The Ultimate Europe Christmas Market Itinerary: Paris, Vienna, Salzburg & Strasbourg
If visiting Europe during the holiday season has been living rent-free in your mind, let me just say: it is every bit as magical as you imagine.
Twinkling lights draped across historic city squares, the smell of roasted chestnuts and mulled wine in the air, festive music echoing through cobblestone streets, and charming wooden stalls filled with handmade ornaments and local treats—there is truly nothing like Christmas in Europe.
After dreaming about it for years, my husband and I finally planned our own Europe Christmas Market itinerary, and it turned into one of the most memorable trips we’ve ever taken. (We have another planned for next year so you know it was amazing!)
This 10-day Christmas market itinerary through Europe takes you from the romance of Paris to the magical markets of Vienna, the storybook charm of Salzburg, and the iconic holiday villages of Strasbourg and Colmar.
If you’re looking for the perfect Christmas in Europe itinerary, this route is packed with festive magic, beautiful city views, and enough holiday cheer to last well into January!
Why This Europe Christmas Market Itinerary Works So Well
One of the biggest challenges when planning a Christmas market itinerary in Europe is deciding where to go without feeling rushed.
This route was the perfect mix of:
- iconic big-city markets
- fairytale old towns
- easy train connections
- multiple countries in one trip (France & Austria)
We visited:
- Paris, France
- Vienna, Austria
- Salzburg, Austria
- Strasbourg, France
- Colmar, France
Traveling by train between the cities made the experience feel even more magical. Watching Europe’s winter landscapes roll by while heading to the next Christmas market was honestly part of the fun.
We based ourselves in Paris, Salzburg & Strasbourg to reduce the logistics of moving too often. Paris is also a very easy city to fly in and out of, with many direct flights from the USA, making it a convenient starting and ending point to the trip.
Day 1–2: Paris Christmas Markets & Holiday Lights
We kicked off our Christmas Market itinerary in Paris, which was the perfect festive starting point.
While Paris may not be the first city people think of for Christmas markets, it absolutely deserves a spot on your Christmas in Europe itinerary.
Explore Montmartre in Winter
Staying in Montmartre gave us the perfect Parisian holiday vibe.
Spend your first full day exploring:
- Sacré-Cœur Basilica
- Rue de l’Abreuvoir
- La Maison Rose
- Wall of Love
- the iconic staircases and picturesque streets around Montmartre
- Delicious patisseries and all of the different Parisian macarons
The neighborhood feels especially magical in November and December.
Visit the Tuileries Christmas Market
One of my favorite parts of Paris during the holidays was the Tuileries Christmas Market.
This market is full of:
- festive lights
- rides and holiday attractions
- food stalls
- hot mulled wine (vin chaud)
- handmade gifts
It’s one of the best Christmas markets in Paris and an ideal first stop on your Europe Christmas Market itinerary.
Don’t miss strolling along these areas to take in the holiday lights:
- Champs-Élysées
- Avenue Montaigne
- Place Vendôme
- Galeries Lafayette holiday windows
Paris at Christmas feels elegant, romantic, and completely magical.
Day 3–4: Vienna Christmas Market Itinerary
If there is one city that absolutely must be included in any Europe Christmas Market itinerary, it’s Vienna.
Honestly, the Vienna Christmas Market itinerary portion of our trip was the highlight.
Vienna feels like it was made for Christmas.
The grand architecture, historic squares, palace settings, and festive lights create the most magical holiday atmosphere.
Best Vienna Christmas Markets to Visit
Rathausplatz Christmas Market
This is the iconic “big one.”
Set in front of Vienna’s stunning City Hall, this market feels straight out of a Christmas movie.
Think:
- glowing wooden chalets
- giant Christmas trees flanked by the impressive illuminated city hall
- carousel
- festive mugs of glühwein
- incredible photo spots
- An ice skating rink that snakes around the entire market (This definitely is a highlight!)
Stephansplatz Christmas Market
Located beside St. Stephen’s Cathedral, this one feels slightly more intimate but equally magical.
Schonnbrunn Palace Market
Featuring 95 rustic stalls in front of the baroque style palace. With many great food stalls, music, and festive Christmas spirit.
Belvedere Palace Market
One of the prettiest Christmas markets we visited.
The palace backdrop at night is unreal.
Spittelberg Market
This was one of my personal favorites because it feels more local and cozy.
Narrow streets lined with market stalls and oversized glowing stars overhead gave it such a charming atmosphere.
If you’re specifically searching for a Vienna Christmas Market itinerary, I recommend dedicating at least 2 full days here.
Day 5: Salzburg Christmas Markets
After Vienna, we took the train to Salzburg.
This city feels like a literal snow globe during Christmas.
The old town is already gorgeous year-round, but during the holidays it becomes even more magical.
The Salzburg Cathedral Christmas Market was one of the most charming stops on our trip.
Nestled among baroque architecture and surrounded by mountain views, it had a cozy, traditional atmosphere that felt completely different from Vienna.
Spend time exploring:
- Salzburg Old Town
- Hohensalzburg Fortress
- Cathedral Square
- nearby alpine villages if time allows
Day 6–8: Strasbourg & Colmar Christmas Markets
If Paris feels elegant and Vienna feels grand, Strasbourg and Colmar feel like stepping into a Hallmark Christmas movie. In Colmar, the half timbered houses look like a gingerbread fairytale all around you.
This part of the Christmas in Europe itinerary is pure magic.
Strasbourg is often called the Capital of Christmas, and after visiting, I completely understand why.
The city has multiple markets throughout the old town, each with its own unique vibe.
Some of my favorites included:
- Place Kléber
- Place de la Cathédrale
- Christkindelsmärik
- Place Gutenberg
- Petite France
Place Kléber has the iconic Grand Sapin (a huge 30 m tall Christmas tree.)
Place de la Cathédrale has such a beautiful ambiance with beautiful lighted streets leading up to the Gothic Cathédrale Notre-Dame. With the cathedrale as the backdrop of the magical market stalls with the bells chiming at the top of each hour.
Petite France is nestled along the canals with an abundance of great food and drink to set the ambiance and festive mood.
Day Trip to Colmar
Colmar deserves its own day on your Europe Christmas Market itinerary.
This was honestly one of the most magical places we visited.
Colorful half-timbered houses, canals, holiday lights, and six different Christmas markets make this town feel unreal. The decor and festive atmosphere was unlike anywhere else I’ve ever experienced.
It is easily one of the most photogenic places for Christmas in Europe.
Tips for Planning Your Europe Christmas Market Itinerary
Go in Late November
This was the perfect time.
Most markets had just opened, and crowds were manageable. However, not ALL markets are open yet. You will have to double check in November to see when the opening days are for all towns markets to be sure.
Travel by Train
The train connections between Vienna, Salzburg, and Strasbourg made everything easy and scenic. There are other modes of transportation such as driving or sailing along the river.
Travel by Boat
We traveled via train, however, there are other ways to travel between cities. There are many river cruises which are so convenient! You start in one city, unpack once and get to experience many different cities and countries.
You can even add on an independent train journey on the front and back end of a Christmas market. I am going to be doing just that in upcoming Christmas market season!
Pack for Cold Weather
Layers, a warm coat, gloves, and comfortable waterproof shoes or boots are a must. Be sure your outer layer is waterproof as well!
I wouldn’t necessarily bring a large backpack for your days in the markets, but a foldable tote to tuck in your pocket or handbag is a great thing to bring! When you purchase anything, you can then put it in the tote and not have to rely on paper or plastic bags from the vendors.
Leave Space for Spontaneity
Some of our favorite moments came from wandering into smaller markets and side streets. Beyond the actual markets themselves, other areas of these beautiful cities were a light with twinkling decor and festive offerings. Take some time to wander and explore.
Final Thoughts on This Christmas Market Itinerary
This trip completely exceeded every expectation. While Germany is most well known for their markets, we didn’t explore there. So, don’t blame me once you go and experience the Christmas Markets in Europe you’ll be wanting to go back time and time again!
From sipping glühwein in Vienna to wandering through the fairytale streets of Colmar, this Europe Christmas Market itinerary is one I would absolutely do again.
If you’ve been dreaming about spending the holidays abroad, let this be your sign to finally book it. Or better yet, reach out to me and I’ll help you get it on the calendar: Trip Request.
Because trust me, Christmas in Europe is pure magic.
