How to Plan an Epic Family Vacation to European Christmas Markets

Are you wanting to plan an epic Christmas family vacation? How about traveling to Europe to explore some of the charming Christmas markets? Jennifer Girod, from Travel Family Style joins Lisa to share great ways to plan a Christmas market vacation. She talks through how to pick where to go, when to start planning, where to stay, plus what to expect at the markets.

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How far ahead do you recommend people start planning?

15 - 18 months ahead start thinking about the cities you want to visit.

Keep watch for inexpensive flights and build your trip around those flights.

Markets open mid-November and run through Christmas. Thanksgiving break could be a great time to go.

Be sure to look at each market and confirm their dates. Most markets end on Christmas Eve.

Book flights around 6 months out.

How long do you recommend the duration of the trip should be?

Minimum of 7 days if you are going to stay in one spot. 10 - 15 days if you want to explore multiple cities.

How do you create your travel itinerary for visiting Christmas markets?

Jenn likes to make a spreadsheet with the dates of the trip, lodging, and when the markets will be open.

There are usually multiple markets in one city. Even some of the smaller cities have 5 - 6 markets.

How much time do you recommend people spend per city?

Jenn suggests more than one night per city. 2 nights would be ideal so you can explore all of the markets in the area.

You can do one as a stopover city if you have a long transit day.

Do you like to drive, fly or take trains to get to different cities?

If budget allows, take a multi-city flight. (Fly into one city and out of another city.)

The train is a great way to get around. Security is not as strict as flying. Plus it’s a quaint way to see new cities.

Plan to visit cities within a 3 - 5 hour train ride from each other so that you are not using a lot of time to travel between cities.

Jenn recommends that you do not rent a car. Most cities are walkable. If not walkable, then taxis or other car service is an option.

Try to stay near the city center so that you will most likely be near the markets.

What type of accommodations do you recommend?

Jenn likes to stay at Meininger Hotels. They have bunk beds for the kids. Plus there is a communal kitchen if you want to cook.

Airbnb is a great option for families. Find one near the city center which will make getting around easier.

Consider staying in a hotel where you can use points to book your stay.

What are some of your favorite markets?

Heidelberg, Germany: This was a top favorite for Jenn’s family. There’s a castle, a river, and cobblestone streets, so picturesque European.

Zurich, Switzerland: Great place for people who really love food! The food was gourmet with a different selection than the German markets.

Salzberg, Austria: Such a charming city! Check out the Sound of Music tour.

Vienna, Austria

Munich, Germany

Paris, France

Dusseldorf, Germany

Look for markets with skating rinks!

You could plan to visit 6 cities in about 2 weeks.

Check out Jenn’s blog for itinerary ideas.

What does a typical day look like on a Christmas market trip?

Ask your taxi drive or hotel front desk for additional info on local markets.

Start the day with a light breakfast wherever you are staying.

You can visit some markets during the day. They are generally more lively with lights and music in the evening.

Plan to do some site seeing during the day. Maybe visit a museum or a castle.

If there is something you know you want to see, but sure to book ahead. Be cautious about booking ahead to allow some flexibility while on the trip.

Find a cafe where you can sit outside and enjoy a warm drink and people-watch.

Decide if you want to have dinner at the market or at a restaurant.

The market food is delicious but you may want some restaurants to mix things up throughout the vacation.

When you enter the market, you will see lots of stalls selling goods. Plus you will enjoy many amazing smells of all of the food offerings. Everything is lit up and it’s magical.

Can you tell us more about the shopping experience at the Christmas markets?

Jenn’s family flies with only carry-on suitcases and a backpack per person. This doesn’t leave them a lot of room for souvenirs. They stick to small items that can be put in the nooks of their suitcases.

Ornaments, hats, and journals are some favorite items.

Each city has a special mug designed each year and these are great souvenirs. The warm mulled wine or hot cocoa is served in the mug. You can return the mug to get a small amount of money back or just keep the mug.

Jenn and her husband enjoying a warm drink in Vienna

Money or credit card? It’s always a mix depending on the city. Have a plan to get cash if needed but hope for credit cards. Be ready for both options.

If you bring snacks on the trip, you will make room for souvenirs as you consume the snacks.

Tell us about the food!

Every market is filled with potatoes: baked potatoes, potato spiral sticks, potato pancakes (try these with applesauce!).

Candies, sweets, candied nuts, doughnuts, cakes, cheese wheels, pretzels, and sausages.

What do you recommend people wear when visiting the Christmas markets?

Dress in layers. It will most likely be 40 degrees Fahrenheit or lower.

Bring one big coat per person that goes to your knees. A base layer of thermals and a few sweaters. Don’t bring a lot of different clothes because they will mostly be covered with your jacket. Also pack beanies, gloves, hand warmers, an umbrella, and waterproof walking boots.

Jenn and her husband at a Christmas market in Dusseldorf, Germany

Thank you to Jenn for sharing such great information about visiting the Christmas markets. Be sure to listen to the podcast episode for even more details. You can reach out to Jenn on Instagram @travel_familystyle and message her with any questions you may have.