Captivating Christmas Markets in Europe

December 2-9, 2025

Note: This is always one of our favorite trips–it’s simply magical! The bonds that are formed with the people in the group always touches our hearts and inspires us to keep planning these trips.

We want you to feel like a kid at Christmas once again!

Plan to meet us in Frankfurt, Germany, where we’ll start and finish this journey. Soak up the culture, food, and fun as we take you by train to cities in Germany, France, and Switzerland to celebrate the holidays. The lights will dazzle you, along with the festivities, as the mulled wine keeps you warm along the way. You’ll make friends that’ll last a lifetime (just ask the gals who came along on our last trip!) 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 2): Arrival in Frankfurt, Germany

  • Morning: Arrive in Frankfurt by 3pm for our welcome meeting.
  • Afternoon/Evening: Visit the Frankfurt Christmas Market at Römerberg and St. Paul’s Square, one of Germany’s oldest and largest. There’s evidence the Markets here date all the way back to 1393. The festivities go on and on, with rustic wooden huts serving hot cocktails and homemade soups, among other things.
  • Overnight in Frankfurt

Day 2 (Dec 3): Frankfurt to Heidelberg, Germany

  • Morning: Take a train to Heidelberg (about 1 hour).
  • Afternoon/Evening: Explore Heidelberg Castle and the old town, then visit the Heidelberg Christmas Market in the town square. One of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Europe, during the Advent stroll you can discover numerous Christmas stalls in addition to the picturesque alleys and sights, which sell enchanting gifts in various places in the old town. You’ll also find one of the most beautiful ice rinks in Germany with a view of the world-famous castle ruins on Karlsplatz.
  • Overnight in Heidelberg

Day 3 (Dec 4): Heidelberg to Strasbourg, France

  • Morning: Take a train to Strasbourg (about 1.5 hours high speed, 2.5 non).
  • Afternoon/Evening: Visit La Petite, an enchanting neighborhood full of winding canals and half-timbered houses. It looks like it’s straight out of a fairytale. We’ll walk along Quai de la Petite France, one of the most picturesque spots in town, then explore the Strasbourg Christmas Market, the oldest Christmas Market in the country first held in 1570 (divided into different “villages,” each representing a European country, showcasing diverse traditions and cuisines). It’s the Capital of Christmas and we’ll explore around the magnificent Cathedral to the city’s most beautiful squares.
  • Overnight in Strasbourg

Day 4 (Dec 5): Strasbourg to Colmar, France

  • Morning: Take a train to Colmar (about ).
  • Afternoon/Evening: Situated right in the heart of the historic town centre, Colmar’s six Christmas markets radiate warmth and an inviting atmosphere where you are sure to make some delightful discoveries. Each with its own particular theme, the markets will envelop you in the magic of Christmas, a unique atmosphere guaranteed to delight young and old alike.
  • Overnight in Colmar

Day 5 (Dec 6): Colmar to Basel, Switzerland

  • Morning: Take a train to Basel (about ).
  • Afternoon/Evening: The Basel Christmas Market, one of Switzerland’s largest and most beautiful, is located in the heart of the city’s historic Old Town, specifically at Barfüsserplatz and Münsterplatz. This city on the Rhine offers a charming atmosphere with numerous stalls selling food, drinks, and local crafts. A magnificent Christmas tree stands on Münsterplatz, with ornaments by the well-known decorator Johann Wanner. At the Christmas market on Claraplatz, the alpine hut offers a wide selection of food and drinks, ranging from cheese specialties and meat products to hot and cold beverages.
  • Overnight in Basel

Day 6 (Dec 7): Basel to Stuttgart, Germany

  • Morning: Take a train to Stuttgart (about 3 hours).
  • Afternoon/Evening: Special visit to the Royal Winter Magic Exhibit at Hohenzollern Castle for a meal you’ll never forget, dining as if you’re royalty (on this trip, you are!). After our regal visit, we’ll head back to Stuttgart to explore the markets that are among the oldest in Europe.
  • Overnight in Stuttgart

Day 7 (Dec 8): Stuttgart to Nuremberg, Germany

  • Morning: Take a train to Nuremberg (about 2.5 hours).
  • Afternoon: Visit Nuremberg Castle and the historic old town.
  • Evening: Spend time at the Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt, renowned for its festive atmosphere and gingerbread. And yes, it’s as good as they say! We’ll also take a tour of the town that’s been so prominent in history.
  • Overnight in Nuremberg

Day 8 (Dec 9): Nuremberg to Frankfurt, Germany

  • Morning: Take early train back to Frankfurt (about 2-2.5 hours) to catch morning flights home. If you don’t wish to make the earliest flights, we can help arrange an extra night in Frankfurt 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 Frankfurt 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: $4497

Double occupancy (shared bed, ideal for couples. mom/daughter, or two close friends): $3497 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!

Remember, this trip sold out in two hours last year!

Please note: This trip includes a fair amount of walking—often on uneven surfaces, cobblestone streets, and up anddown 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.