Traveling during this time of year means that one can enjoy fewer crowds in the most popular museums and sites, revel in the festive atmosphere of the holiday season and, of course, sample delicious local specialties such as gingerbread, stollen and sausages! Shop for unusual hand-crafted gifts such as wooden toys and unique hand-blown glass.

It is said that Vienna had the first December market in 1296! The market was started so that people could stock up on practical goods for the Christmas holiday. Over time the markets evolved in Germany and the Holy Roman Empire and by the late Middle Ages, they had fully developed into the Christmas Markets as we know them today.

Please note that most Christmas markets open late in November and finish on either December 24 or 26. Some may stay open later in Vienna, but, for the most part, the markets are for the Advent season. They are often open all day and into the evening, but they look better and are most lively in the evenings, when the locals join in the festivities after work. Many markets have great food and some have wonderful concerts. We are happy to share a complete list of each city’s markets prior to your travels.

Download a PDF itinerary here.