Magical Christmas Markets in Europe

Dec 1 – Dec 8, 2026

(Plan to fly to Vienna on Nov 30, landing by 3pm on Dec 1, and book flights home no earlier than 10:30am on Dec 8)

Ready to make some magical memories with people who will become your favorite new travel buddies? Join us in Vienna, Austria, where we’ll start and finish this journey. On our past Christmas Market trips we’ve covered many of the great festivals in Germany, France, and Switzerland, so this year we’re heading east to Austria, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, and the Czech Republic, while still dipping our toe into Germany (because it’s not a Christmas Market trip without seeing a slice of Germany!).

The lights will dazzle you, along with the festivities, as the mulled wine keeps you warm along the way. You’ll make friends who will last a lifetime (just look how happy last year’s group was in the photo above) and enjoy an experience that’ll make the holidays magical again. Forget the stress and to-do list, and get back to the joys of the season by treating yourself to this exciting adventure!

 

Here’s the itinerary (subject to change if weather or conditions warrant):

Day 1 (Dec 1): Arrival in Vienna, Austria

• Arrive in Vienna by 3pm for our welcome meeting. Vienna’s Christmas Markets, especially the main Christkindlmarkt at Rathausplatz, offer festive lights, food, crafts, ice skating, and a giant Christmas tree, with various other markets like those at Schonbrunn Palace, Stephansplatz, and Spittelberg providing unique atmospheres, from royal settings to artisan alleys, creating a magical European holiday experience

Day 2 (Dec 2): Vienna to Prague, Czech Republic 

• Morning: Take a train to Prague (about 2 hours).
• Afternoon/Evening: Prague’s Christmas Markets are famous for their festive atmosphere in historic settings, primarily Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square, offering Czech crafts, delicious street food (like trdelník, sausages, mulled wine), lights, music, and nativity scenes. The Old Town Square market is the most iconic with a giant Christmas tree, while Wenceslas Square features an ice rink, both providing enchanting holiday experiences with handcrafted gifts, ornaments, and traditional treats amidst stunning architecture.
• Overnight in Prague

Day 3 (Dec 3): Prague to Dresden, Germany

• Morning: Take a train to Dresden  (about 2 hours).
• Afternoon/Evening: Visit Dresden where the Christmas Markets are centered around the historic Striezelmarkt, which is Germany’s oldest, running since 1434! You’ll find traditional Saxon crafts, regional foods like the Dresdner Christollen, giant Christmas pyramids, and diverse markets.
• Overnight in Dresden

Day 4 (Dec 4): Dresden to Wroclaw, Poland

• Morning: Take a train to Wroclaw (about 2.5 hours).
• Afternoon/Evening: The Wrocław Christmas Market (Jarmark Bożonarodzeniowy) is a big event in Poland, spread across the Market Square (Rynek), Salt Square (Plac Solny), and parts of Swidnicka and Olawska Streets, offering unique food like zurek and oscypek, local crafts, their mulled wine (grzaniec), and the famous Wroclaw gnomes. 
• Overnight in Wroclaw

Day 5 (Dec 5): Wroclaw to Brno, Czech Republic (voted European Capital of Christmas in 2024)

• Morning: Take a train to Brno (about 4 hours).
• Afternoon/Evening: Brno’s Christmas markets are famous for their festive atmosphere across several squares like Freedom Square, Cabbage Market, and Moravian Square, offering crafts, traditional food (like oštiepok cheese), and warm drinks, attracting visitors with their authentic charm and status as a European festive highlight
• Overnight in Brno

Day 6 (Dec 6): Brno to Budapest, Hungary

• Morning: Take a train to Budapest (about 5 hours).
• Afternoon/Evening: Budapest hosts several magical Christmas markets, with the main ones at St. Stephen’s Basilica (Advent Basilica, famous for its light shows & skating) and Vörösmarty Square (traditional crafts, food like chimney cake, puppets). Expect festive chalets, unique Hungarian crafts, delicious street food (like lángos & kürtőskalács), mulled wine, and often ice skating.
• Overnight in Budapest

Day 7 (Dec 7): Budapest to Bratislava, Slovakia

• Morning: Take a train to Bratislava (about 2.5 hours).
• Afternoon: Bratislava’s Christmas Markets, or Bratislavské Vianoce, are festive events in the Old Town (Hlavné Námestie & Hviezdoslavovo Námestie) featuring Slovak food, crafts, and music from late November to early January, known for their cozy atmosphere, traditional dishes like potato pancakes, local wine, and honey mead, with attractions including an ice rink.
• Overnight in Bratislava

Day 8 (Dec 8): Bratislava to Vienna to fly home

• Morning: Take the early train back to Vienna (less than 2 hours) to catch morning flights home. If you don’t wish to make the earliest flights, we can help arrange an extra night in Vienna for an additional fee.

Included:

8 days, 7 nights accommodation at a four-star or above hotel in each city we visit

Transportation from and to the Vienna Airport, along with transportation between each city

A guide who will make sure you get the most of this adventure!

Memories that will last a lifetime!

Not Included:

Your meals in each destination and flight(s) to/from the airport (breakfast is included most mornings)

Trip Pricing

A non-refundable deposit of $1000 secures your spot.

Single room: $4997

Double occupancy (shared bed, ideal for couples, mom/daughter, or two close friends): $3997 each

Travel Insurance is required (unless you sign a waiver)

You can pay in full or choose a payment plan.

Email us ASAP at desmillertravel@gmail.com to reserve your spot!

Please note: This trip includes a fair amount of walking—often on uneven surfaces, cobblestone streets, and up and down stairs, sometimes without elevators or escalators. To fully enjoy the experience, participants should be in good physical health, able to walk at a moderate pace for extended periods, and comfortably manage stairs and inclines. If you have any concerns about mobility or endurance, please reach out—we’re happy to help assess if this trip is a good fit.