Ultimate 11-Day Christmas Market Road Trip: Germany, Austria, Czech Republic & Denmark
There’s nothing like Europe in winter: festive markets, twinkling lights, historic castles, and snow-dusted streets. As a travel advisor, I’ve planned countless European trips, from couples anniversary celebrations to multi-family group trips, and I’ve seen firsthand how the right itinerary can turn a vacation into a magical, stress-free experience.
For John, Germany had always held a special allure because of his heritage, so the excitement for the Christmas Markets was immediate. Here’s our day-by-day journey through Germany, Austria, the Czech Republic, and Denmark, where we explored rich and sobering history while marveling at some of the most enchanting Christmas Markets in the world.
When to Visit Christmas Markets in Europe:
For this trip, we opted to visit over Thanksgiving to maximize our PTO; however, our second trip was over the Christmas holiday, which made things slightly more tricky. Before we dig into our itinerary, let’s talk about the best time to visit Christmas Markets in Europe.
Most European Christmas markets officially open in late November and run until Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, with some markets extending into early January. If you want to experience the full festive vibe (think twinkling lights, seasonal treats, and lively stalls), then late November through mid-December is ideal. Markets can get very crowded closer to Christmas, especially the week before December 24th, so visiting in late November or the first half of December allows you to enjoy the magic with fewer crowds and easier photo opportunities.
Winter weather varies depending on the region, so be prepared for cold, snow, or rain by packing layers, a warm coat, waterproof shoes, hats, and gloves. If you’re hoping to catch special events, such as opening ceremonies, concerts, or visits from local holiday figures like Nuremberg’s Christkind, it’s a good idea to check each city’s event calendar way in advance. Planning your trip with flexibility, whether by train or car, helps you see multiple markets without feeling rushed.
While this may not work for everyone’s schedule, the sweet spot for timing is usually the first or second weekend of December. You’ll enjoy the festive atmosphere at its peak, with dazzling lights and seasonal cheer, but without the crush of the busiest holiday week. With careful planning, your European Christmas market adventure can be magical, memorable, and stress-free.
Day 1: Arrive in Frankfurt, Germany
Start your adventure in Frankfurt, where modern skyscrapers meet historic charm. We strolled down the Main River, climbed the Main Tower for panoramic views and ended the day at the magical Frankfurt Christmas Market right in the heart of the city near the Romer.
WHERE TO STAY:
Budget: Premier Inn Frankfurt Messe – Affordable, clean, and conveniently located near the Frankfurt Messe and Christmas market.
Moderate: Fleming’s Hotel Frankfurt Main-Riverside – Comfortable modern rooms near the river and market areas.
Luxury: Steigenberger Frankfurter Hof – Iconic 5-star hotel in the city center, perfect for a festive and luxurious stay.
Day 2: Nuremberg, Germany
Head off in the morning to Nuremberg, home to one of the most famous Christmas markets in the world: the Christkindlesmarkt. Wander the festive stalls, enjoy traditional treats, and meet the Christkind. We visited both during the day and at night to enjoy the different views. Don’t forget to try the Original Nürnberger Rostbratwurst, our favorite sausages in the whole world!
WHERE TO STAY:
Budget: a&o Nürnberg Hauptbahnhof – Affordable, modern lodging just steps from the train station, offering easy access to Nuremberg’s historic Old Town and Christmas markets.
Moderate: Sorat Hotel Saxx Nürnberg – Comfortable, centrally located hotel with contemporary amenities and convenient access to shops, restaurants, and festive market squares.
Luxury: Le Méridien Grand Hotel Nürnberg – Elegant, full-service hotel blending historic charm with modern luxury, featuring refined rooms, fine dining, and a prime location near Nuremberg Castle and Christkindlesmarkt.
Day 3: Munich & Dachau, Germany
On our way to Munich, we began the morning with a visit to the Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial. While some might think this contrasts with the festive spirit of a holiday trip, we felt it was important to honor this significant part of German history and keep its lessons in mind.
After our reflective visit, we continued to Nymphenburg Palace in Munich to take in its stunning architecture and gardens. Later, we made our way to the heart of the city, raising a toast at the iconic Hofbräuhaus before wandering through the bustling Christmas Market at Marienplatz, soaking in the lights, carolers, and Bavarian holiday cheer.
WHERE TO STAY:
Budget: MEININGER Hotel München City Center – Clean, modern, and centrally located, providing easy access to Marienplatz, Viktualienmarkt, and Munich’s festive Christmas markets.
Moderate: Motel One München-Marienplatz – Stylish, contemporary hotel in the heart of the city, offering comfortable rooms and walking access to historic sites, shopping, and dining.
Luxury: Bayerischer Hof – Iconic luxury hotel combining historic elegance with modern amenities, featuring a rooftop terrace, fine dining, and prime access to Munich’s old town and festive markets.
Day 4: Bavarian Castles & Zugspitze
Venture into Bavaria’s fairytale landscapes with a visit to Neuschwanstein Castle and Linderhof Palace. The drive itself was nearly as magical as the short walk up to Neuschwanstein, with snow-dusted trees and alpine scenery around every turn. If the weather had cooperated, we would have hiked up to the cable bridge for that iconic view of the castle that everyone knows and loves.
Later, we rode the cable car up to Zugspitze, Germany’s highest peak, and were rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the Alps. We wrapped up the day at another charming Christmas Market in the small town of Garmisch-Partenkirchen with fewer crowds but just as much festive cheer, making it one of our favorite stops of the trip.
WHERE TO STAY:
Budget: Hotel Garni Brunnthaler – A cozy, budget-friendly option in the heart of Garmisch-Partenkirchen, offering clean rooms and a central location perfect for exploring the town and nearby Christmas markets.
Moderate: Riessersee Hotel – Situated above Garmisch-Partenkirchen beside Lake Riessersee, this 4-star superior hotel offers 166 rooms, maisonettes, and suites furnished in a cozy Bavarian style.
Luxury: Schloss Elmau – A world-class luxury retreat set in a stunning castle in the Alps. Featuring exceptional spa facilities, gourmet dining, and serene alpine views, it’s perfect for travelers looking for an indulgent and unforgettable stay.
Day 5: Innsbruck, Austria
Cross into Austria (we did so surrounded by a short but epicly beautiful snowstorm!) and explore Innsbruck, a winter wonderland nestled in the Alps. Wander the Old Town Christmas Market, catch festive performances, and enjoy panoramic views of the mountains.
WHERE TO STAY:
Budget: BinderS Budget City-Mountain Hotel – Located near the mountains, this hotel offers a sun-kissed terrace, free ski shuttle, and convenient ski storage. It's an upscale retreat without the high price tag.
Moderate: Hotel Mondschein – A charming, family-run hotel in the heart of Innsbruck’s Old Town, featuring cozy rooms, traditional Austrian decor, and easy access to the Christmas markets, shops, and historic sites.
Luxury: Interalpen-Hotel Tyrol – A 5-star superior hotel located in Seefeld, offering panoramic alpine views, gourmet cuisine, and a luxurious spa with an infinity pool.
Day 6: Berchtesgaden & Salzburg, Austria
We took the scenic route to Salzburg by driving along the Sky Road in Berchtesgaden, just a short detour from our path between Innsbruck and Salzburg. While summiting to see Eagle’s Nest isn’t possible this time of year, the drive itself with sweeping alpine views quickly became one of our favorites.
Once in Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart, we kicked off with breathtaking panoramic views from the Mönchsberg Lift. We wandered through Mirabell Palace and Gardens, spotting some iconic filming locations from The Sound of Music, before exploring yet another festive Christmas Market. The day ended perfectly with dinner and a nightcap at the Fortress Hohensalzburg Panorama Restaurant, overlooking the city lights and holiday magic below.
WHERE TO STAY:
Budget: Hotel am Mirabellplatz – Located in the heart of Salzburg, this charming and affordable hotel offers clean, comfortable rooms with easy access to Mirabell Palace, the Old Town, and nearby Christmas markets.
Moderate: Schloss Mönchstein Hotel – A historic castle hotel perched above Salzburg, offering luxurious rooms, panoramic city views, and a gourmet dining experience. Perfect for travelers who want a unique and elegant stay with easy access to the city’s attractions.
Luxury: Hotel Sacher Salzburg – An iconic 5-star hotel overlooking the Salzach River, offering opulent rooms, gourmet dining, and a renowned spa. Perfect for travelers seeking a lavish experience steeped in history and elegance.
Day 7: Hallstatt & St. wolfsgang
The next morning, we set out for the picturesque village of Hallstatt. While we missed the dates for their Christmas Market this time, the breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding mountains more than made up for it.
From there, we continued to St. Wolfgang, where we would be staying for the night. This charming lakeside town is famous for its festive holiday decorations, including a glowing bell floating in the water that connects it to nearby towns. We were fortunate to secure a table at Dorf Alm zu St. Wolfgang for dinner, and afterward, we strolled through the town’s quaint streets and explored the cozy Christmas Market, soaking in the warm lights and seasonal cheer before a nighttime dip in the floating hot tub at Romantikhotel Im Weissen Rössl.
WHERE TO STAY:
Budget: Gasthof Weisses Rössl – Cozy, traditional Austrian inn right on the lake.
Moderate: Gasthof Hotel Fürberg – Charming lakeside hotel with scenic views of Wolfgangsee, comfortable rooms, and easy access to St. Wolfgang’s Christmas markets and attractions.
Luxury: Romantikhotel Im Weissen Rössl – Luxury lakeside retreat with elegant rooms and festive ambiance.
DAY 8: Vienna, Austria
Arriving in Vienna, the imperial capital, we were immediately struck by the city’s blend of grandeur and festive magic. With over 20 Christmas markets scattered throughout the city, Vienna easily had the most markets of any stop on our trip.
We explored as many as we could, from the iconic Wiener Christkindlmarkt at Rathausplatz to the charming Christmas Village at Belvedere Palace and the Art Advent Market on Karlsplatz. The day ended perfectly with an enchanting ballet performance at one of Vienna’s historic theatres, a true cultural and holiday highlight.
WHERE TO STAY:
Budget: Wombat’s City Hostel Vienna – Affordable, central, and close to public transit, making it easy to explore Vienna’s Christmas markets and city sights.
Moderate: 25hours Hotel at MuseumsQuartier – Stylish, central, and perfect for exploring Vienna’s holiday magic.
Luxury: Hotel Sacher Wien – Legendary 5-star hotel near St. Stephen’s Cathedral and Vienna’s Christmas markets.
Day 9: Prague, Czech Republic
Our final stop on our driving tour brought us to Prague, the enchanting “City of Spires.” We were instantly captivated by its charm. Before diving into the city, we prepped for a quick Flytographer photoshoot with our photographer, who doubled as a local guide, sharing insider tips along the way.
Prague’s Old Town Christmas Market is pure magic with twinkling lights, delicious treats like trdelník, and beautifully handcrafted gifts around every corner. Be sure to climb the Old Town Hall Tower for stunning views of the festive market below.
WHERE TO STAY:
Budget: Hotel Salvator – A charming 3-star hotel located in Prague's Old Town, offering cozy rooms with modern amenities at affordable rates.
Moderate: Grandium Hotel Prague – A stylish 4-star hotel situated near Wenceslas Square, featuring contemporary design and a range of amenities suitable for mid-range budgets.
Luxury: Four Seasons Hotel Prague – A luxurious 5-star hotel located along the Vltava River, offering elegant rooms, world-class service, and stunning views of the city.
Day 10: Copenhagen, Denmark
One of my top Europe travel hacks is using Kayak Explore to hunt for affordable multi-city flights. While planning this trip, I was thrilled to discover that flying into Frankfurt and home from Copenhagen was by far the most economical option for our family. That made adding Copenhagen a no-brainer, and it turned out to be extra special, as the city held some meaningful family history I was excited to explore.
After a short flight from Prague, my mom’s cousin graciously picked us up at the airport. We started with a cozy lunch and shared stories about my grandparents before taking a quick tour around the city. One highlight was visiting the Carlsberg Brewery, where the iconic stone elephants caught my eye. These beautiful elephants were partially carved by my grandfather, which made seeing them in person truly surreal.
We wrapped up the evening soaking in the festive atmosphere at the Tivoli Gardens Christmas Market, strolling past twinkling lights, festive stalls, and the scent of roasted almonds and mulled wine filling the air. It was the perfect mix of holiday cheer, family memories, and a touch of Copenhagen magic.
WHERE TO STAY:
Budget: Wakeup Copenhagen, Borgergade – A modern hotel offering minimalist design and central location, ideal for travelers seeking comfort without a hefty price tag.
Moderate: 1 Hotel Copenhagen – A nature-inspired retreat located in the historic heart of the city. This 5-star hotel offers a serene oasis with locally sourced materials, Scandinavian design, and modern amenities.
Luxury: Nimb Hotel – Set within Tivoli Gardens, this boutique hotel features elegant suites, fine dining, and exclusive access to the gardens.
day 11: head back home
All good things must come to an end! After an incredible journey through Europe, it was time to pack up and head home. We reflected on all the unforgettable experiences from the festive Christmas markets to the family history we uncovered in Copenhagen and felt grateful for every moment. Until the next adventure!
Tips for Your European Christmas Market Adventure:
Maximize PTO: Use long weekends to extend your trip and hit multiple destinations.
Pack for Winter: Layers, warm coat, waterproof shoes, and gloves are essential.
Travel by Car or Train: Flexible transportation allows you to visit small towns and multiple markets easily.
Capture the Moments: Early morning and evening markets make for perfect photos with fewer crowds and magical lighting.
Europe’s Christmas markets are truly magical, offering festive lights, local treats, and unforgettable memories around every corner. From Prague’s historic charm to Copenhagen’s family treasures, this trip reminded us how special the holiday season can be when you explore it abroad.
If this has you dreaming of your own festive adventure, don’t wait! Start planning and book your own Christmas market journey through Europe today. The magic is waiting for you!
