Having visited a dozen of Europe’s enchanting Christmas markets over the years, we’ve gathered invaluable insights.
From creating unforgettable memories to strategies you might overlook as a first-time visitor, these tips will help you make the most of your festive adventure.
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Put on warm Clothes
It might seem like a no-brainer, but Christmas markets are outdoors and the temperatures drop in winter in Europe.
Therefore, I recommend wearing super warm clothes because you will be moving around for a few hours outside.
Come with a thick, warm winter jacket, such as a down jacket. Get Gore-Tex waterproof winter boots with a good profile so that you don't slip on icy grounds.
I like to wear a Thermal shirt and pants and I bring 2–3 sets with me when I intend to visit a few Christmas markets during the holidays.
Don't forget warm gloves a winter hat, and you are good to go!
Keep Cash Ready
Most stalls at Christmas markets take only cash in Central Europe. This is especially true in Austria, Germany, Switzerland, and Northern Italy (South Tyrol).
Generally speaking, these tourist regions are known to be cash only all year round.
In cities, as well as smaller towns and villages, it's rather easy to come across an ATM, where you can get some cash. You won't have to worry about that!
Things Cost More
Christmas market prices are notorious, and we did see a lot of things that cost at times double what they cost anywhere else.
Besides, we have seen stores that appear in various Christmas markets with the same items but with different prices. If it's a mainstream city market, the prices tend to be higher.
My tip: if you really see something that catches your eye, just purchase it. I mean, you are here to have a good time, and bargaining is anyway a big no-no in Christmas markets.
Just bring more cash, and you will be fine! Most simpler gifts and Christmas market souvenirs cost about €20.
Drinks and Cup Deposit
You can purchase mulled wines and hot punch variations from drink stalls.
Here you will always find an alcoholic version and a non-alcoholic version (e.g., Kinderpunsch, children's punsch). Let the seller know which one you would like.
The hot drinks are always served in pretty cups or sometimes also in wine glasses.
When you pay for the drink, you also pay for the deposit of the cup or glass. The price displayed for a drink is just for the drink and not for the cup deposit.
That means you can bring back your cup after you are done with your drink, and you will get back a deposit.
For example, in German, the deposit is called a “Pfand,” and certain larger busy stalls have an area where you can bring them back. Otherwise, just bring them back to the sellers, and they will give you back cash.
In Germany and Switzerland, most cups, cost about €5, and in Austria, they have been €2-3.
But you also have the choice to keep your cups! People do that all the time, and some stalls are so kind as to even exchange your sticky used cup with a fresh cup, which you can keep instead of getting the deposit back.
We have been collecting unique cups, and they make for a fun souvenir!
Best Day and Night Visiting Times
Opening times of Christmas markets vary across regions. A few start the day around 11 am, while others start at 2 pm.
Look out for Christmas market closing times. Most markets in Austria close at around 8 pm, and others in German cities close up at 10 pm.
If you want to avoid crowds, visit in the earlier morning hours. The busiest market hours are between 5 and ⅞ pm everywhere.
Families with small kids tend to visit in the morning or afternoon hours.
It gets colder at night, so if you are sensitive to the cold, visit during the daylight hours.
But keep in mind, the most magical hours are always at night, thanks to the wonderful fairy tale-like Christmas light decorations and charming ambiance.
Fortunately, it gets dark at around 4:30-5 pm, from mid-November to the end of December.
Closed on the 24th of December
Christmas markets in Germany and Switzerland mostly close on the 24th early afternoon, and in Austria, Christmas markets close on the 23rd.
That means these are the last days that you can visit a Christmas market in these regions.
This is because, technically, Christmas is celebrated in the 4 weeks before Christmas Day, which is the 24th in Central Europe and the 25th in France and other regions.
The period is known as Advent, and the 4 Advent Sundays count down to Christmas Day. People celebrate Christmas in the afternoon and evening of the 24th of December, and Christmas markets are geared towards locals after all.
You might come across a few winter markets that are open after the 24th of December, but you will mostly not experience a Christmas market on the 24th and 25th in Europe.
Generally speaking, all museums and attractions, shops, and more are closed on the 25th all day long.
Tip: Things to do on the 24th and 25th of December (Traveler Edition)
Find Your Christmas Market
Not every Christmas market is cut out for everyone.
My in-laws love the Innsbruck Christmas market because it was busy and charming with the old town flair.
Other family members prefer less busy and smaller Christmas markets, to avoid crowds and discover more unique seller stores with handcrafted local items.
So far in 2024, we enjoyed our trip to the Wolfgangsee Christmas markets in Austria, the Augsburg Christmas market in Germany, and the Hellbrunn Christmas markets because the stalls were unique, and the markets felt more authentic and carefully curated.
If you prefer large, super busy Christmas markets, I recommend the Zürich Christmas markets and the Munich Christmas markets. They are truly exceptional and super busy!
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