4 Christmas Markets You’ll Absolutely Love

So, you’re thinking about a winter escape? Let me paint you a picture: You’re strolling through cobblestone streets, sipping mulled wine (or hot cocoa for the kids!), while twinkling lights dance above you like you’ve stepped into your favorite holiday movie. Sounds dreamy, right? That’s the magic of European Christmas Markets, where you’ll basically live out all your festive fantasies. Ready to step off the Polar Express? Here are 4 must-see Christmas markets that’ll make you say, “Okay, now it’s Christmas.”

1. Salzburg, Austria

Why you’ll love it – If Salzburg had a soundtrack, it’d be Silent Night sung by a 100-person choir (literally, they have carolers). This market is like Christmas on steroids—in the best way possible. You can sing along at a choir practice (no judgment on your pitch), take the kids to a sweet little Christmas reading with an angel, and—wait for it—hear live music from towers. Yes, actual people blow horns from the top of towers. It’s like your holiday playlist, but fancier.

When: Late November - Early January

Closest Airports: Munich (MUC), Salzburg (SZG)

Pair this with: A Private Food Tour (to eat your weight in strudel), a Mozart Walking Tour (so you can feel cultured while you snack), or a Private Bike Tour to work off all the calories!

Where to stay:

Centrally Located-- Sheraton Grand Salzburg

Boutique Hotel- Leonardo Boutique Hotel Salzburg Gablerbräu

Adults Only- Hotel Stein

2. Vienna, Austria

Why you’ll love it – Vienna has basically turned the whole city into a Christmas market. Seriously, there are little Christmas villages all over the place! It’s like Elf exploded here, but classier, with cathedrals and palaces as your backdrop. Feeling romantic? Take a ride on the Christmas Market Ferris Wheel. Got kids? Send them to the ice rink so you can have a peaceful cup of mulled wine (or two). Bonus: The lights here make everything look Instagram-perfect—get ready for a feed full of heart emojis.

When: Mid November - Early January

Closest Airports: Vienna (VIE)

Pair this with: A Private Food Tour (treat yourself), a fancy tour of Belvedere Museum (for when you need a break from all that Christmas shopping) or Private Walking Tour with only the best highlights of Vienna!

Where to stay:

Boutique Hotel- O11 Boutique Hotel Vienna

Luxury Stay- Sans Souci Vienna

Rooftop Pool- Hotel Grand Ferdinand Vienna

3. Colmar, France

Why you’ll love it – Ever wanted to live inside a gingerbread house? Well, Colmar is about as close as you’re gonna get. This place is so cute it looks like it was plucked right out of a fairytale (which makes sense since Beauty and the Beastwas inspired by nearby towns). You’ll spend hours wandering through the market, sipping French wine, eating oysters (because, why not?), and buying all the things you didn’t know you needed from local artisans. Oh, and there’s a Christmas Shuttle that takes you to other adorable markets nearby, so plan accordingly!

When: Late November - Late December

Closest Airports: Strasbourg (SXB), Basel (BSL), Zurich (ZRH)

Pair this with: The Christmas Shuttle to hit up even more markets—double-check the schedule though, some are only open on weekends!

Where to stay:

Hotel Le Colombier Suites

4. Cologne, Germany

Why you’ll love it – Picture this: the biggest, most dramatic gothic cathedral in Germany towering over a sea of red-roofed Christmas stalls. Cologne’s Cathedral Christmas Market has that epic holiday vibe nailed down. If you’re a fan of shopping for unique gifts (or just eating your way through a market), you’re in luck—this place has it all. And when you’re done here, head to the Market of Angels for a dash of holiday magic, where costumed angels and fairies walk around looking like they stepped straight out of a Hallmark movie.

When: Late November - Late December

Closest Airports: Cologne Bonn (CGN), Düsseldorf (DUS)

Pair this with: A quick road trip to Aachen Christmas Market (it’s only an hour away and totally worth the extra drive).

Where to stay:

18th Century Charm with Views- Althoff Grandhotel Schloss Bensberg

Historical Luxury- Excelsior Hotel Ernst am Dom

So, are you ready to make your holidays extra festive this year? European Christmas Markets are where it’s at. Think twinkling lights, mouthwatering treats, and enough holiday magic to make even the Grinch crack a smile. Time to pack your suitcase (don’t forget the stretchy pants for all the food you’ll eat) and get ready for a holiday season you’ll never forget!