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There is nowhere on earth that celebrates Christmas quite like the alpine heartland of Central Europe. The Christmas market tradition wooden stalls glowing with fairy lights, the scent of cinnamon and mulled wine drifting through cold winter air, the sound of carols echoing off centuries-old stone buildings was born right here in Austria and Germany, and it remains most magical in these regions to this day.
This extraordinary multi-day tour whisks you through three of Europe’s greatest Christmas market countries, visiting the finest festive markets in some of the continent’s most beautiful cities. Begin in Vienna, where the market before the imperial Rathaus creates one of the world’s most spectacular scenes. Continue to Salzburg, where the Christkindlmarkt on Domplatz has operated for centuries. Cross into Bavaria to experience Munich’s legendary Christkindlmarkt and Nuremberg’s famous market. Journey into Switzerland to discover the charming Christmas traditions of Zurich and Basel, where Swiss craftsmanship and festive warmth combine beautifully.
This isn’t just a tour it’s an immersion into one of Europe’s most deeply rooted cultural traditions, experienced in its most authentic settings. Perfect for couples, families, and anyone who believes Christmas is best celebrated somewhere truly magical.
Introduction
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 mesmerising city backdrops.
Highlights
- Admire the ornate Glockenspiel in Munich’s Marienplatz
- Have a merry Bavarian Christmas in Oberammergau
- Watch the carousel and sip warming Glühwein in Lucerne
- Shop for handcrafted trinkets and enjoy a festive feast
Day 1 :
Welcome to Vienna
Write your very own Christmas story on a festive foray to some of Europe’s most magical Christmas markets. Our journey begins in Vienna. Take the opportunity to explore on your own before meeting your fellow travellers. Today, your Travel Director will provide an orientation drive of the Austrian capital before dinner.
Day 2 :
Discover Vienna's Christmas Charm
Join your Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour, from Parliament and City Hall to the grand State Opera House and Hofburg Palace, once the winter palace the Habsburgs, one of the most powerful royal houses of Europe.
Day 03 :
Journey to Munich Dive Into Culture
Venture to Mozart’s beloved Salzburg. Dive Into Culture with a Local Specialist on a walking tour to see the Mirabell Gardens and iconic sights that featured in the filming of the ‘Sound of Music’. Later, dramatic vistas accompany your journey as you travel past alpine landscapes to Munich, the capital of Bavaria. This evening, dinner is served at the hotel.
Day 04 :
Enjoy Bavarian Munich's Magical Christmas Markets
Bundle up warmly and join a Local Specialist on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience to discover lost and forgotten Advent traditions. Embrace the festive cheer in Marienplatz with its impressive Town Hall and the ornate Glockenspiel. Then, spend the rest of your day savouring the sights, sounds and smells of Munich’s Christmas market – a dazzling display of twinkling lights, carols and a magnificent Christmas tree. Continue your cultural exploration with an optional visit to enjoy the gemütlich atmosphere at one of Munich’s most traditional restaurants.
Day 05 :
Off to Innsbruck
We leave Munich behind and travel through the romantic Bavarian countryside en route to Oberammergau, which hosts the poignant Passion Play every ten years. Admire the village’s intricate woodcarvings and elaborate frescoes depicting Bavarian themes before continuing to Innsbruck. Indulge in delicious Kiachl doughnuts at the bustling Christmas market before returning to your hotel for dinner.
Day 06 :
Venture to Lucerne
A winter wonderland beckons as we see the ski jump that towers over Innsbruck before continuing to Vaduz to view its castle, perched perfectly above the Liechtenstein capital. Our final stop today is Lucerne, where we’ll spend the next two nights. Our orientation tour of the city takes us past the Lion of Lucerne and the famous wooden Chapel Bridge.
Day 07 :
Explore Lucerne's Festive Glittering Lights Connect with Locals
This morning choose to join your Travel Director for an Optional Experience to the peak of a nearby mountain top. Embrace the Yuletide cheer in the heart of the city’s Old Town. For lunch we celebrate our magical journey together during an exclusive Be My Guest experience filled with Christmas cheer as you Connect With Locals in their home. The rest of the day is yours to spend at leisure or perhaps join an optional cruise on Lake Lucerne.
We bid a festive farewell to our travel companions, returning home with magical Christmas memories. Find out more about available airport transfers at trafalgar.com/freetransfers.
Includes
- Accommodation
- Guide
- Meals
- Additional Services
- Transport
- Free eSIM
When is the best time to visit Christmas markets in Austria and Germany?
Christmas markets in Austria and Germany typically run from late November through to December 24th or 26th. The peak period is late November through mid-December, when markets are fully stocked and festively decorated. Next View Tours operates Christmas market tours during this window check the booking page for specific departure dates
What is the most famous Christmas market in Austria?
Vienna’s Christkindlmarkt at the Rathausplatz is Austria’s most famous Christmas market, dating back to the 14th century. The Salzburg Christkindlmarkt on Domplatz is also among the most atmospheric, set against the backdrop of Salzburg Cathedral.
What can I buy at Central European Christmas markets?
Christmas markets throughout Austria, Germany, and Switzerland are famous for handcrafted wooden decorations, nutcrackers, advent calendars, traditional ceramics, leather goods, local food specialities (Lebkuchen, Stollen, roasted nuts), and of course Glühwein (mulled wine) and warm apple cider.
