of your destinations as you stroll side-by-side with the locals through centuries-old Christmas markets, sampling Glühwein, Lebkuchen, beiglie, and other seasonal delicacies. With Globus, you stay in hotels where quality stands the test of time and location is paramount. Plus, you'll enjoy more inclusions in the package price, which means fewer "out of pocket" expenses.

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European Christmas Markets

About this tour.

Set out on a grand holiday adventure through the winter wonderland of the Imperial Cities of Central Europe – Prague, Vienna and Budapest. Tour the magnificent Prague Castle and explore its famous Christmas market at the Old Town Square. Experience the world's oldest Christmas market. In Vienna learn the secrets of confectionary at a candy workshop, delight in the Baroque marvels of the Schönbrunn Palace and indulge in dinner at the famous Marchfelderhof. Travel via train from Vienna to Bratislava, Slovakia a historic gem. Experience the most famous Hungarian wine region visiting one of the best wine estates. Tour gorgeous Budapest, and explore its outdoor markets aglow with lights, where stalls of crafts and delicacies abound. Along the way, immerse yourself in festive Christmas markets, experience cultural traditions, sample local cuisine, and glimpse this region’s rich history.

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• Prague's Christmas Markets
• Prague Castle
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• Dresden's Christmas Markets

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• Visit the magnificent Schönbrunn Palace, a summer retreat of the Habsburg dynasty.

Discover Budapest’s iconic sights through the eyes of an expert.

Experience the world’s oldest Christmas market in lovely Dresden, Germany.

Cultural Experiences:

Tour the majestic Prague Castle.

Visit 5 different countries filled with the holiday spirit.

Be whisked by train from Vienna to Bratislava.

Culinary Inclusions:

Learn the secrets of Viennese confectionary during a candy making demonstration.

Dine at the famous Marchfelderhof, an iconic restaurant with a rich Viennese tradition.

Experience the most famous Hungarian wine region visiting one of the best wine estates.

• Vienna's Christmas Markets
• Schönbrunn Palace
• Viennese Candy Workshop
• Train Ride to Bratislava
• Wine Tasting and Dinner
• Budapest's Christmas Markets
• Matthias Church
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Enjoy an evening full of music. A special orchestral event in a local venue sparks off a unique firework of the most beautiful compositions celebrating classical music in Vienna. The best-known compositions by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Johann Strauss are joined by popular works by Antonio Vivaldi, Ludwig van Beethoven, Johannes Brahms and many more. Excellent musicians, opera singers and magical ballet dancers present an evening full of Viennese charm with beautiful waltzes, polkas and operetta melodies performed at their highest level.

Visit the magnificent Schönbrunn Palace, a summer retreat of the Habsburg dynasty.

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Christmas Markets of Austria Germany and Switzerland

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8 Day Christmas Market Tour of Austria, Germany and Switzerland

8 days, 4 countries and 8 cities

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7 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 3 Dinners

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Fill your festive cheer with candles, carols, snowflakes and stollen as you wander past heaving market stalls and pay tribute to old-world traditions, local craftsmanship and mesmerizing city backdrops.

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8 days itinerary trip from Vienna to Zürich visiting 4 countries and 8 cities

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Explore Vienna and Salzburg with a Local Specialist

Discover Munich, Oberammergau, Vaduz, Innsbruck and Lucerne

Visit the Christmas Markets of Vienna, Salzburg, Munich, Innsbruck, Lucerne and Vaduz, the capital of Liechtenstein, and join a local family for an exclusive Be My Guest experience in their home

View Mozart's birthplace in Salzburg, the Marienplatz in Munich, the Golden Roof in Innsbruck and the Lion Monument and Chapel Bridge in Lucerne

See stunning alpine scenery

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Christmas Markets

Christkindlmarkts

Twas a month before Christmas and all through the land, the season kicked off at a gingerbread stand…

In some cases, at a Lebkuchen stand at the Christkindlemarkt in Nuremberg, one of the oldest Christmas markets in Germany. Nobody has Christmas here without Lebkuchen, the city’s gingerbread, and it’s hard to resist a market to help put you in the holiday spirit—especially in a land where Christmases are rarely white.

Many Germans argue about which city claims the biggest market. Dresden is a contender with its Striezelmarkt, where starting in November, 250 stands sell ornaments, gifts, and food. It could also be Munich, where 3 million people visit the Marienplatz for a market that, until a century or two ago, wasn’t infused with the Christmassy spirit—it was merely an opportunity to buy supplies for winter. If not the biggest, Nuremberg’s market gets nationwide attention because of its Christkind, a teenage girl in golden costume who opens the market every year at the entrance to the Frauenkirche (Protestant church).

Regardless of the city, the spirit is the same. Under the red- and white-striped awnings of market stalls, you’ll see glittering ornaments, wooden dolls and nutcrackers, smells of gingerbread and sausages, and the sounds of Holiday tunes through outdoor speakers. It’s Christmas chaos, and the jolliest shoppers have likely already finished their first cup of Glühwein (hot spiced wine).

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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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Christmas Festival in Moscow

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Christmas fairs and markets invite residents and visitors of Moscow to take part in multiple fun winter activities and New Year shopping.

“Journey into Christmas” is considered to be the biggest in the world New Year Festival and one of the most picturesque annual festivals in Moscow as it combines original traditional elements of Russian Christmas funfairs and new contemporary ideas for all ages.

Each district of Moscow from December 18 till January 14 will turn into a part of the festival: 38 venues offer unique art objects, exciting street shows, and concerts, master classes on cooking and decoration, traditional food, and unusual souvenirs; everyone will be able to participate in exciting contests and quests.

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The festival starts on Manezh Square and famous huge glowing ball, one of the most popular sights in Moscow; as a part of the “Journey into Christmas” festival, it will be turned the biggest Christmas bauble in Russia. Moreover, its size will be significantly increased: the height of the ball will be 17 meters now. The decoration of the ball consists of 9.5 km of LED lights and this is claiming a Guinness record.

Besides the ball, the participants of the festival will see a Russian map-shaped labyrinth with a 17-meter high Christmas tree decorated with sparkling LED lights on Manezh square. Inside the maze, the visitors will see exhibitions dedicated to different periods of Russian history, enjoy Soviet posters, and get acquainted with Russian fashion of different years.

Both children and adults will enjoy a 100-meter high ice slide — the biggest slide in Russia. It will be built according to the oldest Russian traditions that were used hundreds of years ago for the winter holiday festivities.

Young Muscovites and guests of Russia will have plenty of things to do during “Journey into Christmas”. For instance, Tverskoy Boulevard will turn into a “Small town of Storytellers” where experienced instructors will teach children how to do figure skating, snowboarding, play hockey — absolutely free including all sports equipment.

Tverskaya Square is planned to be the main kid's attraction for the festival. At this small Christmas town, children will dress up a Christmas tree, take a ride on the carousel, learn to sew dolls, and cook candies.

Animation and workshops for the little ones will also take place in other areas of the festival.

Dress warmly and start your festive Christmas adventure in Moscow!

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Christmas and New Year in Moscow: best markets and decorations to see

• September 18, 2023

Christmas and New Year in Moscow: what to do, where to go? We are getting more and more questions about Christmas and New Year in Moscow and St. Petersburg. So I decided to write two articles for each city to give you as much information as possible about the magical holiday season in Moscow and Saint Petersburg. I will then talk about things not to miss, places to see and of course the Moscow Christmas markets and decorations. Moscow at Christmas time and New Year is magical!

So, how can you enjoy the holiday season in Moscow at Christmas and at New Year Eve? Let’s go!

Winter holiday in Russia

First, a small point on the calendar. Orthodox Christmas takes place on January 7. There is therefore no special event on December 25. On the other hand, New Year is celebrated well on December 31 and it is the most awaited and appreciated holiday of the Russians. In fact, in Russia, Christmas is truly a religious event. Therefore, it’s more like New Year that we give gifts and party. So, Moscow at Christmas time is not as festive as we can imagine.

The heart of the holiday season extends between December 31 and January 7. But the first decorations begin to appear in mid-December. We must therefore aim for this period, if you wish to celebrate Christmas and New Year in Moscow. You can already see Moscow Christmas decorations in early December.

New year in Moscow or in Saint Petersburg?

Even though I love my hometown of St. Petersburg, if you have to choose between New Year in Moscow and St. Petersburg, I would recommend Moscow . This is clearly the destination for those who love this holiday and expect something magical . In Saint Petersburg, it’s also very festive, but much more modestly. However, Moscow Christmas decorations are the best in Russia.

Christmas and New Year in Moscow

This time of year is wonderful! If you enjoy Moscow Christmas markets and decorations, mulled wine, skating rinks and everything associated with this period: do not hesitate to spend Christmas and New Year in Moscow!

Moscow Red Square: the place to be!

It’s the most magical place in Moscow during the holiday season! To celebrate Christmas and New Years in Moscow, it is essential to go to the essential Red Square.

In the evening, all the lights come on and make the place even more beautiful.

GUM’s Moscow Christmas market is very very cool: skating rink, mulled wine and candy stands, games for children, entertainment, a real party atmosphere! On the other hand, during the week, there are far fewer people and less entertainment than at weekends.

Once in Red Square, don’t forget to enter the GUM. Inside this store, it feels like walking the streets of a European city. There are 3 aisles, 2 floors (3 if you count in the Russian way, because floor 0 does not exist). So it’s a nicely decorated and friendly place to warm up a bit.

Don’t be surprised to see several ice cream vendors. The favorite ice cream for Russians is Plombières ice cream. At GUM, it is served “as before”, that is to say as in Soviet times: in a fine waffle in the shape of glass. It’s called “stakantchik”, a little glass in Russian.

Around Red Square

If you are coming for Christmas and New Years in Moscow, there are neighborhoods not to be missed! Even if the city is decorated everywhere, the concentrate is near the Red Square. Ploshchad means “place” in Russian, ulitsa means “street”.

• Ulitsa Nikolskaya, emblematic street of the 2018 World Cup where all the fans met.
• Ploshchad Revolutsii, opposite the Bolchoi Thetre
• Manezhnaya Ploshchad
• Ulitsa Tverskaya
• Ulitsa Bol’shaya Dmitrovka
• Sloteshnikov Pereoulok
• Ulitsa Kuznetsky Most
• Ulitsa Petrovka
• Nikitsky + Tverskoy Boulevard
• Zaryadye Park, which runs along the Moskva River, where a magnificent view of the Kremlin and the city opens up and small hills covered with snow (except this year … where the temperatures are abnormally high for this period.)

Here are some photos of Zaryadye Park that I took with my phone (it’s even better in reality!).

Moscow Christmas markets

Christmas and New Years in Moscow, first of all the Christmas markets! Moreover, in September 2018 the British daily newspaper The Telegraphe had included Moscow in its TOP 10 of the most beautiful destinations for Christmas markets .

It’s impossible to name all the Christmas markets in Moscow: there are so many! Some last several weeks, others – only a few days. All the parks have their Christmas market, not counting all the other places… Here are the 3 most beautiful in terms of location, duration and decorations:

• On Red Square, opposite GUM, of course! (in general, open from the beginning of December)
• On Ploshchad Revolutsii square
• In Stoleshnikov Pereoulok street (small market)

Here are some pictures of Stoleshnikov Pereoulok and its Moscow Christmas market: Moscow Christmas decorations are fantastic!

Interesting places at Christmas and New Year in Moscow

In the blog post What to do in Moscow in winter? I already indicate the main places to see in general in winter. They are valid for the holiday season, if not more. If you’re celebrating Christmas and New Years in Moscow, rest assured, it’s not just Red Square to visit.

VDNKh. This huge Soviet-era exhibition center is getting a makeover. Besides, the place is interesting to visit already without the festivities. Here everything is huge: don’t expect a cute Christmas market. By cons, very few people on weekdays, except the week of January 31 to 7.

Izmailovo. Far from the city center, it is a kremlin (fortress) recently built in the old style where there is a flea market. In winter, with snow, the place takes on the appearance of a Disney tale. There are places to stop for a hot drink or … vodka! A vodka museum is located on the territory of the Kremlin.

Gorky Park. Gorky Park is the most visited park in Moscow. Another nice Muzeon park is nearby. It is therefore possible to do both. In both parks will be installed Christmas markets from December 26. Many more people on weekends than weekdays.

Hermitage Park. It’s a nice little park in downtown Moscow where you meet more Muscovites than tourists. During the holiday season, the park organizes entertainment.

New Year in Moscow

If you come to spend Christmas and New Year in Moscow, know that the most important event for Russians is New Years Day. December 31 is also the most festive time of the year. Some of the Muscovites will stay at home with family and friends, but many will go out to celebrate the arrival of the New Year on the streets of Moscow.

Where to celebrate New Year in Moscow?

We find more or less the same places. For example, you can build an itinerary of several places to make the most of New Years Eve in Moscow.

Red Square. The evening of December 31, Red Square will not finally be open to everyone. There are very few tickets: they are distributed on social criteria and to the active inhabitants of the city (there is a portal where the inhabitants can participate actively in the life of the city by voting, giving proposals … etc). Another possibility to access Red Square the evening of the 31st is to buy tickets for the ice rink. But there are only 500 places and they leave very quickly. In addition, staying all evening on the ice rink (9 p.m. to 1 a.m.) is not necessarily great. The vast majority of people will not be there, but all around. For example, the Zaryadye park from which we can see the Saint Basil’s Cathedral and the Kremlin !

Around Red Square. Very close to Red Square, the party will be on Manezhnaya ploschad and Tverskaya street which will be completely pedestrian. Outdoor concert, street entertainment, music, Moscow Christmas decorations: party atmosphere guaranteed! For example, to give you an idea, here is a Youtube video showing the street on December 31, 2018:

Zaryadye Park. Also close to Red Square is a new park that runs along the Moskva River. For New Year 2019, Zaryadye park offers a program from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m.: songs, dances, acrobatic show, midnight countdown! In addition, all cafes, restaurants and other park services will also be open. Further information on the official Zaryadye website in English . If you decide to stand Christmas and New Year in Moscow, it is a place to discover without a doubt.

In the parks of Moscow. There are party programs in almost every major city park. Gorky Park, Gorky Park and Pobedy Park (with its ice castle) are therefore nice places where you can go. Programs vary from year to year.

Good to know! From December 28, 2019 to January 6, 2020, one end of Tverskaya Street and other streets close to the heart of the city center will be pedestrianized. However, this change will modify the circulation of buses in this area of ​​Moscow.

New Year’s fireworks in Moscow

There is not one article fire, but several! On December 31 in Moscow, fireworks were launched from more than 30 locations.

• When? The big fireworks take place at 1 a.m. This is the time all of Russia will pass in the New Year.
• Where? Pretty much everywhere. The midnight fireworks are the most central, between the Kremlin and Zaryadie Park. You must therefore position yourself near this area, if you want to stay in the heart of the city center. But the fireworks (more than 30 launch sites!) Will cover other places in the city. It is often said that Sparrow Hill is the perfect place to see the fireworks. However, it is located quite far from the city center.

New Year in Moscow: public transport

Public transport in Moscow operates throughout the night of December 31, according to the official website of the Moscow city hall. It’s very convenient to move around and enjoy the party in several places in the city! To find out more about Moscow transportation cards, read the blog post: Moscow public transportation and taxi . In 2019, public transport will be free the night of December 31 (from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.).

For the record, the night of December 31, 2017, 35,000 people celebrated the arrival of New Year at midnight on Moscow’s public transport! In addition, almost 500,000 people took advantage of overnight transportation.

Moscow at Christmas time

Orthodox Christmas in Moscow (and in Russia globally) is January 7, more preciously the night of January 6 to 7 . It’s an important holiday. However, it is not as festive as New Years Day.

Liturgies take place at night in cathedrals and Orthodox churches. The main cathedral in Moscow at Christmas time is the Cathedral of Christ the Savior. It is therefore the liturgy in this cathedral which is transmitted on the main channels of the country live.

In 2020, public transport will operate until 2 a.m. in Moscow at Christmas time.

Moscow is the best destination for Christmas and New Year in Russia!

Moscow city hall really does the utmost to decorate the city: streets, squares and parks. So if you are looking for when to go to Moscow and enjoy the holiday mood, Christmas and New Year in Moscow is perfect for you, because Moscow Christmas decorations are really exceptional.

Before departure, here is what you may find useful:

• How to get a tourist voucher for Russian visa?
• Where to stay in Moscow?
• Airport transfer: how to get to Moscow?
• What to visit in Moscow?

If you hesitate between Moscow and Saint Petersburg, the moods in the two cities are different. For the holiday season, Moscow is much more decorated than Saint Petersburg. The budget in terms of decorations and entertainment is clearly not the same. Christmas and New Year in Moscow, it’s excitement! However, if you are looking to celebrate New Years Day much more calmly , St. Petersburg is more suitable.

Will you plan to got to Moscow at Christmas time? Or later during the winter? Our travel tips could help you to prepare your trip, here are some of them.

Moscow travel tips:

• How to visit Kremlin?
• Red Square: all you need to know
• Tourist voucher for Russian visa
• St. Basile Cathedral: practical information for the visit

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