There’s nothing quite like Europe in December. There are snow-dusted rooftops, twinkling lights in centuries-old squares, and the scent of mulled wine and roasted chestnuts drifts through the crisp winter air. While every traveler knows Christmas markets in Europe are magical, what makes the experience truly special is finding the best ones to visit that fit your travel style. Whether you’re a romantic, a foodie, a family traveler, or a luxury seeker, Europe has a market just for you.

For the Romantics: Vienna & Salzburg, Austria

If your holiday dreams are wrapped in candlelight and carols, Austria is your stage. Vienna’s Rathausplatz transforms into a sparkling Advent village, where ice skaters glide past ornate palaces and choir music fills the air. A short trip away, Salzburg’s market beneath the fortress brings you straight into a snow globe world, with horse-drawn carriages and the scent of warm strudel adding to the enchantment.

Travel Maestro tip: Time your visit for dusk, when the lights glow against the winter sky for an unforgettable romantic stroll.

For Families: Cologne & Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany

Families will find endless wonder in Cologne, where seven themed Christmas markets feature everything from puppet theaters to merry-go-rounds. Meanwhile, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, a medieval town straight out of a fairy tale, offers smaller crowds and an intimate setting for little ones to sip hot cocoa and marvel at traditional toys.

Travel Maestro tip: Pack a few extra euros for a keepsake mug. Most markets let you take home the festive cups used for hot drinks.

For Food Lovers: Budapest, Hungary & Basel, Switzerland

Foodies, prepare to indulge! Budapest’s Christmas Fair serves chimney cakes fresh off the coals, steaming bowls of goulash, and honey pastries alongside artisanal wines. In Basel, Switzerland, the Christmas market is known for its gourmet flair, with local chefs creating holiday delicacies like raclette and spiced cookies.

Travel Maestro tip: Don’t just eat—watch! Many stalls offer live demonstrations of traditional baking and candy-making.

For Luxury Travelers: Strasbourg, France & River Cruises

Strasbourg, France is the self-proclaimed “Capital of Christmas. ” It dazzles with 300 wooden chalets, elegant Alsatian wines, and one of Europe’s tallest decorated Christmas trees. For the ultimate indulgence, pair Strasbourg with a Christmas market river cruise along the Rhine or Danube. Unpack once and wake each morning to a new festive city waiting just beyond the ship’s gangway.

Travel Maestro tip: Book early! Luxury Christmas market river cruises often sell out a year in advance.

The Magic Is in the Mix

One of the best ways to experience the season is to pair a grand city market with a smaller village one. The contrast between glittering urban squares and intimate cobblestone lanes makes your journey feel layered, personal, and deeply memorable.

At Covington Travel, we believe every traveler deserves a holiday experience that matches their unique style. Whether you’re sipping glühwein along the Rhine, riding a carousel in Cologne, or indulging in Swiss chocolates by the fire, we’ll craft a Christmas market journey you’ll never forget.

Ready to find the best Christmas markets to visit in Europe for your holiday style? Contact one of our expert advisors to start planning your European holiday journey today.