Enchanting European Christmas Markets
Germany, France, Switzerland, Dec 1-7, 2024 (Nov 30 is travel day to get to Frankfurt by 12/1) Note: first week now SOLD OUT!
Second week option added due to popular demand: Dec 8-14 with Dec 7 as travel day; this week will follow an identical itinerary to that listed below)
My favorite gift: travel! Give me experiences over items any day. So, this year, why not gift yourself a trip to the European Christmas Markets where you can soak up the culture, the food, and the fun of each festival? From late November through December, Europe transforms into a magical wonderland of holiday lights, crafts, food, and falling snow. We invite you to enjoy this enchanting experience with the Christmas Markets’ unique blend of timeless tradition, ambiance, and local culture. This is not a shopping trip (though you can buy some great stuff!). This is about finding the fun of the holidays again. From their historical roots to their festive flavors, the Christmas Markets are something you truly have to experience for yourself. We’ll take you to several special locations in Germany, along with one in France and another in Switzerland. We invite you to embrace the festive decorations adorning restaurants, cafes, palaces, and streets. Embrace the spirit of Christmas, and embark on a journey to discover the timeless charm of the quintessential European Christmas Market in each city.
Itinerary (*subject to change if necessary):
Nov 30: Travel day into Frankfurt, arriving Dec 1
Day 1 (Dec 1 or 8): Arrival in Frankfurt, Germany
Morning: Arrive in Frankfurt.
Afternoon: Check into your hotel and rest.
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. Friedrich-Stoltze-Platz is lit up in pink and rose colors, and the whole square is lovingly decorated in pink. The rustic wooden huts serve hot cocktails and homemade soups, among other things.
Overnight in Frankfurt
Day 2 (Dec 2): Frankfurt to Heidelberg, Germany.
Morning: Take a train to Heidelberg (about 1 hour).
Afternoon: Explore Heidelberg Castle and the old town.
Evening: 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 3 or 10): Heidelberg to Strasbourg, France.
Morning: Take a train to Strasbourg (about 1.5 hours high speed, 2.5 non).
Afternoon: 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 head to Ponts Couverts (Covered Bridges) or Pont du Faisan. Both look out onto the quay to give beautiful panoramas of the colorful buildings.
Evening: 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 4 or 11): Strasbourg to Zurich, Switzerland
Morning: Take a train to Zurich, Switzerland’s largest city (about 3 hours, 1 change).
Afternoon: At the main train station we’ll explore the Christkindlimarkt, an indoor market featuring a towering Christmas tree adorned with Swarovski crystals. Then we’ll visit the city’s Old Town, a well-preserved area of the Zurich
Evening: Explore the Zurich Christmas Market (multiple options in this town), starting with a visit to the Wienachtsdorf, a village-like market set up on the Sechseläutenplatz. Here, you’ll find everything from handcrafted gifts to gourmet food items.
Overnight in Zurich
Day 5 (Dec 5 or 12): Zurich to Stuttgart, Germany
Morning: Take a train to Stuttgart (about 3 hours).
Afternoon: Special visit to Royal Winter Magic Exhibit at Hohenzollern Castle.
Evening: Explore the Stuttgart Christmas Market, one of the most beautiful and oldest in Europe. It was officially mentioned for the first time in 1692, but its roots however stretch back further in time.
Overnight in Stuttgart
Day 6 (Dec 6 or 13): Stuttgart to Nuremberg, Germany
Morning: Take a train to Nuremberg (about 2.5 hours).
Afternoon: Visit Nuremberg historic old town and see the Imperial Castle.
Evening: Spend time at the Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt, renowned for its festive atmosphere and gingerbread. In the wooden booths of “the little city of wood and cloth” you’ll find traditional, often handmade Christmas decorations and sweet treats such as gingerbread and Spekulatius almond cookies.
Overnight in Nuremberg
Day 7 (Dec 7 or 14): Nuremberg to Frankfurt, Germany
Morning: Take a train back to Frankfurt (about 2-2.5 hours, so careful booking flights home too early in the morning).
Afternoon: Departure or last-minute shopping or sightseeing.
Evening: Enjoy another visit to the Frankfurt Christmas Market before departure that day or the next day (option for hotel final night for an additional fee)
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Included:
7 days, 6 nights accommodation at a four-star hotel in each city we visit
Transportation from and to the Frankfurt Airport, along with transportation between each city
Not Included:
Your meals in each destination and flight(s) to/from the airport.
Trip Pricing
A deposit of $1000 secures your trip.
Single room: $3997
Double occupancy (shared bed, ideal for couples. mom/daughter, or two close friends): $2997 each
Travel Insurance is required (unless you sign a waiver)
You can pay in full or choose a payment plan.
Email us ASAP at des@desmillertravelmedia.com to reserve your spot!